If you’ve got a reputation for killing plants, you’ve come to the right place. Having a home full of plants is not only trendy at the moment but a great way to add life to your home. From spider plants to red apple plants, these are the most popular house plants that are easy to take care of. By the way, pet safe refers to if the plant is ingested by your furry friend, so if you have a greedy gobbler on your hands, be mindful of this when choosing plants.
Homalomena Selby
This easy-to-care-for plant, native to Southeastern Asia, is so rich in green and yellow colors. It’s the perfect plant to liven up your home with no fuss. This may be one of the rarest plants on this list, but if you can get your hands on it, it’s a great addition.
These plants prefer to live in indirect bright light with their surrounding temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees. They need to be watered once a week, but only enough water so the soil is moist, not soggy. These plants are not friendly for Fido, and should be kept out of reach of animals that like eating the foliage.
Spider Plant
You can see where this plant got its name, with its dangling leaves that look like spider legs. This is one of the most popular house plants, especially with beginners. It’s easy to look after and looks great. Better yet, when your spider plant is thriving, it will grow a ‘baby’ from the center. You can cut this off and re-pot for a brand new spider plant.
Much like the spiders this plant is named after, they prefer living in indirect light. They are very low maintenance, only requiring watering once per week when the top two inches of dirt has dried out. They aren’t picky with temperatures between 50 and 90 degrees. And good news for your pets – they’re animal friendly!
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a popular ingredient in hygiene and makeup products, but did you know it also makes a really good house plant? Its spiky and fleshy leaves make a great addition to your home and are so incredibly easy to look after. You can grab aloe vera gel straight from the leaves for sunburn, scars, minor wounds, and much more.
Say aloe, aloe! to bright light with this homeopathic plant – the brighter the better! Aloe vera loves living on balconies when not living it up in the garden. Aloes thrive in temperatures between 55 and 85 degrees. You only need to water them when their soil dries out completely, as overwatering could kill them. While it’s not pet safe, it’s unlikely your animals will want to eat aloe vera.
Ponytail Palm
Ponytail palms are slow-growing but can eventually become huge tree-sized plants. They get their name because the leaves look like the hair in a ponytail. If you often forget to water plants, maybe even neglecting them a bit, the ponytail palm may be the perfect match. Known as a forgiving plant, it will push through your forgetful phases.
This funky plant likes to be placed in bright sunlight year-round. It doesn’t mind temperatures between 60 and 90 degrees and your pets are welcome to make friends. It isn’t too thirsty – let the soil dry completely between waterings (weekly in spring/summer and monthly in fall/winter) and remove any excess water in its saucer.
Peperomia Pink Lady
These plants are full of incredible color and texture, ensuring they’ll really stand out in your home. This plant is incredibly drought-resistant, so it’s the perfect match for people who may occasionally forget to water their plants–bonus points for their air-purifying leaves.
Miss Pretty in Pink is a bit fussy, preferring a stable 60 degrees and direct sunlight. But what she lacks in flexibility she makes up for in being low maintenance – she only needs water when the soil is completely dry and she’s pet-friendly.
Dumb Cane Plant
Dumb cane plants are covered in fascinating spots on their large-growing leaves. They come in plenty of shapes and sizes, so they’ll suit your house plant needs. The dumb cane plant is great at improving indoor air quality and absorbing CO2. Be careful with these plants, as they’re incredibly toxic if consumed.
This not-so-dumb plant prefers that you keep its soil moist and pop it in a bright spot out of direct light between 65 and 75 degrees. It’s not pet-safe, so displaying it out of reach of paws is a good idea.
Aglaonema
Also known as the Chinese evergreen, this plant is perfect for beginners. It’s known to be drought-resistant, so if you forget to water it, no problem! The plant pretty much thrives in every environment, but the colors of the leaves will thrive best in indirect sunlight, really making those greens pop.
Aglao is a stubborn plant in that it doesn’t want to play with your pets. It prefers sitting quietly in indirect light and temps between 65 and 75 degrees. It doesn’t mind waiting on water, so let the soil dry between watering.
Prayer Plant
These plants are fascinating as the leaves move over a 24-hour period, guided by sunlight. It’s a low-growing tropical plant originating from South America. The prayer plant is perfect because it’s easy to look after but super vibrant and can easily steal the attention of the room. Its foliage soon grows into a stunning bouquet.
This zesty friend likes being watered once a week and being kept in shady spots. It’s pet friendly and easy on the temperature front: it likes living between 60 and 80 degrees. Same!
Cactus
Arguably, the most popular plants to keep at home are cacti and any other succulents. Why? Because they are so incredibly easy to look after–as long as you do it right. There are over 2,000 different kinds of cacti, but the most popular ones to keep are the barrel, prickly pear, star, Easter, Christmas, and feather.
Let’s get right to the point (pun intended), this plant wants all the bright light around. It’s a sturdy thing, thriving in temperatures between 40 and 80 degrees. When it comes to watering, wait until the soil is 90% dry. The plant is pet safe but be careful with those spikes!
Peace Lily
Peace lilies are easy to care for, but they truly thrive if you take a little extra time to nurture them. Keep an eye on root rot and let the soil dry out between watering to optimize its condition. Full of glossy green leaves and gorgeous white flowers, this plant will look absolutely stunning in your home.
Miss Lily enjoys taking her water infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between watering. To protect her complexion, keep her in bright indirect light and maintain her surroundings at 65 to 80 degrees. Also, she likes her peace and quiet and doesn’t want to associate with animals.
Zanzibar Gem
Made up of bright green leaves and strong stems, the Zanzibar gem is a beautiful addition to your home. They can easily turn dull spaces into thriving green, urban jungles. The ZZ plant is also full of great air-purifying qualities and eliminates toxins. Shooting upright and bursting with color, it’s a hit for easy care.
This gem prefers indirect light in temperatures between 50 and 90 degrees. It’s not pet safe, but makes up for this in only requiring watering once the soil has dried out (usually every three to four weeks).
Painted Leaf Begonia
This plant is well-known for its leaves that come in a variety of colors, including green, red, silver, and, if you’re lucky, purple. Begonias can either be an outdoor plant to liven up your garden, but they also work really well indoors.
This plant wants to be in sunlight – the more, the better. It likes a moderate temperature of 65 to 75 degrees and wants you to water it every one to two weeks. It’s not pet safe, so keep furries away.
Burgundy Rubber Tree
This striking plant is known for its robust and glossy leaves that almost appear rubber. It’s a popular house plant because it’s super low-maintenance but an incredibly eye-catching piece to have in your home. These trees can grow really quickly, but regular trimming will keep them contained.
This leafy wonder likes bright light with a bit of shade and being in environments that are around 60 to 75 degrees. It likes to be watered once a week when the soil is dry and is not a fan of fur babies.
Moth Orchid
Moth orchids can start small but can eventually grow into beautiful tall plants if you take care of them. If you’re a little forgetful, you can buy them in a bigger size so they’re ready to be shown off. Moth orchids can come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, yellow, purple, and salmon.
Like real moths, this plant prefers indirect light and warm environments. Allow the soil to dry out between watering to keep this orchid happy. It is pet safe, which is a plus, and thrives in various conditions between 50 and 90 degrees.
Bromeliads
This tropical plant is guaranteed to bring a massive pop of color to your home. They can be grown outdoors but also make for really good indoor plants. Their long-lasting colors contrast really nicely against the bright green leaves, coming in colors such as yellow, red, pink, and orange.
This spritely sprig is animal friendly and seeks the attention of the watering can every one to two weeks in the center of the plant. It enjoys living in indirect light between 60 and 85 degrees.
Scindapsus Treubii
More commonly referred to as moonlight, this plant is rare but super easy to look after. It leaves a beautiful trail of bright green leaves, starting small but soon becoming a large stand-out piece in your home if you look after it right. Aside from the moonlight edition, you can also get a type called ‘dark form’ with darker green leaves.
This picky plant wants bright but indirect sunlight to keep its colors thriving. It wants to be the center of your attention, being watered once a week and kept away from pets. It also wants the temperature set between 65 and 85 degrees.
Hoya Kerrii
Often referred to as the sweetheart plant, these are a cute addition to your home. These adorable vine-like succulents are easy to look after, ensuring that their character really thrives in your home. Unfortunately, you can’t grow a new plant from a single leaf. Instead, a portion of the stem needs to be cut off, too.
Sweetheart loves being around pets in homes between 60 and 80 degrees. It likes sitting in indirect bright light and you can let the soil dry between watering while occasionally misting it.
Black Velvet Alocasia
This is a rare dwarf version of the popular alocasia plants, most known for their striking dark coloring and velvet-like leaves. The dark foliage is contrasted with beautiful silver veining and will really stand out in your home. It’s a tropical plant, so it would really thrive in steamy rooms, such as the bathroom or kitchen.
Keep this plant in indirect bright light and moist – occasionally mist to keep moisture levels up. It likes temperatures between 55 and 85 degrees but isn’t pet-friendly.
Ficus Audrey
This plant is considered a holy plant in India, its native country, symbolizing resilience, growth, and simplicity. Its deep-green leaves and yellow veins are striking, and it can grow up to 10 feet tall indoors to really make a mark on your home. In its natural habitat, it can grow up to 100 feet tall.
Funky Ficus likes being kept moist in temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees. It isn’t a fan of pets or direct sun, so keep it in indirect sunlight.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
Fiddle leaf figs can be a demanding plant, but they’re no harder to look after than most plants. Standing tall, it’s sure to make a great visual impact in your home. The little extra care it needs is well worth it to have a stylish indoor plant.
This plant thrives with indirect sunlight, so you’ll need to make sure it has plenty of it. Water it when the first inch of soil is dry and keep it in temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees… Away from your pets.
Kalanchoe
Also known as the widow’s thrill, this is a plant that can thrive even on minimal water. So, for the forgetful ones of us, this may be the perfect plant for you. It’s full of tiny but striking, colorful red, white, yellow, or pink blooms, surrounded by bright green leaves.
This plant prefers indirect bright light and thrives in temperatures ranging from 60 to 80 degrees. It only needs water when the first one to two inches of soil is dry. It’s not pet safe, though.
Tillandsia (Air Plant)
Air plants are known for their short and wiry roots that spread out like spider legs. Full of beaming and striking colors in the middle, this plant is sure to liven up any home. A great bonus of air plants is they can filter things such as dust from the air, helping you recover from illnesses quickly.
These plants enjoy basking in the glow of bright sunlight and only require a weekly sip of water. It thrives in the cozy warmth of 75 degrees, and brings a pet-friendly charm to your living space.
Flapjack Succulent
Here’s another one for the succulent-lovers. This one, dubbed the flapjack, has green and red leaves that are stacked like flapjacks. Like most succulents, these plants prefer dry soil and, if cared for properly, can grow up to five feet tall. These plants are also great for air purification, and they also encourage other ecosystems.
This vibrant plant thrives in bright sunlight and wants you to let its soil dry between watering. It flourishes in temperatures ranging from 65 to 85 degrees, but beware – its love doesn’t extend to furry friends.
Rubber Plant
Rubber plants, also known as Ficus Elastica, are really similar in appearance to the burgundy rubber tree. They are sturdy and highly tolerant, making them slightly forgiving if you forget to water them. Rubber plants may start really small but can quickly grow up to 10 feet indoors.
The rubber wonder likes being kept moist and in indirect bright light away from your pets. Temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees are its fancy.
Devil’s Ivy
This may be the most beautiful plant on this whole list, purely because of the incredible decor it can provide in your home. It’s been trendy over the last few years to decorate with fake ivy, so why not take the plunge and go for the real thing? It brightens up your home, looks amazing, and doesn’t require too much care. Win-win!
This beauty prefers high locations away from your pets with indirect sunlight. You can let the first two inches of soil dry between watering and keep the plant at temperatures between 70 and 90 degrees.
Jade Plant
Jade plants are incredibly popular worldwide. They’re small but beautiful and can often grow little flowers. These succulents historically bring good luck. If you’re a believer in luck, they should be placed in the southeast direction of your living room.
You must keep it moist in warm months and water monthly in cold months but require plenty of sunlight to thrive. Temperatures of 65 to 75 degrees are their favorite. They aren’t pet safe, so watch where you put them.
Heartleaf Philodendron
This plant gets its name from, you guessed it, its heart-shaped leaves. The plant is known to be incredibly fast-growing, with its widely spread leaves soon growing up to 13 feet tall. The best thing about this beauty is it’s tolerant of neglect, making it perfect for those who easily forget to nurture their plants.
You can let the top inch of soil dry between watering this plant, as long as it’s kept between 65 and 80 degrees in indirect bright light. Don’t let your pets nibble on this one!
Polka Dot Begonia
This unusual plant was a classic in the 1970s and, like most trends, is making a comeback at the moment. Covered in splatterings of silver spots, these leaves are a gorgeous green from the front with an unassuming red at the back. They’re quite hard to come by, so if you find one, snatch it up.
This dotty plant is low maintenance, needing water about once a month to let the soil dry out. It loves indirect bright sunlight that’s 65 to 80 degrees away from Fido and Whiskers.
Boston Fern
Fern is a colorful and delicate plant, and the Boston fern is the easiest of all ferns to look after. It’s often dubbed the sword fern for the way its leaves sprout out in a sharp and almost out-of-control way.
These plants work well in hanging pots or stands in indirect sunlight so that their leaves can truly display themselves. Keep them in 65 to 95 degrees and ensure their soil is kept moist, but not overwatered. They’re not only pretty but pet friendly too!
Amate Umbrella Tree
If you’re after something a little bigger that really makes a statement, why not go for the amate umbrella tree? Native to Australia, this plant has the potential to really liven up your home. These plants are natural air fresheners and have anti-toxin qualities, proving their benefits far beyond superficial.
These beauts aren’t pet safe. They thrive in 60- to 80-degree temperatures on indirect bright sunlight. Let the top inch of soil dry out between watering them, and mist them in hotter months.
Croton
Famously dubbed as Joseph’s coat due to their multi-color appearance, crotons are full of autumnal colors, with striking red, orange, and green tones throughout the leaves. They do take a little more care to keep their colors thriving, including wearing gloves while handling due to the toxic sap.
Joseph’s coat likes being kept moist in summer, dry in winter and prefers 60- to 80-degree temperatures. It’s not pet safe and likes being kept in indirect bright sunlight.
African Violet
If you’re looking for a beautiful pop of color to add to your home, the African violet is your go-to. These plants actually thrive in a humid atmosphere, so you’ll either need to mist them often or keep them in a steamy room.
Sure, these plants may require a little extra temperature control, preferring exactly 70 degrees, but it’s well worth it. They prefer their soil being moist, watering once a week, and being kept in indirect bright light. Pets are welcome to cuddle!
Mother In Law’s Tongue
The leaves of this plant are sharp and pointed, poking fun at the way mother-in-laws stereotypically can’t hold their tongue. Despite its name, it truly is a beautiful plant that’s full of incredible color. For tall and fresh vibes, this plant would look perfect in your home with very little care involved.
Despite their namesake, these plants don’t want to be the center of attention. They want indirect bright sunlight in 70 to 90 degrees to live. You can let the soil dry between watering and should keep the plant out of your pet’s mouth.
Basil
We’re seeing an era of self-sufficiency, and growing your own herbs is a great way to start. Aside from being known for producing delicious herbs, the basil plant is easily recognizable for its bright green leaves. Once you remove a leaf for cooking, it will soon grow back.
Basil loves soaking up the bright sunlight at around 80 degrees. It is pet safe and doesn’t need too much maintenance – just keep it moist by misting occasionally.
Grey Star
Recognizable by their silvery green leaves and bold green border, grey stars are easy to look after. The plant grows upright, sprouting a clump of stems hosting its beloved leaves. The grey star can occasionally sprout flowers if kept indoors, but it’s a rare thing to come by. With this plant, it’s all about that dramatic foliage.
Grey stars thrive in indirect sunlight at 60 to 80 degrees. It wants to be watered once a week, but it’s not a big fan of animals, so keep them away.
Bird’s Nest Anthurium
These plants are pretty rare to come by, but the striking green leaves make it worth the hunt. It gets its nickname for the often unruly way that the leaves go, so I hope you’re prepared for a crazy and unpredictable plant. If you take good care of this plant, you may even see some little flowers sprout.
This plant likes nesting in 70 to 90 degrees with plenty of sunlight around it. It needs to be kept moist, so mist it often. It’s not pet safe, so keep an eye on the furries.
Zebra Plant
Zebra plants are eye-catching and bold because of their zebra-like stripes. Their color and vibe bring a whole new energy to your space with very little work for a great reward. Every once in a while, this plant will sprout a small but beautiful yellow flower that, unfortunately, only sticks around for a few days.
These zebras like bright light with occasional shade at 60 degrees. They aren’t super thirsty and the soil should dry between watering. They are pet safe and look great in any room.
Jasmine Plant
Jasmine plants are a beautiful cluster of the prettiest and most dainty white flowers. Unsurprisingly, Jasmine trees are a popular outdoor plant for your garden, but they can also be kept inside as smaller plants. They’re eager climbers and will easily grow beyond their pot.
This pretty lady loves soaking up indirect bright sunlight and basking in 55 to 75 degrees. You must let the top half of soil dry between watering. This plant will be your pet’s best friend!
Silver Leaf Philodendron
For the king of all hanging plants, we’ve got the silver leaf philodendron. Hanging plants are a beautiful addition to your home, adding new life and dimension to your space. It’s easy to grow more plants through the leaves by snipping off a stem with a few leaves and leaving it in water for a few weeks to let the roots thrive.
Sir Silver is a thirsty chap and must be misted often to stay moist. Keep him in 65 to 80 degrees with indirect bright sunlight for company – pets are NOT invited.
Poinsettia
This is a really popular plant to keep, particularly over the Christmas season, because of the bright red colors. These small shrubs can really add a pop of color to a, dare we say, dull room. If you’re looking for an easy yet stunning plant to add to your home, why not consider the poinsettia?
This cheery chap likes living in bright conditions, which seems fitting. You should let the soil dry between watering and keep the temperature a chipper 65 to 70 degrees. Don’t let your pets gnaw on this one!
Oyster Plant
The oyster plant, also known as Moses-in-the-cradle, is a pretty condensed and small plant. It’s relatively easy to look after as long as you make sure you’re not overwatering it. It’s a popular house plant because of how eye-catching it is, yet so simple to take care of.
This cheeky oyster plant loves 50- to 80-degree temperatures and being in indirect bright light. Water it when the first two inches of soil are dry and ensure your pets don’t chew on the leaves.
String of Pearls
String of pearls are a popular house plant known for their creeping and hanging tiny leaves. Many people have them as fake plants, but if you go for the real thing, they’re able to purify the air in your home, livening up your space. These plants can grow up to one meter long if you follow the simple care steps.
These strings need water every week or two, and thrive in most temperatures from 70 to 85 degrees. They aren’t pet safe and prefer being in indirect bright light.
Pilea
Also known as the Chinese money plant, this plant is perfect for easy care. The pilea plant starts small and dainty, but can quickly grow up to 12 inches, taking over your home in the most beautiful way. It’s a brilliant indoor plant and is known for its air-purifying qualities.
The humble money plant isn’t nearly as fickle as its namesake – it thrives in temperatures between 55 and 85 degrees, preferring indirect sunlight. It’s great for coffee tables as your pets are 100% safe around it. Best part? It only needs to be watered every two to three weeks once the soil is dry.
Areca Palms
Bursting with long, thin, and feathery leaves, this plant thrives both indoors and outdoors. These elegant and tropical palms are the ideal feature in your home, providing great air-purifying qualities. With the potential to grow up to eight feet tall, it’s worth taking good care of this one to let it thrive.
This plant prefers being in temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees and in indirect bright light. It’s completely pet friendly and doesn’t require much maintenance. You only need to water it once the soil has dried out.
Monstera Deliciosa
The monstera deliciosa, dubbed the Swiss cheese plant for the holes in its leaves, thrives as an indoor plant. They’re an incredibly popular plant and, despite how big they can grow, they’re really easy to take care of. For a staple feature in your home, this is a go-to.
The humble delicious monster likes living life in indirect bright light with temperatures remaining stable between 65 and 85 degrees. It’s quite greedy, though, requiring you to regularly water it to keep the soil moist. It’s not safe for pets when ingested, so keep it out of reach.
