I used to kill everything. Try to put a plant in the house and it wouldn’t last a month. I’d forget to water it, or water it too much, or put it in a spot where it was clearly not happy trying to force it to thrive where it did not want to. As someone who really loves the little details in between and all-around Spaces And Places, I wish I’d had a “best houseplants for beginners” guide.
Instead, I started with Emily P. Freeman’s advice to “find what you like and see how it grows.” I invested in a variety of houseplants, got some good advice from master house planters, and opened myself up to moving plants around as they responded to their environment and the season. In doing so, I have slowly but surely nurtured an indoor jungle that helps make our house a home.
Houseplants do more than just beautify your space. They clean the air, boost your mood, and even reduce stress. But not all houseplants are created equal. Each variety has its own personality, needs, and quirks. Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or just starting out, here are some tips to keep them thriving year-round.
General Houseplant Care Tips:
- Drainage is everything: Always use pots with drainage holes to prevent root rot.
- Light matters: Observe your plant’s reaction. Leggy growth usually means it needs more light.
- Clean your leaves: Dust blocks sunlight and hinders growth. Use a damp cloth regularly.
- Watch for pests: Check for spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids. Neem oil or insecticidal soap can help.
- Don’t love them to death: Overwatering is the #1 killer of houseplants. When in doubt, wait a day or two.
Best Houseplants for Beginners:
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Nickname: Mother-in-Law’s Tongue
Light: Low to bright indirect
Water: Every 2–3 weeks (let soil dry between waterings)
Humidity: Average room humidity
Care Tips: Snake plants are nearly indestructible. They tolerate neglect, low light, and infrequent watering. Don’t overwater—root rot is their only true enemy. Wipe leaves occasionally to remove dust and encourage photosynthesis.
2. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Nickname: Devil’s Ivy
Light: Low to bright indirect
Water: Every 1–2 weeks
Humidity: Prefers higher humidity but adapts well
Care Tips: Pothos are fantastic for beginners. Trim leggy vines to encourage bushier growth and propagate cuttings in water. Yellowing leaves usually mean overwatering—check that your pot drains well.
My Favorite Places to Source Houseplants
The temptation to go to Lowe’s or Home Depot, especially if you are just starting out with houseplants, is strong because it is where you will get the best deal. However, I’ve found that these three places are worth the investment because of the quality of their products and the expert advice they are able to give:
- Smarty Plants – Decatur – Smarty Plants is mainly outdoor plants, but they have some great indoor plant options and also some great planters (use the picture of the grey pot with the Christmas cactus from our kitchen shelves here)
- Hannah’s – Hartselle – Hannah’s also has a great outdoor plant selection and great outdoor decor and seasonal decorations like loads and loads of pumpkin varieties in the fall.
- Houseplant Collective – Birmingham. They also have an awesome traveling houseplant bus that makes an appearance all over Alabama. Check out their calendar to see if they will be near you.
We hope you will also “find what you like and see how it grows”! What is your favorite houseplant variety and how do you best care for it?
