Lush green plants add an aesthetic, but growing a finicky plant is not everyone’s cup of tea. In this article, we bring you the best houseplants for beginners. These plants are beautiful, hardy, and require very little upkeep. So, if you are a novice or just don’t have the time for delicate plants, this article is for you!
1. Spider Plant
You might see the spider plant in most houseplant collections because they are super easy to grow and maintain. They add beautiful foliage to fill up the empty spaces in your home and even those who lack a green thumb can grow these lush green plants.
The Spider plant is perfect for the home setting because they thrive under low indirect lighting conditions. Although they will survive under direct light, you must water them often to compensate for the heat. Spider plants are also forgiving with irregular watering schedules. They prefer to dry out between waterings. Since these plants grow out in a bushy manner and have thick bulbous roots, you must make sure the water does not bounce off the leaves and reach the soil bed. Maneuver the plant with your hands, keep it away in a bunch, and gently water the soil bed.
Although the plant grows fast, it does not require regular pruning. Remove all the brown leaves on the plant and you are good to go. Additionally, the plant does not require any fertilizer to keep it lush. Remember to water it, and change its pot every few years.
2. Snake Plant
Many keep the Snake plant because they work as natural air purifiers in the home and produce oxygen even during the night. Hence they are one of the few plants that you can have in your bedroom. It is fairly easy to take care of the Snake Plant. Just like the Spider Plant, this too requires indirect sunlight and a well-draining soil.
The key here is to pick a healthy plant from a nursery. A healthy Snake plant must have firm upright leaves and lush foliage. While a few cracks here and there are not a problem, you should avoid plants that have prominent brown spots on the plant. Squishy, sticky or droopy leaves are also a sign of infection.
A healthy Snake Plant requires very little upkeep. As long as you water it when the soil is completely dry and fertilize it during the growing season; you should have a healthy, happy plant.
3. Lucky Bamboo
Just like the Snake Plant, the Bamboo plant is also considered an excellent air purifier; perhaps that is why it is believed to be lucky in certain parts of Asia. This plant is so hardy that it does not even need soil to grow. The most common method of growing it is in water. You can use regular tap water for this plant. Make sure to change the water every 2 weeks because this is the most common reason for the plant to die. This plant does not need any fertilizer, especially if you want to grow it in water.
If you choose to grow it in soil, remember to use high quantities of moisture-wicking soil, like cocopeat. Although the plant can grow completely in water, when in soil, it does not like having water sitting at the bottom. Plant it in a well-draining potting mix that can retain moisture. Deep water the bamboo and make sure the soil is semi-dry before the next watering session.
4. Aloe Vera
Now here’s a plant people keep in their homes for many reasons. The plant has medicinal qualities, is great for the skin and hair, and is easy to maintain. What more can we ask for? However, before we discuss Aloe Vera care tips, you must know that all varieties of Aloe Vera are not fit for application on the skin and hair. Some may even cause irritation. Aloe Vera Barbedensus is most commonly used for medicinal purposes. So if you want to use it for your skin and hair, make sure you pick out this variety.
While the Aloe Vera plant is hardy, it prefers dry and hot temperatures. So if you live in a humid region, try to keep the plant indoors where you can control the humidity. Aloe Vera requires dry, well-draining soil. Any cactus potting mix should be good for the plant. However, always look for signs of overwatering and underwatering because the plant cannot handle both.
5. Jade
Jade plants (Crassula ovata), also known as money plant or friendship trees, are renowned for their robust nature and charming bonsai-like appearance. They are not finicky with their soil and water needs and hence make excellent beginner plants.
The Jade is native to hot and dry regions and is well-acclimated to not receiving any water for prolonged days. The leaves are fleshy and bulbous because they store water inside. This is why, although it is against our instincts, you must refrain from watering it often.
These are perfect indoor plants because they thrive in indirect sunlight. Anywhere from bright to low sunlight makes them happy and thriving.
6. Pothos
The Pothos plant comes in quite a few color variations, and while the Golden Pothos is more common because of its variegated color, every Pothos requires similar care. The Pothos was earlier endemic in French Polynesia but have now become invasive to many tropical regions in the world. This shows how adapting and forgiving it is to various different atmospheric changes.
The plant requires little to no care at all. It can grow in both soil and water. If you grow it in soil make sure to use a well draining potting mix. The plant can survive in dim to bright indirect light, however, if you put it under the sun, you will notice that it grows really fast. Too much sun can cause the plant to burn some of its leaves. Keep a close eye on the plant and water it when the soil is dry.
7. Philodendron
Just like pothos, the Philodendron is a vine with lush green foliage. It can tolerate most indirect lighting conditions and prefers it over direct sunlight. It enjoys warmth and humidity however, people have seen it thrive in dry regions as well.
Anything below 50°F is too cold for the plant. Although it can survive for a day or two, if you keep it in the prolonged cold, you will notice it wilting and dying. If you have harsh winters, keep them in a place where the temperature is slightly warmer and well-regulated. With a few precautions during the winter, you might notice slower growth but the plant will survive.
8. Anthurium
Anthurium is one of the few houseplants that grows beautiful flowers indoors. They are a little finicky about the lighting conditions and require bright indirect sunlight. As long as you keep them near the window with sheer curtains your plant will be happy and thriving.
Well draining soil is a must for these plants as they don’t enjoy overwatering so always stick 1 inch of your finger in the soil and check if it is dry before watering. Just like the Philodendron, they too enjoy moisture but can tolerate it if the atmosphere is dry.
Try to keep them in a place that has little temperature fluctuations and receives bright indirect light. This will keep your plants healthy and happy.
9. Mini Monstera
Interestingly, the Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma or Mini Monstera is not the same species as the Monstera (Monstera deliciosa) and is native to rainforests in Thailand and Malaysia. Although both plants have similar requirements, many prefer the Mini Monstera because it grows up to 6 to 8 feet whereas a Monstera can easily reach 15 feet.
Plant the Mini Monstera in water-wicking soil, one that has at least 20% of cocopeat. Since it has origins from the rainforest it is a fast grower and a heavy eater. You must fertilize this plant more than other houseplants. Try to use a natural fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen. If you use a synthetic fertilizer, use about half the prescribed amount on the bottle. These simple tricks will keep your Mini Monstera healthy and lush.
Conclusion
Which houseplant are you thinking of getting from this list? We hope this article highlights the best houseplant for beginners. These little home-bound additions will make your interiors pop while giving you an added layer of confidence in your gardening skills.
