Easy Indoor Plants for Beginners (Even If You Think You Have a Black Thumb)
When I first started bringing plants indoors, I wasn’t a gardening pro yet—but I quickly learned that success had less to do with luck and more to do with choosing the right plants.
Even now, after years of growing everything from herbs to houseplants, I still recommend starting with the ones that thrive on simplicity.
Some plants are just naturally low-maintenance, making them perfect for beginners who want greenery without the guesswork.
Lets take a look at some plants:
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
This is the plant for people who forget they even own plants. Snake plants thrive on neglect, don’t mind low light, and only need a drink every few weeks. Plus, those upright leaves look sleek and modern.
🪴 Bonus: They help purify indoor air.
2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ is the MVP of low-maintenance plants. It tolerates low light, doesn’t throw a fit if you forget to water it, and stays lush with glossy leaves year-round.
3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos are trailing beauties that grow like crazy and are nearly indestructible. You can hang them, let them climb, or pop them on a shelf and let them drape.
🪴 Tip: Great for bathrooms or bedrooms with lower light.
4. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Okay, this one does ask for a little more water—but it tells you when it’s thirsty by drooping its leaves. Give it a drink and it perks right back up. It even flowers indoors!
5. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
A classic. These guys are cheerful, adaptable, and they shoot out baby plants (called “pups”) like confetti. Great for hanging baskets or bright corners.
6. Aloe Vera
Besides being a soothing gel for cuts and burns, aloe is a super hardy succulent that just needs bright light and occasional watering. Plus, it looks like a tiny green dragon with attitude.
7. Philodendron
There are heaps of philodendron types, but most are beginner-friendly and love to climb or trail. They’re fast growers and happy in indirect light.
8. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Want something tropical that doesn’t demand a sunlamp? Chinese Evergreens are colourful, slow growers that tolerate low light and love humidity. Perfect for Kiwi homes in winter.
9. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
It’s called cast iron for a reason—this plant is practically unkillable. It’s a bit slower growing but incredibly sturdy, even in low light and cooler rooms.
10. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Another succulent, but with a bit of bonsai energy. Jade plants love a sunny spot and don’t need much water. Overwatering is their only enemy.
11. Dracaena
Dracaena plants have dramatic foliage and come in several varieties. They’re forgiving when it comes to light and only need water when the top of the soil feels dry.
12. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
Despite its name, it’s not actually bamboo. You can grow this quirky plant in water or soil, and it doesn’t need much light. It’s also said to bring good vibes and energy—yes please!
13. Calathea (Prayer Plant)
For a slightly moodier plant that shows off with patterns, Calathea is a stunning choice. It does like humidity and filtered light, but it’s well worth the extra TLC.
14. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) — Beginner(ish) Option
Okay, hear me out. Fiddle Leafs have a rep for being fussy, but I’ve found younger ones are more adaptable. If you give it a bright spot and don’t move it around too much, it’ll thrive. Treat this one as your “level up” plant.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to be a plant guru to fill your home with green. These 14 easy indoor plants are beginner-proof, budget-friendly, and—best of all—they bring a sense of calm, joy, and connection to your space.
Whether you live in a North Island apartment or a cozy South Island cottage, these leafy friends will thrive with just a little love (and maybe a reminder or two from your phone).
Let me know which ones you’re trying! Or if you’ve already got a green buddy, tell me their name—I love hearing about other people’s plant families.
