15 Best Indoor Plants That Are Easy To Take Care Of
Bringing a touch of greenery into your home can transform any space into a more vibrant and welcoming environment.
However, not everyone has a green thumb or the time to dedicate to plant care. Luckily, there are plenty of indoor plants that are not only beautiful but also easy to take care of.
Whether you’re a busy professional, a beginner gardener, or someone who tends to forget to water their plants, these 15 low-maintenance indoor plants are perfect for you.
Read on to discover the ideal plants that can thrive in your home with minimal effort, adding a fresh and natural touch to your living space.
If you are looking for the reasons for brown tips; you can find them inside this post and also know houseplants that are easy to take care of.
1. Snake Plant
The snake plant, scientifically known as Sansevieria trifasciata, is a popular houseplant known for its resilience and distinctive appearance. Here are some key points about the snake plant:
Appearance
- Leaves: The snake plant has long, upright, and sword-shaped leaves that are typically dark green with lighter green horizontal bands. Some varieties have yellow or white edges.
- Height: Depending on the variety, the leaves can grow from a few inches to several feet tall.
- Flowers: While it rarely flowers indoors, when it does, it produces small, fragrant, greenish-white flowers.
Care Requirements
- Light: Snake plants are highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of light conditions, from low light to bright, indirect sunlight.
- Watering: They prefer to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot. It’s best to water them sparingly, especially in winter.
- Soil: Well-draining soil is crucial. A cactus or succulent mix is ideal.
- Temperature: They prefer temperatures between 60°F and 75°F (15°C to 24°C) but can tolerate a range of conditions.
- Humidity: They are not picky about humidity levels, making them suitable for most indoor environments.
2. Spider Plant
The spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is a well-loved houseplant known for its arching leaves and spider-like offshoots called “pups,” which dangle from the mother plant.
Appearance
- Leaves: Long, narrow, and arching leaves, usually green with white or yellow stripes.
- Pups: Small plantlets that grow on long stems from the main plant.
Care Requirements
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight but can tolerate low light conditions.
- Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
- Soil: Well-draining, all-purpose potting soil.
- Temperature: Ideal range is 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C).
- Humidity: Prefers moderate humidity but is tolerant of a range of conditions.
3. Pothos
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), also known as devil’s ivy, is a hardy vine with attractive, heart-shaped leaves that make it a favorite for indoor gardening.
Appearance
- Leaves: Heart-shaped and glossy, usually green with variegated patterns of white, yellow, or light green.
- Vines: Can grow long and trailing, often used in hanging baskets or as a climbing plant.
Care Requirements
- Light: Thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light.
- Watering: Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Avoid overwatering.
- Soil: Prefers well-draining potting soil.
- Temperature: Ideal range is 60°F to 80°F (16°C to 27°C).
- Humidity: Prefers moderate humidity but can adapt to low-humidity environments.
4. ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is a popular houseplant known for its attractive, waxy leaves and exceptional tolerance to low light and neglect.
Appearance
- Leaves: Thick, waxy, and dark green, growing in a symmetrical pattern along the stems.
- Height: Can reach up to 3 feet tall.
Care Requirements
- Light: Can thrive in low to bright, indirect light.
- Watering: Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Very drought-tolerant.
- Soil: Requires well-draining soil, such as a cactus or succulent mix.
- Temperature: Best in temperatures between 65°F and 75°F (18°C to 24°C).
- Humidity: Tolerant of a range of humidity levels, from low to high.
5. Peace Lily
The peace lily (Spathiphyllum) is a popular houseplant admired for its elegant white flowers and lush green leaves. It is known for its air-purifying qualities.
Appearance
- Leaves: Broad, glossy, dark green leaves that arch gracefully.
- Flowers: White, sail-like spathes with a central spadix, typically blooming in spring and occasionally throughout the year.
Care Requirements
- Light: Prefers low to bright, indirect light.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top layer to dry slightly between waterings.
- Soil: Well-draining, all-purpose potting soil.
- Temperature: Ideal range is 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C).
- Humidity: Thrives in high humidity but can tolerate average indoor levels.
6. Philodendron
Philodendrons are a diverse group of plants known for their attractive foliage and easy-care nature, making them a favourite among indoor gardeners.
Appearance
- Leaves: Typically heart-shaped or deeply lobed, with a variety of colours and patterns depending on the species.
- Growth Habit: This can be climbing or trailing, often used in hanging baskets or on trellises.
Care Requirements
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light conditions.
- Watering: Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Avoid overwatering.
- Soil: Well-draining potting soil.
- Temperature: Ideal range is 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C).
- Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity.
7. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a succulent plant known for its medicinal properties and easy care, making it a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor gardens.
Appearance
- Leaves: Thick, fleshy, and green with serrated edges, often containing a clear gel inside.
- Height: Typically grows up to 24 inches tall.
Care Requirements
- Light: Prefers bright, direct sunlight.
- Watering: Water deeply but infrequently. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
- Soil: Well-draining, sandy or cactus potting mix.
- Temperature: Best in temperatures between 55°F and 80°F (13°C to 27°C).
- Humidity: Tolerant of low humidity levels.
8. Jade Plant
The jade plant (Crassula ovata), also known as the money plant or lucky plant, is a popular succulent appreciated for its thick, fleshy leaves and tree-like appearance.
Appearance
- Leaves: Thick, oval-shaped, and glossy green, sometimes with a reddish tint on the edges.
- Stems: Thick, woody stems that give the plant a tree-like appearance.
Care Requirements
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Can tolerate some direct sun.
- Watering: Water thoroughly but infrequently. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Soil: Well-draining, sandy or succulent potting mix.
- Temperature: Ideal range is 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C).
- Humidity: Tolerant of low humidity levels.
9. Chinese Evergreen
The Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema) is a popular houseplant known for its attractive, variegated leaves and easy care requirements, making it ideal for beginners.
Appearance
- Leaves: Broad, lance-shaped leaves with various patterns and shades of green, silver, and sometimes red or pink.
- Height: Typically grows up to 2-3 feet tall.
Care Requirements
- Light: Thrives in low to bright, indirect light.
- Watering: Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Avoid overwatering.
- Soil: Well-draining, all-purpose potting soil.
- Temperature: Best in temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C to 27°C).
- Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity.
10. Cast Iron Plant
The cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) is known for its robust nature and ability to thrive in low light and neglect, making it a favorite for difficult growing conditions.
Appearance
- Leaves: Long, lance-shaped, and dark green leaves that grow upright.
- Height: Typically grows up to 2 feet tall.
Care Requirements
- Light: Prefers low to moderate, indirect light.
- Watering: Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Very drought-tolerant.
- Soil: Well-draining, all-purpose potting soil.
- Temperature: Ideal range is 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C).
- Humidity: Tolerant of low to moderate humidity.
11. Dracaena
Dracaena is a diverse genus of houseplants known for their striking, sword-shaped leaves and easy care, often used to add a touch of greenery to indoor spaces.
Appearance
- Leaves: Long, narrow, and often variegated with stripes of green, yellow, or white.
- Stems: Can be cane-like or rosette-forming depending on the species.
Care Requirements
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions.
- Watering: Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Avoid overwatering.
- Soil: Well-draining potting soil.
- Temperature: Ideal range is 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C).
- Humidity: Prefers moderate humidity but is adaptable.
12. Parlor Palm
The parlor palm (Chamaedorea elegans) is a popular indoor palm known for its graceful, feathery fronds and ability to thrive in low light conditions.
Appearance
- Leaves: Delicate, feathery fronds that arch gracefully.
- Height: Can grow up to 3-4 feet tall indoors.
Care Requirements
- Light: Prefers low to moderate, indirect light.
- Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, allowing the top inch to dry out between waterings.
- Soil: Well-draining, all-purpose potting soil.
- Temperature: Best in temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C to 27°C).
- Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity.
13. Rubber Plant
The rubber plant (Ficus elastica) is a popular houseplant known for its large, glossy leaves and striking appearance. It is valued for its ability to thrive indoors with minimal care.
Appearance
- Leaves: Large, thick, and glossy leaves that are typically dark green, though some varieties have variegated patterns of cream or burgundy.
- Height: Can grow up to 6-10 feet tall indoors.
Care Requirements
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions.
- Watering: Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Avoid overwatering.
- Soil: Well-draining, all-purpose potting soil.
- Temperature: Ideal range is 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C).
- Humidity: Prefers moderate humidity but is adaptable.
14. Boston Fern
The Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) is a classic houseplant known for its lush, feathery fronds. It is often used to add a touch of greenery to indoor spaces and patios.
Appearance
- Leaves: Long, arching fronds composed of numerous small leaflets, giving a feathery appearance.
- Height: Typically grows up to 2-3 feet tall and wide.
Care Requirements
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light levels.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Do not let it dry out completely.
- Soil: Well-draining, peat-based potting mix.
- Temperature: Ideal range is 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C).
- Humidity: Thrives in high humidity and benefits from regular misting.
15. Lucky Bamboo
Lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) is a popular indoor plant known for its unique, bamboo-like appearance and association with good luck and prosperity in Feng Shui practices.
Appearance
- Stems: Tall, slender, and green, often trained into various shapes such as spirals or braids.
- Leaves: Narrow, lance-shaped leaves that grow from the nodes of the stems.
Care Requirements
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light conditions.
- Watering: Can be grown in water or soil. If grown in water, change the water every 2-4 weeks and ensure the roots are submerged. If grown in soil, keep it evenly moist.
- Soil: If potted, use well-draining potting soil.
- Temperature: Ideal range is 65°F to 90°F (18°C to 32°C).
- Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity.
Why Do Plants Get Brown Tips
Plants can develop brown tips for a variety of reasons, often related to environmental stress or cultural care issues. Here are some common causes:
- Underwatering: When plants do not receive enough water, their leaves can develop brown tips. This is because the plant is unable to transport sufficient moisture to the leaf edges, causing them to dry out and turn brown.
- Overwatering: Conversely, overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal issues that impair the plant’s ability to take up water and nutrients, leading to brown tips.
- Low Humidity: Many houseplants, particularly tropical varieties, require higher humidity levels. Dry indoor air can cause leaf tips to brown as the plant loses moisture more quickly than it can be replaced.
- Salt Buildup: Excess salts from fertilizers or water can accumulate in the soil and be taken up by the plant. These salts can cause leaf tips to brown and may even burn the roots.
- Nutrient Deficiencies: Lack of essential nutrients such as potassium or magnesium can lead to browning tips. Plants need a balanced supply of nutrients to maintain healthy growth.
- Chemical Exposure: Exposure to chemicals like chlorine and fluoride in tap water can damage sensitive plants, causing brown tips on the leaves.
- Temperature Stress: Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can cause damage to plant tissues. Plants exposed to drafts or sudden temperature changes may develop brown tips.
- Improper Light Levels: Both insufficient light and too much direct sunlight can stress plants. Low light can lead to poor growth and leaf browning, while excessive direct sunlight can scorch leaves.
- Physical Damage: Mechanical injury to the leaves from handling, pruning, or other physical contact can cause browning at the tips or edges.