You mean I don't just water them and they grow? Sadly, no. No, they do not. Consider houseplants a worthwhile labor of love. On top of all the fun decorative display decisions, they need water, light, fertilizer, drainage, airflow, rotation, dusting, proper temperatures, pest control, transplanting, dead leaf cleanup, baby and pet protection, pruning, support, and more. And each of them needs a different combination of all these things.
I started collecting plants a few years ago shortly after some friends and I visited the stunning grounds of the University of Utah's Red Butte Gardens. That trip inspired me to purchase a few houseplants. I quickly realized I had a lot to learn. It was fun, but I didn't even know I needed some guidance on some good beginner-friendly plants. So whether you're new on this plant-lover journey or you're looking for some hope in a sea of struggling plants, I'm here to share my favorite easy-going starter houseplants.
Now, everyone has a different definition of "easy." In my definition, the plant should:
- Be able to handle a wee bit of neglect from time to time
- Be able to handle a wee bit of over-watering from time to time
- Not pout if it doesn't have perfect lighting or gets moved for a minute
- Have an interesting structure, not just be pretty or trendy
- Not be enormous, even at full growth, so it can fit into quite a few spots
- Propagate easily - this one may not be that important to everyone, but it's my thrifty way of getting more green in my life
- Not make me gulp at the price tag - I have a friend who paid $350 for a cutting from some rare exotic! He was ecstatic, but that's not me.
Sure, it's a lot of criteria. But trust me, it's experience talking. I know y'all love your monsteras, but wow, those girls are divas!
So here's my list of 7 recommended newbie plants, in no particular order:
Pothos |
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| You know pothos. It's that one you've seen people stretch all around rooms. Fun fact: They don't actually like that. It consumes a ton of energy. Instead, wrap this gregarious plant around itself in a clump. The leaves will grow fuller, closer together, and the plant will be all-around happier. It comes in a bunch of varieties; I love a Golden or a Snow Queen. |
 Photo by Severin Candrian on Unsplash |
Schefflera |
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Also called "umbrella plant," scheffleras come in different sizes from larger houseplants (dwarf) to indoor trees. You'll know them from their distinct leaf structure, which can be solid or variegated colored. I love these guys because they propagate so easily and make a good-sized, sturdy, fuller plant. Sometimes they can grow crazy, but luckily, they love a good pruning. |
Snake Plant |
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| It's trendy, but I'll allow it. Not only are all the many varieties of snake plant super striking with their sturdy, tall, and skinny structure, but they don't mind lower lights or a little neglect and put out quite a few pups when happy. |
 Image by Nasser Alsubie from Pixabay |
Christmas Cactus (or Easter Cactus) |
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| The name always seems funny to me; it references their winter bloom cycle. These little guys start small, but a happy one will grow and grow and grow. They propagate so easily that you'll be gifting little babies everywhere. Decent light, decent water, and every once in a while, they'll explode these gorgeous, tropical-looking blooms--reds, light and bright pinks, peaches, oranges, yellows, and even white. Spectacular. |
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Aloe |
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One of the most well-known succulents, aloes are sturdy, visually appealing, not too thirsty, and helpful. They propagate like crazy when they're happy and help with burns and soothing skin. |
Echeveria |
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| There are many varieties of echeveria, which present the delicate rosette most people think of when they hear the word "succulent." They're very forgiving of a little neglect--not so much of overwatering. You'll find them everywhere. And oh so photogenic! |
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Bunny Ear Opuntia Cactus |
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I love an opuntia, and the microdasys is my fave. Of course a feisty little barrel cactus is great, but the way the bunny ear propagates at those crazy angles just tickles me. |
A Word about Pets and Babies
If you have babies or dogs and cats that chew, make sure you keep pothos, schefflera, aloe, and snake plant away from them, as they can be toxic at high levels of ingestion.
Of course you can choose from literally thousands of houseplants to start your collection. Your local nursery can undoubtedly give you recommendations as well. I hope you enjoyed my list. Happy planting!