10 Low-Maintenance Indoor Plants That Are Perfect for Beginners

Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)

Commonly called the “money plant,” the jade plant (Crassula ovata) is known for its gleaming, dark green leaves. This might be why it has come to symbolize wealth and prosperity. It grows slowly, averaging about two inches in height per year.

Like most succulents, this plant doesn’t require a ton of water and does well in direct sunlight, making it great for beginners.

• Light: Six hours of direct sunlight a day
• Water: Water when the soil is dry
• Mature Size: 3 to 6 in. tall

Gasteria (Gasteria spp.)

Because of its looks, this spindly plant has a nickname of “ox tongue.” Like many succulents, this plant doesn’t require much water, making it an easy to maintain.

• Light: Full sun
• Water: Water when the soil is dry
• Mature Size: 4-24 in. tall

African Milk Tree (Euphorbia trigona)

Though it looks like a cactus, this low-maintenance plant is actually a succulent. The teardrop-shaped green leaves are covered in thorns, giving this plant a modern look. Like many of the other plants on this list, the African milk tree (Euphorbia trigona) loves a range of sunlight conditions. However, it can be toxic to pets and humans if digested.12

• Light: Partial sun to bright, indirect light
• Water: Water when the soil is dry
• Mature Size: 6 to 9 ft. tall

Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)

Aloe vera is great for plant novices because this succulent requires little water. The plant has beautiful blooms in shades of yellow, red, or orange. However, despite all its perks, this plant is unfortunately toxic when eaten, so make sure to keep it away from pets and young children.34

• Light: Six hours of direct sunlight
• Water: Water when the soil is dry
• Mature Size: 2-36 in. tall

Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)

This plant gets its name from its long slender leaves, which resemble a snake in a standing position. This plant works great for beginners because it tolerates low-light conditions and doesn’t need to be watered often. It can even survive drought-like environments.

• Light: Six hours of direct sunlight
• Water: Water when the soil is dry
• Mature Size: 2-36 in. tall

Black Rose Aeonium (Aeonium)

This succulent adds a bit of drama to any space. The dark leaves look almost black, hence the name, and resemble a rose. As with most succulents, these plants are great for beginners because they grow best in full sunlight, but are low-maintenance because they can enjoy indirect sun as well.

• Light: Six hours of direct or indirect sunlight
• Water: Water when the soil is dry
• Mature Size: 3 ft. tall

Purple Passion Vine (Gynura aurantiaca)

Its velvety, fuzzy purple texture is what gives this plant its name. However, the plant is very easy to care for if you leave it in bright, indirect sunlight.

• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Water: Water when the soil becomes dry
• Mature Size: 1-2 ft high

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

A vining plant, most pothos varieties do well in low-light situations and only need to be watered once a week. That’s because the plants originally hail from rainforests, where they lived on the forest floor. This species comes in a range of colors to fit any home style, making it a great addition to any home.

• Light: Low or indirect light
• Water: Water once a week
• Mature Size: Vines can reach as long as 12 ft.

String of Pearls

This is a succulent plant that vines in long strings of leaves resembling pearls. You can place the plant in a hanging pot for a trailing look in almost any space. This low-maintenance plant is great for beginners because it can thrive in a range of light conditions.

• Light: Low to bright light
• Water: Water when the soil is dry
• Mature Size: Vines can reach as long as 3 ft.

Elephant Bush (Portulacaria afra ‘Variegata)

This diminutive plant is cute with tiny green leaves that have a tinge of pink at the edges. Besides being beautiful, the elephant bush is easy to maintain, if it gets six hours of sunlight a day.

• Light: Full to partial sun
• Water: Water when the soil is dry
• Mature Size: 6 in. tall