five easy-care indoor plants arranged together

Plants

top 5 best indoor plants for beginners

By Rosemary Green

Published: 23 Feb 2025

So, you want to bring a little bit of the outdoors in? I get it. Plants add life (literally!) and vibrancy to a space. But let's be honest, sometimes those little green guys seem to have a vendetta against you. They wilt, they droop, they look like they're auditioning for 'The Walking Dead.' I used to be a plant-murderer of the highest order. My black thumb was legendary. But then, I discovered the joy of easy-care indoor plants. I'm here to share my hard-won wisdom (and surprisingly, it is wisdom) to help you avoid the same fate your previous fern met.

This is a list of five amazing indoor plants that are practically indestructible—perfect for even the most notorious plant-killers (yes, you!). We’re talking about low-maintenance green friends who only ask for a little bit of love in return. Are you ready to unleash your inner plant parent?

various easy-care indoor plants

various easy-care indoor plants | Image: Supplied

1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata): The Undying Champion

Seriously, this plant is practically immortal. It tolerates low light like a champ, can go weeks without water (I've accidentally gone longer than I care to admit), and it's super stylish too. I keep mine in my bathroom—you know, that space that's a bit darker and often lacks attention—and it's thriving. Think of it as the plant equivalent of a superhero: resilient, low-maintenance, and always looking great!

  • Light: Low to bright indirect light
  • Water: Infrequently. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
  • Toxicity: Toxic to pets. Keep away from curious furry friends!
snake plant in a modern bathroom

snake plant in a modern bathroom | Image: Supplied

2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia): The Low-Light King

If your apartment is, shall we say, less than sun-drenched? This is your plant. The ZZ plant happily resides in low-light conditions, making it ideal for north-facing windows or rooms with limited natural light. I have one sitting on my desk, next to my laptop—you know, where it gets next to no sunlight—and it's been doing great for years. If I can keep a plant alive in my office environment, you definitely can.

  • Light: Low to very low light
  • Water: Very infrequently. This plant is almost too good at retaining water—underwatering is preferable to overwatering
  • Toxicity: Toxic to pets. Keep those pets away from this one too!
ZZ plant on a desk

ZZ plant on a desk | Image: Supplied

3. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior): The Indestructible Legend

The name says it all. This plant can withstand almost anything. Neglect? Low light? Temperature fluctuations? Bring it on! It's the ultimate survivalist of the plant world. I even accidentally left mine outside during a thunderstorm once (don't tell anyone!). It survived, obviously. It's seriously impressive. It might be a little bit boring aesthetically, but it's perfect for the determined beginner who wants a plant that's going to survive any possible scenario.

  • Light: Tolerates low light conditions
  • Water: Water when the soil is dry to the touch
  • Toxicity: Non-toxic to pets.
cast iron plant in a dimly lit corner

cast iron plant in a dimly lit corner | Image: Supplied

4. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): The Prolific Reproducer

Spider plants are not only easy to care for, but they also produce 'spiderettes'—baby spider plants—that hang down from the mother plant. It's like they're constantly multiplying! It's so satisfying to watch them grow and eventually propagate them into new plants. Plus, they add a touch of whimsy to any room. I've given away dozens of spiderettes to friends and family (they love getting free plants!).

  • Light: Bright, indirect light
  • Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy
  • Toxicity: Non-toxic to pets.
spider plant with spiderettes

spider plant with spiderettes | Image: Supplied

5. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): The Climbing Star

Pothos is a vine that can be grown in hanging baskets or trained to climb. Its vibrant green leaves add a touch of elegance to any space. It's also incredibly forgiving—it can handle low light and occasional neglect. I've had mine trailing down from a shelf for ages. It has this way of making a room feel more cozy and vibrant. It's a truly versatile plant that will easily adapt to your living space.

  • Light: Tolerates low light but thrives in bright, indirect light
  • Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry
  • Toxicity: Toxic to pets.
pothos plant in a hanging basket

pothos plant in a hanging basket | Image: Supplied

Ready to Embrace Your Inner Plant Parent?

So there you have it—five fantastic indoor plants that are perfect for beginners. Remember, even the hardiest plants need a little TLC. Pay attention to their needs, and don’t be afraid to experiment a little. You might even surprise yourself—and you might just be more green-thumbed than you think! Happy planting!

“The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature. To nurture a garden is to feed not just the body, but the soul.” ― Alfred Austin

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