7 Low-Maintenance Plants (and How to Care for Them)
Experts share their go-to tips on cultivating popular greens
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Whether it’s indoor trees, potted plants, or mini succulents, houseplants are more than just a decorative element for our homes.
Melinda Knuth, an assistant professor in horticultural sciences at North Carolina State University, says that research supports the idea that plants can decrease cortisol levels (the body’s main stress hormone), specifically when we interact with them or immerse ourselves in nature.
“Plants can increase our work productivity, make us more creative, and bolster our ability to remember,” says Knuth, citing a study she conducted in 2019, which found that people who purchased house plants were significantly happier and more positive about the future than those who didn’t own them.
Aglaonema
Aglaonemas (also known as Chinese evergreen) are great for novice plant owners because of their resiliency and adaptable nature. They come in a wide range of colors, often speckled with pops of pink, red, and white. There’s even a variety that looks like an iridescent camouflage, called pictum ‘TriColor,’ says Kamili Bell Hill, founder of Plant Blerd, an online community.
Photo: Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
Ideal environment: Aglaonemas can tolerate low light conditions, but they thrive in indirect bright light, Hill says, noting that they will do well in any spot in a room with a nice bright window. But if it’s one of the greener varieties, it won’t need to be placed directly in the window. “Aglaonemas with light-colored or white variegation will need brighter light to maintain their vibrant color, and should be placed closer to the light source,” she says.
Watering guide: “Aglaonemas are forgiving and can tolerate some drought,” says Hill, adding that it’s always best to let the plant dry between waterings to avoid root rot. “Check moisture levels every seven to 10 days, and look for signs of thirst like drooping leaves or a feather-light pot.” You can do so simply by sticking a finger into the first few inches of the soil to see if it’s dry. And because the plant likes humidity, consider positioning it near a humidifier for a little boost.
Toxicity: Aglaonemas are toxic to animals, according to the ASPCA.
Where to buy an Aglaonema: Amazon, Home Depot, Lowe’s
Heartleaf Philodendron
Heartleaf philodendrons have glossy heart-shaped leaves and long, vining stems. They’re easy to propagate, which is the process of growing new plants from the cuttings of a parent plant.
Photo: Deposit Images Photo: Deposit Images
While all houseplants can produce and release oxygen through the process of photosynthesis, some are better at removing harmful chemicals from the air, says Nick Cutsumpas, who provides people with the insight needed to create green spaces and lead eco-conscious lives. The heartleaf philodendron is a prime example of one that can remove trace amounts of toxins and VOCs (or volatile organic compounds, which are emitted as gases from paint or household cleaners).
It’s worth noting that while plants can purify the air, one would need a significant number of them to see an impact on a grander scale. “But don’t let that stop you from adding plant care to your routine,” Hill says.
Ideal environment: One of the best plants for beginners, heartleaf philodendrons can handle many different environmental conditions and still thrive, Cutsumpas says. They love having room to roam, so put them atop a bookcase or a plant shelf so that the leaves can cascade down, he adds.
According to Cutsumpas, heartleaf philodendrons aren’t very picky when it comes to light, but they tend to do best near an east- or west-facing window. Because the plant is pretty resilient, it can tolerate being in more indirect light as well.
Watering guide: It depends on conditions, which are often dictated by seasons or indoor temperatures. “I water mine once every seven to 10 days,” says Cutsumpas, who adds that if the plant gets more light and dries out faster, it may be every five days. So how can you know when to water it? Look out for drooping leaves, which signify that it’s time for watering.
Toxicity: Heartleaf philodendrons are toxic to animals.
Where to buy a heartleaf philodendron: Amazon, Bloomscape, Walmart
Monstera Deliciosa
Monstera deliciosa is an evergreen tropical plant that also goes by the names Swiss cheese plant (because of the holes in its leaves) and split-leaf philodendron. Greene says monsteras are great beginner and low-maintenance plants because they grow like a weed in a full vining fashion and can survive through short periods of drought.
Photo: Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
Ideal environment: Monsteras like bright and direct light, but indirect light is ideal in a home setting. Otherwise, constant exposure to sunlight can cause the leaves to fry. Give the plant a wide enough space so that its leaves can fully extend.
Watering guide: Look out for signs of wilting in the stems and leaves. That’s the plant’s way of telling you it’s time to water it.
Toxicity: Monstera deliciosas are toxic to animals.
Where to buy a Monstera deliciosa: Amazon, Bloomscape, Lowe’s, The Sill
Peperomia Obtusifolia
With thick, upright stems and glossy, succulentlike leaves, Peperomia obtusifolia (also known as the baby rubber plant) is pet-friendly, forgiving, and pest-tolerant, says Jira Sai, founder of Plant Corner, a New York City-based shop that specializes in rare plants. In short, it’s perfect for someone who’s just getting started on their collection. “Peperomia as a genus includes over 1,000 species,” she adds, “including vining types, like string of turtles or ruby cascade.” Those two are characterized by tiny semi-succulent leaves on a trailing vine and a similar plant with red vines and leaves, respectively.
Photo: Elena Shikanova/Getty Images Photo: Elena Shikanova/Getty Images
Pothos
Easy to care for and resilient, pothos plants, also known as devil’s ivy, can be identified by their heart-shaped leaves and trailing vine. The tropical green comes in many variations including variegated foliage, which means its leaves will feature colorful streaks and patterns. Its ability to easily propagate is another reason to love pothos. Sai recommends cutting the stem below its node (the spot where the leaf comes out of the stem) and placing the cutting in water. Just make sure there are at least three to four leaves on that new stem. You’ll be able to see new roots in as little as one to two weeks.
Photo: Eva Peters/Getty Images Photo: Eva Peters/Getty Images
Ideal environment: While pothos plants prefer medium to bright indirect light, they’re able to tolerate low-light conditions and can even live under fluorescent lights, Sai says. Keep it away from cold drafts; it will do just fine in typical household humidity levels and in temperatures between 65° and 85° F.
Watering guide: It’s important to let the soil dry out between waterings. “Wait until your plant wilts a little before you water,” Sai says. You’ll notice that they will slowly perk back up right after.
Toxicity: Pothos are toxic to animals.
Where to buy a Pothos: Amazon, Home Depot, The Sill
Snake Plant
Snake plants (Dracaena trifasciata, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue) are known for their ability to survive in just about any kind of environment, especially in low-light settings. “They can be neglected for weeks at a time, while still working hard to remove toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene from your space,” Sai says. Being easy to propagate and light on the maintenance front make this variety a popular starter plant for the novice.
Photo: Anna Ostanina/Getty Images Photo: Anna Ostanina/Getty Images
Ideal environment: Snake plants prefer loose and well-drained soil, so putting them in a planter with drainage is essential. They want to be in the shade with access to bright light and in an area that will allow them to stretch upward, Bridgewater says, adding that they can grow beyond 10 feet tall.
Bright indirect sunlight is best for snake plants. Morning light, which tends to be softer, can be tolerable, but in general, Bridgewater recommends keeping them out of direct sunlight.
Watering guide: According to Bridgewater, snake plants want to be watered when the soil is dry on top, which can take a few weeks in the summer and as long as a couple of months in the winter. Monitor the top few inches of the soil to determine its moisture level—you want to let it dry between waterings—and take care not to overwater it.
Toxicity: Snake plants are toxic to animals.
Where to buy a snake plant: Amazon, Home Depot, Lowe’s, The Sill
ZZ Plant
Much like the snake plant, the ZZ plant (short for Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is an ideal green for those looking to start a plant collection. Sai calls them indestructible because of their ability to survive without light or water for significant bouts of time—we’re talking up to three months. The tropical plant hails from East Africa and is characterized by long, sturdy stalks and naturally bright and shiny leaves.
Photo: Retales Botijero/Getty Images Photo: Retales Botijero/Getty Images
Ideal environment: ZZ plants can tolerate a wide variety of lighting conditions (including low light) but their optimal preference is medium to bright indirect light. Keep the plant under typical household humidity levels, away from cold drafts, and in temperatures between 65° and 95° F.
Watering guide: The biggest mistake new plant owners can make with their ZZ is to overwater it. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering, and do so every two to three weeks.
Toxicity: ZZ plants are toxic to animals.
Where to buy a ZZ plant: Amazon, Bloomscape, Home Depot, Lowe’s, The Sill
