8 Best Houseplants for Beginners (That You Won’t Kill)

Discover the 8 best houseplants for beginners that are low-maintenance, hard to kill, and perfect for adding life to your home. Easy care tips + plant recs included!

Let’s be honest—houseplants are having a moment. And it’s easy to see why. They clean the air, add life and texture to your space, and honestly, there’s nothing quite like watching something grow because of you. I love how well they complement a minimalist decorating style too.

But if you’re new to the plant world, it can feel a little overwhelming. What if it dies? What if you forget to water it? What if it turns yellow and you panic and drown it trying to fix it?

I’ve been there. So today I’m breaking down the best common houseplants for beginners—plants that are actually hard to kill, even if you don’t have the greenest thumb (yet). These are the plants I’ve had the most success with, along with easy care tips based on my own trial and error.

Basics of Houseplant Care (For the Total Beginner)

If you’re just getting started, here’s what you need to know:

• Drainage is everything. Make sure your pots have drainage holes. Sitting water = root rot = a sad, soggy plant.
• Sunlight matters more than you think. Even “low light” plants still need light—think of them as not full sun rather than zero sun.
• Most people overwater. Only water when the soil is dry a few inches down. When in doubt, wait a day.
• Bright, indirect light is the sweet spot for most beginner-friendly plants.

Once you get a handle on those basics, you’ll be confidently adding a plant to your cart every time you run to Target.

The Best Houseplants for Beginners

These are my tried-and-true favorites. I’ll share where they live in my home, how I care for them, and why they’ve earned a permanent spot in my plant lineup.

1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

The MVP of beginner houseplants. I currently have four of these (and counting). They come in tons of varieties, and I’ve put them in everything from bookshelves to empty corners.

Care tips:

• Water: Twice a month or less
• Light: Low to bright indirect
• Survives: Total neglect

It adds height, structure, and cool texture to any space. Grab a small one for your desk or a tall one to fill that awkward corner in your living room. Find your first snake plant here.

2. Jade Plant

This low-maintenance succulent thrives on sunlight and minimal attention. I keep mine in a hanging planter all summer and bring it indoors in fall—it’s thriving.

Care tips:

• Water: Every 2 weeks
• Light: Bright, direct
• Pro tip: Outdoor summers = massive growth

Just keep it near a window for maximum sun. It looks great on a kitchen counter or dining room table. Shop jade plants here.

3. Aloe Vera

A classic for a reason—and not just for sunburns. My aloe lives in a sunny kitchen window and has grown like crazy.

Care tips:

• Water: Every 2 weeks
• Light: Bright light
• Bonus: Fast-growing + useful

It may droop a little at first, but give it time. And don’t overwater if it looks sad—it might just be adjusting. I usually give mine a dose of liquid fertilizer (like this one) early on to jumpstart growth. Check out this aloe plant starter kit.

4. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

This is the ultimate confidence booster. It grows fast, can trail beautifully off a shelf, and even tells you when it’s thirsty (the leaves droop a bit—so helpful!).

Care tips:

• Water: Weekly or when leaves droop
• Light: Low to medium light
• Bonus: So easy to propagate!

My favorite thing to do is let them grow “taller” than me, then trim it to make new plants. You just snip off a vine and start a whole new plant in water. I have them in spots where other plants would struggle. Here’s a great pothos starter.

5. Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)

This one has earned my deepest respect. It has survived it all—storms, toddlers, being forgotten… and it’s still going strong.

Care tips:

• Water: Weekly
• Light: Bright indirect
• Legend: 6 leaves = good fortune

If you want a plant with personality and a little symbolism, this one’s for you. Here’s a braided money tree you’ll love.

Interested in other money plants? Try the pilea, also referred to as the Chinese Money Plant.

6. Prickly Pear Cactus

If you want a plant you can forget about for weeks, this is it. A friend gave me clippings and they rooted right away. I love how sculptural and quirky it looks.

Care tips:

• Water: Monthly
• Light: Direct sun
• Bonus: So fun to share with friends!

Stick a pad in soil, give it sun, and wait for it to take off. Get your own prickly pear starter here.

7. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)

Okay, this one gets a bad rep, but mine has been shockingly chill. I ordered it online (yes, really!) and it’s still alive and sprouting new leaves.

Care tips:

• Water: Weekly or when soil feels dry 2″ down
• Light: Bright indirect
• Impact: Major style points

It’s bold and sculptural—perfect for that “I have my life together” corner of your living room. Find your own fiddle leaf fig here.

8. Faux Snake Plant

Let’s be real. Sometimes you just don’t have the time or lighting to keep a plant alive. That’s where fake plants save the day. This realistic faux snake plant is my top pick—and it in dark corners without judgement.

IKEA also has surprisingly good options for artificial plants, and local nurseries often carry some too. They’re perfect for low-light spots or if you’re just not ready for the real thing.

Where to Buy Houseplants

I’ve had the best luck at:

• Local nurseries (bonus: knowledgeable staff!)
• IKEA (great prices + good beginner options)
• Home Depot & Lowe’s (just check for pests first!)
• Amazon (believe it or not, I’ve had great experiences!)

Here’s my favorite Amazon shop for houseplants.

If you’re new to houseplants, just start with one or two. Pick a spot in your home with the right light, get a pot with good drainage, and don’t overthink it. Watching something thrive under your care is such a good feeling—and trust me, if I can do it, you can do it.

Keep Reading:

• 5 Reasons You Can’t Keep Houseplants Alive
• The Complete Houseplant Guide for Beginners
• Why You Need a Plant in Every Room

And if you found this helpful, be sure to pin it for later!