Some houseplants require careful attention. They need just the right amount of water, sunlight and humidity to thrive. But not all houseplants are quite so fussy, there are plenty that are super easy to grow. Whether you’re looking for something that will thrive in a shady corner or a plant that can cope with erratic watering, here’s our top ten foolproof houseplants for beginners.
Cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior)
As tough as old boots, this distinguished foliage plant forms an upright clump of leathery, lance-shaped leaves. Tolerant of irregular watering, it deals well low light levels and will even cope with a shady corner. A perfect houseplant for beginners!
Jade plant (Crassula ovata)
A bushy succulent with thick, woody stems and dark green, oval leaves that look like they’ve been polished by hand. They’ll deliver the goods in warm rooms or cool rooms, low light or bright light. The only thing they hate is overwatering.
Lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
Reputed to bring the owner good luck and fortune, lucky bamboo is grown for its cane like stems that are topped with leafy shoots. Ideal in low light, this slow growing beauty will happily grow in the same pot for many years.
Peace lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii)
Peace lilies are instantly recognisable for their hooded white blooms that rise on stems above clumps of glossy green leaves. Place in bright, indirect light or partial shade, and keep compost damp, watering when almost dry.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
This lovely trailing plant is completely undemanding, producing long stems decked out with glossy, heart-shaped, patterned leaves. Although it prefers a bright spot, it will still dazzle in fairly poor light, and will patiently put with erratic watering.
Snake plant (Sansevieria)
If you want a plant that’s virtually indestructible, look no further than snake plant. This succulent forms a robust clump of stiff, sword-shaped leaves that are attractively patterned. All it needs is an occasional drink to keep it in good shape.
Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Originating from tropical parts of Africa, it forms a clump of variegated, arching leaves making it perfect for hanging containers. Remarkably undemanding, they’ll put up with growing in the same pot for a long time before they need repotting.
Swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa)
A tropical climber from the rainforests of Central America, it produces a succession of massive glossy green leaves that are punctured with elliptical holes. Good in shade or in a sunny spot, it will even handle irregular watering.
Zebra plant (Haworthia attenuata)
Native to South Africa, this low-growing succulent has slender leaves adorned with raised white bands that closely resemble the waving tentacles of a sea anemone. It needs plenty of light and watering every once in a while.
ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
A handsome, easy-going foliage plant that copes with sporadic watering, and will flourish in low or bright light. Fairly slow-growing, its sometimes upright, sometimes arching stems, are clothed with glossy, fleshy leaves.
