The Best Starter Plants for Beginners

Snake Plant

Dracaena trifasciata, also known as the snake plant or mother-in-law’s tongue, has seen a huge jump in popularity in the last few years. This is in part to its dramatic look, but also due to its low maintenance nature. Snake plants are a succulent; they store water in their thick leaves, and can left alone, or forgotten, for weeks or months depending on their growing conditions. While snake plants like light, they will tolerate lower light conditions, making them a great choice when options for natural light are limited.

Snake plants are toxic if ingested, so they should be kept out of reach or inaccessible to curious pets or small children who may get an inkling for a nibble.

When shopping for plants, you may also see snake plants labeled as sansevieria; they were recently reclassified as Dracaena.

Pothos

When it comes to plants that are happy with a little bit of neglect and will continuously help you grow your plant collection, pothos are a surefire choice. Their nickname, Devil’s Ivy, is earned from their reputation to spread quickly and resist death via neglect or intent.

There are a variety of pothos widely available at retailers and online, but even a small plant (or a cutting from a friend!) can quickly grow to a notable part of your collection. Pothos do best in bright, indirect light, but will tolerate medium to low light conditions. Let these beauties become trailing vines, or regularly propagate cuttings to fill out larger pots.

ZZ Plant

One of my favorites, these unique looking plants can survive months without watering, thanks to their rhizomes that store water in the soil. ZZ plants will thrive in bright indirect light; they do not like direct sunlight as it can burn their waxy leaves, but can become leggy if left in low light conditions.

ZZ plants are also easy to propagate, however propagation requires patience for these slow growers. Remove a healthy stem from the base if you are impatient for a new plant, or cut a healthy leaf and watch as it grows a new rhizome!

What are a few other easy plants that are worth a try for new plant parents? Look into rubber plants, monstera, or a ponytail palm!

Ready to start your collection? All of my favorite houseplants for beginners are available from Costa Farms on Amazon!

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