Deciding which houseplant to bring into your home can be so overwhelming. There are literally thousands of options to choose from, with varying levels of care needs. Thankfully, many beautiful and fascinating houseplants have minimal requirements, making them perfect for newbie plant parents. Becoming a houseplant parent is a momentous occasion; we want you to be successful and choose the plant that is right for you!
Things To Consider Before Adopting A Plant
What kind of space do you have available – are you looking for a windowsill plant or corner plant? Some houseplants can grow quite large!
How much light does the spot receive – is it direct sunlight or indirect?
How much time do you want to invest in your plants? Be honest with yourself!
The 8 Best Houseplants For Beginners
1. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra)
As the name suggests, the Cast Iron Plant is difficult to damage. This houseplant survives irregular watering, low light, and temperature fluctuations. If you're hesitant about caring for a houseplant, this is a great place to start. But, the Cast Iron Plant isn't just indestructible; it is also attractive, with tall spear-shaped glossy green leaves that reach up to 60cm tall.
2. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The striking and beautiful Peace Lily prefers indirect light or shade and is a very unfussy grower. Peace Lilies are perfect for offices and indoor spaces, even those without windows. One of the best things about the Peace Lily is the blooms last for months, adding intrigue and grace to your home.
3. Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans)
A houseplant with a lot of style, the Corn Plant features large shiny green leaves with yellow stripes down the centre. Its overall shape resembles a mini palm tree, and even though it is slow-growing, it may reach up to 2 meters tall. The Corn Plant likes filtered light or mostly shaded spots, though it will grow even when it's too dark. The leaves just won't be as colourful.
4. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas)
An uncomplicated houseplant, the ZZ Plant is rich in style and presence. It can get quite big, but it also tends not to grow at all. The ZZ Plant likes to hang out and chill out, perfectly happy to stay the same size for months. This lackadaisical approach to growth isn't a problem for many people, but if you like to see immediate results, the ZZ Plant isn't the one for you. As far as houseplants go, this is by far one of the easiest.
5. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum)
The Spider Plant is one of the most common houseplants, and there's a reason for that. It's super easy to care for, and it propagates prolifically. The long, arching light-green leaves branch out from the centre of the plant, much like a spider (hence the name), creating an attractive and interesting display. The Spider Plant is ideal for hanging baskets or placed on a bookshelf or cabinet where the leaves can cascade down.
6. Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera)
One of our absolute favourites, the Swiss Cheese Plant makes a statement wherever it sits. The leaves are dark-green, huge, and have holes or broad cuts that look like, you guessed it, Swiss cheese. The Swiss Cheese Plant needs space, and lots of it, so don't neglect giving it room to grow. Besides the space requirements, the Swiss Cheese plant is easy to care for and will grow fast and furious under the right conditions. This is not a windowsill plant!
7. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
A bold, striking houseplant choice, the Snake Plant announces itself to all who walk by. The dark-green leaves display vivid patterns or bold stripes, and they grow straight and upright in a neat and tidy arrangement. This houseplant is especially popular with folks who don't like the unruly growth of most other plants. Snake Plants are slow-growing and prefer lots of bright light.
8. Parlour Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
To bring a touch of the tropics to your home, the Parlour Palm is a perfect choice. The airy, delicate fronds are captivating, and can grow quite tall. While the Parlour Palm will tolerate a wide range of imperfect growing conditions, it looks best when treated well. A little bit of bright light each day and consistent deep watering and your Parlour Palm will give your home a lovely tropical vibe.
We hope you've found some inspiration here. Houseplants add allure to your home, and they are also known to reduce stress and improve energy. Start with one or two of the beginner plants above, and see how easy it is to incorporate the joy of plants into your life.