It never failed. Every year I would find myself in the plant section at Lowe’s or Home Depot browsing through these beautiful, tropical plants. After several failed attempts at houseplants, I knew better than to bring any home. It seemed my house was cursed with a black cloud of doom for any unlucky plant that ventured inside.
Last year, I decided to try again and have done (relatively) well! Each plant I’ve brought home, I’ve made sure to research their preferences. There have been some failures (#RIPjasmine) but many more successes. There’s something whimsical and fairy like to the long vining plants that I just adore. When you’re first starting out with houseplants, finding varieties that do well in your home environment and finding success in those plants will give you the courage to branch out in the future.
There are many blogs and resources out there that gives lists of super easy, ‘unkillable’ houseplants. I’ll boldly say, I killed many of those without even trying! #NoAirPlants #NoSucculents for me! So I’ve compiled a list with some houseplants that I LOVE around our house and have been super easy to care for. *I’m going off the names listed on the post when I purchased or was gifted them. If any are mislabeled, PLEASE let me know!*
I recently posted about our indoor fruit trees (check it out here, if you haven’t already!). If you’re looking for plants that flower, smell lovely and have the potential to produce food for you, definitely go with some of those options! Another option for a fragrant houseplant would be jasmine. Ours (while we had her) was this lovely little bush with deep green foliage and delicate white flowers. It’s scent filled the entire house when in bloom. We currently do not have one (I made the mistake of moving her outside with our citrus trees this summer and she did not fare well) but I do plan on purchasing another in the future!
Most of my plants are in terra-cotta. It helps to wick away excess moisture between waterings to prevent root rot and I simply prefer the earthen color and texture.
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Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is a vining plant that is super hardy. It generally does best in medium indoor lighting, but can do well in low light. Do keep in mind that any variegated varieties will lose their coloring if not exposed to enough light. They are propagated easily in soil and water. Allow the soil to fully dry before watering, but water thoroughly when you do! I have several varieties (with several more on my wishlist!)
*Keep them out of reach from your children/pets as consuming the greenery can cause vomiting/diarrhea.
Golden Pothos cuttings. You can get beautiful propagation stations for your cuttings, too!
Pothos Marbled Queen
Jade Pothos
Wandering Dude/Wandering Jew: Tradescantia Pallida
Another super beauty to add to your home! The varieties available for this plant are seemingly endless! From zebra stripes, purple with silver shimmers, and zebra stripes – the possibilities are endless! Its growing conditions are similar to the pothos and is also easily propagated. While I couldn’t find any specific warnings for this plant, it’s still safe to say: Keep away from children and pets… if not for the little ones, then for the safety of your plants! (Ask me how I know!) I often will gift cuttings of these to friends and family. (Check that out here, and other low waste Christmas ideas!)
ZZ plant: Zamioculas Zanzibar
These are some super duper easy plants and is super hardy. It’s one of the few plants that really can tolerate low light. (LOW light, not NO light) There is the traditional green variety, a Raven, and a variegated variety (that’s super rare and expensive… I definitely don’t have it!) When established and in need of repotting, your ZZ can be split from the base and grown into additional plants.
*Keep them out of reach from your children/pets as consuming the greenery can cause vomiting/diarrhea.
Zz with new growth! It needs to be repotted soon. <3
ZZ Raven. The leaves initially may not be vary dark, but exposing it to brighter light than your regular ZZ will darken it’s leaves.
Snake Plants/Mother-in-Law’s Tongue: Sansevieria
Another great plant with awesome varieties! All kinds of shapes, colors, textures, and sizes. If kept happy, they will reward you with new babies you can separate and repot along the base of the plant. They do well in moderate, indirect light but will do well in brighter and more dim settings. Snake plants are very susceptible to root rot, so make sure soil is completely dry before watering.
*Keep them out of reach from your children/pets as consuming the greenery can cause vomiting/diarrhea.
Sansevieria trifasciata. This poor fella has some damage to older leaves as it’s been knocked over a few times from a mysterious, chubby hand.
Rubber Tree: Ficus elastica
I absolutely adore these plants. Several different sources have told me they can be a little finicky to grow, but mine have thrived in our east-facing window of a spare bedroom. I will warn you, this is NOT a plant to have where children or pets can access it. It is poisonous if ingested, but the white sap (latex) it produces can also cause skin irritation. Ours stay on the front porch during the summer, and in the guest room. Mine currently home several tiny spiders (real spiders, not spider mites that can harm houseplants) so you will see some webbing in these pictures. I don’t have the heart to hurt the little fellas.
Red Ruby Rubber Tree
Burgundy Rubber Tree
Fairy Castle Cactus: Acanthocereus Tetragonus
As a cactus, this plant definitely needs a lot of sunlight! It should do well for your as long as you give it light, and forget to water it. Like, literally, maybe once every few months! If you notice any puckering or browning in color AND your soil is completely dry, then water. Personally, I’m not usually a big fan of succulents or cacti; however, this little lady is adorable and can get quite impressive over the years!
Obviously, it’s a cactus. Don’t touch it or you’ll get poked!
Philodendron Brazil
This one has done so well for us. It’s been neglected, knocked over, pecked on by guinea hens… the list could go on and on. It has put forth a TON of growth since we brought it back inside from the summer. It’s another vining variety and is similar to pothos. I LOVE the colorations on the leaves of this plant!
*Keep them out of reach from your children/pets as consuming the greenery can cause vomiting/diarrhea.
Swiss Cheese Vine: Monstera Adansonii
I added this plant because I think it’s super lovely. I’ve only gotten some rooted cuttings so far, but have heard it grows very well when rooted! It’s growing conditions are very similar to a pothos and a Brazil.
*Keep them out of reach from your children/pets as consuming the greenery can cause vomiting/diarrhea.