15 Easiest Indoor Plants Plus Simple Tips to Keep Them Alive
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If you have ever struggled to keep a houseplant alive, these 15 easiest indoor plants are wonderfully forgiving and perfect for beginners. With simple tips for watering, light, and basic care, you can finally enjoy thriving greenery in your home without the stress.
If you’re ready to shop for a new houseplant, I’ve had excellent success with the plants from Costa Farms. They have a nice selection and you can order them on Amazon, which is super convenient!
Someone once gifted me a gorgeous orchid. It was tall, elegant and beautiful. I remember setting it on my counter and thinking, “I am so sorry.” I could practically see its little plant spirit bracing itself.
I watered it. Then I overwatered it. Then I Googled it. Then I panicked. And then I forgot about it.
And that, my friends, is how my orchid fulfilled its destiny.
If you have ever whispered “please don’t die” while carrying a houseplant to the sink, this post is for you. The good news is that not all plants are dramatic orchids. Some are sturdy, forgiving and practically thrive on neglect.
Here are the top 15 easiest indoor plants to keep alive, plus simple tips and tricks so you can actually enjoy them instead of apologizing to them.
15 Plants That are Hard to Kill
1. Snake Plant
There’s a reason the snake plant is the first on the list of easiest indoor plants. It’s because this plant is basically indestructible. If you’re a plant killer, start with this one to build some confidence.
Why it is easy:
It tolerates low light, bright light, and inconsistent watering.
Tips for keeping it alive:
- Water only when the soil is completely dry. Think every two to three weeks.
- Do not let it sit in soggy soil.
- It can handle low light but grows faster in bright indirect light.
If you forget about it for a while, it will forgive you. Where can I find friends like that too? Ha!
2. Pothos
This is the plant that gives you confidence.
Why it is easy:
It grows in almost any light and tells you when it is thirsty.
Tips for keeping it alive:
- Let the top inch of soil dry out before watering.
- If the leaves droop, it needs water. It will perk back up quickly.
- Trim vines to make it fuller and propagate cuttings in water.
Pothos is perfect for shelves, cabinets, and those awkward corners that need life.
3. ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant looks fancy but is shockingly low maintenance.
Why it is easy:
It stores water in its thick roots and tolerates low light.
Tips for keeping it alive:
- Water every two to three weeks.
- Keep it in indirect light for best growth.
- If in doubt, wait longer before watering.
Overwatering is the only real way to upset this plant.
4. Spider Plant
These are cheerful and a little wild in the best way.
Why it is easy:
They adapt to many light conditions and produce baby plants.
Tips for keeping it alive:
- Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Bright indirect light keeps it happiest.
- Snip off baby plantlets and root them in water for more plants.
It is basically the gift that keeps on giving.
5. Peace Lily
This one is dramatic but helpful.
Why it is easy:
It droops when it needs water so you cannot miss the signal.
Tips for keeping it alive:
- Water when the leaves start to droop slightly.
- Keep in medium to low indirect light.
- Wipe leaves occasionally to keep them dust free.
It rewards you with elegant white blooms.
6. Cast Iron Plant
The name says it all.
Why it is easy:
It tolerates low light and inconsistent care.
Tips for Keeping it Alive:
- Water when the soil feels dry a couple inches down.
- Keep in low to medium light.
- Do not overwater.
If you have a darker room, this one is a great choice.
7. Rubber Plant
Bold and glossy, but not fussy.
Why it is easy:
It adapts well to indoor conditions.
Tips for keeping it alive:
- Give it bright indirect light.
- Water when the top inch of soil dries out.
- Rotate the pot so it grows evenly.
It makes a statement without requiring constant attention.
8. Aloe Vera
Functional and forgiving.
Why it is easy:
It is a succulent and stores water in its leaves.
Tips for keeping it alive:
- Place in bright light.
- Water deeply but infrequently, about every three weeks.
- Make sure the pot drains well.
Bonus points for soothing minor burns.
9. Jade Plant
Another succulent that is surprisingly sturdy.
Why it is easy:
It thrives on neglect more than fussing.
Tips for keeping it alive:
- Bright light is best.
- Let the soil dry out completely between watering.
- Use a well draining soil mix.
Too much love is the only danger here.
10. Chinese Evergreen
Pretty leaves and very low drama.
Why it is easy:
It tolerates low light and average indoor humidity.
Tips for Keeping it Alive:
- Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Avoid direct sun.
- Keep away from cold drafts.
It adds color without much effort.
11. Parlor Palm
Soft and classic.
Why it is easy:
It tolerates low light better than many palms.
Tips for keeping it alive:
It gives subtle tropical vibes without needing a greenhouse.
- Keep soil lightly moist but not soggy.
- Place in indirect light.
- Mist occasionally if your house is very dry.
12. Philodendron
Very similar to pothos and just as forgiving.
Why it is easy:
It handles varying light and occasional neglect.
Tips for keeping it alive:
- Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Bright indirect light is ideal.
- Pinch back stems to encourage fullness.
It trails beautifully from shelves.
13. Dracaena
Tall and structured, great for corners.
Why it is easy:
It tolerates lower light and infrequent watering.
Tips for keeping it alive:
- Water when the top two inches of soil are dry.
- Avoid overwatering.
- Keep in indirect light.
If the leaf tips brown, you may be watering too much.
14. Lucky Bamboo
Technically not bamboo, but very easy.
Why it is easy:
It can grow in water or soil.
Tips for keeping it alive:
- If growing in water, change the water every couple weeks.
- Keep in indirect light.
- Use filtered water if possible.
Minimal effort, maximum charm.
15. Heartleaf Peperomia
Small, sweet, and sturdy.
Why it is easy:
It tolerates average indoor light and does not need constant watering.
Tips for Keeping it alive:
- Let soil dry slightly between watering.
- Keep in medium to bright indirect light.
- Use a pot with drainage.
It is compact and perfect for desks or kitchen shelves.
A Few General Houseplant Tips That Will Save You
- Always use pots with drainage holes.
- When in doubt, underwater instead of overwater.
- Bright indirect light works for most beginner friendly plants.
- Do not panic if a leaf turns yellow. Plants shed leaves sometimes.
There’s Still Hope for You
If you have killed a plant before, you are in good company. I have had my fair share of plant funerals. But once you start with the right ones, you will realize something wonderful.
You are not bad at plants.
You just started with an orchid.
And honestly, that feels unfair.
If you’re looking for more gardening inspiration, check out Tips for Creating Thriving Container Gardens or Tips and Tricks for Vertical Herb Gardening.
