You might’ve considered adding greenery to your indoor spaces, but aren’t sure where to start—and browsing the nursery without guidance can feel overwhelming. Beginner houseplants are perfect for this: they reduce stress, brighten your mood, and even improve productivity.
Whether you want a simple herb on your kitchen counter or dream of becoming a full-fledged “plant person,” it’s important to understand the needs of each plant, your space, and how plants will complement each other.
We consulted plant experts to recommend the easiest indoor plants for beginners for every room in your home.
01 of 10
Best for the Kitchen: Herbs
Why buy herbs when you can just grow them yourself? “A small herb garden in the kitchen is like having a farmer’s market at your fingertips,” says Ben McInerney, certified arborist and founder of GoTreeQuotes.com.au. “Also, the smell of fresh basil can make your food taste better right away.”
Size: Up to 2 feet tall. Some herbs, like rosemary, can easily grow up to 6 feet.
Growing conditions: At least six to eight hours of sunlight; frequent watering for some, others thrive with indirect light and less frequent watering.
02 of 10
Best for the Family Room: Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
According to Matt Ramos, owner of Plant Sensation & Co., pothos is an ideal choice for the family room. Its trailing vines are cheerful, and it’s one of the most forgiving houseplants. “Pothos add a lively green touch to your family space, and are fun to propagate and share with others,” he says.
Size: Up to 10 feet tall
Growing conditions: Keep in bright, indirect sunlight, and water when the soil feels dry.
Pothos is a low maintenance indoor plant, perfect for beginners.
03 of 10
Ideal for the Formal Living Area: Elephant Ear (Colocasia)
Michelle Poitras, principal interior designer at Lucien Marie Design, loves statement plants such as tropical varieties with large foliage for living and family rooms. “These spaces are big, so taller and wider plants can grow. ” The elephant ear features velvety, dramatic leaves,” she says.
Size: 3 to 6 feet in height and width
Growing conditions: Bright, indirect sunlight; consistently moist soil
Elephant Ear is perfect for beginners seeking indoor plants that thrive anywhere while making a bold decorative statement.
04 of 10
Best for the Library: Cacti and Succulents
The library welcomes light everywhere, says Melvin Cubian, gardening expert at the PlantIn app. “This environment is ideal for sun-loving easy indoor plants like cacti, echeveria, sedum, aloes, and jade. Their neat appearance also decorates bookshelves beautifully.”
Size: 2 to 12 inches tall
Growing conditions: Direct or indirect bright light; low watering
Cacti and succulents are hard to kill plants, perfect for beginner-friendly indoor gardening.
05 of 10
Best for the Bedroom: Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia)
“Potted lavender transforms your bedroom into an aromatic oasis,” says McInerney. “Clients report better sleep—like a lullaby for your nose.”
Size: 2 to 3 feet tall
Growing conditions: Full sun; water when the soil is dry
Lavender is a low-maintenance indoor plant that adds fragrance and charm.
06 of 10
Best for the Child’s Room: Rubber Tree (Ficus Elastica)
Safety comes first in a child’s room, so spiny plants are avoided. “Rubber trees are perfect for corners in kids’ spaces. The thick leaves and sturdy stems resist damage and regrow easily,” says Cubian.
Size: 2 to 10 feet tall
Growing conditions: Bright, indirect light; moderate watering
Rubber Tree is one of the easiest houseplants for beginners; it’s safe for kids.
07 of 10
Ideal for the Guest Room: ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas Zamiifolia)
The ZZ plant is perfect for guest rooms due to its resilience and minimal care requirements. “It tolerates low to bright light and only needs occasional watering,” says Ramos. “Its glossy leaves add elegance and sophistication.”
Size: Up to 3 feet tall
Growing conditions: Low to bright, indirect light; occasional watering
ZZ Plant is a forgiving indoor plant, ideal for beginner-friendly spaces.
08 of 10
Best for the Bathroom: Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Bathrooms often get overlooked, but spider plants thrive in humidity. “They’re the Olympic swimmers of indoor plants. “I’ve watched them change plain bathrooms into beautiful tropical getaways,” says McInerney.
Size: Up to 2 feet tall
Growing conditions: Use medium to bright light; water the plant when the soil is dry.
Spider plants are hard to kill indoor plants, perfect for high-humidity rooms.
09 of 10
Best for the Laundry Room: Snake Plant (Dracaena)
The laundry room may have subtle chemical scents that snake plants can tolerate. “Its eye-catching leaf design goes well with many modern home styles,” says Cubian.
Size: 2 to 5 feet tall
Growing conditions: Bright, indirect light; low watering
LSI Tip: Snake plant is one of the easiest indoor plants for beginners and a low-effort décor choice.
10 of 10
Best for the Home Office: Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
“Peace lily is an air-purifying powerhouse, like a natural assistant for your workspace,” says McInerney. “Clients report fewer headaches and better focus.”
Size: Up to 3 feet tall
Growing conditions: Indirect sunlight; moist, well-draining soil
Peace Lily is a low-maintenance, beginner-friendly houseplant perfect for offices.
Common Problems & Solutions for Beginner Houseplants
Even the easiest indoor plants can face occasional issues. Here’s how to handle them:
- Yellow leaves → Often caused by overwatering. Ensure the soil drains well and water only when the top inch is dry.
- Wilting → Can happen due to low light or drought. Move the plant to a brighter spot or water properly.
- Pests → Watch for spider mites, aphids, or mealybugs. Use insecticidal soap or wipe leaves regularly.
- Dropping leaves → Stress from sudden temperature changes, drafts, or repotting. Keep plants in stable conditions and acclimate gradually.
Including this section makes your article more practical and answers common beginner questions.
Conclusion
Whether you’re adding greenery for mood, health, or décor, these beginner houseplants thrive almost anywhere. From kitchens to bedrooms, bathrooms, and offices, these easy indoor plants are hard to kill, forgiving, and perfect for new plant parents.
Start small, pick a few favorites, and soon your home will feel vibrant and alive—all without the stress of high-maintenance gardening.
FAQs
What are the easiest indoor plants for beginners?
Herbs, pothos, ZZ plants, spider plants, and snake plants are beginner-friendly and nearly impossible to kill.
How often should I water my houseplants?
Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Overwatering is the most common mistake for beginners.
Which beginner houseplants thrive in low light?
Pothos, ZZ plants, snake plants, and rubber trees can tolerate low-light indoor spaces.
Can these plants improve indoor air quality?
Yes! Plants like peace lilies, snake plants, and spider plants can naturally filter toxins and improve indoor air.
