New to caring for indoor plants? Looking for household plants that will be easy to care for? Start with these!
Snake Plant (Sansevieria) Snake plants are ideal houseplants for beginners due to their drought tolerance and adaptability to various lighting conditions. They are popular in modern interior design and come in over seventy species, now classified under the Dracaena genus. While they thrive in low-light, variegated types prefer bright, indirect light. Snake plants require infrequent watering, with over watering being a common issue. Toxic to cats/dogs*
Philodendron Vine (Philodendron hederaceum) is the most well-known member of the philodendrons. It has attractive dark green, heart-shaped leaves on trailing stems. It prefers bright light but will tolerate low light, its growth becomes more spindly in lower light. This is a favorite indoor plant in offices thriving under florescent lights. Regular pinching of the tips will encourage compact, fuller growth. Toxic to cats/dogs *
Pothos Vine (Scindapsis) is another vining plant related to the philodendron. It is a definite must for anyone wanting a vigorous attractive vine as a house plant. Known as devil’s ivy, these plants are low-maintenance and fulfilling. The species aureus has attractive yellow or off-white variegation in the leaves. They are often chosen for hanging baskets and can thrive indoors low-light conditions. However, if kept in very low light the yellow fades out to green, but the plant continues to live on. Toxic to cats/dogs *.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) can be 2-3 feet tall floor plants or small 8-10 inch container plants often found in dish gardens. The leaves are attractive dark green and fairly glossy. This is an excellent indoor plant. It needs more water than most houseplants; if you let it go too long without water, it quickly wilts. There is no real harm in an occasional wilting, eventually you will know exactly when to water before it wilts. Toxic to cats/dogs *
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) are very attractive indoor plants with silver or light gray green markings in the foliage. They grow from a central growing point but old plants develop tall stems. These overgrown stems should be cut back to promote more compact growth. Aglaonemas do well in average light; like the peace lily will quickly “tell” you when they need water by wilting. Toxic to cats/dogs *
ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is an easy to care for houseplant with long, strappy stems and glossy green leaves. It is another good indoor plant for beginners. Water only after the soil has dried out. These plants are very easy to propagate. Toxic to cats/dogs*.
Bromeliad (Bromeliaceae) are colorful houseplants that usually grow tree trunks and branches in the jungles. They used to be hard to buy and were expensive; they are now readily available at moderate prices. Bromeliads are grown in pots with a bark mix or plenty of peat moss. Water them by pouring water into their foliar “cup” and into the growing medium. Bromeliads grow best in bright light, but not direct sunlight: they are also amazingly tolerant of lower light for long periods of time. These plants are not toxic to pets.
*https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants