Best Indoor Plants for Beginners: Top Picks & Tips

According to “The Basic Roles of Indoor Plants in Human Health and Comfort” research, greenery eliminates indoor air pollutants and boosts the home environment, promoting comfort and health and providing a positive psychological effect on individuals. But…they all need water, you know. And if you’re too busy to run a spa for houseplants regularly, EnjoyHome experts recommend starting out with the flora species that are easy to care for. Check out our hit parade of the best indoor plants for beginners to find your perfect green fit.

#1 Spider Plant

When it comes to the best indoor plants for beginners with cats and dogs, this one rocks. This grass-like cascading green produces white flowers that look like stars. It thrives in bright indirect light and higher humidity. Water weekly.

#2 Peace Lily

Famous for its air-purifying benefits and elegant white blooms, the Peace Lilly does well with low to medium, indirect light. Make sure to water it when leaves droop or the soil is dry. If in need of the best indoor plants for beginners with dogs or felines, skip this one since it’s toxic to furry buddies.

#3 Pothos

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Meet a real quick grower! With its heart-shaped leaves and trailing vines, this greenery is perfect for hanging baskets or shelves. However, do not place Pothos in direct sunlight because it’ll burn the leaves. Toxic to pets.

#4 ZZ Plant

This green buddy is stylish and tolerates both low light and full sun! Toxic if ingested, it also survives during long periods of drought. It requires watering every two to three weeks, which makes it one of the best indoor plants for beginners.

#5 Parlor Palm

One more hard-to-kill gem – Parlor Palm – is 100% safe to keep in homes with dogs and cats. Plus, it’s one of the best large indoor plants for beginners since it can grow into a tall (up to 6 feet!) baby. Don’t forget to shower it every 1-2 weeks to feel the tropical vibes it brings.

#6 Crassula

Let us introduce you to this large genus of succulents! There’s a wide range of sizes, shapes, and colors, so you’re sure to find what works best. The most popular option – Jade Plant – can grow outdoors during the warm period and requires watering only when the soil dries completely. It thrives in bright light and low humidity. We at Enjoy The Wood recommend placing it near a west or south-facing window, and you’ll see Crassula in all its glory. Keep away from pets!

#7 Aloe Vera

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1-2 feet tall, Aloe Vera hates overwatering. It comes in different shapes and sizes, so you can have it as a solo gem or in an arrangement with other succulent buddies. Water it only when the soil dries out.

What Makes the Best Plants for Beginners Indoor?

The options included in our list above are typically those that can survive your busy schedule. If you think of choosing something not from the list, make sure to look for the following qualities:

• Low maintenance. It’ll forgive all those missed waterings and can easily thrive on neglect.
• Low-light tolerance. If there’s no place in direct sunlight, no need to worry. The examples above are so adaptable to it!
• Resilience. They’re really difficult to kill, especially if you are a beginner who makes mistakes like overwatering or irregular care.
• Compact or space-efficient. You can choose some of the best tall indoor plants for beginners, like Fiddle Leaf Fig, Dracaena Marginata, Schefflera, or Corn Plant. However, if you’re not sure they’ll survive at your home, it’s better to choose those that fit easily on shelves, desks, windowsills, etc.  

Quick Guide to Start Your Flora Journey

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If you've styled your interior with a couple of shelves and our regional maps in the background, it’s time to add a touch of greenery. Don’t know where and how to start? We’re here to help all first-time plant parents:

• Start with 1-2 options. No need to get a collection! Keep it simple. With a couple of plants at first, you will be able to better learn their unique needs without being overwhelmed.
• Place species with similar needs together. Group them by their light and water requirements.
• Get a pack of proper containers. It is important to purchase pots equipped with drainage holes. They will help prevent root rot.
• Be careful when you water them. Just like too much love, too much watering can kill. Keep in mind that some species should be watered only when the soil dries out (Crassula), while others are real drought-lovers (Yucca).
• Consider your pets. Pick a pet-safe species like the Spider Plant, Parlor Palm, etc. If you choose pet-toxic ones, keep them away from your four-legged buddies.
• Match the plant with the interior. In case of the shelves and desks, it’s better to pick small ones. At the same time, large plants like Yucca, Parlor Palm, or Jade fit well in spacious corners and big rooms.

It’s totally fine if you are a bit nervous about keeping a houseplant alive. However, if you make sure to first choose the best indoor plants for beginners low light and drought-tolerant, you’ll grow a successful mini-garden at home sooner than you know