6 Easy Starter Houseplants

Many of us brought home new plants in 2020. It became a form of self-care for many of us. Or it may have been to add a fresh look to our home. But unfortunately, sometimes the plants die. If you’re newer to houseplants, you may be frustrated.

My biggest piece of advice when it comes to houseplants is to start with easier plants. I have created a list of 6 easy plants that are more forgiving than other plants. Great plants to start with, to get used to their care, to see them thrive, and even propagate to create more plants. No promises though, it is still possible to kill these plant varieties.

Make sure you read my 7 Tips for Houseplant Success

6 Easy Starter Houseplants

One: ZZ plant (also known as Zanibar Gem, Zamioculcas) – Well-draining soil with indirect light. Water thoroughly but allow to dry out completely between waterings.

Two: Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)- Well-draining soil and does well with light. When thriving will produce lots of babies (these babies can easily be rooted and transferred to new pots).

Three: Snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata) – Succulent plant that does best with low light. A small amount of water, dry out between waterings and use well-draining succulent soil. Loves a small pot. Don’t re-pot until babies shoot up (these new offshoots can be split into new plants or kept in the same plant if you want a denser plant).

Four: Golden Pothos (also known as Devil’s Ivy, Epipremnum aureum) – indirect bright light (can also handle lower light). Water well with well-draining soil but let it dry out between waterings. This is a gorgeous trailing plant or you can grow it with a stake so it can climb. Pothos is also one of the easiest plants to propagate (cut below the node and root in water, then plant in soil).

Five: Elephant Bush (Portulacaria afra) – This is a succulent but much more forgiving than most succulents. Well draining soil, don’t overwater and indirect light. Elephant Bush also grows great outside especially in the desert and warm coastal zones.

Six – Monstera (also known as the Swiss Cheese plant, Monstera deliciosa)- Lots of indirect light, water regularly but don’t overwater. This is a tropical plant and does well in a moist environment. Mist or use a humidifier if you live in low humidity. This is a great starter plant for the large leaves it produces.