10 Plants for Beginners
If you’re like me, you struggle to keep any plant alive no matter how hard you try. Even if it claims to be the most resilient plant, I still found a way to kill it in about 3 days or less. Well, fear not, fellow plant killers! This year, I made it my mission to become a plant whisperer, one way or another. After shedding a tear or two over my failed attempts with two string of pearl plants that never survived (sobs), having known that they were a difficult plant to take care of, I embarked on a journey of serious research. My mission: to discover plants that are not only adorable but also beginner-friendly.
So if you are looking for recommendations, below are 10 plants that are suitable for beginners.
For owners with cats or dogs, I have also listed for each plant whether or not they are safe for your household.
Echeveria Succulents
These succulents produce stunning rosettes with plump leaves that can come in a wide variety of colors. And they are fairly low maintenance.
They like lots of bright light, though direct afternoon sun can burn the leaves. And they need well-draining soil.
Water when the soil has mostly dried out.
Pet Safety: Non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Aloe Vera
Aloe is quite tolerant of drought, so it won’t suffer if you forget to water it.
It likes bright, indirect light so a window could be a perfect spot for it. Aloe Vera needs water when the top 2-3 inches of soil is dry.
Water it once a week, or twice depending on how hot it is.
Pet Safety: Toxic to cats and dogs.
Snake Plant
They like plenty of light, but they can handle less if necessary. And they are not too particular about watering, as long as it is not too much.
Water it once a week during the spring and summer and only once every two to three weeks during the fall and winter.
Pet Safety: Toxic to cats and dogs.
Lucky Bamboo
Lucky bamboo, also known as the Ribbon plant, is a popular houseplant often seen in homes and offices. Despite its name, it’s not bamboo but a member of the Asparagus family. They can make wonderful gift plants, and many people believe they bring good luck and enhance the chi, or energy, of their surroundings.
Lucky bamboo does best in indirect sunlight and humid conditions, making it an excellent plant for bathrooms or kitchens.
In general, lucky bamboo should be watered once a week.
Pet Safety: Non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Money Tree
Needing only medium to low light, this plant can pretty much take care of itself. The money plant produces offshoots that sprout from the the stem’s base, which means you get free new money plants!
Water your money tree once every one to two weeks. Always check the soil and water the plant thoroughly if the soil feels dry.
Pet Safety: Non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Prayer Plant
The prayer plant gets its name because its leaves remain flat during the day, but then at night they fold up like hands praying.
This plant enjoys low-light and humid environments. So your bathroom might be the perfect place for it, where there is frequent warm, damp air.
You should water your prayer plant once every one or two weeks or whenever the soil feels dry.
Pet Safety: Non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Jade Plant
It features deep green, oval leaves on woody stems. It’s a relatively hands-off plant, just make sure it has bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.
Water more frequently in the spring and summer than the fall and winter, making sure the soil is never soggy.
Pet Safety: Non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Fishbone Cactus
The fishbone cactus features unique angled and toothed stems—hence another one of its common names, the zig zag cactus. It’s a tropical species that can handle more humidity and less sun than typical desert cacti.
Give it bright, indirect light, and water when the top 2 inches of soil have dried out.
Holiday Cactus
The holiday cactus is beloved for its bright blooms that appear in the late fall and early winter. It is actually a rainforest plant, meaning it needs more water than desert cacti.
Water when the soil is dry about 2 inches down. It’s also not picky about its soil, as long as it has good drainage. And it does well if you have a window with bright, indirect light.
Pet Safety: Non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Philodendron
Philodendron species tend to have large, glossy leaves. There are both vining and non-climbing types. Keep them in a fairly warm and humid environment, and shield them from strong direct light.
Water when the top inch or so of soil has dried out.
Pet Safety: Toxic to cats and dogs.
How many houseplants should I start with?
If you’re a beginner when it comes to houseplants, it’s ideal to start with just 1-3 plants that have similar growing needs (trust me, I know how hard it is to resist filling your whole space with plants). That way, you can easily work them into your routine and not have to consider any individualized care.
Full list of Toxic and Non-toxic plants for Cats & Dogs
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