9 Best Houseplants For Beginner Plant Parents

Take a deep breath, you got it.

Buying a houseplant or two is a quick and easy way to breathe new life into your space, but if you don't have much (or no) experience with plants, you may feel overwhelmed at first.

After all, plants are living creatures that need care and attention to thrive. And with so many greens to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which is the best option for you. Choosing a low-maintenance houseplant as a beginner will develop a green thumb and move on to more demanding plants later. Read on for expert tips on keeping live plants and a list of the best houseplants for beginners to help you feel more confident about indoor gardening.

RELATED: 16 low-maintenance houseplants that are most likely to live year-round

Tips for new gardeners

Before you take the risk of buying a plant, do your research and choose a calm plant that can tolerate beginner mistakes. "Don't buy a rare, expensive plant for your first plant, no matter how tempting it is," says Lisa Eldred Steinkopf, author of Houseplants: The Complete Guide to Choosing, Growing and Care for Houseplants.

Don't know what we can just say? Well, it partly depends on your life circumstances and how you want to see them. But an easy way to make sure you can keep a houseplant alive is to make sure the plant's needs match the environment you're providing. For example, if a particular scene calls for lots of light but you live in a basement apartment, keep looking.

Also, it's a good idea to start small and only buy one or two low-maintenance plants. This way you can learn the basics of plant care without feeling overwhelmed, and then expand your collection as your confidence grows.

What happens if the tree breaks? Don't get discouraged by trying again. Steinkopf says there's a plant for everyone, and the species you initially choose may not be right for you and your space.

Are you ready to try your hand at plant care? Here are nine of the best herbs for beginners, according to experts.

bromeliads

If you're looking to add a pop of color to your space, Bloomscape plant expert Lindsay Pangbourne recommends bromeliads. Bromeliads can handle a heavier and more irregular watering schedule than many other flowering plants, making them perfect for beginners just getting used to plant care schedules.

"Plant parents can keep the center of the plant, called the 'pot,' half full with water at all times," explains Pangbourne. "Once this is done, bromeliads should only be watered when the soil is completely dry."

peace lily

Known for its glossy leaves and beautiful white flowers, the peace lily likes plenty of water at once and infrequently. Tall leaves can fall off if left behind, but Pangbourne says they're surprisingly forgiving despite good watering. The peace lily is a great choice for beginners because it is so versatile; It can easily adapt to bright indirect light or low light conditions.

RELATED: Hard-to-kill houseplants that don't need sunlight to grow

pothos

Pothos is a common starter plant and is called devil's ivy because it's so difficult to kill. This hardy plant tolerates plenty of bright, indirect sun or even low light (keep away from bright, direct sun). According to Steinkopf, frequent watering is very forgiving. In fact, it's best to let the soil dry completely before adding water, and drooping leaves are a good indicator that pothos is thirsty. Once you've hung your potths, the leaves can stretch up to several feet and you can teach him to climb a wall or moss stick.

Kangaroo Fern

The small fronds of the kangaroo fern are tough and tidy, resistant to most lighting conditions (except rooms with lots of direct sunlight). Pangbourne says this type of fern can tolerate some drought if you neglect the plants, but it's a good idea to water when about 25% of the soil volume feels dry. Watch out for dead branches for healthy growth. "If you see them, detach the stems by cutting them off at ground level with clean, sharp scissors," says Pangbourne.

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Growing a ZZ plant is a lot easier than its Latin name ( Zamioculcas zamiifolia ) might suggest. "It can grow almost in a closet, but it likes bright [indirect] light, like a north-facing or east-facing window, or even a few feet from a south-facing or west-facing window," says Steinkopf. Because their stem retains moisture, you may miss some watering sessions, especially if your ZZ is getting low light.

greedy monster

Also known as the Swiss Cheese Plant, Monstera has large tropical leaves. Planta App plant expert Brianna Sherlock says monsters are very forgiving of common plant accidents and thrive in most home environments. However, you will see more holes and cracks when the Monstera shield is healthy, so it's worth learning how to keep this plant happy.

"Moderate light and occasional watering is all they really need," he says. When you are above water, the monster can easily splash into the water; You might want to try a cut again.

Raphidophora tetrasperma (Mini Monstera)

This plant, named for its resemblance to Monstera leaves, is a completely different species, but Sherlock says it's just as easy to care for.

"The fenestrated leaves like to be lifted or held while still retaining a beautiful lime-green color," she says. "They are great for beginners because of their adaptability to light. A bright room is all they need in your home. Although tropical mini monsters like high humidity, they do well outdoors. As long as they are kept away from drafts and drafts .

Chinese perennial

With the right light — Steinkopf says Chinese periwinkle prefers medium to bright sun — this classic houseplant produces foliage in gorgeous colors, including red, peach, and pink. The main part? They have succulent stems meaning they can handle wilting, perfect for those with green fingers. Water Chinese evergreens whenever the soil feels dry (usually every few weeks).

snake plant

Forgetful (or busy) parents will appreciate that this upright plant and strain doesn't require much attention. "Because these are succulents, they don't need to be watered as often," says Steinkopf. Try watering whenever the top inch of soil feels dry and loose. The snake plant tolerates almost all light conditions, but grows best in full sun.

Related: 6 ideas for decorating house plants

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