Over the past few years, I’ve gone from a plant killer to a borderline-crazy plant LOVER. They really are my favorite thing about our home and what makes it feel like HOME to me.
Now, some are easier to care for than others! And there’s nothing worse than buying a special plant only to have it die on you when you are trying your best to care for it (I’m looking at you fiddle leaf fig trees!). So today I’ve rounded up five types of plants that are on the easier side to care for, that can live in mixed lighting and are pretty low maintenance. These are the ones that are thriving and growing like crazy in my home.
Hope you enjoy!
A type of bonsai tree, these little guys have SO much personality and are very easy to care for. I have three in very different sizes (the mini is the cutest, though, I have to say!), and they live in rooms with high and low light, even though they are recommended for low light.
Here’s the big one…
When it comes to watering and keeping them alive, here are the two tricks that help me!
- Water on the same day every week. My day is Sunday. We usually tidy up on that day too, so that’s the first step in that process. It’s really good to get into a consistent routine so you don’t forget about watering. When I buy new plants, I always check the tag or ask how much much to water and what kind of light, but after a while, it’s up to you to use common sense and tweak things if your plant seems unhealthy.
- Move them around. If you notice brown leaves or a lot of dropped leaves and you know you’re watering the correct amount, then move them to a different lighting situation. Sometimes the smallest changes (like one room over) can be the difference between dying and thriving for my plants. Just pretend they are people who can’t talk and keep trying different things until they seem happy. 🙂
I hope these suggestions are helpful! If you have any questions, I am happy to answer them. And I would love to hear YOUR suggestions for any houseplants that have been easy to care for! xx- Elsie
Credits// Author and Photography: Elsie Larson, Photos edited with A Beautiful Mess actions.
87 Comments
When they do start growing a little too big for your house, what do you do?
I love this post!!! My boyfriend and I are moving in September, and I want to invest in some plants to decorate and bring some life to the new place! I’ll definitely be referring back to this post – thank you!
haveheartsite.wordpress.com
Great post!
I’m obsessed with house plants as well, every since my Mom showed me how to properly care for them, haha. So far I have about 5-6 varieties of plants indoors and on my patio. This post was so useful – this weekend I’m going to go get a snake plant and a philodendron. I love those two!
Thanks for sharing, Elsie!
Lena – http://zoyaandme.com
Great post! I am kind of famous for my black thumb but cacti have started to save my reputation! I also have a ponytail palm and it’s the heartiest plant ever. It sits in a room with almost no light and I almost never water it and it’s five years old!
BAMBOO! Grows as big as the pot it sits in and is super easy to take care of. Also survives in a hot environment inside, like Florida with the AC off.
I’ve never had that happen, but with some of my cacti I am clipping pieces off and making new baby plants so they don’t outgrow their planters. :))
xx- Elsie
Wrapping them in a blanket with duck tape for a big one!
Gotta be careful! :))
xx- Elsie
So fun!! Have fun planning your new space Ashley!
xx- Elsie
Exciting!!!
xx- Elsie
They’re the best!!
xx- Elsie
How do you keep them safe from your dogs? I have a very active puppy that it will probably eat them all!!
Now that’s something useful for me, I always have difficulties keeping my plants alive. Thanks for sharing!
https://www.makeandmess.com/
I love all of your plants! Awesome. I have a small collection- just a Peace Lily and Lucky Bamboo, but I can definitely see mine growing like yours in the future! http://www.tinyecospa.com
My dogs have never tried to eat our plants. But I would probably move them higher if I were you!
xx- Elsie
I love houseplants! But I’m a houseplant murderer. 🙁 I had a beautiful snake plant in my stairwell (low light) that completely died on me. They are supposed to be hard to kill and I did it! So, now I’m into finding the best fake ones I can until we move to a place that allow for more light. Loved this post!
Love this post, I definitely need to add some greenery to my house! Any suggestions on where to get planters? The big box stores don’t seem to have a great selection. i love the white geometric one you have.
Yes agree with Evelyn- would love to know where you buy all your planters and small white containers!
Also- I bought a fiddle leaf fig a few months ago and haven’t killed it yet! It’s proudest accomplishment… caring for it is like that surfing scene in ‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’ – “Do less. no, less”
anyway very informative post! I’m about to head out for some ivy now!
-Stefanie
http://www.thestylesafari.com
That ivy in the last picture is so pretty! Do you remember what it’s called? Thanks!
I’m going cactus shopping this weekend! To go with my beautiful little succulent babies,fingers have gotten very green this year!
I actually don’t have that many plants at home because I’m not sure how to treat them right but this post just helped me lots! x
http://jessicawoods.fr/blog/
Love these! I have a few plants in my house and want to transfer the pots. Your pots are so stylish, where did you get them?
For me, top five house plants would be:
1) jade plant – almost indestructible succulent that comes in a few varieties;
2) ZZ plant – both of mine grow like crazy, even when forgotten;
3) strings of pearls – the most beautiful succulent ever;
4) spider plant – perfect for hanging planters;
5) snake plant – of course 🙂
All of them are very adaptable and pretty, as well as low maintenance. My biggest failure, on the other hand, is peace lily. Supposedly one of the easiest to care for, but somehow I cannot find a common language with mine 🙂 Living in the desert doesn’t help, but still, for some reason the plant hates me.
Love the suggestions – a snake plant was my first house plant and the only thing I’ve been able to keep alive – it’s going on 2 years now!
It’s also worth noting that philodendrons are toxic to cats & dogs. I wanted one so bad, and although my cat used to ignore all the plants, she’s recently taken to chomping at them. We also have a puppy that will bite at anything. So, no phil’s for us.
thanks so much for the info!!! I am SO glad my dogs don’t eat plants.
xx- Elsie
I love houseplants! The last one is not ivy btw, it’s called satin pothos (or silver vine).
Such a great post! I am terrible at maintaining plants but I love having them around. I’ve been struggling to keep some inherited plants happy. I’m doing well with the snake plant and jade, though. But my recent purchase a eucalyptus, hates me. I will try a couple of the ones you mentioned next. Fingers crossed!
Great post! The most low maintenance plant that I’ve ever had that survived years of neglect was an aloe plant. lol. These are definitely much prettier than that, though. I’m going to have to try one of these for this empty corner in my room. Thanks for sharing!
Keshia
http://www.queenlifeblog.com
Aloe is another pretty easy houseplant to keep up with, and makes for a great emergency moisturizer. Just be careful readers who are dog owners that like to chew things – many houseplants are toxic to dogs. We are unable to keep many houseplants floor-level thanks to a chewing doggie! ASPCA has a great list on their site of toxic plants for reference!
This is so great! Thanks for sharing, Elsie! Do you have a go-to or favorite place to buy plants? I never seem to have much luck when shopping around.
Just a wprd to the wise, be careful about what kind of house plants you buy if you have a cat or pup, some plants can be toxic to them.
Great post and beautiful plants. Snake plants and ivy (spider plant, peace lilly and loads more) also help remove toxins from the air in your home too so win win, pretty and useful!
I think that’s actually also a philodendron–look up philodendron silver
This post is SO helpful! I’ve just recently moved into my own apartment and I know I love the way plants can brighten up a space, but I’m haven’t had great success in keeping plants alive. Thanks for showcasing these gems! Question – where do you typically buy your plants from? 🙂
BEautiful pictures! I can not keep plants alive for the life of me.
Thank you! I keep killing every plant I buy. I then have to put them in the garden which kind of defeats their purpose. (I now have a pretty garden though :p)
http://frivolousaffairsblog.blogspot.be
Cacti are my favorite houseplant! I live in Texas, so it gets really hot here and they grow very well. They’re one of the few low maintenance house plants that aren’t toxic to cats.
Likely By Sea
You have no idea how much I needed this post! I have been killing plants left and right in my low light apartment and needed some suggestions, thank you!
Julia- http://bunnybaubles.com
I buy a lot from home depot and lowes. My favorite local shops are Hewitt and Garden’s Of Babylon if you are from Nashville area.
xx- Elsie
I honestly have a lot of luck at Home Depot and Lowes (even Walmart!) and my favorite local shops are Hewitt and Garden’s Of Babylon (I get the more rare ones and bigger cacti there). I’ve bought a few on eBay as well!
xx- Elsie
I’m obsessed with the variety of planters you have! I know you’ve done posts about planters in the past, but I would love maybe an updated one or just something about the ones you!
Are your animals very interested in any of the plants? I used to have a ponytail palm but my cat liked to chew it and it would make her vomit. I love plants but I always try to look them up to make sure they aren’t toxic for my fur babes. If you all did a “pet friendly plant guide” I would soooo appreciate it!
That bottom plant is actually a philodendron…
I would also love to know where to find indoor planters, particularly larger ones that don’t break the bank! I am also curious about how you deal with the drainage issue for indoor plants…if it has drainage without a matching catch tray what would you do or if it doesn’t have drainage is there a special way you plant in it or does it not harm your plants?
Great post and lots of good plant-spiration! Thanks 🙂
I LOVE your pots. I’m always on the search for a good pot. It really adds to the aesthetic.
Brittany | thechicette.com
I’m notorious for plants wilting under my care. I just bought a cactus and am hoping it won’t die! If it does..then i’m going to start buying fake plants instead. T_T
http://www.lagomchaos.com
What a great list! I’d love to see Laura do one of cat friendly plants — so many easy to grow plants aren’t good to have around curious kitties.
I think it’s a silver satin pothos. Super easy to grow!
I’m all about plants that don’t need much looking after! I seem to forget they can’t look after themselves, haha x
http://my–socalledlife.blogspot.com.au/
Have you experienced fungus flies on any of your plants? I just got a bad case of them, guess they are common in greenhouses and places that sell lots of plants. Anyway, I’m doing what the Internet says to get rid of them but just looking for someone else to feel my pain with me ☺️
Golden pathos. Only plant I can keep alive.
It’s actually not ivy, it’s a silver pothos! Indeed a variety of philodendron, as Amber says. They do well in medium to low light and LOVE artificial light (like in an office setting).
Hi,
How many times should I water my snake plant?
Thanks!!
Ana.
It’s a Scindapsus pictus, but it’s commonly called a ‘Satin Pothos’ or ‘Silver Philodendron’. ?
So fun to see all your plants!
The larger ‘cacti’ in this post is actually a Euphorbia, which is worth noting because all Euphorbia have a milky latex sap that is toxic and highly irritating to skin and eyes for both people and pets.
Power to the plant ladies! ????
thank you for the information.
Such a great post! I love the philodendron but never knew what it’s proper name was, thanks!
Your plants are beautiful. That last guy is a satin pothos though not an ivy in case anybody’s looking for one.
I only have a small cacti, but I’m really hoping it takes it’s sweet time to grow, as I don’t exactly have the room for it, if it decides to have a growth spurt anytime soon!
I have had neither skill or luck even cacti and ivy. Time to try again.
I love this post! Like others, I would love to hear about your containers (including notes about drain holes, covering with moss or gravel, etc). I wanted to add that I’ve spent lots of money on plants and almost nothing on plants–you can go either way. Aldi (yes, the grocery store) occasionally sells plants, and I have done really well there. The plants they sell are typically small, but it’s very rewarding to grow them. I have a croton I bought there a few years ago that is huge now. I recently replanted it in a black plastic pot (12″ diameter) I bought at Walmart for $4. At Walmart I purchased a little black plant stand for $3, also, that lifts it right in front of the window.The most expensive part of re-potting it was the soil! Target also has some nice inexpensive pots.
I have trying to have houseplants so bad, but I am terrible with them! I bought ivy not too long ago because I read they were easy to care for. However, both of mine died 🙁 I tried them in different rooms (the sun room, bathroom, kitchen) but no matter what they just kept dying. I watered them consistently every week as you suggested but I am out of ideas. Do you know if they require a certain pot or soil mixture?
Thanks for the article. Maybe I’ll try some of these other plants.
Does anyone know if they are pet safe?
They look so great, I might consider buy these plants for my room. Every plant I’ve had up until right have all withered on me even though I’ve given them all my lovin’! I think I’m going to start up with cacti, and then up the notch of plant care difficulty!
xx | http://www.recavi.com
I love Philodendron, but they grow really large.
I also love White Spathiphyllums, they are gorgeous.
And Orchids, after several years of killing them, now I’m a pro of keeping them alive and beautiful 😉
XO
Anna From Italy
Are any of these nontoxic for a household with cats? I’d be really interested in an easy-care, cat-safe plant list if you decide to do a follow-up!
I love plants so much, especially if it can be easily be taken care indoors. I have cactus, snake plant and ponytail too. So easy to take care of them. Plants add a lot of life in a home not forgetting the oxygen supply it provides.Your ivy is beautiful. Should get one too. Thank you for these awesome post. Sharon Elsie, diva-in-me
I would love to know where you get your planters!
The Cactus and Ivy are beautiful, definitely my favorites! I think have real plants adds such beautiful surroundings in a room. I’m definitely going to be looking more into adding plants into my home! Lovely post! xo
McKenzie | therosynook.com
Ah great guide! Need some plants in my bedroom!
Jabeen x
http://www.spilling-the-beans.co.uk/
I love me some houseplants! Our new home is almost ready to move into and you’re giving me some fantastic ways to “dress” indoor plants. I especially love the snake plant’s basket! Thank you for sharing.
Great post
Xoxo
http://fashionbackyard.blogspot.fr
I love me a cactus, I’ve been avoiding the flowering ones though because I find I still (somehow) manage to dry them out.
Those snake plants are lovely though x
Girl,you rock! Your posts are always ON POINT with me! I am totally feeling all of this beautiful greenery. I too would love to know where you find all of these amazingly modern pots. Wayyyyyy cooler than the typical Terra cotta style. Please share! Xo
I’ve been trying to figure out what types of plants / flowers to buy for someone who is really into in-door(ish) gardening! This was very helpful.
Love these!! Im awful at keeping plants! May have to have a look into this! The one in my room currently is fake!! x
http://dreamingoffithavenue.wordpress.com
Great post! All I have is a bamboo plant and small succulent right now. I hope to add more plants into my apartment though =o) thanks for the tips too, I’m not the best at keeping plants alive haha
http://dreamofadventures.blogspot.com/
Nice idea for home plantation. I like it. Please keep sharing such amazing ideas with us.
I recently realised after living here for nearly 5 years that we have ZERO greenery. Like, no natural oxygen at all. Who does that?!
I love cacti and cactus and they would defo be my first choice (spineless)! I love ivy as well but I can imagine the chaos it would cause in our too small home already!
I’m sorry this is completely off topic but I was wondering what brand your stack of plates are from or where were they purchased? I’ve been looking for these types of plates! Thank you!
Great post! A couple things to note, though. While Ivy is a very easy plant to grow, the photo that you posted as Ivy is actually another type of Philodendron (just in case anyone was looking around for it). Philodendrons just make such excellent houseplants that they kind of creep in everywhere in all sorts of forms 🙂
Additionally, that photo that you posted of your “huge eight foot cactus” isn’t actually a cactus at all, it’s a Euphorbia (a really happy Euphorbia at that!). It’s important to note that they are harmless while intact, but if you snap off any part of the plant, it will secrete a sticky, white sap that is EXTREMELY dangerous. It is caustic and will cause anything from mild-moderate irritation if it comes in contact with the skin to more extreme reactions like blindness (very easily if you rub your eyes with sap on your fingers) or even death. Not necessarily the best plant to keep indoors if you have pets or kids running around, so thought it might be worth throwing out there. Not to be a negative Nancy or anything… I love the blog!!
I would LOVE to know where you got your planters also!!! Pretty please!! I have quite a few houseplants that are in desperate need of repotting but I haven’t found pots I like till I saw these! I know you posted on Snapchat but I missed it. Can you post somewhere else for me?
Any suggestion for pest control? I’ve had issues with aphids.
Hi Corinne,
Might help to research some organic pest control – harsh-free and chemical-free for your plant and your entire home! I love DIY myself – check out my website http://dushonok.com and you might have an idea.
Hey Elsie – thanks for the tip! A cactus seems easy to take care of. Used to have house plants (fortune and bonsai) but they died *sad face* – so I loved the idea of keeping a schedule to water them once a week (same day every week!)
Nadya – http://dushonok.com
Great list and I really love your photography 🙂
Hi I think we could be long lost sisters! At one time, I killed every plant in our house! I had spidermites. Tried to kill them, only killed the plants! Now 8m starting over with all new plants. They r doing really great!
I have planted snake plants in my balcony. But I have faced some problems in this season. There are some weeds around the plants. I don’t know what to do in such cases.