Looking after plants can be confusing, especially for a beginner – but fear not! – We have a quick guide to getting low-maintenance plants that are easy to grow, but difficult to kill, the perfect plants for beginners! Focus on having awesome plants around you, not becoming a master of gardening, who has time anyway?
There are many species of easy to grow and hard-to-kill plants available from your local nursery or garden center. Take inspiration and find ideas for your next gardening project.
Air Purifying Plants
If you want to improve your air quality and grow something at the same time, these air purifying plants are perfect for you! They help to remove toxins from the air, making it cleaner and healthier for you to breathe.
Aloe Vera
A succulent plant that looks like a tail of an alligator. Aloe vera is very easy to maintain. Beside this hard-to-kill feature, aloe vera has many useful benefits for health and beauty.
The Aloe plant is a succulent that is easy to care for and makes a great addition to any home.
Spider Plant
The spider plant is one of the most popular houseplants and for good reason! It is easy to care for, beautiful, and can help purify the air in your home.
Spider plants are perfect for beginners because they are very hard to kill. They can tolerate a wide range of conditions and are easy to care for.
It’s very common for people to accidentally grow a new spider plant after the first one. That’s because this plant is too easy to grow and they love having new babies!
Bamboo Palm aka Reed Palm
The bamboo palm is a beautiful, air-purifying plant that is perfect for beginners. It is very easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of conditions.
The name “bamboo palm” can be misleading, as this plant is not actually a palm tree. It is, however, a member of the palm family. It only grows to about 4-6 feet and doesn’t have the fronds that other palm trees have – because of this, it’s much easier to take care of.
Burro’s Tail
This is definitely NOT the most beautiful plant in the world, but this plant can make your home’s air better since it’s an air-purifying plant. It’s insanely easy to grow too. The succulent ‘leaves’ sometimes fall and you can pot them to let it grow as a new plant.
To care for your burro’s tail, give it bright light and plenty of water when dry.
Weeping Fig
Weeping fig is perfect for an outdoor area, but it doesn’t mean you can’t keep it inside. Just put it in a pot and trim the leaves tidily and bind the stem together prettily and it’s ready to bring fresh air into your room. Ensure the room has bright, indirect sunlight for the plant to thrive.
Water the plant when the topsoil is dry. If you keep it outdoors, it prefers a spot where it can get dappled sunlight throughout the day.
Snake Plant or Mother’s in Law Tongue
Despite its weird domestic name, the Sansevieria is very easy to take care.
Snake Plants are very tolerant of low light and they don’t force you to water them every single day. Seriously, this plant is really beginner-friendly! You can just plant them, water them 2-3 times a month (yes, you read that right!), and see them grow. The plant’s need for water might vary in different seasons, but basically, you only need to water the plant when it looks dry – it will be fine in wet soil. It’s that simple.
Pothos
Pothos is one of the most beginner-friendly plants that you can grow indoors. It’s very tolerant of low light and can survive in a wide range of conditions.
It has beautiful bright green leaves that can brighten up any room. Pothos is very easy to care for and only needs water it when the soil’s dry and bright, indirect light. You can also allow the soil to dry out completely between watering to prevent root rot.
Can grow up to 20 feet long and looks great paired with Boston Ferns.
Peace Lily
The beautiful peace lily is a great plant for those who are looking for an easy-to-care-for houseplant. It does best in bright , indirect light and only needs to be watered when it looks dry.
This plant is famous for its decorative feature. This calm plant loves warm and humid condition. However, it’s better to keep it away from your pet since it’s poisonous for them.
Cool fact: The peace lily not only purifies, but can remove toxins such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from the air.
Ponytail Palm
Ponytail palm is perfect for those who love plants, but don’t have a lot of time to take care of them. They are very easy to care for and only need to be watered about once a week. They can tolerate a wide range of conditions and can even survive in low light.
This plant gets its name from its long, cascading leaves that resemble a ponytail. They are slow-growing plants and can reach up to 10 feet tall.
Rubber Plant
This plant gets its name from its glossy, rubber-like waxy leaves. They are beautiful plants that can grow up to 10 feet tall and takes very little work or stress getting it there!
The rubber plant does best in bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light. Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry and be sure to empty any excess water from the saucer.
Typical cost is $8-15 per 6 inch pot.
Parlor Palm
This plant gets its name from the fact that it was once a popular plant to have in Victorian parlors. It likes bright filtered light, and doesn’t like over-watering, but it’s still suitable for new-comers to house plants, and its a very low maintenance plant and looks absolutely stunning.
Buy a 6-inch plant for about $10 and pair with a beautiful pot to make a great gift or addition to your home.
Calathea Freddie
The cutest name on the list goes to this striped plant, but it’s also a nice choice for novices. It’ll flourish if placed in medium to bright indirect light with plenty of humidity. This little guy prefers wetter soil, too—you can allow the top of the dirt to dry out somewhat between waterings to avoid overwatering.
A visually striking plant due to its vibrant leaves which are striped cream and green. This makes it a great addition to any room as a pop of pattern. They grow to about 2 feet tall and wide and prefer indirect sunlight but can tolerate low light.
Air Plants
Air plants are entertaining since they may be displayed in so many different ways, including on stands, in terrariums, and even on refrigerator magnets. They’re also quite simple to care for because they get most of what they require from the air. Every few weeks or so, give them a good soak in a water bath (shake off any excess
Best Indoor Plants
If you’re new to the world of house plants, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out which ones are best for your home. So whether you’re looking for low maintenance indoor plants or air-purifying, there’s an indoor plant out there that’s perfect for you. So get out there and start your plant parenting journey today!
Chinese Evergreen
The perfect indoor plant? The Chinese evergreen plant, also known as the Silver Bay Aglaonema, has a lovely painted-look to its leaves and requires little maintenance. It requires at least a little bit of light and doesn’t require too much water, so allow the soil to dry out between watering to help it flourish.
Prayer Plant aka Maranta
The Prayer Plant, or Maranta, is known for the way its leaves fold up at night—they appear to be praying! This makes it a unique and attractive houseplant. It requires indirect light but can tolerate low light and only needs to be watered when the top inch is dry. Make sure you are using fast draining soil for the best results.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
Fiddle Leaf Figs are all the rage right now, and for good reason! They are beautiful, low-maintenance plants that can add a touch of elegance to any room. They prefer bright indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions. Water when the top inch or two of soil is too dry.
Jade Plant
The Jade Plant aka the or chinese money plant / tree is a beautiful, low-maintenance plant that is said to bring good luck and fortune and is happy in lower light.
When indoors, water your Jade Plants when the top inch of soil is dry and be sure to empty any excess water from the saucer. These plants are drought tolerant and only need to be watered about once a week.
ZZ Plant aka Zamioculcas Zamiifolia
The ZZ plant is a beautiful, low-maintenance plant and is often chosen because it is very difficult to kill and looks good in any room. With just a little bit of knowledge, you can keep your zz plant healthy and happy for years to come.
Zz plants pair well with both modern and traditional decor. These plants can go weeks without water, but love moist soil.
Rubber Plant
The rubber plant is a beautiful, tall plant that is very easy to care for. It prefers bright indirect light but can tolerate
Golden Pothos
A stunning trailing plant that is friendly for beginners. If you’re looking for the hardest plants for new plant parents then opt for String of Pearls.. !
Tropical Plants
If you’re new to tropical plants, there are a few things you should know before you get started. First, tropical plants need warm temperatures and plenty of sunlight to thrive. That means if you live in a colder climate, you’ll need to provide some extra heat for your plants. Second, most tropical plants are heavy feeders, so they’ll need regular fertilizer to stay healthy.
And finally, remember that tropical plants are often more sensitive to changes in their environment than other types of plants, so it’s important to watch for signs of stress and take corrective action immediately.
With a little care, tropical plants can make a beautiful addition to any home. So why not give them a try?
Tradescantia Zebrina
This versatile plant can be used as a groundcover, in hanging baskets, or even in terrariums. It’s easy to care for and only needs to be watered when the soil is dry. It prefers bright indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions
The Tradescantia Zebrina has beautiful purple and green leaves that make it a standout plant. It is a fast grower and can quickly fill in an empty space.
Oxalis Triangularis
The Oxalis Triangularis, also known as the Purple Shamrock, is a beautiful purple plant that is easy to care for. It prefers bright & medium indirect light so be sure to pick a bright spot.
This plant is a great choice for those who want a splash of color in their home. The purple leaves are sure to brighten up any room.
Philodendron Brasil
The Philodendron Brasil is a beautiful, easy-to-care-for plant that does well in a variety of lighting conditions including artificial light. It is a fast grower and can quickly fill in an empty space
This plant is a great choice for those who want to add a touch of greenery to their home. The Philodendron Brasil is sure to make any room feel more lively.
Swiss Cheese Plant
Swiss cheese plants are a type of tropical vine that is native to Central and South America. The leaves of the plant are large and heart-shaped, and they are covered in small holes that resemble Swiss cheese. The plant is also known for its ability to produce an aerial root system that can reach up to 3 feet in length. Swiss cheese plants are popular houseplants because they are relatively easy to care for and they can thrive in a wide range of conditions. They are also known for their ability to filter indoor air, making them a beneficial addition to any home.
With it’s signature dark green leaves , the Cheese Plant is a beautiful, easy-to-care-for plant that’s a great choice for those who want to add a touch of greenery to their home.
Outdoor Plants
Starting a garden can be a daunting task, but there are certain outdoor plants that are ideal for beginners. One of the easiest plants to grow is the sunflower. Sunflowers are hardy plants that can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions and require very little maintenance. Another beginner-friendly plant is the marigold. Marigolds are tolerant of both heat and drought, and they also help to deter pests such as rabbits and slugs. Finally, impatiens are a good option for shady areas of the garden. Impatiens are easy to care for and come in a wide variety of colors. With a little patience and care, any beginner can create a beautiful garden.
Pansies
There are many reasons why people choose to grow pansies, and one of the biggest draws is that they are relatively easy to care for. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a complete novice, pansies are a great option for those looking to add some color to their outdoor space. Another big plus is that they can be grown in a wide range of conditions, from full sun to partial shade. And, if you live in an area with cold winters, you’ll be happy to know that pansies are one of the few flowers that can tolerate frosty temperatures. So, if you’re thinking about adding some floral flourishes to your yard or garden, consider giving pansies a try – you won’t be disappointed!
Marigolds
Marigolds are one of the best flowers for new gardeners. They are simple to grow and require very little care. Plus, they are beautiful and add color to any garden. Marigolds prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
They will tolerate some shade, but they will not bloom as well. Marigolds are also fairly drought tolerant, so they do not need a lot of water. To plant marigolds, simply dig a hole that is twice as wide as the pot that the plant is in. Gently remove the plant from the pot and place it in the hole. Then, back-fill the hole with soil and water well. Marigolds can be planted directly in the ground or in pots.
They will bloom from spring to fall and often attract butterflies to the garden. With just a little bit of care, marigolds can provide months of color in any garden.
Snap Dragons
Anyone can be a gardener with snapdragons!
They are one of the easiest type of flowers to grow outside. Snapdragon flowers come in all sorts of colors, so you can have a rainbow of them in your garden. They also don’t need much attention. You can plant them in the spring and forget about them until it’s time to cut them for Bouquets! If you want to add some color to your garden without spending a lot of time on it, snapdragons are the perfect choice.
Fuchsias
Fuchsias are beautiful, colorful flowers that are relatively simple to grow, making them a great choice for new gardeners. There are two main types of fuchsias, those with single flowers and those with double flowers. Single-flower fuchsias tend to be more heat tolerant, while double-flower varieties are more cold tolerant. Fuchsias prefer moist, well-drained soil and partial shade, although some varieties can tolerate full sun. In general, fuchsias are fairly low-maintenance plants that require little more than regular watering and occasional deadheading. With a little care, they will bloom abundantly from summer to fall. So if you’re looking for a beautiful, easy-to-grow flower for your garden, consider planting some fuchsias.
Californian Poppy (Eschscholzia)
These cheerful annuals are native to the sunny western United States, and they thrive in hot, dry conditions. California poppies are available in a range of colors, including orange, yellow, pink, and white. They grow best in full sun and well-drained soil. These flowers are not demanding when it comes to watering or fertilizer, so they’re ideal for new gardeners. California poppies bloom from spring to summer and are often used as bedding plants or in containers. With their low-maintenance requirements and cheerful blooms, Californian poppies are sure to add beauty to any garden.
Vegetable growing for Beginners
Looking to start a garden, but not sure what to grow? Here are some easy-to-grow veggies that are perfect for beginners.
Tomatoes are a classic choice for any home garden. There are many different varieties to choose from, and they can be grown in either pots or in the ground. Just make sure to give them plenty of sunlight and water, and you should have no problem harvesting a bumper crop of juicy tomatoes.
Another great option is peppers. Like tomatoes, peppers come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. They can also be grown in pots or in the ground, and they need about the same amount of care as tomatoes. Whether you want to add some spice to your cooking or just enjoy the fresh flavor of homegrown peppers, they are a great choice for any gardener.
If you want to add some greens to your garden, spinach is a good option. It grows quickly and can be harvested just a few weeks after planting. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients and is super versatile – you can use it in salads, soups, stir-fries, and more.
Finally, carrots are an excellent choice for anyone looking for an easy-to-grow veggie. They don’t require much maintenance and can be harvested within two months of planting. Carrots are also packed with nutrients, making them a healthy addition to any diet.
Whether you’re a gardening novice or a seasoned pro, these easy-to-grow veggies are sure to please. So get out there and start planting!
See More: Edible Perennials Perennials that any beginner can grow & 10 Foods you can easily regrow from Scraps
General Tips for New Gardeners and “Plant Parents!”
Soil Moisture Tips
Moisture in the soil is important for the health of your plants, but too much moisture can lead to problems like root rot.
The best way to know if your soil is moist enough is to feel it with your hands. The soil should be damp but not soggy, and you should be able to easily form it into a ball. If the soil is too dry, you can water it until it is moistened throughout.
However, if the soil is too wet, you may need to amend it with some dry materials like sand or peat moss. In general, it is best to err on the side of too little moisture rather than too much.
Overwatering is a common mistake among new plant owners, so don’t be afraid to let the soil dry out somewhat between watering sessions.
A quick note on Managing low-light conditions
One of the most common problems people new to keeping plants face is managing low-light conditions.
Most beginner plants need at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, and many need even more. However, there are a few tricks you can use to make the most of low-light.
First, try to group plants together so they can benefit from each other’s shade.
Second, use reflective materials to brighten up dark corners. Finally, choose plants that are tolerant of low light levels. With a little effort, you can create a thriving green oasis in even the darkest room.
