Are you excited about starting your plant journey, but at the same time, you are also battling apprehensions that you may end up killing all your plants? Well, you aren’t alone! Many people love having houseplants but don’t have a green thumb.
In such a case, you must know that many houseplants do not need a lot of attention and can thrive on their own. So, if you’re someone who forgets to water plants, or travels too often, this guide is for you. We’ve made a comprehensive list of easy-to-grow houseplants that do not require a green thumb.
7 Common Indoor Plant Care Mistakes to Avoid
01. Ignoring The Light
Although indoor plants appreciate shaded areas with indirect light, they require enough light in a space to survive. You can keep them under full sun exposure for a couple of hours every week. You will notice a few varieties of plants branching out in search of light; this indicates that the plant isn’t receiving enough light.
02. Over Or Under-Watering
Indoor plants are sensitive to watering schedules. A common mistake that most plant parents make at the beginning of their plant journey is being overly attentive. Most of the time, they end up killing the strongest of plants because of overwatering. Houseplants show signs of their water needs by displaying wilting leaves, yellowing leaves, etc. Be mindful of the watering schedule; most indoor plants don’t require heavy watering. Avoid such common indoor plant care mistakes.
03. Not Pruning the Plants
Pruning is not just meant for outdoor plants. Prune even your low-maintenance indoor plants regularly. Chop off the invasive branches. Get rid of the drying and dead leaves. Propagate the plants as they grow plantlets or through their nodal cuttings to maintain them.
04. Not Repotting Your Plants
Repotting plants is essential for them to grow well. It doesn’t necessarily mean repotting them in larger pots. Repot plants to ensure that the soil drains well, and the roots get enough nutrients and space to expand.
05. Letting The Dust Settle on Your Plants
Dust often settles on the plant leaves. Although this may not seem like a big deal, it causes more damage than you may realise. Dust clogs the pores of plants, making it harder for the plant to function. Take a few minutes to wipe the dust off the surface to ensure your plant thrives.
06. Pest Infestations
Common pests include spider mites, aphids, or mealybugs. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to eliminate them.
07. Nutrient Deficiency
Signs include discoloured or spotted leaves. Consider fertilising or repotting with fresh soil.
Apart from these, if you want to know in detail about indoor plant care tips, have a look at our blog. Indoor Plant Care: Tips You Must Know!
20 Easy to Grow Houseplants That Do Not Require a Green Thumb
01. Pothos
Pothos is one of the most popular and loved houseplants around the world. It is one of the best houseplants that is impossible to kill. Its vines are dynamic and flexible, taking any given shape. You can adorn the walls, frame windows, or mold these vines as required. Available in an array of varieties, this versatile plant requires little sunlight.
Although the variegated leaf variants require more sun exposure, they can grow invasively in indoor environments as well. The waxy leaves of the plant regulate its water requirements, and it can thus thrive even with low water levels. Allow the soil to dry out between watering. The plant propagates easily and makes for the perfect houseplant gift option. It is known for its air-purifying qualities, making it an ideal choice for improving indoor air quality.
02. Peace Lily
This resilient plant is simply striking. Peace lily, an elegant houseplant staple in traditional homes, is pretty and one of the hardest-to-kill houseplants. Even if you do end up killing it, chances are it will rise from the ashes and shine. Known for its supple white flowers, this plant also features great foliage.
It requires minimal indirect light exposure and has reasonable water requirements. When the water and moisture in the soil run low, its leaves wilt and droop to indicate their need. Make this traditional plant a part of your home to give the space a charming aesthetic. Apart from its aesthetic appeal with elegant white flowers, the Peace Lily is a fantastic air purifier, removing toxins like ammonia and formaldehyde from the air.
03. Snake Plant
Houseplants anyone can grow, such as the snake plant, are perfect for beginners due to their low maintenance requirements and resilience. One of the hardest plants to kill is the snake plant. Also known as the mother-in-law’s tongue, this plant needs little attention. It can thrive in low light with minimal water requirements. You can place it anywhere in your house and forget about it, and it would still be alive after weeks without any care.
The only place you could go wrong with this plant is if you overwater it. Excess water can kill this no-fuss plant. You can easily propagate this plant when it becomes large; take a clump and repot it in another planter. This plant is the one for you to start your plant journey with. Make this statement-making piece a part of your space to beautify it. It is renowned for its exceptional air-purifying capabilities, removing toxins and releasing oxygen at night, making it suitable for bedrooms.
04. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is on the list of easy houseplants. We’ve all heard about the remarkable benefits of the aloe vera plant. This medicinal plant is an easy-to-care-for plant you can grow in your home. Available in different plant types, the aloe species are essentially succulents. They thrive under the bright sun and require the minimum amount of water stored in the leaves.
Ensure that you use the right kind of potting mix that drains well. The one used for succulents or cacti should work. Known for its medicinal properties, aloe vera heals burns, treats skin conditions, and is a natural air purifier.
05. Spider Plant
A common sight in most homes is spider plants in hanging pots or as chic planters. This stunning plant is one of the sturdiest indoor plants. It thrives in low light and is quite forgiving, even when you fail to water it for days.
The pointy grass-like leaves of these low light houseplants cascade over pots to create an enticing look. If you’re a forgetful plant parent, this plant is for you. When placed in a location with enough sun exposure, the plant thrives, forming little spider plantlets that can be repotted. Besides its air-purifying qualities, the spider plant removes formaldehyde and xylene from the air, enhancing indoor air quality.
06. Chinese Evergreen
Easy houseplants, such as Chinese Evergreen, are a striking plant that makes for a great starter houseplant option. It is available in several varieties with variegated leaves that come in shades of green and pink. Thus, it is a great plant to make a vibrant statement in your space. It requires medium-to-low indirect sunlight and ample water to thrive indoors.
The plant is prone to pest infestations, so keep a check on them if you see white, powdery deposits. Apart from that, the plant is resilient and can thrive even when it’s ignored for days. Recognised for its air-purifying abilities, it is one of the most effective indoor plants for removing air toxins.
07. Rubber Plant
Are you looking for a large plant to make your space pop? Bring in a rubber plant. It not only looks phenomenal, but is also sturdy. Its shiny, waxy leaves and tall foliage are its much-loved features. The plant, when set in the right atmosphere, thrives gracefully.
It requires bright indirect light and must be watered 1-2 times a week during the summer and 1-2 times a month during the winter. It is an excellent low-maintenance alternative to the fiddle leaf fig plant, as it provides a similar visual appeal. This air purifying plant enhances indoor air quality and contributes to a healthier environment.
08. Lucky Bamboo
The lucky bamboo plant is a popular plant that is a staple in most homes. These beginner-friendly houseplants are ideal for those new to gardening, as they require minimal care and thrive in various conditions. Many believe that this plant brings good luck and, hence, is commonly gifted. Unlike its name suggests, it is not a type of bamboo plant but belongs to the Dracaena genus.
It is often planted in water, thus eliminating the need to look after it. However, it can also be planted in the soil. The plant requires medium-to-low indirect light. Its stems can be sculpted to take on any desired shape, transforming the plant into a striking decorative accent. It has a special place in Feng Shui as it is believed to bring positive energy. It also contributes to air purification.
09. Chinese Money Plant
The Chinese money plant is known for its striking coin-shaped leaves. It is one of the easiest-to-care-for indoor plants. It goes by many names, like the UFO plant, pilea plant, missionary plant, etc. This hard-to-kill plant grows aggressively in the right environment. It requires medium, indirect light and a well-draining soil mix.
The plant’s water requirements are medium. It can go for days without water. Another good characteristic of the plant is its ease of propagation. It periodically churns out plantlets that grow from the soil. Repotting these can make new plant saplings. Besides its distinctive appearance, it’s believed to bring good fortune and is an attractive addition to indoor spaces.
10. Split Leaf Philodendron
Split leaf philodendron, or monstera, is another popular indoor plant that looks chic. The plant is hard to kill and thrives independently in the right environment. It is better to place it in a space with low indirect light, however, bright light helps it develop better-split foliage.
Water the plant once a week but in enough quantities. Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering sessions and ensure that the soil is well-draining. Keep your plants clean and free from dust to maintain their alluring appeal. Its large, uniquely split leaves make it a popular decorative plant for indoor spaces.
11. Dragon Tree
If we must name one plant that thrives on neglect, we’d pick the dragon tree. This desert plant thrives in almost all conditions. It loves the sun and thrives when placed near a direct source of light. The plant requires scarce amounts of water and can even survive drought-like conditions.
You can forget about the plant, and it will still be alive after weeks of neglect. It is loved for its remarkable appeal. The pointy leaves on the straight stem make for a striking silhouette that makes for an attention-grabbing centerpiece in homes. Along with its aesthetic appeal, the Dragon Tree acts as an air purifier, removing toxins from the air.
12. Dumbcane
The next plant on this list of hard-to-kill plants is often confused as a variant of the Chinese evergreen. Dumbcane bears a great resemblance to the Chinese Evergreen plant. Its variegated leaves make this plant the attention-grabbing focal element in any space.
Their thick stems store enough water, helping them survive even when ignored for days. Place them in a shaded area with indirect light; they can thrive in low-light to medium-light zones. Be cautious with the quantity of water you feed this plant with; it does not require a lot of it. Avoid overwatering and ensure that the soil dries out between watering. It is notable for its striking appearance and air-purifying qualities, eliminating toxins from the air.
13. Cast Iron Plant
The cast iron is one of the best indoor plants for beginners due to its ease of care and adaptability to various light conditions. The plant is tough and doesn’t require a lot of attention. Place it in a shaded spot, avoiding direct sun exposure, and water it occasionally.
Its long, shiny leaves cascade over the pot, creating a beautiful aesthetic. Use a well-draining potting mix to plant this hardy plant and allow it to dry between watering. The plant isn’t picky about parameters like moisture and humidity, and can thus thrive under any conditions. It is a resilient plant known for thriving in low-light conditions and contributing to air purification.
14. Jade Plant
The tiny tree-like jade plant is another hardy plant that thrives indoors. It has thick stems that branch beautifully, housing the fleshy leaves that make it appear like a mini tree. The plant loves the sun and needs ample direct light to survive.
Like most houseplants, this too does not respond well to overwatering. It requires less but frequent watering. The plant is a type of succulent and does well in indoor environments. The jade plant grows up to 2-3 inches per year and has a long life, extending up to a few years. Its small tree-like appearance and ability to improve indoor air quality make it a popular indoor plant choice.
15. Zanzibar Gem
Another one on the list of easy-to-maintain indoor plants is Zanzibar. If you want to bring in a green friend where there’s only a little light exposure, ZZ or the Zanzibar gem, is the one you should get. The plant thrives even if you have neglected it. Low light and less water, given infrequently, are a few conditions the plant tolerates. Pot it in a well-draining soil mix.
The plant features glossy green leaves that branch out from the vertical stems, forming a striking silhouette. Keep them dust-free to maintain the stunning aesthetic of the plant. Do not fuss over this plant, err on the side of neglect, as this plant doesn’t like a lot of attention. This plant is recognised for its air-purifying properties, which enhance the indoor environment by removing toxins from the air.
16. The Airy Asparagus Fern
The asparagus fern is one of the finest examples of easy-to-grow indoor plants, thriving in low-light conditions and requiring minimal maintenance. This graceful plant boasts bright green stems and delicate, feathery fronds. Asparagus ferns thrive in humid environments, so regular misting or a pebble tray filled with water is key. They prefer bright, indirect sunlight and consistent moisture but can bounce back from occasional dryness.
17. The Low-Drama Succulents and Cacti
Drought-tolerant indoor plants like cacti are perfect for those who want low-maintenance houseplants that thrive with minimal watering. These trendy plants are perfect for forgetful plant parents. Cacti and succulents come in a wide variety, but most require plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil. Avoid overwatering; allow the soil to dry completely between watering. Their drought-tolerant nature allows them to thrive on neglect; just give them a good soak when the soil is dry.
18. The Vibrant Anthurium
Anthuriums bring a pop of colour with their long-lasting blooms (over eight weeks with proper care!). They flourish in bright, indirect sunlight and consistent moisture. However, be mindful of their toxic sap and keep them out of reach of pets and children.
19. The Easygoing Palm
Palms add a touch of the tropics to any space. These easy indoor plants can thrive in both bright direct and indirect sunlight. Water moderately, allowing the top inch of soil to dry before watering deeply. Their low-maintenance nature makes them perfect for those who forget to water occasionally.
20. The Wandering Jew (Tradescantia Zebrina)
Another example of an easy-to-grow houseplant is a Jew. This versatile plant features cascading stems adorned with vibrant, striped leaves. It adapts well to various lighting conditions, from bright to indirect. Water these easy-to-grow houseplants when the soil dries out, but avoid overwatering. Pinching off leggy stems encourages bushier growth. Let the foliage cascade over a hanging pot or shelf for a stunning display.
Start Your Plant Journey with These Easy-to-Grow Indoor Plants and Brighten Your Spaces…
Houseplants are great for adding a refreshing touch to your spaces. If you’re a new plant parent, you can start with these easy-to-grow houseplants; they’re all low-maintenance and easily thrive indoors.
FAQs
01. What Are the Easiest-To-Grow and Keep-Alive Houseplants?
A few of the plants that are the easiest to grow indoors are ZZ, pothos, philodendron, lucky bamboo, etc.
02. What Is the Best Plant to Keep Indoors to Clean the Air?
The snake plant, or mother-in-law’s tongue, is one of the best plants to keep indoors for air purification. Areca palm, spider plant, and lucky bamboo are also good purifying indoor plants.
03. What Type of Plant Is Hard to Kill?
Philodendrons, pothos, and spider plants are a few examples of hard-to-kill houseplants.
04. Is Pothos Hard to Kill?
Pothos is an easy-to-care-for plant that thrives indoors. It doesn’t require a lot of care and is thus hard to kill houseplants.
05. What Is the Most Resilient Plant?
A few of the most resilient plants are ZZ, dragon tree, rubber plant, lucky bamboo, etc.
Also Read: List Of Indoor Plants That Can Boost Positive Energy of Your Home
Author Bio
Saili Sawantt – She is an Architect and Interior Designer by profession. Writing is what she treats as her passion. She has worked as an Architectural Writer, Editor, and Journalist for various design as well as digital portals, both national and international. Formerly she has also worked with Godrej Properties Limited (GPL) Design Studio, Mumbai, due to her keen interested in learning about Sustainability and Green buildings. Apart from this, she runs her blog ‘The Reader’s Express’ and is a practicing Architect & Interior Designer.