10 Low-Maintenance House Plants for Beginners

There’s a reason gardening is a hobby people take up after retirement – a lot of plants takes commitment! But there are plenty of low-maintenance plants that are perfect for beginner gardeners.

With these plants, just a little bit of care will give you a thriving garden. They’re easy to grow, resilient and forgiving, so you don’t have to worry that you won’t have time or know what to do.

I’ll include notes on which plants are toxic to pets. Many plants protect themselves in nature by releasing toxins when eaten, so it’s important to know which ones if you have pets who like to get into everything.

1. Succulents

Succulents are one of the best plants for beginner gardeners because they are so hardy and require very little maintenance. These fleshy, water-storing plants come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors that will work in any space.

These guys honestly kind of thrive on neglect – they only need to be watered every 1-2 weeks and can tolerate periods of drought. They do best in well-draining soil and lots of sunlight, but even if you forget to water them for a while, they’ll usually bounce back.

Some popular and easy-to-grow succulent varieties include jade plants, echeveria, sempervivum (hens and chicks), and sedum. These low-maintenance plants are perfect for container gardens, rock gardens, or adding pops of color to your indoor spaces.

Most succulents are non-toxic to pets, but some varieties like jade plants (Crassula ovata) can be toxic to dogs and cats.

2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

The snake plant is a tough and resilient houseplant that’s ideal for the less attentive gardener. This plant has long, upright leaves that can range in color from deep green to variegated patterns.

Snake plants are remarkably tolerant of neglect – they can thrive in a wide range of lighting conditions and only need to be watered every 2-3 weeks. In fact, they’re prone to rot if you overwater them, so it’s best to err on the side of underwatering.

These low-maintenance plants also purify the air in your home. Although the research is somewhat divided, there’s no doubt they help some. It’s just not clear exactly how much.

With their striking, sculptural appearance, snake plants add instant style and drama wherever you place them. This plant is considered mildly toxic to pets. Ingesting it can lead to nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea in dogs and cats.

3. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

The ZZ plant is another great option. Also known as the Zanzibar gem, this hardy houseplant can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions, from low light to bright, direct sunlight.

ZZ plants are famous for their ability to bounce back from neglect. They only need to be watered every 2-3 weeks, and they can even survive periods of drought without any ill effects. Their thick, waxy leaves store water, allowing the plant to go for long stretches without needing a drink.

These plants are virtually indestructible and very easy to keep alive. With their glossy, architectural foliage, ZZ plants also make a striking addition to any room in your home.

The ZZ plant is toxic to pets. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain if ingested.

4. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

The peace lily is a gorgeous classic houseplant. They’re known for their beautiful, white flower-like blooms that appear above the lush, green foliage.

Peace lilies are relatively low-maintenance, as they will let you know when they need water by wilting slightly. When you see the leaves start to droop, it’s time to give them a good drink.

These plants prefer medium to low light conditions, so they can thrive in areas of your home that don’t get a ton of direct sunlight. Just be sure not to overwater them, since they’re sensitive to soggy soil.

With their elegant, tropical look and easy care requirements, peace lilies are a fantastic option for beginner gardeners looking to add some greenery to their indoor spaces.

Peace lilies are toxic to both cats and dogs. They contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation of the mouth and throat.

5. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

The Chinese evergreen is a hardy, low-maintenance houseplant that comes in quite a few stunning color patterns. They have thick, glossy leaves that can range from solid green to beautifully variegated shades of pink, red, silver, and white.

Chinese evergreens are quite tolerant of different lighting conditions, though they prefer medium to low indirect light. They only need to be watered when the top inch or two of soil becomes dry.

These plants also don’t mind being a bit pot-bound, so you don’t have to worry about constantly repotting them as they grow.

This plant is also toxic to pets. Ingestion can lead to irritation in the mouth and throat, as well as gastrointestinal upset.

6. Pothos

Pothos plants are some of the most popular and low-maintenance houseplants around. Also known as devil’s ivy, these trailing vines are incredibly resilient and can thrive in a almost any lighting conditions.

They’re very forgiving when it comes to watering – they can tolerate periods of drought and won’t mind if you forget to water them for a week or two. Just be sure not to let the soil become completely dried out.

These plants are also remarkably easy to propagate, so you can easily grow new pothos plants from cuttings. This makes them a great option for sharing with friends or expanding your own indoor garden.

With their attractive, heart-shaped leaves and cascading vines, pothos plants look great in hanging baskets, shelves, or trailing down from high surfaces.

Pothos plants are toxic to cats and dogs due to their calcium oxalate content, just like peace lilies.

7. Philodendron

Philodendrons are another classic, low-maintenance houseplant. They come with a variety of leaf shapes and colors, from the classic heart-shaped green leaves to striking variegated varieties.

They’re tolerant of different lighting conditions, with a preference for medium to bright, indirect light. Like Chinese Evergreens, they only need to be watered when the top inch or two of soil becomes dry.

These plants are also easy to propagate, so you can easily create new philodendron plants from cuttings. Similar to pothos and peace lilies, philodendrons contain calcium oxalate crystals which are toxic to pets.

8. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Spider plants are extremely resilient plants house plants that feature long, arching leaves. They can grow into lovely cascading displays, especially when you grow them in hanging baskets.

They can thrive in bright, direct sunlight or low-light areas, and they only need to be watered when the soil starts to dry out. They’re also easy to propagate because the “babies” that grow on the ends of the plant’s stems can be snipped off and replanted.

With their lush, green foliage and ability to tolerate neglect, spider plants are an excellent choice for beginner gardeners looking to add some greenery to their homes.

Spider plants are generally considered non-toxic to pets and are safe to have around cats and dogs.

9. Dracaena

Dracaena plants are actually a whole diverse group of hardy, low-maintenance houseplants that come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. From the tall, tree-like Dracaena marginata to the compact, striped Dracaena deremensis, there’s a dracaena variety to suit any indoor space.

These plants can tolerate any light level from bright, direct sunlight to low-light areas. They also only need to be watered every 1-2 weeks.

Dracaenas are also particularly resilient to pests and diseases, and they don’t need frequent pruning or repotting. With their architectural, statement-making foliage, they’re a gorgeous and easy way to add some tropical flair to your home.

Note that Dracaena plants are toxic to pets.

10. Peperomia

Peperomia plants are another diverse group of low-maintenance houseplants. They include a range of looks from the rounded, succulent-like leaves of the peperomia obtusifolia to the striking, trailing varieties.

They’re known for their ability to thrive in most lighting conditions, from bright, indirect light to low-light areas. They also only need to be watered every 1-2 weeks.

Peperomias are also relatively pest-resistant and don’t require frequent pruning or repotting. Their unique, ornamental foliage makes them especially charming in homes.