Top 10 Not-So-Boring Beginner Houseplants

Are you new to indoor gardening but bored by the usual top 10? Here's our list of easy-to-care-for plants, that won't bore you to death. We've ordered them from easiest to slightly more challenging, each with it's own common mistakes to avoid:

1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

Known for its resilience and air-purifying qualities, the snake plant thrives in low light conditions and requires minimal watering.

Care Tips: Thrives in low light, you can put this on in your bathroom that has no windows. Water sparingly—think desert, not rainforest, the steam from your shower is probably enough.

2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

With its glossy leaves and ability to tolerate low light and infrequent watering, the ZZ plant is virtually indestructible.

Care Tips: Thrives on neglect. Water once every 2-3 months (seriously). It won't grow much in a dark room but it won't die either. 

3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Pothos are beloved for their trailing vines and ability to thrive in various lighting conditions. They’re forgiving if you forget to water them occasionally. Check out our recent blog "The Fan-Favorite Pothos and its Close Relatives". 

Care Tips: Water when the top inch of soil is dry, but don’t drown it! P.S. Overwatering refers to watering your plant too often NOT too much at once (as long as your pots have drainage). 

4. Heart Leaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)

This beautiful trailing plant refers moderate light and well-draining soil. Water when the soil’s top inch feels dry—keep it moist, not flooded.

Care Tips: Just don't put it in direct sun or drown it too often and you'll be good. 

5. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Peace lilies add elegance with their white blooms and are excellent at filtering indoor air. They prefer moderate indirect light and regular watering.

Care Tips: Thrives in indirect light and she's THIRSTY. Keep the soil consistently moist - this plant's a little more high-maintenance than it looks. A humidifier will help with brown or curly edges on your leaves. 

6. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)

Fiddle leaf figs are known for their large, violin-shaped leaves and can thrive in bright, indirect light with regular watering.

Care Tips: Requires bright, indirect light, put it in your brightest window that doesn't get any direct sun. Sheer curtains do the trick if you have a sunny spot. Water when the top inch or two of soil is dry, and avoid drafty situations. A moisture meter is really handy for this one! 

7. Golden Cane Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

Golden cane palms bring a tropical feel with their graceful, arching fronds. They prefer bright, indirect light and regular watering to keep their soil consistently moist.

Care Tips: Prefers bright, indirect light (bright window, no midday sun). Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and watch for drama—those brown tips are a sign of dehydration!

8. Monstera (Monstera Deliciosa)

Monstera deliciosa, or Fruit Salad plant, is prized for its exotic leaves and can tolerate most light conditions. It prefers well-draining soil and regular watering.

Care Tips: Thrives in bright, indirect light, making it a sun-worshipper with boundaries, just avoid the scorching midday sun. Let the soil partially dry between waterings, and give it a climbing pole so it doesn't get leggy.

9. Dragon's Tail (Epipremnum pinnatum)

Dragon's tail, also known as the Pothos Cebu Blue, features striking blue-green foliage and is low-maintenance, thriving in indirect light with occasional watering.

Care Tips: Enjoys indirect light, like a wallflower at a dance. Water moderately, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between drinks—no drowning in the spotlight!

10. Monkey Mask (Monstera adansonii)

Monkey mask plants, also known as Swiss cheese vine, feature unique, fenestrated leaves and can adapt to various light conditions, preferring indirect light and moderate watering.

Care Tips: Prefers bright, indirect light. Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—give it a climbable trellis and watch it vine!

These houseplants not only beautify your space but also thrive with minimal effort when you follow our care tips and avoid the common mistakes. Whether you have a bright sunny spot or a dimly lit corner, these plants are perfect companions for any beginner gardener.