9 Beginner Houseplants For Anyone Who Kills Everything They Touch

Minimal attention, watering, and light involved.

1. Snake plants can survive weeks without moisture and don't need direct sunlight, making them the perfect plant for anyone who can never remember to water.

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There are over 70 species of snake plants but the common ones are Sansevieria trifasciata (pictured above) and S. zeylanica. The names are intense but I'm sure you've seen these around!

How to care: Wait until the soil is completely dried out before watering, and don't stress about finding a window with tons of sun — they don't need a lot of light to flourish.

2. Spider plants can survive in a variety of light (though they do prefer direct sun) and grow in most conditions — so, basically, you can keep this alive, I promise.

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These are great for first-time plant parents. They can withstand different types of light and don't need a super strict watering schedule.

How to care: For best results, it's ideal to place in direct sunlight (though they will survive in partial light, too). In the summer, water regularly but cut down in the winter time and make sure they're not exposed to cold drafts (soo, don't put right in front of the AC.) See here for more info on care.

3. Pothos (or devil's ivy) are tough to kill because they actually like to chill in dry soil, so they can withstand infrequent waterings.

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Like snake plants, pothos don't need tons of light! They're great for hanging pots, and don't need to be pruned — although, they will grow and grow...and grow.

How to care: Water sparingly, only when the leaves look droopy and the soil is dried through. If the soil is still moist in between waterings, the roots can rot. If the leaves continually look sad after being watered, it's probably to repot because the roots are too big for its current home.

4. Aloe plants — as I'm sure you know — have awesome medicinal properties and are super easy to care for if you know the proper techniques.

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Unlike the ones above, aloe plants need the right conditions to thrive. The good news is, if you know some basic things about the plant, it's surprisingly easy to take care of.

How to care: When planting, pick a cactus potting mix. Aloe plants need lots of light so make sure they are close to a window that gets plenty of sun. They do not do well in standing water so it's crucial to have a pot that drains. When watering, drench the soil allowing the water to drain, and waiting until the soil is completely dry before watering again.

5. ZZ plants (zamioculcas zamiifolia) are basically indestructible since they can survive a variety of environments. If you truly can't keep anything alive, this is the plant for you.

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These pretty plants have a waxy shine to them, so they look great but don't involve a ton of attention.

How to care: Place the plant in a spot free from direct sunlight. They will also grow in little light, making them great for office spaces or rooms with no windows. They're best when left alone, so if the leaves begin to yellow, you're likely overwatering. That being said, only water when the soil is completely dried out.

6. Philodendrons involve a little extra attention, but are a great starter plant because they can actually teach you basic plant-growing skills.

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This plant's leaves will tell you exactly what it needs (unlike me — who passive-aggressively assumes my boyfriend will pick up my subtle hints — and most other plants). Anyway, because this species requires some more care than the others, it's a good jumping off point if you're looking to actually learn about plant care.

How to care: Keep the plant in indirect light and make sure no sun rays actually hit any leaves (they'll turn yellow if exposed to too much light). You'll know when it needs to be watered when the first inch of the soil becomes dry; just use your finger to gage the dryness. If the leaves look droopy, it's receiving too much or too little water. The plant will recover if you keep it on a tight water schedule. In the spring and summer, water with a liquid fertilizer monthly and every six to eight weeks in the fall and winter. Learn more here.

Get liquid fertilizer from Amazon for $5.82.

7. Ponytail palms will tolerate your neglect, and even prefer if you leave them alone, so they're great for you if you know from the get-go that you're a terrible plant parent.

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Fun fact about these guys, they're actually not palms or trees like their name suggests! Ponytails are part of the agave family, so they're technically considered succulents.

How to care: Ponytail palms thrive in bright light but can survive if half of their time is spent in low light. So, in the summer they'll be happy outside and fine once they're brought back into the house during the winter. Water once the soil is completely dried through, and fertilize two to three times a year.

8. Peperomia plants are easy-going plants that adapt well to their environments and make great desk companions.

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There are over 1,000 species of peperomia plants, but there are a couple common types found in households: Peperomia caperata and p. argyreia (pictured above.)

How to care: Plant in a mixture of soil and gravel (or a perlite soil like this). This will allow oxygen to get to the roots and maintain proper air circulation that's key for your plant's survival. Keep in medium to low light (they will even grow under fluorescent lighting making them perfect office plants). Let the soil dry up to five inches in between waterings.

9. Fittonias (aka nerve plants) actually like moisture so if you know you're an over-waterer, you and this lil' guy will get along well.

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These purty houseplants are known for their veined leaves, and you can find them in a variety of colors like pink, white, and green.

How to care: These plants like to grow in peat-based soil (like this), which is ideal for retaining moisture but don't become super soggy. Use a pot that can drain to prevent root rotting. Wait for the soil to become dry before watering, and mist the leaves in between because they love humidity.

You can do this! You are one with nature.

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Let us know in the comments if you have any other suggestions we didn't mention! And for more plant tips, check out the House Plant Lovers Facebook group.