Find the perfect houseplant for you by answering a few questions
Here are my top six beginner-friendly houseplants that thrive in bright, indirect sunlight.
The Pothos, also known as Devil's Ivy, is a plant characterized by its vining nature and heart-shaped leaves. The leaves are typically variegated with yellow or white splotches, adding a splash of color to any indoor space. The plant can trail, climb, or hang, depending on how it's trained or supported.
Pothos is native to the Solomon Islands, but it has since been naturalized in many tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Interestingly, this plant is known for its resilience, and it can even grow in water alone, making it a popular choice for both soil and water-based displays.
This plant is perfect for beginners because it's incredibly forgiving. It tolerates a wide range of light conditions, though it thrives best in bright, indirect light. Pothos can withstand occasional neglect, including under or overwatering. However, it's best to let the soil dry out a bit between waterings to prevent root rot.
The Snake Plant, often known as the Mother-in-Law's Tongue, is an evergreen perennial plant. Its sword-like, upright leaves are its distinctive feature. Depending on the variety, the leaves might be green, silver-gray, or variegated with yellow or white stripes.
Native to West Africa, from Nigeria to the Congo, Snake Plants are used traditionally for many purposes, including fiber production and as a protective charm against evil spirits. One unique fact about this plant is that NASA's Clean Air Study found it to be one of the top air-purifying plants.
The Snake Plant is a good choice for beginners due to its hardiness. It can tolerate a wide range of light conditions, from low light to bright, indirect light. It's also drought-resistant, meaning it doesn't mind if you forget to water it occasionally. Generally, it's better to underwater than overwater these plants, as they are susceptible to root rot if the soil is kept too moist.
The Spider Plant is a classic houseplant, known for its arching, strap-like leaves that are green with white or yellow margins. It's often grown in hanging baskets to show off its cascading baby spiderettes. When mature enough, the plant produces small, white flowers on long stems.
Originally from tropical and southern Africa, Spider Plants have become popular worldwide due to their adaptability. They are named for their spider-like plantlets, which dangle from the mother plant like spiders on a web.
Spider Plants are perfect for beginners because they're hardy and easy to propagate. They can survive in a variety of light conditions but prefer bright, indirect light. As for watering, they prefer to dry out some between watering, so wait until the top inch of soil is dry before giving them a drink.
The Peace Lily is an elegant plant known for its lush, glossy green leaves and unique white flowers, which are called spathes. These spathes enclose a spadix that bears tiny flowers. The plant usually grows up to 16 inches tall, but some varieties can reach up to 6 feet.
Native to the rainforests of Central and South America, Peace Lilies are not actually lilies but are part of the Araceae family. They're known to be great air purifiers, removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from the indoor environment.
Peace Lilies are suitable for beginners as they're pretty low-maintenance. They prefer bright, indirect light but can also tolerate low light conditions. They like moist soil, but overwatering can cause their leaves to yellow. If you notice the plant wilting, that's a clear sign it needs water.
Philodendrons come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but they're most commonly known for their large, often heart-shaped leaves. The leaves can be solid green or variegated with yellow, white, or even pink. Some varieties grow in a vining manner, while others grow upright.
These plants are native to the rainforests of South America. The name "Philodendron" actually means "tree lover" in Greek, which is fitting given many of these species are epiphytic and grow upon other plants in their natural habitats.
Philodendrons are a fantastic choice for beginners because they're resilient and tolerate a wide range of conditions. They prefer bright, indirect light, but they can also handle lower light levels. Overwatering is a common mistake, so let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings.
Monstera deliciosa is a stunning plant known for its large, glossy green leaves with distinctive holes or splits, hence the nickname Swiss Cheese Plant. The plant can grow very tall, especially if provided with a moss pole or support to climb.
Native to the tropical forests of southern Mexico, south to Panama, Monstera deliciosa is named for its fruit, which is said to taste like a combination of bananas, pineapples, and other tropical fruits. In its native habitat, it's not uncommon for the plant to reach up to 30 feet high.
Monstera is a great choice for beginners because, despite its tropical appearance, it's quite hardy and tolerant. It loves bright, indirect light and high humidity but can adapt to lower light conditions. Watering should be done when the top inch or so of the soil feels dry, and the plant will appreciate occasional misting to mimic its natural, humid environment.
Find the perfect houseplant for you by answering a few questions