There are a lot of reasons why you should have houseplants at home. Along with improving your mood and your home’s air quality, houseplants make a stylish addition to just about any space. But what to do when you’re dreaming of some indoor greenery but lack the basic gardening skills of a green thumb? Fret not friends: We gathered a handful of attractive—and un-killable—houseplants that are insanely easy to care for. From leafy philodendron to sleek snake plants, here are five low-maintenance houseplants that even a houseplant rookie can keep alive.
1. Philodendron Cordatum
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Also known as heart-leafed philodendron, Philodendron Cordatum is a popular houseplant because of its pretty heart-shaped leaves that grow into long trails—and the fact that it’s super easy to care for. Not only can heartleaf philodendron survive in low light spaces (like your dimly lit apartment), they only need to be watered when the top half of the potting soil becomes dry and the leaves start drooping. Translation: You only have to water this plant every one-to-four weeks depending on the season (colder months require less watering) and its wilting leaves will perk right back up as soon as you do.
2. Snake Plant Laurentii
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Searching for a low-maintenance plant to dress up an empty living room corner? Snake Plant Laurentii, better known as snake plants, can survive in low indirect light and only require watering about every two weeks (whenever its potting soil completely dries out). And despite being such a low maintenance houseplant, snake plants still grow fast and tall, making them a goofproof way to liven up any room.
3. Succulents
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If you aren’t already a proud succulent parent then now’s the time to listen up. Not only do these adorable plants instantly energize a space, when placed in bright light—either direct or indirect will work—they only need to be watered every two-to-three weeks. Buy an Aloe Vera or Haworthia Zebra plant to style your nightstand, or employ a bunch of tiny ones to brighten up your work desk.
4. Marble Queen Pothos
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Looking for a houseplant with a little more pizzazz? The Marble Queen Pathos, also known as devil’s ivy, boasts interesting splattered white and green leaves that grow into long cascading vines that work great in hanging planters or in pots placed atop tall shelves. Even better, these eye-catching houseplants can tolerate medium and low light spaces and only need watering once a week.
5. ZZ Plant
Image via The Sill
The only thing better than a gorgeous tropical houseplant is one that’s incredibly easy to take care of. Native to Africa, ZZ Plants thrive in medium to low indirect light and only require watering every two weeks—so they’re an awesome option for beginners. And since they’re not well suited for direct sunlight, these glossy-leafed plants are perfect for small spaces lacking a lot of natural light.
