5 Best Houseplants For Beginners

 

What defines an easy houseplant?

There are many viewpoints on the finest indoor plants for novices and those who struggle with their green thumbs, but several species consistently appear on lists. Our home-growing circumstances as well as personal plant preferences will have an impact on what one person views as an easy-going plant.

I'll be the first to admit that I have my own set of plant preferences and prejudices. While some of the candidates on this list are the obvious suspects, I believe that a few others are sometimes ignored yet are just as simple. If they're unfamiliar to you, take a look at them, give them a try, and if not, tell me what you think.

Here they are, in no particular sequence, without further ado:

Five Easiest Indoor Plants

1. Staghorn fern - Platycerium

2. Pothos - Epipremnum + Scindapsus

3. Tillandsia xerographica air plants

4. Hoyas - H. pubicalyx ‘Splash’ + carnosa ‘Tricolor’

5. Monstera deliciosa

Staghorn ferns - Platycerium spp.

When you saw Staghorn ferns on my list of the easiest houseplants, you might have shaken your head in surprise or disappointment. The catch, though, is that I truly mean staghorn ferns in a pot rather than on a plaque. 

Staghorn ferns are epiphytes or plants that grow on another surface rather than in soil, thus I adore seeing them mounted on plaques because it replicates their native habitat. I dislike watering them, though. 

Wall-mounted staghorn require more frequent watering because they dry out so quickly, and watering them, in general, is difficult because I won't put them back up on an interior wall until the backing is completely dry out of concern that it will eventually cause harm to the wall. As a result, they must wait until they are dry on the counter, where they obstruct the wall's aesthetic. 

But a staghorn plant in a pot is one very contented plant. Simply plant them in soil that drains well and water them sparingly. 

The soil around my staghorn is typically quite dry, and I only water them when I remember to, which isn't often. They are epiphytes, thus they once again don't require or desire a lot of water. To put it another way, your staghorn fern will overlook your forgetfulness or neglect. They may even be happier as a result. 

Another significant finding is that they don't seem overly concerned with water quality. Many plants will exhibit salt sensitivity or tip burn from using tap water (hello Spathiphyllum). Staghorn foliage continues to be primarily lovely and green. Except for the shield fronds, which should turn brown, the "antler"-shaped leaves primarily maintain their lovely green color. 

Staghorns thrive in both moderate and moderately low light conditions. They are epiphytes, which grow in the shady understory because they grow on tree trunks and branches, which is another reason for this.

So let's meet Exhibit A: Staghorn Leghorn, also known as Platycerium bifurcatum, which I bought at Trader Joe's around a year and a half ago. Within the relatively short time I've owned him, this staghorn has erupted. Soon after he arrived home, I replanted him, and he started filling it up right away. 

Over the years, I've had several Platycerium bifurcates, and they've all been fuss-free and quick-growing. One of mine is 20 years old, making her slightly older than my twins. but has endured a great deal of maltreatment from being left outside in the cold for several winters, so I'm working on his rehabilitation. 

I purchased Platycerium superbum, a Giant Staghorn, from Etsy a year ago and added it to my collection. It is begging me to let it stretch out so that it can grow a large shield frond that covers the top of the pot as opposed to being kept in its tiny 4" nursery container that I slipped into a decorative pot. 

I've frequently allowed this infant staghorn to go dry for extended periods, much like its cousin P. bifurcatum, and it never complains. However, I need to report it so that it has more space to spread out if I want it to grow enormously and live up to its name, Giant Staghorn. 

Easy indoor plant - Staghorn fern, Platycerium in a pot

a robust grower that benefits from neglect.

Plant it in a pot for the simplest growing!

requires little water 

lower light levels are tolerated

isn't picky about the quality of the water (fertile fronds, in my experience, remain green and spotless).

Pothos - Epipremnum + Scindapsus

Lists of the "top easiest houseplants for beginners" frequently include pothos. And for good cause. They can successfully withstand a variety of situations, including low light, overwatering, and underwatering. Pothos will probably put up with anything you throw at him. (Even though it can endure only a little direct sunshine.)

These uncomplicated plants are incredibly understanding of our occasionally unsuccessful human attempts to raise them. They are the perfect plant for novice plant owners. 

There are several different kinds of them. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) may be the most popular. The "satin" or "silver" varieties of the Scindapsus genus are my favorites. 

Fun fact: The foliage on pothos can be either young or adult. The young foliage on pothos houseplants typically has leaves with a heart shape. They can grow big, split leaves, and flower in both the wild and a greenhouse.   

Pro Tip: Give your pothos a trellis or moss pole to attach to if you want to "super-charge" it. If given a support trellis, many vining plants will grow much more fully and with larger-sized foliage. 

Easy indoor plant - Pothos (Epipremnum + Scindapsus)

capable of surviving in various environmental circumstances. 

It prefers filtered light over direct sunlight.

appreciates well-draining soil, but because pothos is so tolerant, many people love growing them with only a glass of water! (To keep the oxygen levels stable, change the water every week.)

Tillandsia xerographica air plants

Air plants, but not just any air plants, but rather Tillandsia xerographica, come next. In Southern Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador, T. xerographica is adapted to arid, scrub-like conditions. Their ability to withstand dry circumstances is greatly enhanced by their dense, silvery gray-green leaves. 

My xerographic are wonderful. They add an intriguing gray-green aspect to any décor thanks to their modest growth. 

Xerographicas are epiphytes as are staghorn ferns. So once more, they don't require or desire a lot of water. Additionally, they don't even need to be potted in soil or put on a plaque. I don't know about you, but in my opinion, the "top easiest houseplants" competition should automatically include any plant that doesn't even require soil! 

However, a word of caution: It's also simple to ignore them because they simply sort of sit there for the longest period without complaining. If you don't water them, they will eventually start to deteriorate. 

Watch for shriveled or even browned leaf margins, and if you notice them, give them a brief rinse in the sink. But don't saturate them because that could cause decay at the base. To get all of the water out of the base, always shake them upside down as well. 

Tillandsia does well close to a sunny window since they love bright, filtered light. 

Easy indoor plant - Tillandsia xerographica air plants

Adaptable to drought and requires little water 

Doesn't require soil, a pot, or mounting; you may put it on exhibit any place there is enough light.

The finest lighting is bright, filtered

To prevent water from collecting in the base, spray with water, flip upside down, and shake. Never soak.

Hoyas - H. pubicalyx ‘Splash’ + H. carnosa ‘Tricolor’ types

For beginning plant lovers, hoyas are gratifying plants. They feature lovely semi-succulent foliage in a staggering variety of shapes. Although most of them have downward-hanging tendrils, others have vine-like tendril behaviors. Once fully grown, they are dependable bloomers with gorgeous and heavenly-smelling inflorescences. 

With a silvery "splash" variegation on the leaves, Hoya publicly 'Splash' is a robust twining vine grower. 

My "Splash" arrived 15 months ago. Immediately, its tentacles extended and began "grabbing on" to anything nearby. It was the catalyst for my DIY Trellis post because I realized right away that it would require a trellis. 

This hoya simply keeps growing; I don't think it's ever actually gone dormant in the time I've owned it.

Since the leaves cover so much of the soil, it is difficult to aim for watering, and water frequently drips into my furniture, I don't water it very often. I typically wait to water until I feel extremely bad because doing so requires me to wash it in the sink and then dry the pot. 

I'm telling you this to illustrate the fact that it doesn't require much water, so if you forget, it will still be fine (within reason)!

But 'Splash' has one dislike, which I only discovered the hard way: excessive exposure to the sun. When the sun is coming in at a lower, more direct angle during the autumn and winter, I kept it close to a south-facing window and burned numerous leaves on it.

Another simple plant for beginners is Hoya carnosa 'Tricolour' or 'Krimson Queen'. First of all, the variants "Tricolour," "Crimson Queen," or "Krimson Princess" are all extremely similar. Their semi-succulent leaves all have some variation of green, white, and pink coloring. 

These 'Tricolour' varieties, however, are true hanging plants and don't require support, in contrast to Splash's. 

You won't be dissatisfied with 'Tricolour,' 'Krimson Queen,' or 'Krimson Princess'; they all feature lovely pink star-shaped flowers with intriguing scents that make me think of mint chocolate.

Growth Rates: While the 'Splash' and 'Tricolour' types are all simple to develop, their growth rates represent a significant distinction. Hoya publicly 'Splash' and other hoyas that belong to the "flat, green-leaved" variety (including the 'Tricolour' kinds and Hindu Rope, another well-liked hoya with highly crinkly leaves) grow at nearly double the rate of the variegated and crinkle-leafed types. 

Hoyas are often said to prefer to be underpotted, so you don't need to worry about giving them a larger home right away. Some claim that they don't begin blooming until they have gotten so big that they need to be underpotted, but I think it has more to do with plant maturity in general. 

Hoya inflorescences grow from the tips of short spurs along the vines, fun fact. Never chop off the spur since they grow slightly longer with each bloom cycle and rebloom from the same spurs. 

Easy indoor plant summary - Hoyas

Because they have semi-succulent leaves, they require less water.

prefer to be "pot-bound" frequently so they don't require a huge pot or regular repotting

Fantastic fragrance and is simple to blossom! Don't chop it off when it's finished because they all flower from the same spur.

Monstera deliciosa, Swiss Cheese Plant

The last plant on my list of the easiest plants is Monsteras delicious. They are easy-going plants that may grow in a variety of environments.

Monstera foliage: The stunning and distinctive "split-leaf" foliage that appears on the mature leaves is one of the reasons people love to cultivate Monstera. There are two different types of foliage on Monsteras. tiny, heart-shaped, and with firm borders, juvenile leaves are tiny in size. The term "fenestration" refers to the interesting holes and splits in the leaf margins that appear as the foliage ages and matures.  

For a few reasons, it is thought that Monstera evolved alongside fenestration:

so that lower leaves and the remainder of the plant can receive more light and water passing through the uppermost leaves

 to lessen the risk of severe winds tearing the leaves

Monsteras favor well-draining soil and filtered light. They are also incredibly versatile and simple because they have comparable requirements to pothos and are actually linked to one another (both belong to the aroid family). They can get pretty big over time, so make sure you provide adequate space for them. 

Strong sun is one thing they dislike, as I have painfully learned. My monstera received too much direct winter sun exposure because I left it beside the window. See the outcome below: instead of the lovely dark green leaves they should have, these plants have yellowish leaves. 

Support for climbers: Like pothos, monsters are climbers. In contrast to pothos, Monsteras also develop long aerial roots that resemble tentacles as they climb, which they employ to cling to nearby branches and tree trunks.

They'll love a trellis or moss pole because of this, and you'll get lusher foliage as a result. For my monstera, I purchased this moss pole from Etsy, and I'll be re-potting it into a bigger container with the pole shortly.

Monsters are therefore simple plants because they enjoy moist, well-draining soil and climbing. They can even endure lower light levels. They make wonderful starting plants to enjoy at home!

Easy indoor plant summary - Monstera deliciosa

capable of surviving in various environmental circumstances. 

It prefers filtered light over direct sunlight.

like soil that drains easily and allows the surface to dry out between waterings.

That concludes my list of the easiest indoor plants. Though everyone has their own ideas about which plants are simple or difficult, I'd love to know which houseplants YOU consider to be the simplest - let me know in the comments below!