Indoor plants are an easy way to inject some personality, style, and a sense of well-being into an otherwise boring room. After all, most of the best houseplants are more affordable than a new throw pillow or accent chair, in addition to being beautiful and low maintenance. Beyond their invigorating energy and color, the best indoor plants can also assist with filtering harmful chemicals out of the air you and your family breathe. Even small houseplants have other health benefits too: In fact, being around plants can naturally help balance and lower your anxiety and stress levels.
You don’t need gardening experience or perfect conditions to keep indoor plants alive. If your house or apartment doesn’t get a ton of natural light (we’re looking at you, south-facing windows), that’s okay. There are plenty of low-light indoor plants like ZZ plants and philodendrons that can thrive in whatever dim corner you place them in. And don’t worry if you consider yourself lacking a green thumb. There’s a range of easy-to-care-for indoor plants that don’t require an intensive maintenance plan or watering schedule. The absolute easiest to care for indoor plants of all are succulents (if you have a lot of sunlight) or the beautiful trailing pothos plants (if you don’t). Just pick one you think looks cute, and follow our simple care instructions.
Need extra reassurance? Many plants actually grow better indoors than they do outdoors thanks to the controlled conditions. Ahead, we break down 37 of the best indoor plants, including how easy they are to care and tips to ensure they thrive.
![indoor plants indoor plants](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/8fern-bluestar-1-b614bb08-5281-48e3-8d5c-8c63618be498-6488ad58cdd22.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
THE SILL
1
Blue Star Fern
Care level: Easy
This plant’s lush foliage prefers medium to bright indirect light, plenty of mist and humidity, and occasional watering. Because its full, feather-like leaves get longer as they grow, this plant looks best in a hanging planter.
THE SILL
2
Boston Fern
Care level: Intermediate
The only thing that levels the Boston fern up from easy is its love of steam. Because they love low light and humidity, the bathroom is an ideal environment. Hang it in a corner, allowing its dark green fronds to drape down. Make sure to water it regularly—but only once the soil has completely dried out.
THE SILL
3
Algerian Ivy
Care level: Easy
As with any trailing ivy, the primary maintenance for this stunning houseplant is managing its fast-growing vines. Algerian ivy loves a lot of shade and even watering.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
THE SILL
4
Hoya Carnosa Tricolor
Care level: Easy
This waxy plant will grow trailing vines of white and green (and sometimes pink!) leaves. Pet friendly and nontoxic, it thrives in bright, indirect light with a watering every one to two weeks.
![indoor plants indoor plants](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/screenshot-2023-06-13-at-1-52-24-pm-6488ad58eadb6.png?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
THE SILL
5
Corkscrew Rush
Care level: Intermediate
With leafless stems that look like literal corkscrews, this unusual houseplant loves moist soil and indirect light. It can even thrive in a low light environment with the occasional use of a grow light to aid with photosynthesis. In the right environment it can grow up to three feet tall.
THE SILL
6
Olive Tree
Care level: Intermediate
Not just suited to the Mediterranean, an olive tree actually makes a great houseplant. It loves a warmer, sunny climate (but not too much direct sun or it will scorch) and plenty of humidity. Prune it seasonally to keep it looking fresh, and you’ll enjoy it for years to come.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
BLOOMSCAPE
7
Pothos
Care level: Easy
Consider a silver satin pothos, which has leaves that shimmer when they’re hit by light. Pothos plants are fuss free: Keep them in partial to bright indirect light, and water them when the soil is mostly dry. Pro tip: You can easily expand your plant family by propagating one of these plants from cuttings.
URBAN OUTFITTERS
8
Succulents
Care level: Easy
Succulents only require a small amount of water, so this set of four succulents is sure to spruce up your home without requiring much maintenance. Learn more about how to care for succulents so they thrive all year long.
![concept of home gardening. Zamioculcas in flowerpot on windowsill. Home plants on the windowsill. Green Home plants in a pot on windowsill at home. Hygge. Boho. Rustic. Scandinavian. space for text zz](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/concept-of-home-gardening-zamioculcas-in-flowerpot-royalty-free-image-1580854121.jpg?crop=0.833xw:0.833xh;0.107xw,0.167xh&resize=980:*)
ТОДОРЧУК ЕКАТЕРИНА//GETTY IMAGES
9
ZZ Plant
Care level: Easy
ZZ plants require less water than a lot of plants. If you tend to neglect yours (rather than overwater them), you’ll do well with this one. It’ll thrive in bright, indirect light—but it can also tolerate low light if you have a less-than-sunny spot you want to keep it in, according to Bloomscape.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
PLANTS.COM
10
African Violet
Care level: Easy
African violets flourish indoors under bright and indirect light, making them easy to care for. Plus, they’ll add a pop of purple to any room you display them in.
1800FLOWERS.COM
11
Juniper Bonsai
Care level: Easy
The Juniper bonsai tree is the perfect accessory in an office or living room. It requires regular watering, but don’t overdo it. Allow the soil to dry slightly (not completely) in between waterings and then give it a good pour. Also, keep in mind that it needs a few hours of direct sunlight each day.
EASYPEEL CLEMENTINE TREE
12
Citrus Tree
Care level: Easy
A clementine tree will have you dreaming of a summer abroad. In the spring, it’ll fill your home with the smell of jasmine. It requires full to partial light and weekly watering, allowing the soil the dry out in between.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
![indoor plants indoor plants](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/ficus-elastica-burgundy-6in-pdp-01-1000x-64f2057b80c86.jpeg?crop=0.6666666666666666xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
PUBLIC GOODS
13
Rubber Plants
Care level: Intermediate
The rubber plant requires bright, indirect light. You should only water it when the soil is dry. Rubber plants have the added benefit of being one of the best natural air cleaners out there. Place them near your favorite seating area to enjoy the fresh air.
MARIA NIKIFOROVA//GETTY IMAGES
14
String of Pearls
Care level: Easy to Intermediate
You’ll quickly have lengthy strands of pearls by leaving this plant in bright, indirect light with enough water to keep the soil steadily moist. Put yours in a hanging pot that allows the succulent’s vines to cascade over the sides.
THE JOY OF PLANTS
15
Pilea
Care level: Intermediate
Bright, indirect sun is the best for this plant, but be careful with watering: It requires a “drench-and-dry” approach (water thoroughly, then let the soil dry out), along with weekly misting. The unusual round leaves make a dramatic impression, so it’s best to keep the pot simple, like this display from The Joy of Plants.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
DESIGN*SPONGE
16
Fiddle-Leaf Fig
Care level: Easy
Only water this plant when the top inch of the soil is dry. Place it in a corner to create a dramatic focal point, like in this apartment over at Design*Sponge. But make sure it gets bright, indirect light.
![top view of sweetheart plant top view of sweetheart plant](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/top-view-of-sweetheart-plant-royalty-free-image-1580854557.jpg?crop=0.445xw:0.997xh;0.484xw,0&resize=980:*)
EVERGREENTREE//GETTY IMAGES
17
Sweetheart Plant
Care level: Easy
This adorable little heart-shaped plant, also known as Hoya kerrii, can be sold as either a single leaf-cutting or a whole trailing plant. It’s a succulent that needs very little care (according to The Sill, watering it every three to four weeks is ideal), and it does best in bright, direct light. Consider it a perfect little addition to your window sill.
SHARAFMAKSUMOV//GETTY IMAGES
18
Anthurium
Care level: Intermediate
Known for its waxy, heart-shaped flowers with a prominent stamen in the center, this plant needs to be watered every one to two weeks and requires occasional fertilizing—so they’re not low-maintenance, but not high-maintenance, either.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
DROPSTOCK//GETTY IMAGES
19
Bird of Paradise
Care level: Intermediate
Let this plant grow in a bright, sunny spot and it will definitely prosper, but it can handle lower light levels, too. You’ll need to fertilize it often in the spring and summer, according to Bloomscape. Otherwise, it’s fairly simple to handle—so long as you don’t overwater it.
SARAH YATES
20
Snake Plant
Care level: Easy
Indirect light is ideal for these plants (also called Mother-in-Law’s Tongue), along with light waterings that take place only after the soil has fully dried. Place it in an elevated planter to add interest to an empty corner in your hall, as seen here at A House in the Hills.
TERRAIN
21
Dragon Wing Begonia
Care level: Easy
Like the aloe and the kalanchoe plants, begonias need their soil to dry out completely between waterings. Oddly enough, this plant responds well even to fluorescent light, which makes it a perfect one for the office.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
BLOOMSCAPE
22
Watermelon Peperomia
Care level: Easy
Peperomia argyreia—also known as the watermelon peperomia or watermelon begonia—is a member of the Piperaceae plant family, which is native to northern South America. And despite its names, this plant has nothing to do with watermelons or begonias. It loves low- to bright-indirect light and can tolerate a missed watering but prefers to be well watered when the soil is half dry.
IKONICA
23
Kalanchoe
Care level: Easy
Kalanchoe makes for a marvelous mood booster in the kitchen. Low humidity is a friend of this plant, which will bloom even in the wintertime. Water thoroughly, then leave it until the soil dries out.
PIXEDELI//GETTY IMAGES
24
Air Plant
Care level: Intermediate
Though these plants grow anywhere (but bright, indirect light is best), you need to soak them in water once a week for at least 10 minutes. They’re the perfect addition to any terrarium. There are tons of different types of air plants, too, which is great if you like your plants to have variety.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
PRETTY NICE
25
Peace Lily
Care level: Easy
This plant requires medium to low light and only needs to be watered when the top of the soil is dry. Juxtapose the organic shape of the leaves with a modern planter like this DIY option from the blog Pretty Nice.
THE BRICK HOUSE
26
Split Leaf Philodendron
Care level: Easy
Bright, indirect light and even moisture allow this plant to thrive. The Brick House dipped a simple planter in neon paint, which brings out the gorgeous green color of its leaves.
ANIKASALSERA//GETTY IMAGES
27
Asparagus Fern
Care level: Easy
Indirect light is best and you should also give them plenty of water, being careful not to over-saturate the soil. Hang the pot from a modern macrame holder or plant it in a woven basket for a boho feel.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
GETTY
28
Jade Plant
Care level: Easy
These plants only require medium light for a few hours every day and waterings every few days after the soil has completely dried. To help the deep green leaves with red tips on this plant pop, put it in a pot that’s just as vibrant and striking.
MERETHE SVARSTAD EEG / EYEEM//GETTY IMAGES
29
Aloe Plant
Care level: Easy
Aloe loves the sun and only requires water once a week, allowing the soil to dry completely in between. Put your plant in a tall pot that keeps the leaves off the table. If you’re feeling extra creative, paint a rounded pot to resemble a pineapple before adding the aloe, the way they do in Lines Across.
GETTY IMAGES
30
Dragon Tree
Care level: Intermediate
Spiky leaves that grow upwards and have a red outline make the name of this plant absolutely perfect. But direct sunlight could damage them—so give the plant a mix of sun and shade. The statement-making leaves pair perfectly with a modern pot.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
WILLIAMS SONOMA
31
Spider Plant
Care level: Easy
Occasional waterings and bright, indirect light make the spider plant one of the easiest to care for. Show off its curved leaves with a hanging planter for even more drama.
ANNA OLEINIK//GETTY IMAGES
32
Gardenia
Care level: Expert
There’s nothing quite like the intoxicating scent of gardenia flowers, but special attention is required to get blooms to appear. It needs six to eight hours of bright, direct sunlight (and growing lights won’t do)—but it’s a lovely choice for a foyer!
BLOOMSCAPE
33
Tradescantia
Care level: Easy
A Tradescantia will add a subtle pop of color to your home—just make sure to keep it in a space with a temperature of 60 to 80 degrees and make sure it gets low- to bright-indirect light. Hang this fast-growing plant from a ceiling or place it on a tall bookcase.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
WEST ELM
34
Faux Succulent
Care level: Easy
If you’re looking for a charming small plant to add to your space but are concerned about it dying, turn to faux plants. They’ll give your home a lively feel without any maintenance.
AMAZON
35
Bamboo
Care level: Easy
Bamboo plants will add pizzazz to any space—and why not throw one in a glazed ceramic vase to really tie the look together? They can last for years if you keep the soil consistently moist but well drained.
WILLIAMS SONOMA
36
Herb Garden
Care level: Easy
This indoor herb garden starter kit includes three blue-and-white pots, four plant markers, and a matching tray. Use it to grow your favorite herbs like mint and basil.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below