Beginner directory
Beginner-Friendly Houseplants That Survive New Owners
Beginner-tagged species below are forgiving on at least two of the three big variables — watering, light, and humidity.
10 cited care guides match this filter.
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- Direct sun for part of the day
- Bright, indirect light
- Low light or shade
Air plant
Tillandsia spp.- Bright indirect
- Soak weekly
- Not listed by ASPCA
Aluminum plant
Pilea cadierei- Bright indirect
- Moderate, drier in winter
- Non-toxic (ASPCA)
Heartleaf philodendron
Philodendron hederaceum- Bright indirect
- Slightly moist
- Toxic (ASPCA)
Jade plant
Crassula ovata- Bright, 4+ hrs sun
- Dry between
- Toxic (ASPCA)
Parlor palm
Chamaedorea elegans- Bright indirect / shade
- Moist, not soggy
- Non-toxic (ASPCA)
Pilea
Pilea peperomioides- Bright indirect
- Top dry between
- Non-toxic (NC State)
Pothos
Epipremnum aureum- Bright indirect
- Dry between waterings
- Toxic (ASPCA)
Snake plant
Dracaena trifasciata- Low to bright indirect
- Sparingly — let dry
- Toxic (ASPCA)
Spider plant
Chlorophytum comosum- Bright indirect
- Dry slightly between
- Non-toxic (ASPCA)
ZZ plant
Zamioculcas zamiifolia- Part to full shade
- Dry between
- Toxic (NC State)
How this list is built
Each species below appears because its care guide already cites primary sources (NC State Extension, Missouri Botanical Garden, ASPCA, UC IPM, Kew, or Iowa State Extension) for the trait this filter selects on. Toxicity classifications come from the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants directory, or from NC State Extension or another named source where the ASPCA has no entry. No species is added to a filter without a citation on its guide page. See full source list
Maintained by Thomas Joseph.