15 Easiest Indoor Plants, According to a Houseplant Expert
No green thumb? No problem!
Looking for houseplants that won’t wilt the minute you forget to water them? You’re in luck—the easiest indoor plants are naturally low-maintenance and surprisingly forgiving, even if you don’t have a green thumb. Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned plant parent who just wants something easy to care for, there are plenty of options that don’t require constant attention.
So what makes a plant easy? "An easy houseplant is one that can adapt to common indoor conditions—things like moderate light, average humidity, and an occasional missed watering," says Anup Mutalik, chief editor at Houseplants Nook. The best ones don’t need regular pruning or fertilizing, and many can handle different light levels without much fuss. Some, like the spider plant, even give you helpful visual cues when they need something—like drooping when they're thirsty and perking right back up after a drink. Mutalik also encourages a relaxed approach to plant care. "We always encourage people to get comfortable with 'neglectful care,'" he says. "Watering less often than you think and focusing more on observation can go a long way." While some of the hard-to-grow indoor plants like fiddle leaf figs or calatheas require near-perfect conditions to stay happy, these beginner-friendly picks are much more forgiving. Many, including pothos and the jade plant, are also considered some of the healthiest houseplants to grow, thanks to their air-purifying qualities and ability to thrive without constant upkeep. Ahead, you’ll find 15 of the easiest indoor plants to grow—plus expert tips to keep them thriving!
Pothos
Pothos is one of the easiest houseplants to grow, thanks to its tolerance for low light and irregular watering. Its trailing vines grow quickly and can be trimmed to keep them tidy. “Also, grouping plants together can help raise humidity naturally, which many indoor plants appreciate,” says Mutalik. “Especially tropical ones like monstera, pothos, and fiddle leaf plants.”
Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
Snake plants have stiff, upright leaves that can handle both low light and neglect. They don’t need frequent watering and actually prefer to dry out between waterings. "Plants that are drought-tolerant or that naturally grow in varied light conditions are perhaps the most beginner-friendly: Pothos, snake plants, and ZZ plants are all great examples," says Mutalik.
ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant has glossy green leaves and does well in low light, making it perfect for darker corners. It doesn’t mind being watered only once every couple of weeks.
Spider Plant
Spider plants grow fast and send out baby offshoots that you can replant. They like bright, indirect light and let you know when they’re thirsty by drooping. "A spider plant will tell us the instant it needs light or water by drooping," Mutalik says. "Even though we call it dramatic, its helpful for us to save it!"
Peace Lily
Peace lilies are known for their pretty white flowers and their ability to grow in lower light. They like to be watered when the soil starts to dry out and will droop when they’re thirsty.
Philodendron (Heartleaf)
Heartleaf philodendrons have soft, trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves that grow well in low to medium light. They're easy to prune and forgiving if you forget to water.
Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra)
True to its name, the cast iron plant is extremely tough and can survive in dark corners with little care. It grows slowly, but it’s nearly impossible to kill.
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chinese evergreens can handle low light, dry air, and less-than-perfect watering habits. They also come in lots of colorful leaf patterns, making them great for decorating.
Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
Rubber plants like bright, indirect light and can grow into tall indoor trees with some patience. Let the soil dry out between waterings, and wipe the leaves occasionally to keep them shiny.
Parlor Palm
Parlor palms stay small and grow slowly, which makes them perfect for small spaces. They don’t need much light and only need watering once the top of the soil dries out.
Hoya Carnosa
Hoyas are waxy-leaved vines that like bright, indirect light and dry out between waterings. They sometimes bloom clusters of star-shaped flowers when happy.
Dracaena
Dracaenas are tall, leafy plants that add height to any room and come in many varieties. They don’t like fluoride or chlorine, so it helps to use filtered water.
Peperomia
Peperomia has thick leaves that help it store water, so it doesn’t need frequent watering. It’s compact and easy to grow in small pots with moderate light.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a succulent that stores water in its thick leaves and prefers bright light. Let the soil dry completely before watering again.
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Jade plants have plump leaves and woody stems that make them look like tiny trees. They prefer bright light and need their soil to dry out between waterings.
Tierney McAfee is a freelance writer and Country Living and The Pioneer Woman contributor who covers entertainment, holiday & entertaining, food & drinks, design ideas, DIY, and more.
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