Beginner Plants That Thrive!
- Lauren Imbruglia
- 2 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Bringing greenery into your living space is a wonderful way to enhance your home's atmosphere. Not only do plants add beauty, but they also improve air quality and boost your mood. However, choosing the right plants that thrive indoors can be challenging, especially for beginner plant parents. This guide will introduce you to some of the best plants for indoors that are easy to care for and flourish without much muss and fuss.
Discover the Best Plants for Indoors That Suit Your Space
When selecting plants for your home, consider factors like light availability, humidity, and how much time you can dedicate to care. Some plants require bright, indirect light, while others thrive in low-light conditions. Here are some top choices that adapt well to indoor settings:
Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
The snake plant is a hardy option perfect for beginners. It tolerates low light and infrequent watering. Its upright, sword-like leaves add a modern touch to any room. Snake plants also help purify the air by removing toxins. We try to carry multiple different types so that you can easily have variety even though they are all low maintenance. It's a great way to start!
Light: Low to bright indirect light (Hello? What's easier?)
Water: Water once soil is completely dry to the bottom of the pot
Care tips: Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot and direct the water to the soil, not the little 'cups' formed where the leaves join. Also, they do best when they are snug in their pot.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is a trailing vine that grows quickly and can be trained around shelves or hanging baskets. It thrives in various light conditions and is very forgiving if you forget to water occasionally. Just like with Snake Plants, we try to carry different cultivars (just a fancy word for types!) to provide a variety of looks.
Light: Medium to bright indirect light
Water: Water when the top inch to 2 inches of soil feels dry
Care tips: Prune regularly to encourage bushier growth
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are known for their arching leaves and small "spiderettes" that dangle from the mother plant. They are excellent for hanging baskets and are safe for pets.
Light: Bright, indirect light
Water: Keep soil slightly moist, water when dry about 2 inches down into the soil
Care tips: Remove brown tips by trimming to keep the plant healthy. Like Snake Plants, this enjoy a snug potting situation.
How to Care for the Best Plants for Indoors
Proper care is essential to keep your indoor plants healthy and vibrant. Here are some practical tips to help you maintain your green friends:
Light Requirements
Most indoor plants prefer bright, indirect light. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, which can scorch leaves. If your home has limited natural light, consider plants like the snake plant or pothos that tolerate low light, or check out grow bulbs that can fit in your regular light fixtures (reach out for our suggestions). Alternatively, you can purchase a specific grow lamp such as the Instant Sun by We The Wild. (affiliate link)
Watering Tips
Overwatering is a common mistake. Always check the soil moisture before watering. Use pots with drainage holes to prevent water from pooling at the bottom, which can cause root rot and if your pot sits in a decorative cache pot or on a saucer, just pour out excess water that may collect.
Humidity and Temperature
Indoor plants generally prefer moderate humidity and temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C). If your home is dry, especially in winter, you can try grouping plants together to increase the humidity in their immediate environment. Humidifiers and misting don't really do much.
Fertilizing
Feed your plants with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Reduce feeding in fall and winter when growth slows.
Still easy--- but more unique!
If you want to go beyond the classics, here are some unique indoor plants that bring personality and charm:
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ plant has waxy, dark green leaves that reflect light beautifully. It is drought-tolerant and thrives in low light, making it perfect for offices or rooms with minimal sunlight.
Light: Low to bright indirect light
Water: Water when soil is completely dry to the bottom of the pot, just like with a Snake Plant.
Care tips: Wipe leaves occasionally to remove dust and keep that natural shine. We use Protect spray, by We The Wild in the shop. It smells amaaaaaaazing!
Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
Rubber plants have large, glossy leaves and can grow into impressive indoor trees. They prefer bright, indirect light and moderate watering.
Light: Bright, indirect light
Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry
Care tips: Rotate the plant regularly for even growth
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace lilies are known for their elegant white flowers and ability to improve indoor air quality. They prefer shade and moist soil.
Light: Low to medium indirect light
Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy
Care tips: Remove spent flowers to encourage new blooms
Tips for Styling Your Indoor Plants
Incorporating plants into your home decor can be both fun and rewarding. Here are some styling ideas:
Group plants of varying heights to create visual interest.
Use decorative pots that complement your interior style.
Place plants near windows to maximize natural light.
Combine trailing plants like pothos with upright plants like snake plants for contrast.
Use shelves, plant stands, or hanging baskets to save floor space.
Adding plants to your living space is more than just decoration. They improve air quality by filtering pollutants and increase humidity, which can benefit your skin and respiratory system. Moreover, caring for plants can reduce stress and enhance your overall well-being.