Adding a touch of nature to your home doesn’t have to be a full-time job! With the right low-maintenance plants, you can brighten up any room without the stress. We’ve rounded up seven of the most popular easy-care houseplants, plus a “pro-tip” secret favorite that is practically indestructible.
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++Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii)
You can find Peace Lilies in all sorts of sizes at the garden center. No matter the size, they all feature those gorgeous, glossy dark green leaves with deep ridges. During the winter, they produce yellowish flower spikes tucked inside elegant, white hood-like bracts. These plants are perfect for those tricky dim corners or north-facing windows, as they actually dislike too much direct sun. Water your Peace Lily moderately but consistently, and consider placing it near a pebble tray or humidifier to keep the air nice and moist.
++Elephant’s Foot / Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
The Ponytail Palm is the ultimate “set it and forget it” plant for beginners. It gets its nickname from the thick, bulbous base that looks just like an elephant’s foot. From the top of the trunk, a fountain of narrow, arching green leaves spills out. This plant is a total sun-worshipper, so make sure to give it a bright, warm spot. Since it stores water in that chunky trunk, you only need to give it a light watering every once in a while.
++Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Bringing a Jade Plant into your home isn’t just a win for your decor—it’s also a traditional symbol of good luck and prosperity! These succulents can grow up to three feet tall indoors. They feature small, oval, fleshy leaves that grow directly on the woody stems. Jades love bright light and can even handle direct sunlight. If you’re a bit forgetful with the watering can, don’t sweat it; these plants store water in their leaves and can easily survive a short dry spell.
++Yucca Cane (Yucca elephantipes)
The Yucca is a classic for a reason: it thrives even if you don’t have a green thumb. It grows upright on sturdy trunks with tufts of sword-shaped leaves at the top. The lower leaves naturally dry out and turn brown over time, which actually helps the trunk grow taller. A member of the asparagus family, the Yucca loves a bright spot and can even handle the heat of direct sun. It doesn’t need much water; it’s best to water it infrequently but give it a good, deep soak when you do.
++Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
The Snake Plant (or Mother-in-Law’s Tongue) is a tough-as-nails succulent that’s famous for its air-purifying abilities. It is incredibly adaptable, tolerating everything from bright sun to low-light corners. Depending on how much light it gets, the beautiful patterns on the leaves will either pop with color or stay a deep, moody green. When it comes to watering this houseplant, less is definitely more! Always lean on the side of underwatering.
++Monstera / Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa)
This tropical beauty has become a superstar on social media, and for good reason—it’s surprisingly easy to care for. Because Monsteras grow like vines in the wild, they are very flexible when it comes to lighting. Just make sure you give it plenty of room to spread out! The Monstera’s heart-shaped leaves can grow up to 20 inches wide. They start out solid and light green, but as they mature, they turn a darker hue and develop those iconic “cheese-like” holes and splits.
++Aloe Vera (Aloe vera)
Aloe Vera has been a household staple for centuries thanks to the healing gel inside its leaves. It grows in a rosette pattern with slightly prickly edges, which is why people often mistake it for a cactus. This sun-loving succulent just needs a warm, sunny spot and an occasional drink of water. For a cool desert vibe, try grouping Aloe Vera with other low-maintenance cacti in a large planter.
%%ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ Plant is widely considered the toughest houseplant on the planet. It shrugs off almost any care mistake and keeps on growing. It has a unique look, with thick, waxy stems that grow 2 to 3 feet long, lined with shiny, dark green leaflets. The maintenance is practically zero: put it in a spot with indirect light and give it a little water every now and then. That’s really all it takes to keep this beauty happy!