15 Beautiful Houseplants (That You Won’t Accidentally Kill!)

 

Houseplants can brighten up any space, bringing in a little outdoor color and freshness. But what if you don’t have a green thumb? What if, in fact, both of your thumbs are more…black? Not to worry! Here are 15 lovely indoor plants that are tolerant and easy to maintain, even if you’ve seen your share of dead houseplants.

1. Chinese Evergreen

With its hardy and beautiful green foliage, the Chinese evergreen can brighten any space, even in low-light conditions. Requires evenly moist soil. Can be toxic and cause severe irritation to lips, throat, and tongue if chewed or swallowed.

2 . Dracaena

There is a vegetable with the same name, but the Dracaena houseplant offers long, bright green leaves with a yellow stripe. It requires medium to bright light. Poisonous to dogs, however.

3. Peperomia

This small houseplant has light green, waxy leaves with a great texture, and does well in low-to-medium light. Allow soil surface to dry between watering.

4. Grape Ivy

If hanging plants are your thing, Grape Ivy offers delicate, cascading leaves. Evenly moist soil is best, with medium light.

5. Diffenbachia

The name may be a mouthful, but Diffenbachia also goes by the common name of dumb cane. Imagine that! You can see it’s a beautiful plant, but if you have kids or pets, be aware that its sap can be harmful if swallowed. Keep soil moisture even.

6. Snake Plant

Named for its long, snake-like foliage, the Snake Plant is a succulent that is very tolerant of neglect. It can grow in low light to bright light, and you should allow the surface of the soil to dry between waterings.

7. English Ivy

Also grown as ground cover, English ivy also makes a lovely indoor plant. It can even be trained as a topiary. It requires medium to bright light and evenly moist soil. Be careful though, as english ivy is poisonous if eaten.

8. Philodendron

You’ll love the heart-shaped leaves of the Philodendron. It will trail or climb to 8+ feet if you allow it, and you can let the soil surface get dry before watering. Can cause severe irritation if eaten or chewed.

9. Zeezee Plant

This is sometimes called the eternity plant, due to its ability to last a long time even with neglect. It tolerates low light well, and you can let the soil dry out between watering. Sadly, it can be poisonous if chewed or eaten.

10. Hoya

Also called wax plant, Hoya has waxy green leaves and fragrant pink blooms. It will climb or trail, and will even work for a topiary. Let surface of the soil dry out between watering.

11. Boston Fern

Another plant that’s great for hanging (or a pedestal), the Boston fern can live for decades as long as you water it, keeping soil evenly moist. Moderate lighting is required.

12. Cast-Iron Plant

This plant is aptly named, being one of the toughest plants you can grow. It’s tolerant of low light, wide temperature ranges, and dry air. It grows slowly, so it won’t require frequent re-potting. Evenly moist soil is best during active growth periods, but can be kept barely moist in winter and fall.

13. Jade Plant

If you forget to water your plants, this one could be your winner. It tolerates low water well, and has a succulent foliage formation many people love. Just try to remember to water it often enough that the leaves don’t shrivel. Moderate dryness in the soil is just right.

14. Crown of Thorns

Yes, this plant does have tiny, sharp thorns. However, it also features lovely blossoms in red, pink, cream, white, or yellow. It flowers through the winter, helping bring a little green into the colder months. It can also take a lot of neglect. Cooler indoor temperatures (around 55 degrees F) in winter may result in more blooms.

15. Succulents

Succulents are a favorite of many plant lovers because they require so little maintenance and water. As long as they get plenty of sun (place them near a window), most succulents will thrive with very little thought or care. You can water every 7-10 days during the summer, down to monthly in the colder months. Just be aware of the sharp spines if you have kids.

There you have it! 15 indoor plants that can brighten up your home without stressing you out! If you have questions, visit your local nursery to find out which plants will best suit your needs.