10 Easy and Low Maintenance Plants for your Home

I’ve always thought that plants make a home. They bring personality, life, and a calm quality to a room, and let’s face it, they look great! They’re also a great accessory for when you don’t know what to do with a space or corner in a room and can be beneficial to our health.

Low maintenance plants have many benefits including the ability to purify the air by absorbing toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene, adding beauty and vibrancy to a space and can even help with enhanced focus and productivity. 

Low Maintenance Plants

There are a huge number of low maintenance indoor plants to choose from, it can feel a bit overwhelming if you do not know what house plants are easy to keep.

Plants can add color, pattern, and life to a cold dark corner and many plants can help purify the air. This can help us sleep at night a great cleanser to all the pollutants and dust from everyday life.

A lot of people tell me that they’ve never had a plant in their house and the main reasons are –

• They don’t know how to look after them
• They’re not green-fingered and often kill them
• They don’t know what plants are easy to keep
• They attract spiders or insects (they don’t. No more than any other item in your home)

I can assure you that I am not a plant expert in any shape or form. But somehow, I’ve managed to keep them alive and I’ve gone from having 3 plants when I moved into our house, to around 40 and counting!

Which House Plants Are Easy? 

The factors that contribute to certain plants being easy to care for often come down to their basic needs and how they align with typical indoor environments. Here’s an overview of some of these factors:

• Some plants are adapted to arid environments and require less frequent watering.
• Not all plants need bright, direct sunlight. Many thrive in low to medium-light conditions, making them suitable for rooms with fewer windows or less natural light.
• Plants like the Snake Plant or ZZ Plant are known for their ability to thrive in lower light conditions.
• Some plants are naturally more resistant to common pests and diseases, requiring less intervention with pesticides or other treatments.
• Many low maintenance plants can adapt to a wide range of indoor temperatures and humidity levels.
• Plants that grow slowly may require less frequent repotting, pruning, or other maintenance.
• Some plants are less particular about the type of soil they need, allowing for more flexibility in choosing or changing potting mixtures.

Understanding these factors can make choosing and caring for indoor plants much more approachable, especially for those who are looking to buy house plants for beginners or with busy lifestyles.

Selecting plants that align with your home’s light, temperature, and humidity conditions, as well as your ability to provide regular care, can lead to a more successful and enjoyable indoor gardening experience.

10 House Plants for Beginners

1. Peace Lily

An easy and low maintenance indoor plant has to be the Peace Lily. They consist of dark green leaves and white “flowers” (although they look like flowers, they are actually white leaves).

I find this plant the easiest to look after as it will tell you when it needs watering, no joke! They are far more tolerant of under-watering than over-watering, so you shouldn’t water on a schedule.

In fact, I wait until the leaves start to droop before I water which is a great reminder! It also helps remind me that I need to water the other 39 plants in my home too!

Care Instructions:

• Light: Peace Lilies prefer bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light conditions. Too much direct sunlight can cause leaf scorching.
• Water: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry or when the plant starts to droop slightly. Peace Lilies prefer consistently moist soil but are forgiving if occasionally underwatered.
• Soil: Use well-draining, peat-based potting mix.
• Humidity: They appreciate higher humidity but can tolerate average indoor levels. Mist the leaves or use a humidity tray if your home is particularly dry.
• Fertilization: Feed with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer every 6-8 weeks during the growing season.
• Pruning: Remove dead or yellowing leaves to maintain appearance.
• Repotting: Repot every 1-2 years or when roots become crowded.

The Peace Lily is an attractive, low maintenance plant that offers both aesthetic and practical benefits. Its ability to thrive in various conditions and its air-purifying qualities make it a favored choice for many indoor gardeners.

Buy Peace Lily here

2. Spider Plant

Another fabulously low maintenance plant, I absolutely love spider plants. My first plant came from my Mum in the form of a “baby” from one of her plants and it’s grown into a bit of a beast! They are very robust and can take a lot of abuse, which is great for any newbie indoor plant enthusiast.

They like a light room but prefer cooler temperatures. As the light increases over the spring months, they can flower and produce babies (or spiderettes!) which makes it easy to propagate more plants.

I currently have 5 in my house and that number is growing! If you are looking for the perfect low maintenance plant, look no further than a spider plant.

Care Instructions:

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light conditions. Direct sunlight may bleach the leaves.
• Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry, usually about once a week. Reduce watering in the winter. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
• Soil: Well-draining, all-purpose potting mix works well.
• Humidity: Average indoor humidity is typically sufficient.
• Fertilization: Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season.
• Pruning: Trim off brown tips or remove dead leaves as needed.
• Repotting: Repot when roots become crowded, usually every other year.

Buy Spider plant here

3. Swiss Cheese Plant

Another one of my favorite low maintenance house plants, the swiss cheese plant has wonderfully tropical-shaped leaves and can grow up to 10 feet tall, if you look after it properly! So make sure you have room for it…

While it’s rare indoors, the plant can produce cream-colored flowers that resemble a hood surrounding a spike.

Care Instructions:

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, while too little light can cause the leaves to lack their characteristic holes.
• Water: Water when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry. Avoid letting the soil become soggy, as this can lead to root rot.
• Soil: Use well-draining, peat-based potting mix.
• Humidity: Enjoys high humidity but can tolerate typical indoor levels. If leaves appear dry, mist them or place a humidifier nearby.
• Fertilization: Feed with a balanced, liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
• Pruning: Trim any dead or damaged leaves as needed. You can also prune for size if it becomes too large for your space.
• Repotting: Repot every 1-2 years or when roots become crowded.
• Support: As the plant grows, it may need support such as a moss pole or trellis to help with vertical growth.

Buy Swiss Cheese plant here 

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4. Areca Palm

These are quite expensive plants, so a lot of people purchase them when they are small and watch them grow to over 7 feet! I bought one that was just over 3 feet and has grown considerably since then.

I love the tropical and botanical feel these plants give and look resplendent in any room. They are a fabulous addition to any home and an easy house plant for beginners.

They need bright, indirect light (the leaves will start to brown if you put them in the sun) so place them in a bright room away from a window. They also like to stay slightly damp so water them enough that the soil stays damp in the spring/ summer months and slightly drier in the cooler months.

Care Instructions:

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause the leaves to yellow and dry.
• Water: Keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
• Soil: A well-draining, slightly acidic soil mix with organic matter works best.
• Humidity: Enjoys high humidity. Mist the leaves or place a humidifier nearby if your home is dry.
• Fertilization: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer every 2-3 months during the growing season.
• Pruning: Trim dead or yellowing fronds at the base to keep the plant looking its best.
• Repotting: Repot every 2-3 years, or when the roots become crowded.
• Temperature: Prefers temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C). Avoid drafts and sudden temperature changes.

Buy Areca Palm here 

5. Snake Plant or Mother-In-Law’s Tongue

This is a hugely tolerant plant, so one of the best house plants for beginners. It is a slow grower and very good at being forgotten about.

They can thrive in low light and drought, but you will be rewarded if you look after them. Snake plants are also very easy to propagate.

You can reproduce from cuttings instead of purchasing a new plant. Just don’t put them in direct sunlight and water them just enough so that the soil becomes dry in between. In return, they will help keep the air in your home clean and remove toxins!

Care Instructions:

• Light: Adaptable to various light conditions, from low light to bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can bleach the leaves.
• Water: Allow the soil to dry completely between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s better to err on the side of under-watering.
• Soil: Well-draining, sandy soil works best. A cactus or succulent mix is often recommended.
• Humidity: Prefers low to average indoor humidity. No need to mist.
• Fertilization: Fertilize sparingly, using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer only a few times during the growing season.
• Pruning: Remove dead or damaged leaves as needed.
• Repotting: Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound.
• Temperature: Thrives in temperatures between 60-80°F (16-27°C).

Buy Snake Plant here

6. Dragon tree houseplant

The newest addition to our household is another palm-like plant that gives a tropical feel to a room. The dragon tree can also grow up to 6 feet tall, but you can trim the top off if it gets out of control.

It loves average room conditions, not too hot, not too cold and as with most plants, out of direct sunlight. Just do not overwater as this can cause the roots to rot.

Care Instructions:

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Too little light can cause the leaves to lose their vibrant coloration, while direct sunlight may scorch them.
• Water: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Be cautious of overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
• Soil: Well-draining, sandy soil with a bit of peat is ideal. Consider a potting mix designed for cacti or succulents.
• Humidity: Average indoor humidity is usually sufficient, but you can mist the leaves if they appear dry.
• Fertilization: Fertilize with a balanced, liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
• Pruning: Prune to shape or encourage branching. Cut just above a node where you want new growth to appear.
• Repotting: Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound.
• Temperature: Thrives in temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Keep away from drafts and sudden temperature changes.

Buy Dragon Tree houseplant here

7. Calathea Mix (Zebra plant)

I have found this the hardest plant to look after amongst my many low maintenance indoor plants, but it has to be my favorite! I love the “zebra” texture of the leaves and the fact that the leaves are almost a red/brown color underneath.

When we first put this plant in our bedroom, we kept hearing “shuffling” noises (well, I did. Mr. B was snoring his head off as usual) and I realized it was the Calathea moving its leaves at night.

The plant needs water, but the water needs to be able to drain so as not to cause root rot. If there is a lack of water, the plant leaves will begin to curl. It is really good at telling you when it needs watering! Calathea also likes high humidity and low light, especially in winter. So make sure you have a mister to hand to keep it looking healthy!

Care Instructions:

• Light: Prefers indirect, medium to low light. Bright, direct sunlight can fade or scorch the leaves.
• Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Use distilled, rain, or filtered water, as calatheas are sensitive to minerals and fluoride in tap water.
• Soil: Use a well-draining, peat-based potting mix. Ensure good aeration to prevent root rot.
• Humidity: High humidity is ideal. Regularly misting, using a humidifier, or placing the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water can help maintain humidity.
• Fertilization: Fertilize with a balanced, liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
• Pruning: Trim any yellow or brown leaves to keep the plant looking fresh and to encourage new growth.
• Repotting: Repot every 1-2 years or when the plant becomes root-bound.
• Temperature: Prefers temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Avoid drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations.

Buy Calathea here

8. ZZ Plant

The ZZ Plant is an increasingly popular low maintenance house plant, hailed for its sleek and modern appearance combined with an incredible resilience to less-than-ideal conditions. Its glossy, dark green leaves offer a refreshing touch of nature to homes and offices alike.

I love how this plant reinvents itself. After a bit of neglect (it was in a room we rarely used and so didn’t get much light or water), I moved it into our kitchen and it has absolutely thrived. The leaves are dark and glossy and they sit well with our kitchen decor. 

Care Instructions:

• Light: Adaptable to various light conditions, from low light to bright, indirect sunlight. However, prolonged direct sunlight can cause leaf burn.
• Water: Water sparingly. The ZZ Plant is drought-tolerant and prefers to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
• Soil: A well-draining potting mix is essential. Consider using a cactus or succulent soil mix to ensure proper drainage.
• Humidity: The ZZ Plant is not particular about humidity and can tolerate the average indoor humidity levels of most homes.
• Fertilization: Feed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 months during the growing season. Over-fertilization is not necessary.
• Pruning: Prune any yellow or damaged leaves to keep the plant looking its best.
• Repotting: Repotting is rarely needed due to its slow growth. However, if the roots become crowded or the soil appears exhausted, repotting can be done every 2-3 years.
• Temperature: Prefers temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C).

Buy ZZ Plant here 

9. Philodendron

Philodendrons are among the most popular and easy low maintenance indoor plants. With their vibrant green foliage and versatility in appearance — ranging from trailing vines to large-leafed plants — they’ve been a beloved choice for households and offices for decades.

I have several in my house and love their heart-shaped leaves and trailing vines. I currently have 3 growing around my kitchen and they really help blur the line between our kitchen and garden!

I have found that they are really hardy plants, I tend to put them up high so that they can grow around the tops of windows and doors and this means I often forget to water them. However, just by pruning the brown leaves, it always comes back greener and thicker than before!

Care Instructions:

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but is adaptable to lower light conditions. Direct sunlight can burn the leaves.
• Water: Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Water less in the winter months when the plant’s growth slows down.
• Soil: A well-draining potting mix, such as a peat-based mix, is ideal.
• Humidity: While they can tolerate average indoor humidity, they thrive in higher humidity. Consider misting or using a humidifier if in a dry environment.
• Fertilization: Feed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 6-8 weeks during the growing season.
• Pruning: For vining types, prune to control size and promote bushiness. For non-vining types, remove yellow or damaged leaves.
• Repotting: Repot when the plant becomes root-bound or the soil appears exhausted, typically every 2-3 years.
• Temperature: Thrives in temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Protect from drafts and sudden temperature changes.

Buy Philodendron here

10. Devil’s Ivy

Also called pothos, Devil’s Ivy is not too dissimilar to the philodendron with trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves. Commonly, the leaves are green with yellow or white streaks, but there are many variegated types.

I have trained mine to grow around our gallery wall and even though I often forget to water it, it keeps growing with a vengeance. This is such an easy and low maintencance plant and is one of the best house plants for beginners. 

Care Instructions:

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but is highly adaptable and can tolerate low light conditions. Direct sunlight can bleach its leaves.
• Water: Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. Avoid letting the plant sit in water as this can lead to root rot.
• Soil: A well-draining potting mix is ideal. Ensure the pot has drainage holes.
• Humidity: Average household humidity is sufficient, but it can also tolerate higher humidity.
• Fertilization: Feed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-3 months during the growing season.
• Pruning: Regularly prune to control the size and encourage fuller growth. Cut just below a node (where a leaf joins the stem) to propagate or shape.
• Repotting: Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound.
• Temperature: Ideal temperatures range between 60-80°F (15-27°C)

Buy Pothos here

I have found whilst caring for my plants that it is all trial and error. The plants in my house get moved around often and I find that some will prefer certain rooms to others.

I try to stick to a routine of watering them the same day every week (so as not to forget), but I always check how damp the soil is first to make sure I’m not overwatering them. But the best advice? Always keep them out of direct sunlight!

Bringing the Outside In

And finally, if I haven’t convinced you to go out and buy a few low maintenance plants today, you can always introduce the outside into your decor.

We are lucky enough to have bifold doors in our kitchen and on a sunny day, there’s nothing better than opening the doors and letting the garden become an extension of the kitchen.

It feels very homely and calming and has become more of a “garden” room than a kitchen. I love biophilic design, so the kitchen has plenty of natural light from the bi-folds, floor-to-ceiling window, and a large skylight.

The back extension wall has brick slips with wooden flooring and plenty of indoor plants.

I don’t think you have to be green-fingered to look after plants. Start with the low maintenance indoor plants, such as spider plants and peace lilies, and see how you get on.

To give your house that true “bringing the outside in” feeling, find natural colors (green obviously being my favorite) and let as much light in as possible.

Where to Buy Low Maintenance House Plants

The best place to buy low maintenance house plants is in your local garden centers or nurseries. Google “nurseries near me” to find a list of the closest ones in your area. 

However, sometimes I find that nurseries can be more expensive and I tend to buy them from supermarkets, and charity shops and ask friends and families to propagate plants for me.

Propagating is easy, you can find more information in my “best plants to grow in water” article.

You can also purchase low maintenance plants online from online sellers or Amazon. Purchasing low maintenance indoor plants online has become increasingly popular due to the convenience and variety it offers.

However, to ensure a positive experience, it’s essential to take certain precautions.

• Check customer reviews and ratings. Look for consistent positive feedback over time.
• Find out how long the nursery or retailer has been in business. Established sellers are usually more reliable.
• Check if the seller offers a satisfaction guarantee or policy for damaged plants upon arrival.
• Some sellers might offer refunds, replacements, or credits for plants that don’t survive transit.
• Look for sellers that ship plants in a way that minimizes damage, such as securing the soil and protecting the foliage.
• Consider the time of year. Extreme temperatures, either hot or cold, can impact a plant during shipping. Some sellers offer heat packs or cold packs to help mitigate this.

If you’ve ever hesitated about introducing low maintenance indoor plants into your life, now’s the perfect time to take the plunge. Not only do they offer tangible health benefits, but they also serve as a daily reminder of the beauty and resilience of nature.

And with so many low maintenance plant options available, even the busiest among us can enjoy the joys of indoor gardening. Embrace these leafy companions, and let them bring a touch of nature’s magic into your everyday life.

Related Posts >>>

• Houseplants – It’s Time to Bring the Wonderful Outside In
• Bringing the Outside In Part 2 – Artificial Plants

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