Swiss Cheese Plant and 29 Other Easy Houseplants
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Forget being a pet parent. The latest trend is becoming a plant parent. That's right. A plant parent. And if you're going to be one, start with an easy plant.
Easy houseplants fill your living space with fresh air. Some of them, like the popular Swiss cheese plant, also look really cool.
These 30 houseplants are so hardy, that even you can't kill them. And if you do, well, just be glad you got a ficus instead of a dog.
Swiss Cheese Plant
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Care tip: Only water Swiss cheese plants when the top few inches of soil feel dry. Overwatering is more likely to kill them than underwatering.
Cool factor: 10 (out of 10)
Cost: $
Why Swiss cheese plants are underrated: Their huge, glossy, deep green leaves are showstoppers. They can reach heights of up to 70 feet in the wild, but in your living room, they'll stay a manageable size and liven up your space.
When given enough sunlight, they develop characteristic holes that make their large leaves look beautiful and lacy, much like Swiss cheese.
Sadly, they do not taste like Swiss cheese. Not that we tried or anything.
Buy now: Swiss cheese plant, $14.99
Pothos
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Care tip: Don't forget drainage holes to keep the roots of your pothos plants from rotting.
Cool factor: 7
Cost: $$
Why Pothos plants are underrated: Pothos is the gold standard of easy houseplants. If you kill a pothos plant, how are you even keeping yourself alive, honestly?
These trailing plants will just keep growing and growing with minimal watering. They can put up with just about any light conditions.
And there are tons of gorgeous varieties to choose from.
Buy now: Pothos plant, $19.97
Jade
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Care tip: Jade plants need a minimum of four hours of direct sunlight per day. Whenever the top of the soil in its pot is dry to the touch, add some water. If it's dropping leaves, the soil is probably too dry.
Cool factor: 5
Cost: $
Why the Jade plant is underrated: Succulents are known for being hard to kill, and the jade plant is no exception. It's not going to draw any crowds, but its densely distributed leaves are an attractive addition to any room.
They prefer bright light, so consider putting jade plants on window sills to help them grow more quickly.
Even with minimal care and average room temperatures, they can live for decades.
Buy now: Jade plant, $20.92
Aloe Vera
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Care tip: Aloe vera plants prefer sandy soil made with perlite, lava rock or bark and plenty of drainage holes. Bright, indirect sunlight is ideal.
Cool factor: 10
Cost: $
Why aloe vera plants are underrated: What's not to love about aloe? The aloe plant comes in numerous varieties, and the aloe vera plant is the most popular and the most suitable for growing in containers.
Keep them in a warm room around 70 degrees with plenty of bright, natural light, and aloe will be a happy camper. As an added bonus, fresh aloe vera leaves can be sliced open and used topically to help soothe sunburns and other skin irritations.
Buy now: Aloe Vera plant, $20.99
Staghorn Fern
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Care tip: Staghorn ferns thrive with frequent watering, but soil should still be allowed to partially dry between watering sessions. Otherwise, the plant is more likely to develop fungal diseases.
Cool factor: 8
Cost: $$
Why staghorn ferns are underrated: Staghorn ferns are indisputably cool. Their unique shape is particularly intriguing, and they can be mounted on boards or wrapped in burlap to turn them into natural, living artwork. They used to be very rare, but they've become increasingly popular to grow as houseplants.
They do need a little more attention than most houseplants on this list, like ultra-easy swiss cheese plants, but they're worth the trouble.
Buy now: Staghorn fern, $16.99
Asperagus Fern
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Care tip: The more sun your asparagus fern gets, the faster it will grow.
Cool factor: 7
Cost: $
Why the asparagus fern is underrated: Asparagus ferns are every bit as light and fluffy as they look. Their big secret? They're not actually a fern.
It's this fact that makes them hardier than true ferns, adapting to most household conditions with ease.
Just make sure the soil stays moist, and you'll have a happy asparagus fern on your hands.
Buy now: Asparagus fern, $21
Spider Plant
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Care tip: Brown leaf tips are an indication that the humidity in the room is too low for your spider plant. Misting it occasionally should help.
Cool factor: 4
Cost: $
Why spider plants are underrated: Spider plants are the gifts that keep on giving. We're not joking. Spider plants frequently produce sprouts that become entirely new plants.
With a spider plant, your collection will continue growing all on its own. They can be grown in pots or hanging baskets, and they're almost impossible to kill.
What's not to love?
Buy now: Spider plant, $24.78
English Ivy
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Care tip: English ivy plants prefer a somewhat humid environment, so mist them at least twice a week. Once a month, rinse the leaves in lukewarm water to prevent insect infestations.
Cool factor: 6
Cost: $
Why English ivy is underrated: The draping look of English ivy is reminiscent of an old, brick bookstore covered in vines.
Technically, English ivy can damage buildings and become an invasive nuisance, but it's harmless and beautiful in pots. Let it dangle off your bookshelf or build a topiary.
This easy plant is up for anything.
Buy now: English ivy, $5.99
Rubber Tree
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Care tip: Well-draining soil is the key to a happy rubber tree. Plant it in one part peat, one part perlite, and one part pine bark to replicate its perfect growing conditions.
Cool factor: 5
Cost: $$
Why the rubber tree is underrated: In their natural habitat in Asia, rubber trees grow taller than three-story buildings. Ornamental varieties, on the other hand, stay small and can be kept in check by regular pruning.
They prefer partial shade, so they're ideal for sprucing up that empty corner of the living room next to the TV.
You might end up looking at its beautiful leaves more than whatever show you're currently binge watching.
Buy now: Rubber tree, $21.95
Paddle Plant
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Care tip: Paddle plants prefer full sun, so they're a perfect candidate to put in that window box that fries everything else in sight.
Cool factor: 4
Cost: $
Why paddle plants are underrated: Whether you call it a paddle plant or a flapjack pant, this succulent's broad, flat leaves are hard not to like.
They turn reddish in the winter (just in time for the holidays), and like most succulents, they're some of the easiest houseplants around.
Buy now: Paddle plant, $9.85
Areca Palm
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Care tip: Areca palms grow in warm climates, so keep them away from drafty windows and air conditioners. A burst of cold air can cause dark spots on their leaves.
Cool factor: 8
Cost: $$
Why the areca palm is underrated: If you want to warm up your space with sunny, tropical vibes, the areca palm is your best bet.
It will grow to the size of any container you put it in. Placed in a large pot, it can grow up to 7 feet, becoming a gorgeous and dramatic centerpiece.
Alternatively, smaller palms can make lovely accents on an end table or in a lonely looking corner.
Buy now: Areca palm, $32.98
Yucca
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Care tip: Yucca plants detest to be bogged down by too much water. Watering once or twice throughout all of winter is plenty.
Cool factor: 9
Cost: $$$
Why yucca plants are underrated: With yucca plants, you've got options. Growing on large, woody stems, yuccas come in over 20 different varieties, with colors ranging from greenish blue to shades of yellow and white.
Our biggest tip for a happy yucca plant? They love sun, so only get one if your home has plenty of natural light.
Don't forget to plant them in a deep, heavy pot to prevent the tall plants from toppling over and making a mess.
Buy now: Yucca plant, $60.79
Air Plants
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Care tip: Although air plants don't grow in soil, they still need water. Once a week, submerge them in water for an hour or more. After soaking, shake them off and place them in a sunny spot to make sure they dry fully, or they may rot.
Cool factor: 10
Cost: $
Why air plants are underrated: There's something extra cool about a plant that you don't need to, well, plant. Air plants, or tillandsia, are a type of bromeliad. They require soaking about once a week, but they're otherwise maintenance-free.
Even better, there are more than 600 different air plant varieties to choose from. Decorate your bookshelf or put them in a glass terrarium for a touch of greenery anywhere.
Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Buy now: Air plants, $16.99
Peace Lily
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Care tip: Peace lilies thrive in soil that's always a little moist. Water your plant frequently, but make sure the soil is never soggy.
Cool factor: 10
Cost: $$
Why peace lilies are underrated: The flowers of the peace lily are what makes this one of the coolest easy houseplants on this list.
Sure, swiss cheese plants sound cool, but peace lilies are next level. Their long, white flowers start out bright white and fade to a pale green over time.
The plant likes humidity and warmth, so it's much easier to keep in Florida than it is in Minnesota. Wherever you live, however, peace lilies are possible to keep with a little TLC.
Buy now: Peace lily plant, $19.16
Prayer Plant
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Care tip: Too much sun will cause the leaves to turn dull in color, or even burn holes in them! Place them in a room with plentiful bright, indirect natural light.
Cool factor: 7
Cost: $$
Why the prayer plant is underrated: You probably don't think about plants moving, but they do. With the prayer plant, you can actually watch it happening. Every night, the leaves of this easy houseplant fold together. There are countless varieties, but the Maranta species is particularly colorful.
Pro tip: Rinse the leaves every now and again to prevent pests from proliferating.
Buy now: Prayer plant, $14.99
Dragon Tree
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Care tip: Dragon trees love humidity, so bathrooms are one of their favorite places to grow.
Cool factor: 6
Cost: $$
Why dragon trees are underrated: The leaves of the dragon tree look like swords. Do you need more of a reason to get one?
The edges of each leaf is traced with red, and the spiky houseplants are a favorite among new plant parents. They can take pretty much anything you throw at them. Forget to water them now and again? Don't sweat it. Dragon trees can take it.
Just take the specimen in the photo. Its owner, @knownplantaholic, says, "So this is my main man, mr. dragon tree. It’s been with me through a lot... moves, life, and everything in between. It’s also one of the first plants I ever owned and one of the MOST resilient babies I own as well."
Buy now: Dragon tree, $17.99
Calathea
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Care tip: Yellowing leaves are an indicator of overwatering. Cut back, or the roots may begin to rot or develop fungus.
Cool factor: 4
Cost: $$
Why Calathea plants are underrated: They're nothing groundbreaking, but for a crazy-easy house plant, they're plenty pretty.
Their leaves have striking stripes that can take the place of a traditional bouquet, and they're quite content to occupy the shady corner of your kitchen that's currently filled with a stack of old mail.
Buy now: Calathea plant, $14.99
Snake Plant
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Care tip: Snake plants are notoriously hard to kill, but you'll notice they grow faster in sunnier areas of the house.
Cool factor: 6
Cost: $
Why the snake plant is underrated: If you're looking for the most idiot-proof of all easy houseplants, this is it. They can get by with only one or two waterings each season, or a little more during particularly warm summers.
For ultimate plant ease, avoid the variegated color types which tend to be finickier.
Fun fact: Snake plants are sometimes called "mother-in-law's tongue" because of their long, sharp leaves and refusal to die.
Buy now: Snake plant, $14.99
Dumb Cane Plant
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Care tip: Dieffenbachia, or dumb cane, is easy to grow inside, but it does best in bright, indirect sunlight with regular misting.
Cool factor: 8
Cost: $$$
Why dumb cane plants are underrated: The lush, light green leaves of the dumb cane plant are hard to ignore and even harder to kill. They do well in most warm areas of the house as long as they aren't placed near drafty windows. With proper care, they're amazing to look at.
There's one big issue with the dumb cane plant, however. They are not safe for kids and pets. The plant's sap can irritate skin and can temporarily cause the inability to speak if ingested.
Better wait until little ones are at least 5 years old to add this one to your collection.
Buy now: Dumb cane plant, $15.99
Lucky Bamboo
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Care tip: Lucky bamboo can grow algae if the container it's grown in isn't cleaned periodically. Refill it weekly and clean it well every few months to keep your lucky bamboo healthy.
Cool factor: 6
Cost: $$
Why lucky bamboo is underrated: Lucky bamboo (dracaena sanders) isn't actually bamboo at all. They look just like a mini version of the real things, and they're as low-maintenance as it gets. They're often grown in water, but they grow best in soil once roots have formed.
They don't mind low light conditions, and if you forget to water them for a while, there's a good chance they'll bounce back.
Buy now: Lucky bamboo plant, $16.99
Bromeliad
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Care tip: Don't be surprised if your bromeliad plant won't seem to bloom. Each plant only blooms once in its entire life.
Cool factor: 5
Cost: $$
Why bromeliads are underrated: The bromeliad is a cousin of the pineapple. While it's not nearly as tasty, it's beautiful and lives practically forever. That's because it produces offshoots that eventually replace the original plant. Theoretically, you could keep it forever.
It's even easier to grow than swiss cheese plants, and you can often find it at Home Depot or Walmart.
Buy now: Bromeliad plant, $24.99
Phalaenopsis Orchid
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OrchidsCare tip: Lots of easy houseplants prefer infrequent watering, and orchids are one of them. Allow potting medium to dry filly between waterings, watering no more than once every 1-2 weeks.
Cool factor: 9
Cost: $$$
Why phalaenopsis orchids are underrated: Plant parents have love-hate relationships with orchids. They're particular, but once you learn how to care for them correctly, they're hardier than they look. Just don't overwater them and keep them out of harsh, direct sunlight.
Watering once every week or two should be plenty, and their delicate flowers are worth the effort.
Here are a few extra tips to build up your confidence before you buy your first orchid.
Buy now: Phalaenopsis orchid
Philodendron
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Care tip: Plants need nutrients to reach their full potential. Add liquid fertilizer to the soil every month during spring and summer and every two months the rest of the year for optimal growth.
Cool factor: 7
Cost: $$
Why the philodendron is underrated: Philodendrons were named after the Greek word "philo," meaning love, and "denron," meaning tree. Aw! It's a love tree!
There really is plenty to love about them. They're one of the easiest indoor plants, doing well in virtually any lighting conditions. Also, their leaves are shaped like hearts.
You basically have to get one.
Buy now: Philodendron, $9.99
Lady Palm
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Care tip: Like any palm tree, lady palms can grow quite large if given enough space. Keeping them in pots indoors will slow their growth and keep them a more appropriate size.
Cool factor: 5
Cost: $$$
Why lady palms are underrated: Palms add a tropical touch to any room, but many of them require specific, tough-to-replicate conditions. The lady palm is an excellent exception.
It's hardy and can do well in average ambient light.
Just don't overwater, and you're good to go.
Buy now: Lady palm, $144.97
Christmas Cactus
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Care tip: Mist the plant frequently while its blooming to maximize its blooming period.
Cool factor: 8
Cost: $
Why the Christmas cactus is underrated: Cactuses were practically invented for people who forget they own plants. Any cactus works, but the Christmas cactus is extra cool.
It produces leaves that look like draping chains accented by bright red, pink, purple or white flowers.
As long as you don't forget them completely, they'll flower season after season.
Buy now: Christmas cactus, $8.99
Spanish Lavender
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Care tip: Lavender prefers full sun and warm conditions, so never leave a potted lavender plant in a shady corner.
Cool factor: 7
Cost: $
Why Spanish lavender is underrated: Few houseplants are known for their scent, but Spanish lavender is like a living dose of aromatherapy.
Unlike other lavender varieties, Spanish lavender can tolerate the warmth of indoor living. Lutsko's dwarf variety is particularly well-suited for growing in a pot, but there are several beautiful, aromatic varieties to pick from.
One variety even comes in pink.
Buy now: Spanish lavender, $42.99
Ficus
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Care tip: Ficus trees prefer indirect sunlight, so keep them away from windows where bright sunlight may scald their leaves.
Cool factor: 5
Cost: $$$
Why the ficus is underrated: Ficus trees were all the rage during the 90s, and it's high time they make a comeback.
They have shiny green leaves that brighten up any indoor space, and their stems are often braided for extra detail.
They thrive in full sun, though, so avoid ficus trees if you don't have a large window to place them near.
Buy now: Ficus, $19.99
Fiddle-Leaf Fig
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Care tip: Fiddle-leaf figs will slowly reach toward their light source, so turn their pots once every few months to prevent them from growing permanently in one direction.
Cool factor: 9
Cost: $$$
Why fiddle-leaf fig plants are underrated: Technically, fiddle-leaf figs are a type of ficus. Their look is so unique, however, that they deserve their own place on this list.
Their leaves are truly massive, vaguely resembling the shape of a fiddle. When they're happy, they can grow to impressive heights. Among modern plant parents on social media, they've become somewhat of an obsession.
They're so cool that we aren't even mad.
Buy now: Fiddle leaf fig, $27.52
Kalanchoe
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Care tip: Avoid wetting the leaves as much as possible for optimal plant health. Instead, pour the water directly into the soil at the base of the plant.
Cool factor: 5
Cost: $
Why the kalanchoe is underrated: Kalanchoe is a pretty ordinary succulent. You can find it at just about any garden center.
Just because it's ordinary doesn't mean it isn't cool, however. These little houseplants require almost no care, and they can handle harsh temperature swings like a boss. They can even take cold temps down to 45 degrees.
Plus, they produce bright, beautiful flowers.
Buy now: Kalanchoe plant, $4.99
String of Pearls
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Care tip: Watering string of pearls too frequently is the most common reason for the plant to die. If pearls are turning brown or yellow, its a warning sign to lay off the watering can.
Cool factor: 9
Cost: $
Why string of pearl plants are underrated: We already covered swiss cheese plants. This one is more like a string cheese plant, decorated with tiny Babybels.
String of pearls is an appropriately named cascading succulent. It's unusual looking for sure, with long, draping, vine-like leaves.
Pretty much every home-living influencer has one, and we can see why. As long as they get enough light, they're succulent showstoppers.
Buy now: String of pearls plant, $9.99