10 Easy Indoor Plants for Beginners | Low-Maintenance & Pet-Safe Options
New to houseplants? Discover 10 easy indoor plants for beginners that thrive with little care. Learn watering, light, and pet-safety tips to keep your home green and stress-free.
Getting started with indoor plants is something I always recommend to friends who want to make their living space feel fresher and cosier. Houseplants aren’t just for those with a green thumb; plenty of varieties are super forgiving and thrive even when you’re new to plant care. If you want to liven up your space without tons of effort or stress, I’ve pulled together a list of easy-to-grow indoor plants that make a great starting point.
Hello & welcome, My love of gardening spills over into my home, too. What started with a single anniversary orchid quickly grew into a full-blown passion for indoor plants. Over the years I’ve learned how to create cosy, green corners with houseplants that thrive, and now I share simple, confidence-boosting tips to help others enjoy the calm and colour that indoor plants bring to everyday life.
Garden Nest Living grew from a simple idea: to share my love of gardens and creating calm, beautiful spaces, both inside and out. When you buy through my affiliate links, you are allowing me to keep sharing inspiration, ideas and products… at no extra cost to you. Thank you for being a part of my journey!
Why Choose Easy Indoor Plants for Beginners?
Easy indoor plants do more than just look nice. They’re especially good for boosting your mood and helping to clean the air inside your home. For anyone worried about keeping plants alive, choosing varieties that handle low light, missed waterings, and basic rooms makes things much simpler. These plants fit well with busy routines and don’t demand a lot.
The indoor plant market has exploded lately, with plenty of people looking for that touch of green without the pressure. In fact, houseplant sales have gone up steadily for years, with more people appreciating the mental health boost a few leaves can give. It’s not all about looks; lots of plants are known for making everyday spaces healthier and more relaxing to be in.
Learning a bit about what each plant needs means you’re less likely to run into surprise issues, so you’ll get the most out of your new leafy friends. If you’re looking for an easy and budget-friendly way to make your space pop, an indoor plant is a perfect start. Over time, you’ll get a feel for which plants match your lifestyle and how best to arrange them for maximum cosiness and eye-catching appeal.
What Makes a Plant Beginner-Friendly?
The best indoor plants for new growers are the ones that don’t mind occasional neglect. These plants generally share a few helpful traits:
- Can handle missed waterings: They won’t shrivel right away if you forget to water once or twice.
- Tolerate lower light: Perfect if your place doesn’t get bright sunlight all day.
- Low problems with pests: Some plants attract fewer bugs or diseases.
- Don’t outgrow their pots too quickly: Less frequent repotting means less hassle.
Getting familiar with these traits helps you pick plants that don’t just survive but actually thrive indoors without constant care. With time, you might even find you’ve got an entire collection that suits your routine and makes each room more inviting.
10 Easy to Grow Indoor Plants for Beginners
If you’re eager to give indoor gardening a try, these beginner-friendly plants are a great way to get started. Here are my top picks and why I think each one is worth a spot in your home:
- Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): It’s often called “devil’s ivy” for good reason; it’s almost impossible to kill. It’s happy in low light and only needs watering when the soil feels dry. Plus, those big, variegated leaves look pretty cool trailing from a shelf or hanging basket.
2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria): This plant is super forgiving; it’ll grow in bright or low light and isn’t too fussy about watering. It even helps clean the air. I love how upright and modern it looks in any corner.
3. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): These are classic for a reason. They grow fast, send out little “babies,” and handle house conditions like champs. If you travel or forget water sometimes, no worries.
4. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia): ZZ plants barely need any attention. They’re fine with little water, low light, and uneven schedules. Their waxy leaves are always glossy and tough.
5. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): You get elegant white blooms with hardly any effort. Peace lilies droop to tell you they’re thirsty and perk right up after watering. They can handle lower light too, making them flexible for home or office.
6. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior): True to its name, this guy puts up with lots of shade and irregular watering. Slow growing and resilient, it’s pretty much hands off once it’s settled in.
7. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata): This succulent just wants bright light now and then. Its plump, shiny leaves store water, so missing a week or two isn’t a disaster.
8. Philodendron: Trailing or upright, different philodendron types are famous for being super easy indoors. Just a little water and moderate light, done. Their lush leaves fill a space in no time.
9. Aloe Vera: Beyond its soothing gel (handy for small burns), aloe loves a sunny spot and only needs a drink once the soil’s dried out fully. It’s fuss-free if you’re careful not to overwater.
10. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema): This plant lives happily in just about any light. Its patterned leaves add color, and it doesn’t need much water. Super popular for people who want dependable greenery.
If you want to get creative, mixing and matching these plants in clusters can make a real statement. Try combining plants like pothos and snake plant for different leaf shapes, or create a little green corner with aloe, jade, and spider plant together.
Quick Tips for Keeping Indoor Plants Alive
Even with easy indoor plants, a little routine helps them stay healthy. Here’s what works best when you’re just getting started:
- Don’t overwater: Water only when the top inch or so of soil feels dry. Most beginner plants do better with less water than too much. Overwatering can cause root rot &eventually kill the plant.
- Check the light: Understand what type of light each plant likes, but most on this list do fine in medium to low light. Avoid sticking plants in direct, hot sun unless they’re okay with it (like aloe or jade).
- Feed every so often: A diluted houseplant fertiliser every couple of months helps.
- Dust the leaves: Wipe leaves gently with a soft cloth or paper towel. Dust can block sunlight and slow growth.
- Don’t stress about repotting right away: As long as roots aren’t crawling out of the pot, you’re good for a while.
Consistency is better than perfection. These plants forgive a lot… Creating a simple plant care calendar or reminders on your phone can be useful if you’re worried about forgetting certain tasks.
Things to Consider Before Buying Indoor Plants
Starting with houseplants is pretty low risk, but thinking ahead helps you avoid common problems. Here are a few things I’ve found useful to keep in mind:
- Pet safety: Some common houseplants, like snake plants or philodendrons, can make pets sick if chewed. Always check before bringing a new plant home if you’ve got animals around. (Check my table at the bottom of this page to see which plants are safe for pets & which are toxic. Also have a look at ASPCA’s Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants List)
- Space and placement: Some plants get huge. Snake plants and ZZ plants stay fairly contained, but things like philodendrons or spider plants can spread. If you want to keep things tidy, choose accordingly.
- Watering habits: If you’re forgetful or travel a lot, plants like pothos or jade are more forgiving. If you love tending plants daily, you might enjoy a peace lily instead.
- Humidity needs: Most easy houseplants are fine in regular indoor air, but if you live somewhere super dry, misting occasionally or using a pebble tray with water can help.
Doing some research about each plant’s preferences, especially if you have kids or pets, is really important for a stress-free start. Sometimes it’s also helpful to chat with a nursery worker or ask online plant communities about any specific concerns you may have before purchase.
Pet Safety
Before adding any plant to your home, check online resources like the ASPCA’s Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants List. Some varieties, while great for homes, aren’t safe around curious dogs and cats. Pothos, snake plants, and peace lilies can all cause stomach issues if nibbled. If in doubt, opt for plants like spider plant or cast iron plant, which are generally safe for pets.
Watering Needs
Most listed plants like their soil to dry out between waterings. Plants like spider plant or pothos can bounce back quickly even if droopy. If you’re someone who tends to “love your plants to death,” try to resist the urge to water every day. It’s a good idea to use pots with drainage holes so excess water doesn’t get trapped and cause root rot. If this does happen, it can kill the plant so it’s better for the plant to be too dry instead of too wet.
Humidity and Light
Standard indoor humidity is perfect for most easy plants. Plants like aloe or jade prefer it drier. Avoid placing shade-loving plants in direct, hot sunlight near south-facing windows; that can scorch leaves pretty fast. Instead, display them near a north or east window, or even try them in the bathroom if it gets some light and stays a bit humid.
Teaching My Kids About Indoor Plant Care: Our First Experience
As my houseplant collection grew, my two sons became curious and asked if they could each pick out a plant of their own. Of course, I said yes! We went to our local Hillier’s Garden Centre, and they each chose a small plant — a Hypoestes and a Sansevieria. The boys were so excited, and we placed their new plants on the sideboard in the hallway where we could see them every day.
A few weeks later, I noticed something interesting: the Sansevieria was thriving, but the Hypoestes was wilting. At first, I couldn’t understand why — after all, they’d been kept in the exact same spot. A little research revealed the answer: they simply had different needs. The Hypoestes required far more light than it was getting in the hallway.
So, I moved it to the mantelpiece in our living room, right beside the big bay window. Thankfully, it perked up and is now thriving in its new home. That experience was such a great reminder that sometimes, the smallest adjustments can make all the difference for our plants.
Troubleshooting Common Indoor Plant Problems
Even with the easiest plants, some hiccups pop up from time to time. Here’s how I handle a few frequent issues:
- Yellow leaves: This is often from overwatering or not enough light. Cut back on watering and make sure your plant has enough indirect sun.
- Crispy leaf tips: Usually from dry indoor air or build-up of fertiliser. Watering less often or wiping off excess fertiliser can help.
- Drooping plants: Don’t panic. Many plants just want a drink or to be moved to a brighter spot. If the soil is wet but the plant is drooping, check for roots sitting in water.
Watching your plant’s leaves and growth patterns helps you solve issues before they become big problems. If you’re ever unsure, check out my Indoor Plant Troubleshooting Flowchart at the bottom of this page.
What My First Orchid Taught Me About Indoor Plant Care
I absolutely adored the first orchid my husband gave me — it felt so special that I went out and bought myself another one. But unlike the first, my new orchid didn’t do well at all… and eventually, it died. At the time, I had no idea what I was doing wrong.
That experience pushed me to start learning more about indoor plants. After some research, I realised the most likely cause was overwatering and root rot. I’d always assumed houseplants needed the same frequent watering as outdoor plants, but I soon discovered that wasn’t the case at all. In fact, many indoor plants actually thrive when watered less often!
That small failure turned into the start of a bigger journey. It taught me that indoor plants require a different rhythm — many of them actually do better with less water. And with that lesson, my curiosity grew into a passion that’s still with me today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common things people ask when they’re picking out or caring for beginner indoor plants:
Question: Which indoor plant needs the least care?
Answer: ZZ plant and snake plant are two of the toughest; you can basically forget about them for weeks, and they’ll be just fine.
Question: How do I know when to water my plant?
Answer: Push your finger into the top inch of soil. If it feels dry, go ahead and water. If not, wait another day or two.
Question: Will these plants grow in a room with no windows?
Answer: While some tolerate low light, all need at least some light during the day. If you’re dealing with a windowless space, a grow light can help keep your plant happy.
The RHS always has amazing care tips & guides if you ever wanted to check on something before deciding on a certain houseplant.
Getting the Most Out of Your Indoor Plant Adventure
Adding easy-to-grow plants to your home is a wonderful way to refresh your space—especially if you’re just starting out. I still remember how it all began for me: with a single orchid, a gift from my husband. It brought such colour and life into our home that I couldn’t resist adding more. At the time, I had no experience with indoor plants, but I was curious and eager to learn.
What I quickly discovered is that many beginner-friendly plants are surprisingly forgiving. Yes, I made a few mistakes along the way, but each one taught me something new. There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of seeing a tired plant perk up or noticing fresh new leaves unfolding.
Indoor gardening doesn’t have to be perfect. Give yourself room to experiment—move plants around, try different groupings, and find what feels right for your space. It’s about creating something that feels cosy, personal, and alive.
In the end, there’s no quicker or more affordable way to bring a little natural magic into your everyday life. And trust me, once you start, it’s hard to stop!
Beginner Indoor Plant Care Checklist
Daily/Weekly Basics
- Check soil moisture
Stick your finger 1 inch into the soil. Only water if it feels dry. - Water when needed (not on a fixed schedule)
Most plants prefer drying out a bit between waterings. - Look for signs of distress
Yellow leaves, drooping, or brown tips? Adjust light or water.
Light & Placement
- Assess the light in your room
Low light = further from windows. Bright indirect = near east/north windows. - Rotate plants every 1–2 weeks
Helps them grow evenly and avoid leaning toward light. - Avoid harsh direct sun unless plant prefers it
(e.g., aloe and jade love it—pothos and peace lilies don’t)
Watering Tips
- Use pots with drainage holes
- Empty saucers after watering to avoid root rot
- Use room temperature water
Humidity & Air Quality
- Mist plants occasionally (especially in dry homes)
- Place a humidity tray under tropical plants
- Wipe dust off leaves with a soft cloth every 2–4 weeks
Pet Safety
- Double-check if the plant is toxic to pets (use ASPCA site or label)
- Place toxic plants out of reach or use pet-safe alternatives
Monthly Tasks
- Feed with a diluted houseplant fertiliser (spring/summer only)
- Inspect for pests (look under leaves for webs, spots, bugs)
- Trim off dead or yellowing leaves
Repotting (Every 1–2 Years)
- Repot when roots grow out of the bottom or plant
- looks cramped
- Use the next size up pot and fresh houseplant soil
Top 10 Beginner Indoor Plants: Difficulty, Light Needs & Pet Safety
| Plant | Difficulty | Light Needs | Pet Safety | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) | Easy | Low to bright indirect | Toxic | Thrives in varied light; easy to propagate |
| Snake Plant (Sansevieria) | Very Easy | Low to bright indirect | Toxic | Air-purifying; low maintenance |
| Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) | Very Easy | Medium to bright indirect | Safe | Fast grower; produces “babies” |
| ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) | Very Easy | Low to bright indirect | Toxic | Tolerates neglect; glossy leaves |
| Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) | Easy | Low to bright indirect | Toxic | Droops to signal water; blooms indoors |
| Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior) | Very Easy | Low to medium | Safe | Slow-growing; very resilient |
| Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) | Easy | Bright indirect to direct | Safe | Succulent; drought-tolerant |
| Philodendron | Easy | Low to bright indirect | Toxic | Trailing or upright; low maintenance |
| Aloe Vera | Easy | Bright indirect to direct | Safe | Medicinal gel; drought-tolerant |
| Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) | Easy | Low to medium | Safe | Patterned leaves; low maintenance |
- Difficulty: Very Easy = almost no care needed; Easy = minimal attention.
- Light Needs: Low = indirect or shaded areas; Medium = bright indoor light; Bright = near windows.
- Pet Safety: Safe = non-toxic to cats/dogs; Toxic = can cause issues if chewed.
Indoor Plant Care: Watering Frequency & Light Needs
| Plant | Watering Frequency | Light Needs | Care Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) | Every 1–2 weeks (let soil dry) | Low to bright indirect | Very forgiving; great for low light rooms |
| Snake Plant (Sansevieria) | Every 2–3 weeks (allow soil to dry fully) | Low to bright indirect | Can handle neglect and dry air |
| Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) | Every 1–2 weeks (slightly moist soil) | Medium to bright indirect | Avoid harsh direct sun; produces “babies” |
| ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) | Every 2–3 weeks (drought-tolerant) | Low to bright indirect | Glossy leaves, thrives on neglect |
| Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) | Weekly (when top inch is dry) | Low to medium indirect | Droops to signal thirst; blooms indoors |
| Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior) | Every 2–3 weeks (keep soil lightly moist) | Low to medium | Hardy, thrives in shade |
| Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) | Every 2–3 weeks (let soil dry completely) | Bright indirect to direct | Succulent that stores water in leaves |
| Philodendron | Every 1–2 weeks (keep soil lightly moist) | Low to bright indirect | Trailing or upright; fast grower |
| Aloe Vera | Every 2–3 weeks (dry soil before watering) | Bright indirect to direct | Loves sun; avoid overwatering |
| Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) | Every 1–2 weeks (slightly dry between waterings) | Low to medium | Tolerates low light and neglect |
Indoor Plant Troubleshooting Flowchart
Step 1: Check Leaves
- Yellowing → Go to Step 2
- Crispy/Brown tips → Go to Step 3
- Drooping/Wilting → Go to Step 4
- Spots, webs, or holes → Go to Step 5
Step 2: Yellow Leaves
- Check soil moisture:
- Too wet → Reduce watering, ensure pot drainage
- Too dry → Water appropriately
- Check light:
- Too little → Move to brighter spot
- Too much → Move to indirect light
Step 3: Crispy or Brown Tips
- Check humidity:
- Low humidity → Mist leaves or use pebble tray
- Check fertilizer:
- Excess → Reduce frequency or dilute more
- Check water:
- Inconsistent watering → Maintain regular schedule
Step 4: Drooping or Wilting
- Check soil moisture:
- Too dry → Water thoroughly
- Too wet → Remove excess water; allow soil to dry
- Check light:
- Not enough light → Move to brighter location
- Check temperature:
- Too cold/hot → Adjust environment
Step 5: Pests / Disease
- Inspect leaves/stems: webs, spots, bugs
- Treat with:
- Mild soap spray or neem oil
- Remove heavily affected leaves
- Isolate plant from others to prevent spread
Step 6: Ongoing Care
- Rotate plants every 1–2 weeks for even growth
- Clean leaves of dust to allow photosynthesis
- Repot if roots outgrow pot (every 1–2 years)
- Maintain consistent watering routine
Author Bio: Growing a Love for Indoor Plants
My passion for gardening doesn’t stop at the back door—it also extends indoors. About ten years ago, my husband gave me a stunning orchid for our anniversary, and that single gift sparked a whole new interest: indoor plants.
I quickly became fascinated with the idea of bringing greenery and nature indoors, and I began researching everything I could about indoor plant care tips and how to create the right conditions for houseplants to thrive. Once again, the Royal Horticultural Society became an invaluable source of guidance, teaching me how to care for a wide variety of houseplants.
What started as a single orchid soon grew into a collection. Along the way, I learned everything from how to grow orchids at home to choosing the best low-maintenance houseplants for busy lifestyles. I soon realised I wasn’t alone—many people share the same desire to create lush, green indoor spaces.
This inspired me to share my houseplant advice so others can enjoy the benefits of indoor plants too. Whether you’re a beginner looking for simple tips or someone hoping to expand your collection, my goal is to help you build confidence and create a home filled with greenery.
Our hallway with small indoor plants and artificial stems in a vase.
Our bathroom with a real peace lily and artificial indoor plants.
Thanks for the inspiring post! I’ve always loved home decor but hadn’t really considered adding plants until now. You made it feel approachable and low-maintenance, which is perfect for my busy routine. I’m excited to try bringing some greenery into my space—not just for the look, but for the calm and freshness too. Appreciate the helpful insight! ????
Hi Linda, Thank you so much for your lovely comment — I’m so glad the post inspired you! It’s amazing how a few well-chosen plants can completely transform a space, not just visually, but in how it feels to live in.
I always say that greenery is one of the most affordable, impactful ways to add life, texture, and calm to your home — and it doesn’t have to be high-maintenance. Start with easy-care options like a pothos, snake plant, or ZZ plant; they’re beautifully forgiving and thrive even with a busy schedule.
It’s wonderful to hear you’re embracing this next layer of your home decor journey. Feel free to reach out if you’d like plant pairing ideas or styling tips as you go!
Hello, this will be a very useful article for me. I would love a couple of real plants in my home. I do have a couple of fake ones. I guess I COULD get a couple of real ones if I get one of these your article mentions. I think any of these plants would be good for my mood because I know nothing at all about plants. For me, green and pretty is all I need to fit in my home. Oh, and very easy to take care of.
The potting part has always been a concern for me. That is probably the main reason I never got a real plant because I am afraid I might kill it if I have to change its pot. After reading your list of plants, I kept saying that this one is good for me, then that one is good. I could not make up my mind. Actually, the Chinese Evergreen sounds pretty.I just may look for that for my home. If I were to get 2 plants so I can have a cluster of plants, which one would be good with Chinese Evergreen? I do have a cat so my plants would have to be safe for her although, she never gets up on ant tables or shelves. Well anyway, this was a great article for me because I just needed this nudge to get a real plant or two. Thank you. MAC.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m really glad the article gave you that little nudge towards getting real plants. The Chinese Evergreen is a lovely choice! Since you have a cat, a great companion plant could be the Parlour Palm — it’s non-toxic to cats, low maintenance, and pairs beautifully with the Chinese Evergreen for a lush, calming look. Just go careful to double check any new plants you choose to make sure they are non-toxic for your cat. You’ve got this — and I promise, repotting isn’t as scary as it seems once you give it a try!
I’ve always admired friends who have such cozy homes filled with plants; it really makes the space feel alive.
I’ve been meaning to add some greenery myself, but I know not all plants are easy to care for, so I’ve held back. Your list of beginner-friendly plants feels like the encouragement I needed! I think I’ll start with a snake plant or pothos since they seem a little more forgiving.
Thanks for making it feel less intimidating to finally bring some plants into my home!
For pet owners, that’s a great point about checking the ASPCA list before bringing plants home. I’ve always wanted a Snake Plant, and I like the look of ZZ plants too. Devil’s Ivy has always tempted me as well… risky though. The more I’ve researched, the more I’ve realised that placement makes all the difference. The list of truly pet-safe plants is pretty narrow, but it’s much more realistic to keep most plants out of reach than to only shop from that small list. Upright growers like snake plants can do fine on high shelves, while trailing plants like Devil’s Ivy will eventually dangle within reach. With a little planning for placement or positioning (shelves, bookcases, window ledges etc.) almost any houseplant can be enjoyed safely year-round, even with curious pets.