Adding plants to your home is like the ultimate glow-up for your space—they’re pretty, they’re vibey, and they’re basically nature’s way of saying, “I got you.” For those who can't afford a pet or even aren’t allowed to have one, a plant is the next best option. Now, most people kinda panic when thinking about plants because there’s the whole “I don’t have a green thumb.” Sure, that’s entirely understandable, but most plants don’t require the same maintenance and responsibility as a pet does (especially a Chia Pet).
So, if you love plants, and you’re just too intimidated to get one due to the care, well, don’t worry, I got you! No really! You don’t need to be some plant whisperer in order to have plants. You can add a lot of life to your room, dorm, apartment, or whatever with plants. So you definitely owe it to yourself!
So, here’s a little guide I crafted for beginners up to experts (or those who can keep plants alive long enough). Now, don’t worry, you won’t have a plant graveyard here!
What Aesthetics Work Best with Indoor Plants?
For the most part, any aesthetic can have some plants, it be more about how many you plan on adding. For example, if you’re into the kawaii aesthetic, maybe one or two maximum in your room would be fine.
Too many would sort of steal away the atmosphere you’re going for. But if you’re going for something like the Plant Mom aesthetic, then by all means, go ahead and live out the dreamy urban jungle you want. There really isn’t a right or wrong answer on how many you should have, but for some aesthetics that are nature-related, a few more wouldn’t hurt.
Why Your Space NEEDS Plants
Besides looking amazing, indoor plants have a ton of hidden superpowers that make your space feel happier and healthier. So, why should you throw the money at real live plants rather than faux ones? Why throw money at plants you actually need to take care of? Well, there are honestly some pretty good reasons, and yes, they do technically go beyond “well it’s aesthetic” anyway!
They Clean the Air
Some plants, like snake plants and peace lilies, are natural air-purifiers. Yep, they can absorb things like toxins and pump out that good, clean oxygen, so your space smells fresher and feels better.
Stress-Busting Vibes
Ever notice how plants make you feel all zen? Studies say plants can help chill you out, lower your stress levels, and boost your mood. They’re basically like therapy… but green.
More Focus, More Creativity
Plants in workspaces have been linked to better concentration and even a boost in creativity. So if you’ve got a big project coming up or you’re trying to unlock your inner genius, bring in some greenery for that extra focus.
Indoor Plants for Beginners (No Green Thumb Required)
If you’re just getting started, don’t worry—these plants are low-maintenance champs. Perfect for people who are just discovering their green thumb (or who just don’t have time for fussy plants). Yes, some plants are fussy and might need care every couple of days, but there are others that you can basically forget about, and they’ll be completely fine.
So, if you want less stress and want to spend less money on plants (since these aren’t expensive and you can usually get these cheap at your local grocery store or nursery), then here are some plants you should check out!
Snake Plant
Known as the “indestructible plant,” the snake plant thrives in low light and doesn’t need much water. Seriously, you could forget it for weeks, and it’d still look fresh.
ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant is ultra low-maintenance and forgiving. It tolerates low light and only needs watering once every few weeks. Plus, its waxy leaves are a unique touch in any room.
Pothos
Pothos is a fantastic trailing plant that can handle both low and bright light. It’s super easy to care for and even forgives missed waterings. Perfect for hanging baskets or high shelves.
Spider Plant
With its cute little “babies” that dangle off the main plant, the spider plant adds charm to any room. It tolerates indirect light and only needs watering every week or so. This one is hard to kill.
Philodendron
The philodendron loves indirect light and regular watering but can handle low light if needed. Its heart-shaped leaves make it an adorable addition to any plant setup.
Cast Iron Plant
This plant isn’t called “cast iron” for nothing—it’s practically indestructible. It tolerates low light, minimal watering, and still looks lush.
Jade Plant
As a succulent, the jade plant stores water in its leaves, so it doesn’t need much attention. It’s happiest in bright, indirect light but can handle lower light, making it a good fit for beginners.
Aloe Vera
Aloe is another succulent that’s easy to care for, with the bonus of being useful (hello, natural skincare!). It’s low-maintenance, needs bright light, and minimal watering.
Indoor Plants for Intermediate Plant Parents
Ready to take on a bit more responsibility? Maybe the ones above are pretty, but they’re not big and bold enough. Usually, the ones that most people tend to seek after more tend to be the ones here in this list. These plants are still pretty chill but need a little more attention than beginner plants. Perfect if you’re ready to step up your plant care game. Also, they’re slightly more expensive than the ones above (depending on the size and age of course).
Monstera Deliciosa
This iconic plant loves indirect light and regular watering. Keep its soil slightly moist, and it’ll reward you with big, holey leaves that scream jungle vibes.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
Fiddle leaf figs are a bit of a diva—they need consistent watering and bright, indirect light. They’re sensitive but make a serious statement if cared for properly. They’re pretty popular but just be warned that they can be fickle. Honestly, it should have been called the “Fickle Leaf Fig” plant.
Rubber Plant
With its thick, dark green leaves, the rubber plant loves bright light and moderate watering. It’s a bit more work than a beginner plant but well worth it. Plus, there’s the strawberries and cream one, and that seems to be a pretty popular one that people love to get (it’s so cute).
Bird of Paradise
This plant loves bright, indirect light and appreciates a good watering routine. Its big, tropical leaves make it a fantastic statement piece in any room.
Dracaena
So, the Dracaena plants are relatively low-maintenance, needing bright, indirect light and regular watering. They’re perfect if you want to add some height to your plant collection.
Areca Palm
Areca palms need bright, indirect light and consistent moisture. They’re not too fussy but need a bit more attention than beginner plants, especially when it comes to humidity.
Parlor Palm
Chances are high you’ve seen this is old school fancy hotels and restaurants, and probably in plenty of movies too. So, the parlor palm is a classic indoor palm that prefers bright, indirect light and moderate watering. It’s a bit more sensitive but gives a touch of elegance to any room.
Calathea
Now, Calatheas has some pretty stunning patterns on their leaves but need indirect light and consistent moisture. They’re a bit more particular but so worth it for their unique look.
Indoor Plants for Pros (High-Maintenance Beauties)
Okay, if you have more time, more patience, more love, more care, more money, and basically more of everything, then you can try your hand at these. So, these plants are gorgeous but demanding. They need specific conditions, regular care, and a lot of attention—perfect for plant parents ready for a challenge. But again, they are a little more expensive, and yes, they are known for being very challenging!
Orchids
For starters, Orchids need just the right balance of light, humidity, and watering. They can be a little fussy, but their exotic blooms are worth every bit of care.
Boston Fern
These are super popular and you can sometimes see them at plan nurseries as big as a shrub! So, Boston ferns love humidity and indirect light, needing constant moisture to stay healthy. If they dry out, they can turn crispy fast, so be prepared to give them lots of attention.
Maidenhair Fern
Well, ferns in general, seem to need a lot of care (like the one above). So, the Maidenhair ferns are delicate and need high humidity and consistent watering. They’re beautiful but require almost daily misting and care to thrive.
Alocasia
Now, with dramatic, arrow-shaped leaves, alocasias need bright, indirect light, high humidity, and regular watering. They’re picky, so don’t let them dry out, and be prepared to mist often.
Bonsai Tree
If you love anything that’s Japanese-oriented, then chances are you’re more than familiar with bonsai trees. Bonsais are tiny trees that need specific watering schedules, bright light, and regular pruning. They’re rewarding but demand serious commitment to stay happy. But if you find that they are way too intimidating, you could always try your shot at building one of those Lego Bonsai trees; those are pretty cool, too!
Ficus Audrey
This ficus plant is gorgeous but sensitive to light changes and needs consistent care. It loves bright, indirect light, moderate watering, and a stable environment.
String of Pearls
Honestly, this one might be the final boss. Yes, this one right here has the biggest reputation of them all when it comes to being a tough plant! While beautiful, this trailing succulent needs just the right amount of sunlight, careful watering, and a lot of love to stay healthy. It can quickly rot if overwatered.
Anthurium
And what about this one? Well, the anthurium plant requires bright, indirect light and high humidity. It’s finicky about its environment, but its stunning red flowers are a total showstopper.
What If You’re Not Ready for Real Plants?
In all honestly, not everyone can or wants to care for live plants, and that’s totally okay! There are some downsides to plants: they’re pricey, there is maintenance, and sometimes gnats start to live in them if you’re not careful. But faux plants have come a long way and can add the same green vibes to your space without any commitment. They’re perfect for people who travel, have pets, or just don’t want the responsibility.
Nowadays, you can find them in so many different shapes and sizes, too. They’re ideal for low-light rooms, pet-proofing, or super busy schedules. And they’re virtually maintenance-free—just dust them off every now and then, and they’re good to go! We actually have some on the website if you’d like to check those out!
