These Are the Best Beginner-Friendly Houseplants—No Green Thumb Required

Scientific name: Dracaena trifasciata

What to love: Snake plants are a great option for decorating, according to Kaylyn Hewitt, Lead Floral Designer at The Bouqs Co. “The color variations on the leaves make them really striking,” she says. “They work well as floor plants because they gain height quickly (a necessity for curating your plant corners), and they are so easy to care for.”

Care tips: “Snake plants can tolerate low light, so your options for placement around your home are endless,” she says. “Make sure you let snake plants dry out between waterings—usually 1-2 weeks depending on the season.”

Scientific Name: Anthurium andraeanum

What to love: “The color alone makes this plant a stunner,” Hewitt says. “Anthuriums are tropical plants and their glossy leaves and interesting blooms could turn any home into an oasis.”

Care tips: “Be sure to provide a humid environment for your anthurium to thrive” she explains. “Misting your plant will also do wonders as well as keeping it in bright, direct light for most of the day.”

Scientific name: Tillandsia xerographica

What to love: While all air plants are easy to care for because they aren’t actually planted in soil, Hewitt notes that this specific version is particularly interesting to look at. “I love how this one curls around the pot,” she says. “For something so low maintenance, it adds so much to a space.” 

Care tips: “Mist your air plants regularly without saturating. Every few weeks, dunk them in water for about 15 minutes,” Hewitt says. “Be sure to shake off any excess water.”

Scientific name: Epiphyllum anguliger

What to love: Hewitt calls this cactus, also known as a fishbone cactus, one of her absolute favorite houseplants. “I love the shape of leaves,” she says. “It would work well in almost any environment, and it is so easy to care for.”

Care tips: “Make sure your plant is getting lots of bright, direct sunlight,” Hewitt explains. “To avoid overwatering, be sure your plant dries out completely between waters.”

Scientific name: Aloe vera

What to love: “I’m partial to aloe plants because of how long they last—I have a 30-year-old aloe that I inherited from a fellow florist,” Hewitt says. “Their leaves can be used for skin care and if they are really thriving, they’ll bloom the most incredible flowers.”

Care tips: “Aloe is a succulent, so it likes drier soil. Water is only necessary when the soil has completely dried,” she says. “Also, aloes really thrive in bright direct sunlight, but ironically, they can get sunburned. So be sure it’s not getting too much direct sunlight throughout the day.”