If you are looking to get into the houseplant collecting hobby, you’ve come to the right place! Here is a list of 10 houseplants that every beginner plant owner should have in their collection. Each one offers a fabulous and simple way to get into the hobby. And better yet, a lot of them thrive on neglect! So if you’re looking for plants that are easy to care for, this is the place.
1. Golden Pothos
The Golden Pothos is a popular plant because pothos are notoriously hard to kill. That’s not to say that I haven’t murdered my fair share, though! Also known as Devil’s ivy, the pothos is a great beginner plant if you are prone to forget a watering or two.
The Golden Pothos, or Epipremnum Aureum, is a fabulous plant to watch grow. It enjoys climbing up a pole or sprawling and crawling out of the pot. It’s also relatively easy to propagate from cuttings, so it is an excellent plant for someone wanting to learn and get their hands dirty.
2. Snake Plant
The Snake Plant or Dracaena Trifasciata is an excellent choice for a beginner houseplant collection. Not only do they make great interior design statements, but they are also insanely easy to care for. The less watering, the better! I like to treat my Snake Plants like cactuses, pretty much ignoring them and letting them do their own thing.
One of the best things about snake plants is that they can thrive in low-light conditions. So if you have a low-light spot in your home that needs a little something, the Snake Plant is a fabulous option.
3. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas Zamifolia)
The ZZ Plant, or Zamioculcas Zamifolia, is another houseplant that does not require much watering or much light, making it a terrific choice for a beginner. It features unique foliage that will stand out in your collection.
If you are looking for a plant that can tolerate neglect, the ZZ plant is it. If you’re looking for something a little different, you can score the unique “Raven ZZ plant,” which features dark black foliage.
4. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus Lyrata)
The Fiddle Leaf Fig is a must-have for every beginner houseplant collection. Gaining its popularity in the interior design world, the Fiddle Leaf, or Ficus Lyrata, is a great statement piece for a living room or office.
The Fiddle is a little more tricky as it enjoys quite a lot of light, so make sure to put it right in a window spot. They also are not fond of moving spots, so once you have it placed, leave it be!
5. Monstera Deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)
The Monstera Deliciosa is a staple plant in a houseplant collection. With its fenestration or split leaves, it stands out amongst the rest of your plants. And better yet, they aren’t that hard to care for!
Bright light and weekly watering are all you need to keep your Monstera happy. Once you start seeing Monstera leaves unfurl, you will feel like a plant expert in no time.
6. Spider Plant
The Spider Plant is one of the easiest plants to grow. Spider Plants have unique spindly foliage that creates baby spider plants! That’s right; this plant produces babies or “pups.” These baby plants make great gifts and are just so fun to watch grow.
If you want a tough-as-nails plant that is fulfilling to grow, this is it.
7. Pilea Peperomiodes (Chinese Money Plant)
The Pilea Peperomiodes has super unique foliage, giving it the nickname of “UFO Plant.” It has cute tiny pancake-shaped leaves that are sure to make you smile every time you look at it. They are super low maintenance and thrive in bright light.
They are extremely easy and fun to propagate, giving it yet another nickname, the Friendship Plant! So if you’re looking to make some friends with a super cute plant, the Pilea Peperomiodes is the way to go.
8. Philodendron Hederaceum (Heartleaf Philodendron)
If you are looking to get into the world of Philodendrons, there is no better place to start than the Heartleaf Philodendron or Philodendron Hederaceum. Another plant that thrives on being ignored, the Heartleaf Philodendron will do great in moderate to bright light.
Since it’s a fast grower, it is a very satisfying plant to grow. Plus, it has leaves shaped like hearts!
9. Ficus Audrey
The Ficus Audrey is the new “it” plant in the interior design world. So if you’re looking to make a statement in your living space, the Audrey is a great choice. The care is very similar to the Fiddle Leaf Fig, but its leaves feature a soft velvety texture.
A great statement in any collection, the Ficus Audrey makes a great beginner plant.
10. Rubber Plant (Ficus Elastica)
The Rubber Plant or Ficus Elastica is an excellent and easy-going plant to grow. Another plant that thrives on being ignored, the Rubber Plant can grow well in sunny or shady areas. It is truly a versatile plant that comes in a variety of patterns and types.
The Rubber Plant also features uniquely shaped leaves that make it stand out against other foliage. Once you start collecting A LOT of plants, it’s nice to have something that adds some contrast.