Boston Fern
Care level: Intermediate
The only thing that levels the Boston fern up from easy is its love of steam. Because it loves low light and humidity, the bathroom is an ideal environment. Hang it in a corner, allowing its dark green fronds to drape down, and water it regularly—but only once the soil has completely dried out.
Algerian Ivy
Care level: Easy
As with any trailing ivy, the primary maintenance for this stunning houseplant is pruning its fast-growing vines. Algerian ivy loves a lot of shade and consistent watering.
Hoya Carnosa Tricolor
Care level: Easy
This waxy plant will grow trailing vines of white and green (and sometimes pink!) leaves. Pet friendly and nontoxic, it thrives in bright, indirect light with a watering every one to two weeks.
Corkscrew Rush
Care level: Intermediate
With leafless stems that look like literal corkscrews, this unusual houseplant loves moist soil and indirect light. It can even thrive in a low-light environment with the occasional use of a grow light to aid with photosynthesis. In the right conditions, it can grow up to three feet tall.
Olive Tree
Care level: Intermediate
Not just suited to the Mediterranean, an olive tree actually makes a great houseplant. It loves a warmer, sunny climate (but not too much direct sun or it will scorch) and plenty of humidity. Prune it seasonally to keep it looking fresh, and you’ll enjoy it for years to come.
Pothos
Care level: Easy
You’ll love how the leaves of a silver satin pothos shimmer when the light hits them. Pothos plants are fuss free: Keep yours in partial to bright indirect light, and water it when the soil is mostly dry. Pro tip: You can easily expand your plant family by propagating these from cuttings.
ZZ Plant
Care level: Easy
ZZ plants require less water than many other plants. If you tend to neglect yours (rather than overwater them), you’ll do well with it. It’ll thrive in bright, indirect light—but it can also tolerate low light if you have a less-than-sunny spot you want to keep it in, according to Bloomscape.
Rubber Plants
Care level: Intermediate
The rubber plant requires bright, indirect light. You should only water it when the soil is dry. Rubber plants have the added benefit of being one of the best natural air cleaners out there. Place it near your favorite seating area to enjoy the fresh air.
String of Pearls
Care level: Easy to Intermediate
You’ll quickly have lengthy strands of pearls if you leave this plant in bright, indirect light with enough water to keep the soil steadily moist. Put yours in a hanging pot that allows the succulent’s vines to cascade over the sides.
Pilea
Care level: Intermediate
Bright, indirect sun is best for this plant, but be careful with watering: It requires a “drench-and-dry” approach (water thoroughly, then let the soil dry out), along with weekly misting. The unusual round leaves make a dramatic impression, so it’s best to keep the pot simple, like this display from The Joy of Plants.
Fiddle-Leaf Fig
Care level: Easy
Water this plant only when the top inch of the soil is dry. Place it in a corner to create a dramatic focal point, like in this apartment over at Design*Sponge. But make sure it gets bright, indirect light.
Sweetheart Plant
Care level: Easy
This adorable little heart-shaped plant, also known as Hoya kerrii, can be sold as either a single leaf-cutting or an entire trailing plant. It’s a succulent that needs very little care (according to The Sill, watering it every three to four weeks is ideal) and does best in bright, direct light. Consider it a perfect addition to your windowsill.
Anthurium
Care level: Intermediate
Known for its waxy, heart-shaped flowers with a prominent stamen in the center, this plant needs to be watered every one to two weeks and requires occasional fertilizing—so it’s not low-maintenance, but it’s not high-maintenance, either.
Bird-of-Paradise
Care level: Intermediate
This tropical plant will definitely prosper in a bright, sunny spot, but it can handle lower light levels too. You’ll need to fertilize it often in the spring and summer, according to Bloomscape. Otherwise, it’s fairly simple to handle—so long as you don’t overwater it.
Snake Plant
Care level: Easy
Indirect light is ideal for these plants (also called mother-in-law’s tongue), along with light waterings only after the soil has fully dried. Place it in an elevated planter to add interest to an empty corner in your hall, as seen here at A House in the Hills.
Dragon Wing Begonia
Care level: Easy
Like aloe and kalanchoe plants, begonias need their soil to dry out completely between waterings. Oddly enough, this plant responds well even to fluorescent light, which makes it a perfect choice for the office.
Watermelon Peperomia
Care level: Easy
Peperomia argyreia—also known as the watermelon peperomia or watermelon begonia—is a member of the Piperaceae plant family, which is native to northern South America. Despite its names, this plant actually has nothing to do with watermelons or begonias. It loves low- to bright-indirect light and can tolerate a missed watering but prefers to be well watered when the soil is half dry.
Air Plant
Care level: Intermediate
These plants can grow anywhere (but bright, indirect light is best), but you need to soak them in water once a week for at least 10 minutes. They’re the perfect addition to any terrarium. There are tons of different types of air plants too, which is great if you like your plants to have variety.
Peace Lily
Care level: Easy
This plant requires medium to low light and needs to be watered only when the top of the soil is dry. Juxtapose the organic shape of the leaves with a modern planter like this DIY option from the blog Pretty Nice.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
More Stories
“Creating a Mediterranean Garden: Essential Plants, Trees, and Design Elements”
Garden Beds: A Guide to Creating and Maintaining a Thriving Garden
Create a Dreamy Small Garden on a Budget | Tips and Tricks for Success