10 Favorite Easy-Care Houseplants to Grow Now
These nearly no-fail plants add life, color and beauty to a variety of indoor spaces without much effort on your part
There’s a lot to love about the 10 following houseplants. They aren’t too particular about their maintenance. They can handle some neglect, including erratic watering and less-than-ideal light, and still bounce back. Best of all, you can use them to quickly and effortlessly beautify your home. Read on to learn more about growing these favorite easy-care indoor plants.
Note: Many popular houseplants, including several listed below, are toxic to dogs, cats and people if ingested. Carefully consider your selections and placement if you have pets or young children. Two plants highlighted — zebra plant and spider plant — are considered nontoxic.
Note: Many popular houseplants, including several listed below, are toxic to dogs, cats and people if ingested. Carefully consider your selections and placement if you have pets or young children. Two plants highlighted — zebra plant and spider plant — are considered nontoxic.
2. Philodendron
(Philodendron spp.)
This perennial favorite combines sprawling good looks with an easy-care regimen. Heartleaf philodendron (P. scandens) is one of the most popular picks, but there are many other low-maintenance species to choose from.
Train your philodendron to grow up a support stalk or along a wall; let it spill over the sides of a pot or allow it to sprawl along a ledge. It’s a vigorous grower, so give it room to spread. You also can cut or pinch back stems at a node to keep the plant bushier or to prevent it from taking over. These plants do best in moderate to bright light, but shield them from direct sun.
Care tips: Keep the soil evenly moist from spring to fall; you can let it get a bit drier in winter. Feed monthly with a fertilizer diluted by half from spring to fall; cut back the feeding schedule by half during winter. Wipe off leaves with a wet cloth periodically to keep them dust-free.
See how to grow philodendron
(Philodendron spp.)
This perennial favorite combines sprawling good looks with an easy-care regimen. Heartleaf philodendron (P. scandens) is one of the most popular picks, but there are many other low-maintenance species to choose from.
Train your philodendron to grow up a support stalk or along a wall; let it spill over the sides of a pot or allow it to sprawl along a ledge. It’s a vigorous grower, so give it room to spread. You also can cut or pinch back stems at a node to keep the plant bushier or to prevent it from taking over. These plants do best in moderate to bright light, but shield them from direct sun.
Care tips: Keep the soil evenly moist from spring to fall; you can let it get a bit drier in winter. Feed monthly with a fertilizer diluted by half from spring to fall; cut back the feeding schedule by half during winter. Wipe off leaves with a wet cloth periodically to keep them dust-free.
See how to grow philodendron
3. Split-Leaf Philodendron
(Monstera deliciosa)
Split-leaf philodendron is a beautiful indoor plant that can easily reach 10 feet tall if staked. This decorative vine gets one of its common names, Swiss cheese plant, from the deep cuts and holes that characterize its dinner-plate-size glossy leaves.
This large-scale beauty can add tropical drama to any room that gets moderate to bright light. Split-leaf philodendron grows especially well in moist environments such as bathrooms — but it’s happy in other locations too. It doesn’t like to be moved, so leave it in place once you’ve found the right spot.
Care tips: Grow in moderate to bright light, water weekly to keep the soil moist and give it plenty of room to sprawl. Feed monthly from spring through fall with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half. Cut the feeding schedule by half in winter. While philodendrons generally are pest-free, treat any insect problems by wiping down leaves or applying a nontoxic natural pesticide. Tuck aerial roots back into the potting soil to boost stability.
See how to grow split-leaf philodendron
(Monstera deliciosa)
Split-leaf philodendron is a beautiful indoor plant that can easily reach 10 feet tall if staked. This decorative vine gets one of its common names, Swiss cheese plant, from the deep cuts and holes that characterize its dinner-plate-size glossy leaves.
This large-scale beauty can add tropical drama to any room that gets moderate to bright light. Split-leaf philodendron grows especially well in moist environments such as bathrooms — but it’s happy in other locations too. It doesn’t like to be moved, so leave it in place once you’ve found the right spot.
Care tips: Grow in moderate to bright light, water weekly to keep the soil moist and give it plenty of room to sprawl. Feed monthly from spring through fall with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half. Cut the feeding schedule by half in winter. While philodendrons generally are pest-free, treat any insect problems by wiping down leaves or applying a nontoxic natural pesticide. Tuck aerial roots back into the potting soil to boost stability.
See how to grow split-leaf philodendron
4. ZZ Plant
(Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
This relative newcomer to the houseplant world has gained a lot of fans, thanks to its adaptability and easygoing nature. The ZZ plant, also called Zee Zee plant, thrives in both bright and low light, although direct sunlight can scorch its leaves. It can handle a lack of water for a longer period than most houseplants. In fact, it prefers dry conditions to being overly soggy. Fertilizing is optional.
Use ZZ plant to brighten a dim corner, or show off its waxy green leaves and upright stems in a brighter spot. It isn’t a fast grower, but it can eventually reach 2 to 4 feet tall.
Care tips: Keep ZZ plant out of direct sunlight, which can scorch its leaves. Water throughly once the top 2 inches of soil are dry; allow water to drain thoroughly, as soft soil will cause the rhizomes (roots) to rot. Too much water will also cause the leaves to turn yellow. If you want to encourage growth, fertilize four times a year with a liquid fertilizer diluted by half.
See how to grow ZZ plant
Browse indoors pots and planters
(Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
This relative newcomer to the houseplant world has gained a lot of fans, thanks to its adaptability and easygoing nature. The ZZ plant, also called Zee Zee plant, thrives in both bright and low light, although direct sunlight can scorch its leaves. It can handle a lack of water for a longer period than most houseplants. In fact, it prefers dry conditions to being overly soggy. Fertilizing is optional.
Use ZZ plant to brighten a dim corner, or show off its waxy green leaves and upright stems in a brighter spot. It isn’t a fast grower, but it can eventually reach 2 to 4 feet tall.
Care tips: Keep ZZ plant out of direct sunlight, which can scorch its leaves. Water throughly once the top 2 inches of soil are dry; allow water to drain thoroughly, as soft soil will cause the rhizomes (roots) to rot. Too much water will also cause the leaves to turn yellow. If you want to encourage growth, fertilize four times a year with a liquid fertilizer diluted by half.
See how to grow ZZ plant
Browse indoors pots and planters
5. Peace Lily
(Spathyphyllum spp.)
Peace lily, a favorite of both florists and indoor gardeners, gets its name from the white lily-like blooms that often appear in spring. It’s a no-fuss houseplant that features wide, oblong leaves that grow in an upright or slightly arching shape up to 3 feet tall.
Use it to fill an otherwise empty corner or as an accent. It prefers slightly darker conditions, so it’s a great choice for north- and east-facing rooms, especially bathrooms and bedrooms.
Care tips: Grow peace lily in moderate, filtered light or low light. If your plant doesn’t bloom, try moving it to a brighter location, but keep it out of direct sunlight. It also can do well with artificial or fluorescent light. Water weekly to keep the soil moist, but the plant will revive quickly with watering if the soil dries out. Make sure the soil drains well, as peace lily doesn’t like sitting in water.
See how to grow peace lily
(Spathyphyllum spp.)
Peace lily, a favorite of both florists and indoor gardeners, gets its name from the white lily-like blooms that often appear in spring. It’s a no-fuss houseplant that features wide, oblong leaves that grow in an upright or slightly arching shape up to 3 feet tall.
Use it to fill an otherwise empty corner or as an accent. It prefers slightly darker conditions, so it’s a great choice for north- and east-facing rooms, especially bathrooms and bedrooms.
Care tips: Grow peace lily in moderate, filtered light or low light. If your plant doesn’t bloom, try moving it to a brighter location, but keep it out of direct sunlight. It also can do well with artificial or fluorescent light. Water weekly to keep the soil moist, but the plant will revive quickly with watering if the soil dries out. Make sure the soil drains well, as peace lily doesn’t like sitting in water.
See how to grow peace lily
6. Snake Plant
(Dracaena trifasciata)
Snake plant is pretty indestructible. It can handle dim light, heat, a lack of water and even accidental uprooting.
The plant’s sculptural leaves work well with a variety of home design styles, but they are particularly suited to contemporary or modern spaces. The upright growth also makes this plant ideal for tucking into a tight corner. While it does best with some bright light, it can handle a darker spot.
Care tips: These plants are at their best in indirect to moderate light, but they can handle low light. Water thoroughly once the soil is dry, about twice a month from spring to fall and once a month in winter. Let the top 3 inches of the soil dry out before watering again.
See how to grow snake plant
8 Tips for Keeping Your Houseplants Healthy in Winter
(Dracaena trifasciata)
Snake plant is pretty indestructible. It can handle dim light, heat, a lack of water and even accidental uprooting.
The plant’s sculptural leaves work well with a variety of home design styles, but they are particularly suited to contemporary or modern spaces. The upright growth also makes this plant ideal for tucking into a tight corner. While it does best with some bright light, it can handle a darker spot.
Care tips: These plants are at their best in indirect to moderate light, but they can handle low light. Water thoroughly once the soil is dry, about twice a month from spring to fall and once a month in winter. Let the top 3 inches of the soil dry out before watering again.
See how to grow snake plant
8 Tips for Keeping Your Houseplants Healthy in Winter
7. Zebra Plant
Haworthiopsis attenuata (formerly Haworthia attenuata) and Haworthiopsis fasciata (formerly Haworthia fasciata)
Zebra plant may not be big, usually reaching only about 6 inches tall, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in style. The common name comes from the distinctive markings on the upright, rigid triangular leaves of both species. The slightly larger H. attenuata has raised bands of white along the edges of the leaves and white bumps on the inner leaf surface. H. fasciata lacks the bumps but has the raised white strips on the edges.
Use these small plants as beautiful accent pieces, such as on a coffee table, perched at the edge of a desk or paired with a mix of other favorite houseplants. You can also use them in a pot filled with other succulents.
Care tips: Place zebra plant in a spot that gets bright sunlight for most of the day but is not directly in the sun. Water from spring to fall once the soil dries out, taking care to keep the water away from the leaves. Wait to water until the leaves start to look wilted in winter. Feed with a diluted liquid fertilizer once a month from spring to fall.
See how to grow zebra plant
Haworthiopsis attenuata (formerly Haworthia attenuata) and Haworthiopsis fasciata (formerly Haworthia fasciata)
Zebra plant may not be big, usually reaching only about 6 inches tall, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in style. The common name comes from the distinctive markings on the upright, rigid triangular leaves of both species. The slightly larger H. attenuata has raised bands of white along the edges of the leaves and white bumps on the inner leaf surface. H. fasciata lacks the bumps but has the raised white strips on the edges.
Use these small plants as beautiful accent pieces, such as on a coffee table, perched at the edge of a desk or paired with a mix of other favorite houseplants. You can also use them in a pot filled with other succulents.
Care tips: Place zebra plant in a spot that gets bright sunlight for most of the day but is not directly in the sun. Water from spring to fall once the soil dries out, taking care to keep the water away from the leaves. Wait to water until the leaves start to look wilted in winter. Feed with a diluted liquid fertilizer once a month from spring to fall.
See how to grow zebra plant
8. Rubber Plant
(Ficus elastica)
This versatile, no-fuss member of the fig family can grace the top of a desk or side table when small and serve as a statement plant when large. (Depending on the variety, rubber plants can reach 6 to 16 feet tall.) The waxy leaves come in solid dark green or contain shades of yellow, gold, red and burgundy.
Use taller plants to anchor a corner of the living room, providing a dark, rich backdrop. Smaller potted plants make great desk toppers, where their burgundy-purple foliage can be appreciated up close.
Care tips: Grow in bright, indirect light. Water weekly from spring to fall, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings in winter.
Your Healthy Houseplant Checklist
(Ficus elastica)
This versatile, no-fuss member of the fig family can grace the top of a desk or side table when small and serve as a statement plant when large. (Depending on the variety, rubber plants can reach 6 to 16 feet tall.) The waxy leaves come in solid dark green or contain shades of yellow, gold, red and burgundy.
Use taller plants to anchor a corner of the living room, providing a dark, rich backdrop. Smaller potted plants make great desk toppers, where their burgundy-purple foliage can be appreciated up close.
Care tips: Grow in bright, indirect light. Water weekly from spring to fall, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings in winter.
Your Healthy Houseplant Checklist
9. Fiddleaf Fig
(Ficus lyrata)
If you want a statement-making houseplant, look no further than fiddleleaf fig. Though some find these trees to be a little fussier than the other plants on this list, their beauty and resilience more than earn them a spot.
These trees can grow as tall as 10 feet, although they often top out at about 6½ feet. They boast thick, violin-shape leaves, hence the common name, that cluster on top of a tall trunk.
Fiddleleaf figs add a wow factor to any room. Use one as a focal point or an accent piece in an otherwise empty corner or next to a chair or sofa. Matching plants will add a sense of symmetry. They do grow slowly, so invest in the largest plant you can if you want it to make a statement in the near future.
Care tips: Grow in bright, filtered light, turning the pot regularly for even growth. Water when the top inch of the soil is dry from spring to fall, dialing back slightly in winter. (Wilting leaves and color loss indicate too little water; leaf drop indicates too much and possibly root rot.) Feed regularly from spring to fall with a specialized fertilizer. Wipe down leaves regularly and watch for pests. Flush the plant periodically to remove any salt from the soil. Trim the top for a bushier plant. The plant may experience some leaf drop if you move it.
See how to grow fiddleleaf fig
(Ficus lyrata)
If you want a statement-making houseplant, look no further than fiddleleaf fig. Though some find these trees to be a little fussier than the other plants on this list, their beauty and resilience more than earn them a spot.
These trees can grow as tall as 10 feet, although they often top out at about 6½ feet. They boast thick, violin-shape leaves, hence the common name, that cluster on top of a tall trunk.
Fiddleleaf figs add a wow factor to any room. Use one as a focal point or an accent piece in an otherwise empty corner or next to a chair or sofa. Matching plants will add a sense of symmetry. They do grow slowly, so invest in the largest plant you can if you want it to make a statement in the near future.
Care tips: Grow in bright, filtered light, turning the pot regularly for even growth. Water when the top inch of the soil is dry from spring to fall, dialing back slightly in winter. (Wilting leaves and color loss indicate too little water; leaf drop indicates too much and possibly root rot.) Feed regularly from spring to fall with a specialized fertilizer. Wipe down leaves regularly and watch for pests. Flush the plant periodically to remove any salt from the soil. Trim the top for a bushier plant. The plant may experience some leaf drop if you move it.
See how to grow fiddleleaf fig
10. Spider Plant
(Chlorophytum comosum)
This once-ubiquitous houseplant may no longer be at the height of its popularity, but its easy care makes it worth considering for your home. Its slender arching leaves, which can be light green or striped, can reach 12 to 18 inches long. Better yet, the plant naturally produces offshoots, also known as babies or pups, that you can pot to give as gifts to family and friends or use to expand your own houseplant collection.
Spider plants look best where they can show off their trailing foliage and miniature offshoots, making them ideal for hanging baskets, ledges and windowsills. They like warm and humid conditions, making them ideal for kitchens and baths.
Care tips: Grow in medium to bright light. Water regularly once the soil starts to dry out from spring to fall; you can cut down some in winter. Fertilize regularly with a diluted mix.
More on Houzz
Read more guides to growing houseplants
Find a pro in your area
Shop for home decor
(Chlorophytum comosum)
This once-ubiquitous houseplant may no longer be at the height of its popularity, but its easy care makes it worth considering for your home. Its slender arching leaves, which can be light green or striped, can reach 12 to 18 inches long. Better yet, the plant naturally produces offshoots, also known as babies or pups, that you can pot to give as gifts to family and friends or use to expand your own houseplant collection.
Spider plants look best where they can show off their trailing foliage and miniature offshoots, making them ideal for hanging baskets, ledges and windowsills. They like warm and humid conditions, making them ideal for kitchens and baths.
Care tips: Grow in medium to bright light. Water regularly once the soil starts to dry out from spring to fall; you can cut down some in winter. Fertilize regularly with a diluted mix.
More on Houzz
Read more guides to growing houseplants
Find a pro in your area
Shop for home decor
(Epipremnum aureum)
If you’re new to growing indoor plants or you fear you have an incurable black thumb, build your houseplant confidence with a pothos. It grows quickly and can handle some neglect. Its glossy leaves are solid green or variegated, adding a subtle glow to any room.
To make an impact, let the leaves trail over the edge of a pot or cascade down a wall. Pinch the plant back periodically to maintain a full, leafy shape. And while pothos generally prefers some indirect light, plants with plain leaves can tolerate lower light levels and even artificial light.
Care tips: Grow in bright to moderate indirect sunlight for the best results, although pothos also can thrive in low light and artificial light. Water thoroughly, then wait until the soil has dried out before watering again. Pothos usually does fine without fertilizer.
See how to grow pothos
Find a pro for your project on Houzz