The plant collection
Six common houseplants that are forgiving for beginners. Each one has a short note on light and water so you know what to expect before you bring it home.
Snake Plant
Sansevieria trifasciata
A great first plant. It tolerates low light and infrequent watering, so overwatering is the main thing to avoid.
- Light:
- Low to bright indirect light
- Water:
- Every 2 to 3 weeks, let soil dry fully
Golden Pothos
Epipremnum aureum
Trim long vines to keep it full, and root the cuttings in water to grow more plants for free.
- Light:
- Low to bright indirect light
- Water:
- When the top inch of soil is dry
Monstera
Monstera deliciosa
Give it room to spread and a moss pole to climb. New leaves develop more splits as the plant matures.
- Light:
- Bright indirect light
- Water:
- When the top 2 inches of soil are dry
ZZ Plant
Zamioculcas zamiifolia
Its thick roots store water, so it handles dry spells well. Wipe the leaves now and then to keep them shining.
- Light:
- Low to medium indirect light
- Water:
- Every 2 to 3 weeks
Peace Lily
Spathiphyllum
The drooping leaves are a helpful signal. Water it and it usually perks back up within a few hours.
- Light:
- Medium indirect light
- Water:
- When leaves start to droop slightly
Spider Plant
Chlorophytum comosum
It sends out little plantlets you can snip off and pot up, making it easy to share with friends.
- Light:
- Bright indirect light
- Water:
- When the top inch of soil is dry
Not sure which one fits your space?
Tell me about your light and how often you like to fuss over plants, and I will help you pick.