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
Cats
Dogs
The Co-op carries a variety of plants throughout the year, including some of these beginner plants that were mentioned in this blog.
Want some help?
Our Floral Specialist in the Produce Department should be able to help you find the perfect plant for you!
How to Care For Your Maidenhair Fern in Davis Climate
Maidenhair ferns are notoriously temperamental. They are not native to Yolo County and therefore need a lot of love and attention to stay alive. With the proper knowledge and dedication, you can keep a maidenhair fern of your own and trust yourself to keep it alive! We love these ferns at the Co-op and often have them available in our floral department. Here are some tips to get you started:
Sunlight:
Find a window in your house that faces East or West. Maidenhairs like the sun, but not too much sun. Bright evening or morning sun is enough. If you only have a window facing North or South, make sure it only gets partial sun by putting a larger plant in front of it to supply some shade or move it further from the window.
Pruning:
When the fronds of your fern are starting to brown you should remove them. Some fronds will be completely brown and others will only have brown tips, but you might as well remove them all! Once they start to brown on the edges, there’s no saving them and they will use up resources that the thriving fronds need. Don’t get too sad, if you have been caring for your plant properly there should be many new fronds emerging!
Watering:
Water your maidenhair fern 2-3 times a week. Water from the top of the pot until the base is partially full of water. If your pot doesn’t have a draining hole, water it1-2 times a week until all the soil is wet. It is hard to overwater a Maidenhair in dry Yolo County, but your maidenhair should not be in a pool of water.
Humidity:
Maidenhair ferns love humidity! In nature, they grow on forest floors or by large trees. Mist your fern every other day at a minimum. Be sure to mist all the fronds and do not neglect the base. Make sure to get any new fronds that come in, they need the extra moisture the most!
Dark Spots:
The underside of your leaves will occasionally get some black dots. Don’t Worry! These are spores and they are good. You should congratulate yourself. Your plant is so happy it is trying to make babies.
Bugs:
Maidenhair ferns often get fungus gnats. These little flying bugs are your friends. They keep the soil healthy and as long as you don’t have moldy fruit nearby, they will stay in the pot.
Touching it:
Do your best not to touch your plant. The fronds are bouncy and fun, I know. But please avoid playing with your plant, it doesn’t like it as much as you do. On a similar note, they also do not like breezes or strong winds. Do not place your fern by an open window, a fan, or a heater. All of these will lower the humidity and dry out your fern.
Have any questions or tips on keeping your maidenhair happy? Click on the suggestion box below and send us a message!
Written by Madison Suoja, Education and Outreach Specialist