Easy Care Plants

Start with the look and routine you want. A ZZ Plant has glossy upright foliage and likes to dry between waterings. Snake Plants offer upright leaves in a range of sizes, while Golden Pothos can trail from a shelf or climb a support. Match your choice to the available light, and begin with one plant so you can learn how quickly its soil dries in your home.

Some are, but the terms describe different things. ZZ Plants, Snake Plants and Cast Iron Plants can tolerate lower light, while a Jade Plant needs a brighter position. Low light still needs a usable light source; a windowless space needs a suitable grow light. Compare our low-light plants if natural light is limited.

Check the potting mix before watering rather than watering every plant on the same day. ZZ Plants and Snake Plants should dry out between waterings; other choices need water sooner. Pot size, potting mix, temperature and light all affect drying time. When a soil-grown plant needs water, water thoroughly, let it drain and empty excess from the outer pot or saucer. Use its individual care instructions for how dry the mix should become.

Spider Plants and Ponytail Palms are options listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. They still have different needs: a Ponytail Palm suits a bright position and should dry between waterings. Easy care alone does not indicate pet safety, so check each plant or browse our pet-friendly collection. Discourage pets from chewing any houseplant.

Choose a plant that stores water, such as a ZZ Plant, Snake Plant or Ponytail Palm, and match it to your light. These are more forgiving of an occasional missed watering than moisture-loving choices such as Fittonia. Set a reminder to check the soil, rather than to automatically add water. Before a longer trip, plan care around your plant and conditions instead of leaving its pot standing in water.