23 Most Common Houseplants That Are Low-Maintenance
With so many indoor plants to choose from, it’s easy for anyone (even those without a green thumb) to create a lush, green environment right in their own home.
As a houseplant and gardening expert, I’ve seen firsthand the benefits and joys that popular indoor plants can bring.
Not only do they act as natural air purifiers, but they also elevate our moods with their vibrant colors and beautiful shapes.
From the hardy snake plant to the ever-popular fiddle leaf fig, there are countless options available for your living space, regardless of the conditions or your level of experience.
We’ve rounded up some of the most popular indoor plants for you to consider and included some tips on how to care for them.
By the time you’re done here, you’ll have the perfect plant to suit you and your home.
Low Maintenance Houseplants
As a houseplant enthusiast, I’ve come across many houseplants that are perfect for those with busy schedules or those who simply want low-maintenance plants.
But I’ve narrowed it down to just five of my favorite low-maintenance indoor plants: Snake Plant, Spider Plant, Aloe Vera, Pothos, and ZZ Plant.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
The Snake Plant, or Sansevieria, is one of the easiest houseplants to care for cause it tolerates low light and doesn’t need all that much water.
These tough plants can survive in almost any indoor space, from low humidity to indoor varying temperatures.
That’s what makes them perfect for beginners or people who can’t give ’em constant attention.
- Water: Don’t worry about watering too often – every 2-4 weeks is good enough.
- Light: They’re cool with low light, but can also handle indirect sunlight.
- Temperature: They can deal with a wide range of temperatures from 60-80°F (15-27°C).
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The Spider Plant, or Chlorophytum comosum is both gorgeous and super easy to take care of.
These houseplants adapt well to all sorts of different lighting conditions and don’t need much water to thrive.
Plus, they help purify the air, so they’re awesome for any indoor space.
- Water: Let the soil dry out between waterings; about once a week or less.
- Light: They do well in indirect light, but can also tolerate low light.
- Temperature: They thrive around 65-75°F (18-24°C).
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera isn’t just a good plant for sunburn relief, but it’s also one of the most low-maintenance plants around.
This succulent loves a bit of neglect, making it perfect for those who often forget to water their plants or just can’t provide them with constant care.
- Water: Let the soil dry out completely before watering, which is roughly every 2-4 weeks.
- Light: Aloe Vera loves bright indirect light, but can tolerate less light, too.
- Temperature: They enjoy temperatures between 55-80°F (13-27°C).
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos, or Epipremnum aureum, is a classic indoor plant that’s easy to care for and super versatile.
As a vining plant, it can trail down from hanging baskets or climb up a support—making it a great fit for all sorts of spaces.
- Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry, around every 1-2 weeks.
- Light: They can thrive in low light, but they also love bright, indirect light.
- Temperature: A comfortable range is between 60-80°F (15-27°C).
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ Plant, or Zamioculcas zamiifolia, has shiny, thick leaves that will catch your eye.
This plant is not only a stunner but also a survivor. It can handle low light and doesn’t need much water, making it perfect for those who can’t always be on top of plant care.
- Water: Allow the soil to dry between waterings, roughly every 3-4 weeks.
- Light: They can grow in low light, but also appreciate indirect sunlight.
- Temperature: These plants do well in temperatures from 65-75°F (18-24°C).
These five low-maintenance houseplants won’t give you too much trouble and will still bring life and beauty to your indoor spaces. That what makes them my favorites.
Succulents and Cacti
Succulents and cacti are another popular houseplant option, even though some varieties can be a challenge to take care of.
I’ve select a few of my favorites for you to consider.
Jade Plant
Honestly, I just love jade plants.
The Crassula ovata, or jade plant, is a popular houseplant that’s known for its attractive, fleshy leaves that store water.
These plants are super low-maintenance, which makes them perfect for my busy lifestyle.
You gotta make sure to give them well-draining soil and not over-water them, letting the soil dry out between waterings.
Oh, and don’t forget to give them some good light!
Pro tip: every now and then, hit your jade plant with a little bit of fertilizer.
Trust me, it’ll thank you with stronger, fuller growth.
Christmas Cactus
Who doesn’t love a good holiday houseplant? My personal fave is the Christmas cactus.
Native to the tropical rainforests of Brazil, this cactus is different from the desert cacti we all know.
It needs regular watering and even some humidity to really thrive.
But don’t worry, it’s still a low-maintenance buddy for your home.
Here’s the skinny on Christmas cacti:
- Water when the top inch of soil is dry
- Keep them in bright, indirect light
- Increase humidity if your home is on the drier side
- Use a well-draining, slightly acidic soil mix
Kalanchoe
If you’re lookin’ for a show-stopper, look no further than Kalanchoe.
These succulents come in so many vibrant colors and unique shapes; it’s hard not to fall in love with them.
Plus, they’re not too fussy when it comes to care.
To keep your Kalanchoe healthy and happy, follow these easy tips:
- Water only when the soil is dry to avoid over-watering (just like me and my other succulent friends)
- Provide bright, indirect light like a sunny windowsill
- Make sure they’re in well-draining soil
Just give these beauties the basics, and they’ll reward you with stunning blooms and leaves.
Your home will be the talk of the town with these awesome succulents and cacti.
Climbing and Trailing Plants
When I was first getting into houseplants, climbing and trailing plants were entry point.
It’s easy to see why these green stunners are so popular in homes everywhere.
Ivy
I’m a big fan of ivy, especially English Ivy (Hedera helix).
It’s a versatile plant that’s perfect for hanging baskets or even just letting it climb on its own down a bookcase.
Its evergreen leaves provide year-round interest, and it’s super easy to care for.
Keep it in a well-lit spot, but not in direct sun, and make sure the soil stays lightly moist.
Philodendron
Philodendrons are a great addition to any houseplant collection, especially if you want something low-maintenance.
These gorgeous vines can be kept in hanging baskets or trained to climb.
They love bright, indirect light and thrive when the soil is allowed to dry out a bit between waterings.
Fun fact: philodendrons can adapt to low humidity, making them suitable for offices and other spaces where it’s a bit drier than usual.
Monstera
If you’re looking for a statement piece, Monstera is your go-to plant.
Also known as the Swiss Cheese Plant, it has this unique pattern of holes in its leaves, which always catches people’s attention.
It’s a bit more of a climber, but can be trained to trail if that’s the look you’re going for.
Monsteras do best in medium to bright indirect light, and they like their soil to be kept consistently moist.
Tropical Foliage Plants
If you want something with a bit more flair, then you can opt for one of these awesome tropical foilage plants for your home or office.
Ficus
One of my favorite tropical foliage plants is the Ficus.
There are different species, like the Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) and the Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina), for you to choose from.
These houseplants are known for their large, glossy leaves and tree-like structure.
They’ll need bright, indirect light, and it’s best to let the Ficus soil dry out a bit between waterings.
You do need to know that they can be a bit fussy with changes in light or temperature.
Trust me, I’ve seen a few Ficus plants drop their leaves due to these issues.
Dracaena
Another great tropical plant for your indoor space is the Dracaena.
Favorites among these varieties include the Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans) and the Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata).
They’re pretty easy to care for and can tolerate a variety of lighting conditions.
If you want to grow them to their full potential, you gotta give them some bright, filtered light.
Keep in mind that they don’t do well in low temperatures, so keep ’em nice and cozy.
Norfolk Island Pine
Araucaria heterophylla, or Norfolk Island Pine, is a lovely tropical plant that adds a bit of a holiday vibe to your space.
It’s an evergreen tree with soft, needle-like leaves on horizontal branches, which looks a bit like a mini pine tree.
Here’s the scoop on its care:
- Light: Bright, indirect light is perfect.
- Temperature: Keep it warm (above 55°F) and avoid cold drafts.
- Water: Allow soil to slightly dry out between waterings.
Rubber Plant
The Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) is a tropical beauty that’s got large, shiny leaves and sturdy, upright growth.
It’s also pretty low-maintenance – just my style! Provide it with:
- Bright, indirect or filtered light.
- Keep it in a room with consistent temperatures.
- Don’t over-water – let the soil dry out a bit between waterings.
These are just a few of my favorite tropical foliage plants for your indoor space.
Ornamental Flowering Plants
Once you start working that green thumb, you’ll likely want to start adding some flowering plants to your home or office.
These are some of the most popular options right now.
Orchid
These stunning beauties are my go-to choice when I want to add a touch of elegance to my home.
Moth orchids, in particular, are a popular choice and pretty low-maintenance. But there’s several orchid varieties that made good houseplants.
They love bright, indirect sunlight, and you only need to water them about once a week.
The secret to happy orchids is having well-draining potting mix – this helps prevent root rot.
African Violet
I’ve got a soft spot for African Violets. They’re available in hundreds of varieties, meaning there’s always a variety that new and exciting for your collection.
What’s great about these little beauties is that they tend to bloom several times a year, with minimal effort from me.
You gotta remember that they need bright, indirect sunlight and let the top of their soil dry out slightly between waterings.
Begonia
These colorful fellas are perfect for adding a splash of brightness to your houseplant game.
They prefer the same bright, indirect light that many houseplants love, but you’ll also want to be mindful of their water needs; over-watering is a no-no.
Make sure to keep their soil moist but not soaking wet, and they’ll thank you with gorgeous blooms.
Anthurium
With their heart-shaped leaves and funky, spiky flowers, Anthurium is truly a unique addition to any plant collection.
To keep them happy, give ’em a spot with bright, indirect light and consistently moist soil.
Don’t forget to keep an eye out for yellowing leaves – that could be a sign they’re gettin’ too much sun!
These ornamental flowering plants are sure to add some serious wow factor to your home.
Unusual and Unique Houseplants
While I’m covering the most common houseplants, you gotta know that some of these tend to teeter on the edge of unusual.
Chinese Money Plant
One of my favorite unusual and unique houseplants is the Chinese Money Plant.
This plant has round, flat leaves that really make it stand out in any indoor space.
It’s easy to care for, too.
Just make sure it gets enough indirect sunlight, and don’t over-water it.
I’ve found that letting the soil dry out between waterings is key to keeping this beauty healthy.
Air Plant
Another unique houseplant I love is the Air Plant, or Tillandsia.
These quirky little plants come in all shapes and sizes, and they don’t even need soil to grow, which is crazy.
Instead, they just absorb nutrients and moisture from the air.
Honestly, I still don’t understand how that works.
Low humidity can be an issue for them, but a quick soak in water every week usually does the trick.
Just remember to shake off any excess water afterward, as sitting in moisture can lead to rot.
Cast Iron Plant
If you’re looking for a low light plant that’s still interesting, check out the Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior).
These hardy houseplants can handle pretty much anything you throw at them, hence the name “Cast Iron.”
They’re cool-looking with their long, dark green leaves and can make any space feel more like an indoor garden.
Just give them some space and avoid over-watering, and these plants will thrive.
Staghorn Fern
The Staghorn Fern is an epiphytic plant that’s perfect for a more adventurous indoor gardener.
These ferns are related to bromeliads and can grow on walls or in hanging baskets, much like their cousins.
They love filtered light, so avoid direct sunlight if you want to keep them happy.
And unlike other ferns, they don’t need consistently moist soil.
They’re like the hipster cousin of the fern family, always doing their own thing.
There are tons of awesome houseplants that add character and interest to your indoor spaces, and these are some of the most common ones you’ll find in offices and homes.
