7 Nearly Indestructible Houseplants Perfect for Newbies, Recommended by Experts

Stepping lightly into the realm of indoor gardening can be both thrilling and daunting. Even though certain plants might attract you, they could turn out to not be ideal choices. beginner green thumbs Or they might bring along an extensive set of care needs that aren’t compatible with what your home can provide.

Avoid moving in another direction; we’ve consulted with two plant specialists who offer wise counsel on the most durable options for beginners—plants that can endure occasional overwatering or thrive despite less-than-perfect light conditions. With these selections and proper care, you’ll soon become a self-assured green thumb.

Meet the Experts

• Tammy Sons The founder and CEO of TN Nursery, which has been operating within the nursery sector for more than six decades, leads this enterprise.
• Tom Knight is a flora specialist, a fellow of the Royal Horticultural Society, and the creator of ourhouseplants.com.

Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen)

If you appreciate the appearance of a peace lily, consider a Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen) instead. According to plant expert Tom Knight, this species is ideal for novices, and currently, there are numerous additional varieties available compared to before.

" Aglaonema Will tolerate poor lighting conditions and maintain their leaf variegation, and they can also handle occasional underwatering and overall neglect," he states. "These plants are ideal for nearly every household.

You can discover these plants in even more vibrant hues, making them an excellent choice for adding extra liveliness to your home environment.

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ZZ Plants

A number of plants consistently recommended by nursery owner and plant specialist Tammy Sons for novices include pothos, snake plants, and others. Zanzibar Gems These, commonly referred to as ZZ plants, add a vibrant touch of green color and texture to your space and are quite easy to maintain.

She mentions, "They are incredibly forgiving plants, capable of thriving even in dim conditions with minimal water requirements, making them ideal for beginners venturing into indoor gardening."

As long as you maintain a distance between these plants and drafty locations and guarantee proper drainage, it becomes difficult to go wrong. not keep them alive.

Dust for Best Leaves

The attractive foliage of ZZ plants adds a glossy element to any space they occupy. Nonetheless, these leaves may accumulate dust over time. You can maintain their appearance by delicately cleaning their leaves with a soft, damp cloth.

Marimo Moss Balls

If you tend to overwater or frequently fret about whether your plants are getting enough moisture, Knight recommends switching to an easier aquatic option like marimo moss balls. These aren’t true moss but rather a form of algae that thrives when kept submerged in water within a container.

Knight points out that for their success indoors, they simply require protection from high heat and sunlight. They thrive even in dimmer conditions and are among the rare houseplants capable of flourishing in cooler areas within your home.

Their needs are straightforward: simply replace their water every three to four weeks. Since they grow at a snail's pace, there’s no need to fret over increasing the container size or doing any trimming.

Reshape Your Moss Balls

If you notice your moss balls appearing somewhat uneven, don’t worry. According to Knight, simply rotate them gently between your fingertips. This helps reshape them so they can keep thriving in their aquatic environment.

Rubber Plant

It can be challenging to resist the allure of a fiddle leaf fig’s towering stature and large leaves. However, these plants have quite a reputation for being difficult for new owners, which begs the question: Why take the risk when you could choose a plant that is less stressful for novices yet still equally attractive?

"Sons suggests opting for a rubber plant instead of a fiddle leaf fig, which can be quite demanding,” he explains. “Rubber plants are significantly simpler to maintain yet provide an equally lush appearance.”

Rubber plants have the potential to reach heights of 10 feet and boast big, glossy, deep green foliage. Varieties of this plant are also available. types of rubber plants , including some with multicolored, deep red, or golden leaves.

Aspidistra (Cast Iron Plant)

Don't let the beautiful green foliage deceive you. Aspidistra , also referred to as the cast iron plant It possesses a firm determination—much as its title implies.

Knight explains, "This is an extremely outdated houseplant, yet it remains popular for a compelling reason—it’s nearly impossible to kill. Ideal for novices, these plants can thrive even in minimal lighting conditions and survive for over a month without watering."

The more care you provide, the better these plants will thrive. Knight suggests offering them medium to bright indirect sunlight along with ample watering once their soil has completely dried out. Additionally, this plant appears most attractive when dusted occasionally.

Boston Fern

It has a playful charm to have ferns that typically grow in forests thriving inside your house. With numerous varieties available, not all might be ideal for beginners. However, certain types stand out as better suited when you're just starting to care for these feathery companions.

"If you have a passion for ferns, consider giving Boston fern A shot with maidenhair," states Sons. "This plant is more durable when faced with sporadic care. By substituting delicate flora for tougher varieties, your initial experience with gardening can be much more enjoyable.

Help Your Ferns Thrive

Providing sufficient moisture, selecting appropriate soil, and ensuring the substrate remains damp are several useful tips for ensuring your ferns thrive And providing them with the most favorable setting within your dwelling.

Snake Plant

When searching for user-friendly plants, another commonly suggested option is the traditional snake plant. Even though you may be drawn to the well-known mother-in-law’s tongue, Knight advises considering your decision carefully before making this selection.

There are significantly more than 30 various types of snake plants Sold as houseplants with notably distinct appearances and growth patterns," explains Knight. "By choosing a varied type, you can enjoy their low-maintenance qualities alongside something more unusual, adding an extra-special touch to your initial houseplant experience.

Consider this your cue to get creative while searching for this robust plant ideal for beginners. Options such as a whale fin or Hahnii variety might serve as superior choices.

Read the initial article on The Spruce