If you’re a bohemian decor (or Justina Blakeney) fan, then you’re probably reading this blog post sitting on a Moroccan pouf that’s sitting on a woven kilim rug surrounded by plants. If that’s more of a dream because you’re terrified of having plant babies because you just know you’ll accidentally murder them, we got you! Don’t be afraid to add some life to your place because you think you won’t be able to keep your houseplants alive. There are plenty of plants that are so easy to care for that just about anyone can do it. (Yes, even you.) Here are 17 easy houseplants that you can buy to get your plant collection started.
1. Ponytail Palm
Despite its name, the ponytail palm is not a palm. It’s a desert plant that requires a lot of light and a little water. Place this plant near the window in a bright room and don’t be afraid to let the soil get dry. It likes it.
2. Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe plants have flowers that will bring cheer to any room. Put this plant in a bright, south or west-facing window, and water it weekly or when the top half of its soil looks dry.
3. Philodendron
Philodendrons prefer bright but indirect sunlight, so place it in a spot where the sun’s rays won’t directly touch the leaves. Water when the top inch of soil is dry. You can check by putting your finger into the dirt up to the first knuckle.
4. Begonia
As indoor plants, begonias can brighten your space with flowers. Keep the soil moist but not wet, and put it in a place where it will get bright indirect light.
5. Peace Lily
The peace lily has dark green foliage and beautiful white hooded flowers. These are hardy plants that require little care. Put your peace lily in indirect sunlight and water it once a week or whenever it begins to droop.
6. Cast Iron Plant
A cast iron plant responds well to low-light situations. It is a slow grower that tolerates drought well. In other words, you don’t have to water it often.
7. Christmas cactus
Christmas cacti are not cacti at all. They are tropical succulents that prefer moist soil and filtered sunlight. When the top inch of dirt is dry, water the plant thoroughly. If you treat it well, your Christmas cactus will reward you with beautiful blooms around Christmastime.
8. Dieffenbachia
The Dieffenbachia, also known as the dumb cane, requires medium to low light. It is a hardy houseplant that will live a long time. When your dieffenbachia is dry, water it thoroughly. Be sure to let the soil dry out completely between waterings.
9. Chinese Evergreen
Keep your Chinese evergreen in low to medium light. This plant will get root rot if watered too often. Be sure to let the soil dry out before watering. When it is mature and healthy, it will grow blooms that are similar to a peace lily.
10. English Ivy
English ivy isn’t just for ground covering. It can also make an excellent houseplant. Ivy does best in bright indirect light, but it can also grow in low light. Water your plant freely keeping the soil moist but not soggy.
11. Anthurium
Anthurium plants produce waxy looking blooms that are similar to a peace lily. They thrive in indirect light. Water your plant when the top two inches of soil is dry.
12. Lucky Bamboo
Lucky bamboo is not bamboo at all. It’s actually the cane of the Dracaena. It prefers bright indirect sunlight because direct sunlight will burn the leaves. This plant is the only one on this list that grows in water. Make sure the water is always covering the roots, and it will continue to grow and give you good fortune.
13. Aloe
Aloe is a wonderful plant for soothing burns. Lucky for us, it’s also an easy houseplant to grow. Aloe needs bright indirect sunlight. Because it is a succulent, you should be careful not to overwater it. In fact, the most common reason aloe plants die is because they’re overwatered. Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering.
14. Jade plant
With their thick stems, Jade plants give the appearance of a tiny tree. They enjoy the bright sunlight. Let the soil dry out completely between waterings. When you water a jade plant, try to avoid splashing water on the leaves.
15. Ficus
The ficus is a common houseplant with a multi-trunk woody stem. It prefers bright indirect light and moderate watering. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings. If you find your plant dropping a lot of leaves, try watering it less often.
16. Rubber plant
Rubber plants are a type of ficus, Ficus Elastica. Put your rubber plant in bright indirect light to keep it happy and keep the soil moist. Spritz the leaves with water or wipe them off with a damp cloth to keep your rubber plant in tip-top shape.
17. Peperomia
Because a peperomia does well under fluorescent lighting, it is an excellent plant to grow in your office. It needs low to medium light. Water the plant sparingly and it will thrive.
Whether you like succulents, deep-green tropical-looking plants, or flowering plants, you’ll find a houseplant on this list that will make the perfect addition to your space.
Crazy about boho? (Us too.) Check out these 11 Bohemian Bedroom Essentials.
Featured photo by Georgia de Lotz on Unsplash
Melody Rose Rowan is the CEO + hostess with the mostess at @CuteStays. When she isn’t blogging about style and interior design for her blog MustacheMelrose.com, Melody can be found renovating @MaxineTheAirstream with her husband, Scott, or playing with her two rescue dog-sons, Jake and Finn. Say hi at @mustachemelrose!
