11 of the Easiest Plants
Are you new to raising plants? Do you have a self-diagnosed “Black Thumb?” You’ve come to the right place! I’m naming 11 of my easiest plants to care for! For some, I have more than one in each family, and while I couldn’t photograph them all, I thought capturing more than one might encourage you to add one of these low maintenance plants to your space.
*The number one reason that people kill plants is OVER watering. Check the amount you’re giving or the frequency to help you fix this.
*Evaluate the light in your home based on the way your windows face. Check this article before moving your plants.
Philodendrens
These trailing beauties are so simple to care for. They tolerate lower levels of light by growing slow–and not needing as much water. In sunnier spots, they will quietly grow consistently. I water mine every 7-10 days depending on the season, always checking to see if they are dry beforehand.
Brazil Philodendren
Pothos
Another easy plant family–similar in look to the philodendren family–these plants thrive with similar care, as mentioned above.
Global Green Pothos
Golden Pothos
Spider Plants
Is there anything more fun than seeing babies hanging? These plants are simple and low maintenance, just needing a weekly watering. They are true “medium light” plants–too much light, and the leaves will start to almost bleach, draining the green and becoming slightly wilted.
Spider Plant “Vittatum”
The Aloe Family
There are so many varieties of Aloe, with the most commonly thought of as a healing plant, the Aloe Vera plant. When the fleshy “leaves” are cut open, the salve is directly smeared on skin to soothe burns. In general, this plant family is simple to care for, I only water mine sparingly–once every 2-3 weeks, since the soil must be completely dry.
“Sean’s Red” Aloe
They like light, but not direct light. Drooping leaves will indicate poor lighting. If overwatered, they will rot at the base of the plant. If this happens, cut the leaf, place it on well-drained soil, with a lot of perlite, and give a spray from a water bottle every few days. You’ll get roots and “pups” off of the cut leaves.
Snake Plants
These are notoriously known as some of the “easiest plants.” Snake plants thrive in any kind of light, surviving on very little water. Be careful not to keep them in rooms with NO light–they will die. They can function well in an office, using the overhead lighting to grow. I water mine minimally once a month. (Fun fact: these plants are actually part of the Dracaena family, but I made them their own category for this article.)
Sansevieria Laurenii
Green Sansevieria Hahnii
ZZ Plants
These plants have become wildly popular. They don’t need weekly watering or a lot of light, but, in keeping with the easiest plants, they go along with my weekly watering schedule, and they’re happy wherever I put them. Just be careful not to give too much water–and no direct sunlight.
Raven ZZ
The Scindapsus Family
Deep green colors, along with the soft varigation, make this plant family a beautiful addition for the design of your home. They are slow growers and prefer low or medium light, depending on the varietal. You’ll notice the leaves getting lighter green when given too much sunlight. And, they can be killed by overwatering. Mine do best by drying out between watering–and I don’t use a heavy pour.
Scindapsus Pictus
Scindapsus Trebuii
Bamboo
A simple, yet design-statement plant, Bamboo is one of the easiest plants to have around. They need minimal water and medium light–but they aren’t fussy. I forget to water mine from time to time, and they continue to thrive.
Lucky Bamboo
Aglaonema
Also known as a Chinese Evergreen, these plants are easily forgotten, due to their low maintenance care and ability to exist in low lighting. But, they get big and offer beautiful design, so they’re ideal in a home where you don’t want to worry about your greenery. They have a range of leaf offerings, so find your favorite and enjoy.
Aglaonema White Rain
Aglaonema Emerald Bay
The Dracaena Family
If you’re not sure what belongs in this family, you’re not alone. A quick google search will reveal there are so many varieties–and they look very different from each other. But, one thing is for sure–they are super easy to care for. And, also a resilient species, as I found out when our puppy destroyed one of my favorites.
Lemon Lime Dracaena
Dracaena Draco Dragon Tree
\”Jenny Craig\” Dracaena
Schefflera “Umbrella Tree”
This is on my list of easiest plants to care for because they’re pretty low maintenance–sometimes I forget about the one I have. They can adjust to varying light, but in general, medium light works well.
Schefflera “Umbrella Plant”
They like soil to dry completely in between watering, so check it once a week. But, if you forget about it (like I have!), it’ll probably be just fine. Over-watering will definitely kill these plants.
Which of These “Easiest Plants” Is On Your Wishlist?
Do you have any of these? Are ready to run to the nearest greenhouse to get started? Just remember, growing plants in your home is a hobby. Like any hobby, it takes practice to be better and understand the nuances. I am an avid plant addict–I won’t even try to count how many I have, but–I have killed my fair share. So, don’t get down on yourself if you’re not Botanical Brittany or Horticulture Haley from the start. Give me shout if you need help with your greenery, or just reach out on Instagram.
