If you’re into gardening, you know that it can be a very rewarding hobby. However, if you’re new to the world of indoor plants, finding affordable options can be challenging.
he best thing about these plants is that they’re all easy to care for and don’t require much sunlight or water.
That being said, with so many choices available at the local garden center or online (and so many websites offering free shipping deals), how do you know which ones are right for your living space?
Well, we’ve done some legwork and compiled this list of 10 indoor plants that will thrive without any special treatment on your part:
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| Indoor gardening can be a fun and fulfilling hobby, even on a tight budget. |
| Choosing the right plants is essential for indoor gardening success. |
| There are many affordable supplies and materials available for indoor gardening. |
| Lighting and watering are key factors to consider when growing indoor plants. |
| A little creativity and DIY skills can help you save money on indoor gardening. |
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
The Sansevieria is a hardy plant that can thrive in low light. It’s also easy to care for, making it a great starter plant for indoor gardening. This plant is also known as mother-in-law’s tongue because of its long, snaky leaves.
Indoor gardening can be a fun and fulfilling hobby, especially with the right knowledge and tools. Check out our comprehensive guide on starting your own indoor garden to learn how to get started today.
2. Pothos (Scindapsus Aureum)
Pothos plants are one of my favorite indoor plants. They are easy to care for, tough, and can be placed in a wide variety of conditions.
I like them because they look great in pots or hanging baskets. You can grow pothos plants in low light conditions, which makes them perfect for those who do not have a lot of natural light indoors.
Pothos is also really good for beginners! It’s hardy enough that even if you forget to water it once or twice, it won’t die on you but still pretty enough that you’ll feel proud of yourself when you’re able to keep your plant alive!
Top Low-Maintenance Plants for Indoor Gardening
| Plant Name | Light Requirements | Watering Needs | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pothos (Scindapsus Aureum) | Low to medium light | Water when top inch of soil is dry | A versatile plant that grows well in a range of conditions, including low light and dry air. |
| Snake Plant / Mother-in-Law’s Tongue (Sansevieria Trifasciata) | Low to high light | Water when soil is almost dry | Known for its tall, thick leaves, this plant thrives in bright light but can also tolerate low light levels. |
| ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas Zamiifolia) | Low to moderate light | Water every 2-3 weeks | With shiny, waxy leaves and excellent air purification capabilities, the ZZ plant is a popular choice for indoor gardening. |
| Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum) | Moderate to bright, indirect light | Water when top inch of soil is dry | An easy-to-care-for plant that produces small, white flowers and baby spider plants, making it a great option for propagation. |
| Philodendron | Moderate to bright, indirect light | Water when top inch of soil is dry | There are many different varieties of philodendron, but all are known for their heart-shaped leaves and low-maintenance requirements. |
Note: Brand names were not included in the table as these plants are typically sold under their scientific names, but there may be brand names associated with specific types of indoor gardening products or tools.
3. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)
Spider plants are ideal for beginners who want to start a garden without spending too much money. They’re also great for hanging baskets, terrariums and windowsills.
If you decide to use this plant in a hanging basket, make sure that the soil is moist at all times. That’s because the roots of spider plants need to be buried in order to thrive—if they’re sitting in plain air, they’ll quickly die off!
The spider plant has very small leaves that look like ferns or tiny feathers (they’re actually called “trichomes,” which means little hairs).
These trichomes grow on top of each other and create a beautiful green pattern over time think of it as nature’s version of tie-dyeing.
Because they’re so easy to grow indoors (just add water!), you can use these plants as decoration without having any knowledge about gardening beforehand–and then later on down the road if your interest grows into something more serious…
If you want to take your indoor gardening skills to the next level, our guide on indoor gardening tips and tricks has got you covered. With expert advice on lighting, humidity, and more, you’ll be able to create a thriving indoor garden in no time.
4. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata)
The Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) is a popular houseplant due to its hardiness and ease of care. It can grow up to five feet tall and wide, making it the perfect centerpiece for your indoor garden. Even if you don’t know much about plants, the Boston Ferns are easy to grow.
5. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas Zamiifolia)
ZZ plants, also known as Zamioculcas zamiifolia, are small and slow growing. They can reach heights of up to six feet tall. The leaves of the ZZ plant are glossy green and oval shaped, with a white stripe along the center of each leaf.
You can water your ZZ plant weekly or every two weeks depending on how hot it is in your home. This plant does not need much light because it grows under shade in its native habitat (Africa).
When you first purchase your plant, keep it near a window for about four hours per day until it establishes itself in its new environment.
After that point you should be able to move the plant into another area of your home without hurting it by giving it less light than before; this will allow you to keep up with watering needs as well!
Did you know that indoor gardening has several health benefits? From improving air quality to reducing stress, there are many reasons to embrace this hobby. Check out our guide on the benefits of indoor gardening to learn more.
6. Succulents
Succulents are a great plant for beginners to start with. They are easy to grow and very forgiving if you forget about them for a few days.
Succulent plants are also very low maintenance, requiring little water or sunlight and can even survive in the most arid climates.
They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and textures which makes them perfect for any indoor environment or decorating theme!
Top Succulent Plants for Indoor Gardening
| Plant Name | Light Requirements | Watering Needs | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aloe Vera | Bright, direct sunlight | Water every 2-3 weeks | Known for its healing properties, the Aloe Vera plant thrives in warm, sunny environments and requires minimal watering. |
| Echeveria | Bright, indirect sunlight | Water when soil is completely dry | With its vibrant, rosette-shaped leaves, Echeveria is a popular choice for indoor gardening enthusiasts. |
| Jade Plant (Crassula Ovata) | Bright, indirect sunlight | Water when top inch of soil is dry | A slow-growing plant with thick, fleshy leaves and a woody stem that makes it resemble a miniature tree. |
| Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum) | Bright, direct sunlight | Water when soil is completely dry | With its distinctive star shape and smaller rosettes that grow around the main plant, this succulent is easy to care for and propagate. |
| String of Pearls (Senecio Rowleyanus) | Bright, indirect sunlight | Water when soil is completely dry | With its pearl-like leaves that grow in long strands, this plant is perfect for hanging baskets or as a trailing plant on shelves or windowsills. |
Note: Brand names were not included in the table as these plants are typically sold under their scientific names, but there may be brand names associated with specific types of indoor gardening products or tools.
7. English Ivy (Hedera Helix)
English ivy is a flowering plant that can grow in a variety of conditions. With its small and delicate flowers, English ivy is a perfect addition to any room with limited sunlight. It’s also incredibly easy to care for and doesn’t require much attention once you’ve got it started.
Make sure you purchase English ivy plants from reputable nurseries or garden centers, as they can be sold under different names like “English Ivy” or “American Ivy.”
You should also make sure that the vines have at least three leaves on them if you want to use them indoors, since younger vines are more likely to die due to lack of light than older ones.
If you plan on growing your ivy outdoors instead (which we highly recommend), wait until late spring or early summer before planting so it has time to get acclimated first!
Looking for ideas on how to decorate your home with plants? Our guide on easy indoor gardening ideas provides plenty of inspiration, from hanging plants to terrariums, to transform your space into a botanical oasis.
8. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema Modestum)
The Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema Modestum) is a great plant if you’re just getting started with indoor gardening. It’s easy to grow, and it requires very little maintenance.
You can grow it in either a pot or the ground as long as it has medium light and watered regularly. Propagating this plant is also fairly simple; simply divide its roots when you want to make more plants!
If you’re looking for an affordable houseplant that will add some greenery without taking up too much of your time, try out the Chinese Evergreen!
9. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a succulent plant, which means it’s easy to grow indoors. Succulents are also good for beginners because they don’t require much maintenance they grow slower than most other plants, so you can focus on other things while your aloe Vera grows!
Aloe Vera has been used medicinally for centuries, and even today it’s still used as a skin-soothing moisturizer and healing gel.
If you’re looking to get inspired by creative indoor gardening designs, check out our guide on indoor garden designs. From minimalistic to bohemian, there’s a style for every taste and budget.
10. Cactus
Cactus is a great plant for beginners, as it’s easy to care for and propagate. Cactus plants are also low-maintenance: they don’t need much water or light to thrive, so you can get away with watering them once a month or less (though this will vary depending on the type of cactus).
If you’re looking to start your own collection of succulents but don’t want to spend a lot of money on them, consider starting small with one potted cactus in your home.
While some varieties may be harder than others, all cacti require very little maintenance once they’re established in their potting soil you should only need to water them when the soil gets dry throughout the year.
Cacti make great gifts for people who love plants but don’t have a lot of space; they’re also easy enough that even novice gardeners can enjoy growing these plants from seedlings!
Conclusion
And there you have it! We’ve covered some of the most popular indoor plants, along with their care needs and common problems.
If you want to explore more options, we have a short list of other great plant choices at the end of this section.
And if all else fails, remember that succulents are probably one of the most easy-to-care-for plants out there even newbies can grow them successfully!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful for indoor gardening:
The Practical Planter: This article provides tips and ideas for creating an indoor garden on a budget, including the best plants to choose, how to care for them, and where to find affordable supplies.
Planet Natural: This website offers a comprehensive guide to indoor gardening, including information on lighting, soil, watering, and more.
Get Busy Gardening: For beginners to gardening, this guide provides practical tips for starting an indoor garden without breaking the bank, including how to choose the right plants and containers.
FAQs
What plants are best for indoor gardening?
Some of the best plants for indoor gardening include succulents, spider plants, snake plants, and herbs like basil and mint.
How much light do indoor plants need?
Most indoor plants benefit from at least 6 hours of indirect sunlight per day. Alternatively, you can provide them with grow lights.
What kind of soil should I use for indoor gardening?
Choose a well-draining, nutrient-rich soil that is specifically formulated for indoor plants.
How do I water indoor plants properly?
Water your indoor plants when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Water until it drains out of the bottom of the container and discard any excess water.
How can I prevent pests from harming my indoor plants?
The best ways to prevent pests from harming your indoor plants are to keep them clean and healthy, check them regularly for signs of infestation, and use natural pest control methods like neem oil or insecticidal soap.
I’m Hellen James, and I’m an urban farmer and blogger. I’ve been growing food in my backyard for years, and I love sharing what I’ve learned with other people who want to start farming in their own yards.