Gardening can be a rewarding and meditative hobby, allowing you to connect with the natural world and enjoy the fruits of your labor. This is definitely true for seasoned gardeners. For newcomers to gardening, however, it’s crucial to choose the right plants. This makes their first experience in gardening a positive one.
Easy-to-grow plants can be a game-changer for beginner gardeners. Despite requiring minimal maintenance, these plants offer numerous benefits, from enhancing indoor and outdoor spaces to purifying the air and reducing stress. The list below includes 20 plants that thrive with little effort, making them perfect for those new to gardening.
Characteristics of easy plants
Easy plants can make all the difference in a beginner’s gardening journey. They typically possess the following characteristics
- Minimal care needs: Easy plants can thrive in various lighting conditions, from low to bright light. They tolerate little watering, and don’t require frequent fertilization or soil amendments.
- Resilience: These plants can withstand neglect, adapt to changing temperatures, and have natural defenses against common pests and diseases.
- Adaptability: They can grow well in different environments, whether indoors or outdoors.
Best Easy Plants for Beginners
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria Trifasciata)
This stylish, hardy plant is known for its air-purifying qualities and thrives in low light conditions. It also requires infrequent watering, making it perfect for indoor space.
2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
A low-maintenance plant with shiny leaves that add a touch of elegance to any room. ZZ plant tolerates low-light conditions and infrequent watering.
3. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Easy to care for, the spider plant is great for air purification while its creeping stems and leaves add a touch of greenery to any room. Additionally, this plant produces cute white flowers that add a pop of color and charm.
4. Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)
Pothos is a fast-growing, low-maintenance plant that is remarkably tolerant of neglect. This plant helps purify the air and can be trained to climb or trail, making it perfect for busy beginners.
5. Dracaena (Dracaena spp.)
With over 40 species, Dracaena is a versatile addition to any space. This plant can grow up to 10 feet tall, tolerates different lighting conditions and requires minimal care, making it an ideal choice for new plant owners.
6. Succulents (e.g., Aloe, Echeveria, Crassula)
Requiring minimal care and watering, succulents are perfect for busy beginners. These low-water plants come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, making them a stylish and low-maintenance addition to any room.
7. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii)
The peace lily is a sought-after plant with its elegant white blooms and ability to purify the air. It prefers well-draining soil and moderate watering, making it a great choice for gardening newcomers. This plant is also perfect for those who want to add some elegance to their space.
8. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
Rubber plant has large, dark green leaves, which are a stylish addition to any room. It prefers bright, indirect light and consistent watering, making it a great choice for beginners who are seeking to add a touch of tropical flair to their space.
9. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
A low-maintenance plant that prefers bright, indirect light. Bamboo palm can help purify the air while adding a touch of tropical elegance to any room.
10. Air Plant (Tillandsia spp.)
Low-maintenance and come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, air plants are a great addition to any room.
11. Herbs (e.g., Basil, Mint, Cilantro)
Easy to grow and bursting with fresh flavor, herbs are worth adding to the collection of any gardening newcomer. These plants prefer well-draining soil and moderate watering.
12. Dahlia (Dahlia spp.)
A relatively low-maintenance plant that produces vibrant blooms. Dahlias thrive in well-draining soil and full sun, making them a great choice for beginners who are seeking to add a pop of color to their home.
13. African Violet (Saintpaulia spp.)
African Violet is a delicate plant that thrives in well-draining soil and moderate watering. It’s perfect for beginners who want to add some elegance to their space.
14. Aloe Vera
Packed with medicinal properties, and tolerate to minimal watering, aloe vera is perfect for busy newcomers. This plant grows well indoors.
15. Cacti (e.g., Prickly Pear, Christmas Cactus)
Cacti are low-maintenance and adaptable plants. They come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, making them a unique and stylish addition to any room.
16. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
These lush, green plants thrive in bright, indirect light and are great for air purification. They are perfect for beginners who are seeking to add a touch of tropical elegance to their gardens.
17. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
A versatile, low-maintenance plant that thrives in various lighting conditions. English Ivy is also an exceptional air purifier and can be trained to climb or trail.
18. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
This fragrant plant is drought-resistant and thrives in sunny locations, making it perfect for gardening newcomers. It can help purify the air and adds a touch of elegance to your space.
19. Geranium (Pelargonium spp.)
Geranium is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in well-draining soil and full sun. It’s great for air purification and produces vibrant blooms.
20. Bromeliad (Bromeliaceae family)
Bromeliad is a low-maintenance plant that is great for air purification. Its colorful blooms also add a pop of color to any space.
Basic care tips for easy plants
To ensure your plants thrive, follow these basic care tips:
- Watering: Check soil moisture before watering. Avoid overwatering as it may lead to root rot and other diseases.
- Sunlight: Place your plants in a spot that receives the right amount of light based on their needs.
- Soil and fertilizer: Use well-draining soil and occasionally feed plants with fertilizer.
- Pruning and maintenance: Trim or remove dead leaves and flowers to encourage growth.
