Best Indoor Plants if You don’t have a Green Thumb

Many people gave up too early on gardening because they started with complicated plants. A beginner should be able to consistently witness plant growth. When you see a quick payoff for your efforts, you’ll likely continue with the activity until such time you’re ready for more challenging species. Here are some best indoor plants for beginners:

Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)

Considered as one of the easiest houseplants, Heartleaf Philodendron can thrive in low light and bright light conditions. In fact, this plant prefers to be kept away from direct sunlight. It prefers moderate moisture so only water when the topsoil is dried out. The heart-shaped, glossy leaves of this plant can characterize any room.

Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Outdoors, the golden pothos can wrap trees with huge leaves of yellow and green. Indoors, you can hang it on a trailing basket. If you want to let this plant grow vertically, insert a pole in the middle of the pot or secure the vines along walls and window frames.
Pothos requires minimal care and can add 12 to 18 inches within only a month. It can filter gaseous toxins but the sap can cause irritation to humans and animals.

Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)

Some people might mistakenly take a snake plant as an artificial ornament. It’s because the absence of stems and their upright, sword-like leaves are quite uncommon
Drought-tolerant and can handle lower light conditions, it’s ideal for individuals with busy schedules. Its weakness is too much water. That’s why you should put in a well-drained potting mix.
Did you know it’s also called the “Mother-in-Law’s Tongue”?

Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata)

Tolerant to a wide range of conditions, the dragon tree is one of the best indoor plants for homes and offices. It has sword-like leaves with a red outline springing from a woody stem.
Plant it in a well-draining soil and only water once the topsoil has dried out. If the tip of the leaves is turning brown, it’s either you’re over-watering or there’s too much fluoride or salt in the water.
Put the dragon tree away from sunlight because the foliage is sensitive to heat.

Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)

The lucky bamboo is a popular gift plant because many believe it enhances the positive energy in the surroundings.
Adorned by small leaves and braided stalks, it truly looks like a bamboo—though they’re not related. It is ideal for learners because it thrives in bright light but not direct exposure to sunlight. You can put it in well-drained potting soil or a pebble-filled vase. If you choose to put in soil, make sure it’s only moist (not soaked). If you choose to grow it in a vase, make sure the water covers the roots completely.
The lucky bamboo plant is sensitive to chlorine, so you might just want to use distilled water.

Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller)

Are you concerned you might forget to water the plants? Perhaps it’s a good idea to start your gardening journey with aloe vera.
As a succulent, there’s no need for frequent watering. This plant stores water which helps it survive for around two weeks. Still, make sure the soil drains well to prevent rot.
Aloe vera thrives indoors with bright indirect sunlight. During warmer months of the year, place it away from the windows.

Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)

As the name implies, the cast iron plant can endure low light and infrequent watering. However, you shouldn’t expose it directly to the harsh sunlight.
This plant has large, glossy leaves in deep green. Outdoors, it produces flowers, but that doesn’t usually happen indoors.
It can also tolerate a wide range of soil types. What’s important is the drainage. Indoors, a standard quality potting mix should be enough.

Holiday Cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi)

Do you want to add more colour inside your home or office? The brightly-coloured flowers of the holiday cactus might cheer you up as winter approaches.
Don’t be misled by the name! It’s actually a rainforest plant that loves indirect light and good drainage. Only water the plant once 2 inches of the soil is dry.

String of Buttons (Crassula perforata)

Perennial, fast-growing, and can handle with limited sunlight, this plant is a favorite of novices.
The string of buttons grows green, succulent leaves round a central stem. From afar, the leaves look like they’re stacked together. It grows best in a slightly acidic soil and doesn’t require fertilizer.
Make sure to protect it when the temperature falls below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)

Also known as “freckle face plant”, this species is highly hybridized for its interesting foliage. The green leaves are mottled with pink, white, or red.
For indoors, it is advised to put the plant under indirect bright light. If light is too limited, the canes will lengthen to capture more light.
Keep the organic potting soil moist, and feed it with a high-quality fertilizer once a month.

Conclusion

The key to developing your gardening skills is to start with easy-to-care plants that grow fast. This way, your interest can be maintained. Fortunately, there are plenty of best indoor plants.
It’s also vital to assess your indoor environment and lifestyle before choosing a plant. Can you grow vines? Do you have a well-lit corner? How often can you water the plants?