Not everyone has a green thumb, and not all houseplants require one. Many houseplants are easy to grow and tolerant of those of us with a thumb that is more black than green. Choosing easy-care houseplants is essential for beginners.
Sansevieria (Snake Plant)
(also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue)
The Snake Plant is at the top of my personal list of favorite houseplants that are easy to grow. Many a Snake Plant has tolerated my severe neglect and continued to provide me with years of enjoyment.
Physical description: Long, slender leaves that grow upright, reaching 4 ft. Leaves may be solid dark green to variegated with yellow depending on the variety.
Light: Adapts to most lighting conditions, but prefers partial to bright sunlight.
Water: Fairly drought tolerant. Let dry between waterings. Better to underwater than overwater.
Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)
The Dieffenbachia is another common houseplant that requires minimal care. Planted in a large basket, the Dieffenbachia is a nice addition to an empty corner of your living room.
Physical Description: Large, oblong leaves with colors of the various types ranging from solid green to yellow or white with green edges. The Dieffenbachia can grow to 6 ft.
Light: Low to medium light
Water: Prefers moist soil and humidity. Do not let the soil dry out completely.
Caution: Poisonous – keep away from children and pets.
Philodendron
The Philodendron is the perfect houseplant to fill in space above your cabinets or shelves. It may also be trained to climb upright if potted with support.
Physical description: Shiny, heart-shaped leaves of solid green or variegated green and yellow.
Light: Low to bright light
Water: Allow drying between waterings. Enjoys an occasional light misting.
Caution: Poisonous – keep away from children and pets.
Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)
Often confused with the Philodendron, Pothos is a hearty houseplant that looks as lovely in a hanging basket as it does in a traditional pot.
Physical description: Heart-shaped ivy that can trail up to 8 ft
Light: Low to bright light
Water: Do not overwater, prefers moderately dry soil
Caution: Poisonous – keep away from children and pets
Spider Plant
The Spider Plant is probably one of the most widely recognized houseplants, easily identified by the ‘babies’ it produces at the end of its long leaves. Perfect for a hanging basket.
Physical description: Plantlet ‘babies’ at the end of long, thin leaves that are usually striped green and white.
Light: Medium to bright light
Water: Prefers soil evenly moist
Dracaena (Corn Plant)
While it’s not hard to see why the Dracaena is known as the Corn Plant, it is not related to corn in any way beyond its physical resemblance to the cornstalk.
Physical description: Woody plant with large, variegated green and yellow foliage. May grow to 10 ft.
Light: Medium to bright light
Water: Water thoroughly but allow to dry between waterings
Caution: Poisonous – keep away from children and pets
Rubber Tree
A member of the ficus family, the Rubber Tree is a hardy houseplant that may also be planted outdoors in frost-free areas.
Physical description: Woody plant with large, shiny green leaves. May grow to 8 ft tall.
Light: Medium to bright light
Water: Water thoroughly but allow to dry between waterings
Caution: Milky sap may cause skin irritation
Fiddleleaf Fig
The Fiddleleaf Fig is another member of the ficus family that can easily dress up a bare corner in your home.
Physical description: Woody plant with large, violin-shaped leaves. May grow to 15 ft.
Light: Medium to bright
Water: Moderate; tolerates some dryness
Cast Iron Plant
The slow-growing Cast Iron Plant is extremely tolerant of varying climate conditions and a good choice for a new plant owner.
Physical description: Long, stalk-like leaves more commonly green, but maybe yellow or white variegated
Light: Low light
Water: Evenly moist, but not wet.
Arrowhead Vine
The Arrowhead Vine bears a resemblance to some varieties of Philodendron. Looks equally nice in a hanging basket or can be trained to climb.
Physical Description: Large, arrowhead-shaped leaves, usually variegated. May grow to 3 ft.
Light: Low to medium
Water: Evenly moist, but not wet
Caution: Poisonous – keep away from children and pets
