Spring is almost upon us, and that usually brings out the inner gardener in many of us. But there are many houseplants you can use to brighten up your space all year long that are perfect even for beginners.
If you’re new to plant life or simply struggle to keep anything green alive, all hope isn’t lost! There are plenty of resilient varieties where you can goof up and still have a thriving plant as long as you give it some care.
So what are these hardy varieties? Here are some expert-recommended options for beginners.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The spider plant is one of the easiest to maintain, and it looks really cool whether you set it on top of a table or hang it in a planter in a window. It has long, slender leaves and grows to be approximately one to two feet tall, making it ideal for small spaces, too.
One of the reasons this plant is at the top of the list is because it’s simply not picky at all. It thrives in full, little, or no light, and as long as you water it occasionally, you’ll have at least one houseplant you can put in the win column. It propagates easily, so once you have its care figured out, you can grow as many as you want.
Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata)
If you want something a little more dramatic—in looks, not care—the dragon tree is sure to spark up a conversation or two. It tends to grow tall, around six feet, with thick, pointy leaves and woody stems.
The dragon tree is said to be nearly indestructible given that it’s drought-tolerant, so if you forget to water it, it’ll be okay. It also thrives in most lighting conditions. However, if you have pets, take care with this plant, because it’s toxic to cats and dogs.
Fishbone Cactus (Disocactus anguliger)
The fishbone cactus, also known as a zig-zag cactus, is a very unique-looking plant. Like most cacti, its water needs are on the low side, so it can go days without hydration, but if the top two inches of soil are dry, it’s time to give it a drink.
The fishbone cactus also doesn’t need a lot of sun like most of its counterparts. It does well in humid conditions and if you would like to see it bloom, just expose it to cooler temperatures—around 50 to 60 degrees—for a short term. It typically grows up to six inches tall and as much as three feet long.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is another succulent that is easy to care for and pretty tolerant to drought conditions. Even if you see the plant start to droop, watering can give it a much-needed boost, and it’ll often bounce back quickly.
This plant doesn’t need a ton of light, but some direct sunlight helps it thrive. It does, however, need well-draining soil. Aloe will grow up to three feet tall and a foot wide. It’s also toxic to cats and dogs, so pet owners beware.
Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa)
This stunning, thick-leaved plant can add a big pop of greenery to your home. While it’s a little pickier than the plants we’ve mentioned before, it’s still relatively easy to care for. You’ll need to keep the soil moist for the Monstera to continue to thrive and a support structure to keep it growing upright. In good conditions, it can grow up to 15 feet tall and 8 feet wide, so you’ll want plenty of space.
The leaves on this beauty are unique in that they develop fenestrations (holes), making it look like it’s been munched on, but that’s just the design. This plant is toxic to both humans and pets, so keep children and your furry friends away.
Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
Bamboo is said to be a lucky charm for many, and the good thing it’s incredibly easy to grow, too. In fact, they’re pretty hard to kill. The plant grows up to five feet tall and two feet wide inside, but outside, they can grow much, much taller.
Bamboo needs a lot of water, but even if you forget, it likely won’t suffer much. Not enough that you’ll notice anyway. Many have even thrived in low-light conditions. Just keep it away from pets as it’s toxic to them.
Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum raddianum)
Ferns add a certain elegance to a home. There’s just something about a plant with beautifully drooping leaves. Maidenhair ferns are especially easy to care for, especially if you live in a small space. They’re pretty compact in size, growing only one to two feet wide and tall.
This variety has small, fan-shaped leaves that add a wispiness to them, but they are pretty tough. You’ll want to keep your maidenhairs in a humid environment and keep their soil pretty moist.
Pothos, Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos tend to be a staple in homes. They’re stunning plants and so easy to care for that even a novice can successfully tend to one. There are a number of varieties available, such as the Marble Queen, which has white flecks on the leaves, and Satin Pothos, which has silver splashes.
These plants don’t need a ton of water, but if you notice curling leaves, they’re thirsty. They should have access to medium or bright indirect sunlight. These cascading plants can grow several feet long and several inches wide. All varieties are toxic to pets, so keep them out of reach.
Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)
You can’t make much more of a statement than with a Bird of paradise plant. These beauties are extremely forgiving in terms of care, but they do need full or partial light to thrive. You’ll also need to regularly water the plant, but allow the soil to dry out almost completely first.
The bird of paradise grows up to around six feet tall and four feet wide and has a bold, towering presence that will brighten up any room.
Philodendron
Philodendrons are larger plants with cascading leaves that create a focal point in a room. They’re simple to care for, only needing water when the top inch of soil has dried out. They should also have access to a humid climate, but not too much direct sunlight, which can damage the plant.
These plants can grow up to six feet tall and three feet wide, so you’ll need a bit of space. Keep them away from children and pets, as they are toxic to both humans and pets.
Cast Iron Plant
If you need any more indication that this plant is tough, the name gives it all away. Low light? Totally fine. Inconsistent watering? No problem. The cast iron plant will still continue thriving all on its own. It does need some light, but avoid direct light, which can burn the plant.
It’s a pretty plant with thick, glossy green leaves that tend to droop slightly as the plant grows. It reaches heights of two to three feet tall and can be as big as two feet wide.
Classic Jade (Crassula ovata)
Jade is another succulent on our list and like bamboo, is thought to bring good luck to homes. The plant’s structure is pretty unique, with oval leaves and woody stems. It doesn’t need a lot of care; in fact, you can almost forget about it for the most part.
As far as its watering requirements, you should make sure the soil is moist but not soggy and ensure it’s in a well-draining pot. It’ll need more care in the spring and summer months. It’s also toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach.
Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
If you want a plant with decorative foliage that draws your attention, the prayer plant is one variety you’ll have to try hard to kill. The dark green leaves have pink veins that pop. It does need indirect light and a bit of watering, but other than that, it’s pretty easy to care.
This plant does well in a pot, and since it only grows approximately 6 to 12 inches tall and wide, you won’t need to find significant space for it.
