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Welcome to the fun world of plants! House plants give a lavish look to any room and give the space a sense of life and freshness. Along with purifying the air, a plant can give a sense of calm and positivity in your home. We have made a list of the best houseplants for beginners. It will help you choose which plant is right for you and your space.

Which plant is best for beginners?

For beginners we recommend house plants that do not have a high price tag, have simple light requirements, and plants that are easier to recover from over-watering. Low maintenance plants always come to mind.

1. Snake Plants

Snake plants are quite simple to grow. Part of the sansevieria family, a snake plant requires very little water. Watering a snake plant is as simple as: remove it from the pot, add water until it runs out the bottom, let it drain for 5 minutes, and put it back in the pot. Once a month is plenty, and in the winter you can do it even less. It is best to let them dry out completely before watering.

Low light is where a snake plant shines. If you have a darker corner, or a hallway that does not get much light, a snake plant will be right at home. Indirect light is all they need. Since their light requirements are so little, you will notice that it takes a long time to grow.

2. Philodendrons

Philodendron’s name comes from the Greek words philo, meaning "love", and dendron, meaning "tree". These lovable plants are low maintenance and is one of the best house plants for beginners. Philodendrons are commonly hung up, but they are vining plants, so when placed next to something like a moss pole it can grab on and climb.

Philodendron’s need watering once a week at the most, but most beginners tend to overwater them. When you first get your plant, remove it from the pot and add water until it drains out the bottom, letting it sit for 5 minutes before returning it to the pot. Feel the weight and remember it. Lift it each day to feel the decrease in weight. One day it will feel exceptionally light, as if the soil is bone dry. That is when you should water it again. Every 7 to 10 days is average.

A philodendron is happy in low light areas out of the sun. They can be placed on corner tables, hung from a rod, or in a room with smaller windows. They will grow faster in brighter rooms, but a dorm, office, or basement with a window will do.

3. Peperomia

A peperomia plant is tolerant and very forgiving, so it is one of the best plants for beginners. It can withstand a decent amount of neglect and keep growing. If you want a low maintenance plant that fits on a shelf, table, or desk, this is the one.

Peperomia come in over 1000 varieties and come with thicker waxy drought-tolerant leaves, and only need water every 1 to 2 weeks. Be sure that the soil has dried out completely before the next watering. Pick up your plant and it should feel like there is no extra weight to it – that is the best time to water. Like most houseplants they are tropical and prefer that the soil be drier that wet because that is what they are used to.

Light is no issue at all. I the room has a window; the room can house a peperomia. Low, medium, and bright indirect light are fine, so an office, a dorm, or a shelf will make a nice home.

Tips for a Beginner Plant Owner

Tropical plants are used to the soil being dry. If a plant in your home has died, overwatering is likely the cause. Most plants like to be completely dry before getting more water.

Turn your plant. Plants will lean towards their light source. Once a week, turn your plant 90-degrees so all leaves get exposed to sun over time.

Remove dead leaves. Plants will shed a leaf here and there. If a leaf turns yellow, rip it off. Plants are eaten by wild animals all the time. Tearing a leaf off is not a big deal.

Keep the temperature stable. Please do not put a tropical plant next to the front door of your winter home. The constant rush of cold air will shock the plant and stress it.

Succulents, both indoors and out, have been all the rage for a few years now. Whether in cute pots on your bookshelf or the window ledge in a brightly painted bowl, they effectively improve any scene to which they're added. While their fleshy leaves and swollen stems make for an adorable decorative, growing succulents can be a little tricky, and many beginners struggle to keep them alive. But all plants need is water and sunlight, right? 

Although that much is true, you need to address the amount and frequency of both. A few simple tips and tricks can make your succulents not only last much longer but also thrive! If you're a newbie looking to add a few succulents to your home or have previously had unpleasant experiences with them, keep reading to know how you can care for your cacti and other succulents so they can grow nicely.

Types Of Succulents

According to botanical species, there are hundreds of different types of succulents. However, all of them have one thing in common; they are low maintenance and can survive prolonged periods of dryness. There are two main types of succulents; indoor succulents and outdoor succulents.

Indoor Succulents

The trend for indoor succulents is rapidly increasing. From gardens to drawing rooms, bathroom shelves, and kitchen counters, succulents with plump leaves and vibrant colors add a new dimension to your indoors. But not all succulents can be grown inside the house. Generally, succulents with brighter colors such as reds, oranges, or violets and purples are better suited for outdoor life as they require more sunlight. Naturally green succulents have a better chance of surviving indoors, where the sunlight is limited and the environments dry with little humidity. Common indoor succulents include Jade Plant, Snake Plant, Zebra Plant, Crown of Thorns, Burro's Tail, and Panda Plant.

Sunlight

Indoor succulents, like other indoor plants, do not get sufficient exposure to the sun. To ensure proper growth, place the succulents near a window that gets sunlight most of the day. The longer they're in the light, the better. Since indoor plants can often only be exposed to indirect sunlight, make sure to place them in the brightest spot in the house so they can get at least six hours of light a day.

Water

Watering succulents can be a little challenging. Succulents like to have more water, but less frequently. It can be confusing for a beginner. You need to remember that succulents prefer their roots soaked in water but not at all times. Once you've drenched the soil and roots, your plant is good to go for a few days until the soil dries out. Then you can wait a day or two and then repeat the watering. Spraying the water on the leaves and stem can make them brittle and weak. Never water succulents every day since it's the quickest way to kill them.

Pots

Succulents do not like glass jars. Basically, any container that does not drain the excess water will not make your succulent happy. So terrariums and non-draining pots are a no-go with indoor succulents since they do not appreciate sitting in soggy soil. Glazed ceramic and terracotta jars are the best options to keep your green succulents in so the airflow can be maintained, and the soil can dry out properly.

Outdoor Succulents

While all species of succulents are pretty hardy, outdoor succulents can survive more challenging environments than indoor varieties. Outdoor succulents are low maintenance but still need attention and conditions to help them grow well. Common outdoor succulents include Hens-and-Chicks, Stonecrop, Whales Tongue Agave, Ball Cactus, Plush Plant, and Dudleya.

Sunlight

Yes, the succulents love sunlight. But some varieties prefer diffuse sunlight or even shade to thrive. Aeoniums, Painted Ladies, and Lace Aloe cannot survive in direct sunlight and hence need to be placed in shaded spots with indirect sunlight.

Weather

Summer months do not pose much of a challenge to outdoor succulents. However, the winter months, especially those of Ontario, can be difficult. Most succulents cannot survive snow and frost, although certain Aloes, Echeveria, and Senecios can tolerate colder climates and even mild freezes.

Water

Outdoor succulents do not need a lot of water. Using the soak and dry method should keep your succulents alive unless the heat outside is over 90°F, in which case you'll need to provide some shade to your plants and maybe water them a little more frequently. However, suppose you've recently watered your succulents and are wondering whether you should do it again. In that case, it is better to skip a day since overwatering is more likely to kill your succulents than under-watering.

That's All!

If you're worried about taking care of a houseplant, succulents are the best type to start with. They're easy to keep alive and do not require round-the-clock care. So why wait? Stop by our shop, and we can tell you everything you need to know about succulent keeping!