The 25 Best Plants for Beginners Are Absolutely Rookie-Proof

This foolproof plant can handle missed waterings and will function best in medium- to bright-light conditions, though it's definitely not finicky. The heart-shaped leaves are known to grow quickly; once you get the hang of plant parenthood, try trimming a few stems to propagate and display them on top of a shelf. (Pothos is a trailing vine and looks great on higher surfaces!)

This plant actually thrives with less water and light—so you don't have to panic if you forget a watering every now and then. Money Trees are allegedly good for providing positive energy, making them a thoughtful housewarming gift.

The Tradescantia Nanouk has colorful, stripey leaves that almost look painted on; play up the pink pattern by choosing a similarly statement-making planter. Aesthetics aside, it's also super easy to manage. Keep it in a high spot where it can get bright, indirect light and stay away from pets.

Not only are snake plants extremely low-maintenance (you can forget to water them for up to three weeks without consequences) but they're also natural air purifiers. They absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen at night, so try placing one in your bedroom for healthier sleep.

It's low-maintenance with a splash of rosy pink color: Go with the Aglaonema if you're looking for a plant that makes a big impression without needing a lot of work. Plus, it'll actually make your air cleaner, thanks to detoxifying properties and the fact that it absorbs CO2 at night.

Ideal for both dry and humid environments, the only thing you really need to look out for with the ZZ plant is direct light. It works best in low light, so keep it in a shady spot for best results.

Another subtly colorful option, this two-tone Dragon Tree twists as it grows to curve naturally. The beginner-friendly plant is semi-drought tolerant, too, and only needs watering once a week.

For an affordable touch of the tropics, opt for a Dieffenbachia. It's great with humidity, making it ideal for bathrooms and kitchens, and will grow in warm environments with medium to bright light. Other than that, you can take a hands-off approach to this houseplant.

This beginner- and pet-friendly plant is a low-light option that doesn't need much: Just try to keep it away from chilly windows and drafts. Also known as the Maranta Leuconeura, it's a tropical plant that'll look extra-lush in humid environments.

Technically, this is a succulent, but with its purplish color and delicate, string-like ends, it's so much more interesting than your average cactus. All it really needs to do well is partial sun and moderate watering.

If you don't need your greenery to be, well, green, go with this versatile plant. Its large, heart-shaped leaves need to be kept out of direct light to avoid burning (bright, indirect is best), but as long as you're giving it water whenever the soil feels dry, it won't require much else.

Otherwise known as the umbrella plant, this pick is good if you're looking for something on the larger side to fill an empty corner (when it ships, it's 30 inches tall). Keep it in bright, indirect light and give it a couple cups of water once a week to keep it healthy.

Fountain-shaped foliage definitely packs a decorative punch. Why not keep this perched atop a mantel or bookshelf for a decorative touch? The air-purifying ponytail palm can live in both high- and low-light conditions, requires minimal watering, and can withstand chilly temperatures, too.

For large-scale greenery that's the indisputable focal point of any room it's in, try a monstera. The waxy leaves benefit from humidity (consider it another perk of your beloved humidifier), but beyond that, their watering needs are low-maintenance.

Spider plants are particularly great for their adaptability: Put them in medium to bright indirect sunlight or even lower light, and watch them thrive.

If you're looking for fresh blooms, this flowering peace lily produces beautiful white flowers and can handle a darker space, if your home doesn't get a ton of natural light. It's also one of the top air-cleaning plants, thanks to its air-purifying capabilities.

A pet-safe option with fun fronds, this Australian-native fern is super forgiving. Keep it somewhere humid like a bathroom for top results—the kangaroo paw fern prefers moist environments.

For a fast-growing trailing plant, you can't go wrong with English Ivy. The one downside is that it's not safe for kids or pets, so be sure to choose a hanging basket to keep it away from curious hands (and paws).

Bamboo is ideal for the over-attentive first-time plant parent because it will literally tell you when it needs help: Watch out for the stalks leaning towards a light source, as it's a sign that the bundle needs more sunlight.

Elevate an empty corner of your apartment with a hanging plant. This delicate yet eye-catching succulent only needs water once every three or four weeks and prefers indirect light, so it won't mind a shady spot.