If you think houseplant parenthood takes a lot of time and special know-how, we’re happy to say it isn’t true. Sure, some plants are a bit challenging, but don’t let that stop you from getting started. We know plenty of forgiving plants that thrive despite busy schedules and spotty experience, and here we share some of our favorites with you.
Sansevieria
Sansevierias are famous for being easy to live with. Don’t stress for a minute about finding the perfect light for this plant – a sansevieria will thrive just about anywhere. Near a bright window, in a dim corner, under a fluorescent light, they’re happy. And watering is easy too. Just wait until the soil is dry before giving a thorough drink – in lower light, this might not happen for weeks. But despite its lack of fuss, a sansevieria is far from boring. You could build an entire collection on just the variety of sizes, forms, and foliage patterns in this fascinating group – which is why experienced collectors flock to them too.
Pothos
Glossy, heart-shaped leaves and an active, vining habit make pothos a fun and beautiful plant companion in any collection. Pothos appreciates bright, indirect light and consistent water, but if these are missing, it’ll wait patiently for you to notice you’re forgetting something. Pothos is a good communicator too – a plus for new plant parents – and it’ll gently let you know it’s feeling a bit neglected. A slight drooping says it’s time for a drink. A pale leaf or leggy stem might be asking for a spot closer to the window. And the best thing is, when you comply with the request, pothos bounces right back like nothing ever happened. Like sansevierias, pothos come in several varieties, with many hues and variegations to choose from.
ZZ Plant
Saying Zamioculcas zamiifolia might be a challenge, but caring for a ZZ plant is not. In fact, ZZ plant thrives better the less you fuss with it. ZZs prefer dry soil, which makes watering a cinch, and they love low light, so they’re happy just about anywhere they sit. Even though you could ignore your ZZ most of the time, you won’t – their beautiful glossy green leaves and upright, slightly arched stems are so striking. ZZ plants are a must-have whether you’re just starting a new collection or you’re an established expert with a weakness for interesting form and structure.
Cacti + Succulents
Ok, not all easy-care houseplants are completely undemanding. Cacti and succulents do prefer higher light – direct sun especially. And they can’t tolerate moisture around their roots for very long, so a fast-draining cactus mix and a drain hole are musts for any beginner. But that’s it. Once they have these few things, cacti and succulents are as easy as they come. There’s no end to the mesmerizing variety of forms they can take – tall, short, symmetrical, gnarly, smooth, fuzzy, hairy, thorny – so if your plant collection was nothing but cacti and succulents, it’d still be a fantastic one. And, when you least expect it, these surprising plants may even present you with a random, but stunning bloom.
Neanthe Bella Palm
Neanthe bella, parlor palm, table palm, or Chamaedorea elgans – this plant goes by many names. But the best descriptor of all might simply be “adaptable.” Depending on its size, you may find this airy, easy-care beauty in many different situations – sitting on the floor next to an office desk, gracing an entryway table, or even shading a small fairy figure in her miniature garden. Neanthe bella palms can do it all. They tolerate a wide range of light levels from low to bright and indirect, and they’re happy going without a drink until several inches of their soil is dry. About the only thing that bothers a Neanthe bella is overwatering, so make sure its pot drains freely, and be sure to empty the drain tray too.
Monstera
If you’re ready to jump right into the full plant-owning experience – but still keep things easy-going – we suggest taking home Monstera deliciosa. This plant is big, strange, and beautiful, and it only gets more so as time passes. That’s because monstera is a wanderer, always in search of a better view and taking on some interesting stem configurations as it reaches out from its pot. Like its close cousins, the philodendrons, monstera thrives in bright, indirect light. It also prefers not to sit in wet soil for very long, so we recommend waiting to water until the top few inches of soil are dry. About the only challenge with monstera’s care is taming that wandering soul – but even that is easily taken care of by giving it a trellis or totem to climb.
Start Your Collection
These forgiving houseplants are perfect for starting a new adventure in plant parenting. They’re also great for experienced plant collectors who might be looking for a few easy – but also strange and varied – personalities to join the more demanding ones in their collection. Come take a walk in the Greenhouse, and if you have questions, just ask. We’re always glad to introduce you to our favorites and help you find your perfect new plant.
