12 Easy Plants to Grow at Home (Even If You've Killed Every Plant You've Owned)

1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

If there's one plant that's nearly impossible to kill, it's the snake plant. Also called mother-in-law's tongue, this one thrives on neglect; the less you do, the happier it is.

Light: Low to bright indirect light (survives almost anywhere)

Water: Every 2-3 weeks. Let the soil dry completely between waterings.

Pet safe: No—toxic to cats and dogs

Best for: Beginners, low-light spaces, people who travel a lot

2. Pothos (Devil's Ivy)

Pothos is called "devil's ivy" because it's so hard to kill, it just keeps going. This trailing vine looks gorgeous in a hanging basket or cascading from a shelf, and it comes in tons of varieties with different leaf patterns (golden, marble queen, neon, jade).

Light: Low to medium indirect light

Water: When the top inch of soil feels dry (roughly weekly)

Pet safe: No—toxic to cats and dogs

Best for: Adding greenery to shelves, bathrooms, offices

3. ZZ Plant

The ZZ plant is basically the definition of "set it and forget it." Its shiny, dark green leaves look polished and elegant, you'd never guess it's one of the most low-maintenance plants you can own. It stores water in its rhizomes (underground stems), so it can go weeks without watering.

Light: Low to bright indirect (survives in very low light)

Water: Every 2-3 weeks. Drought tolerant.

Pet safe: No—toxic if ingested

Best for: Offices, dark corners, forgetful waterers

4. Spider Plant

Spider plants are practically foolproof and they're pet-friendly! They produce cute little "babies" (spiderettes) on trailing stems that you can propagate and share with friends. A classic houseplant for a reason.

Light: Bright indirect light (tolerates lower light)

Water: Weekly, when soil is dry

Pet safe: Yes—non-toxic to cats and dogs ✓

Best for: Hanging baskets, pet owners, beginner plant parents

5. Philodendron

There are dozens of philodendron varieties, but the heartleaf philodendron is one of the easiest houseplants you can grow. Its heart-shaped leaves trail beautifully, and it's nearly as forgiving as pothos.

Light: Low to medium indirect light

Water: When top inch of soil is dry

Pet safe: No—toxic to pets

Best for: Climbing or trailing on shelves, adding tropical vibes

6. Aloe Vera

Aloe is a succulent that's both beautiful and useful, the gel inside the leaves is great for soothing minor burns and skin irritations. As a desert plant, it's adapted to drought and doesn't need much attention.

Light: Bright indirect to direct light

Water: Every 2-3 weeks. Let dry completely between waterings.

Pet safe: No—toxic to cats and dogs

Best for: Sunny windowsills, kitchens, people who want a functional plant

7. Succulents (Echeveria, Haworthia, etc.)

Succulents are wildly popular. They store water in their leaves, so they only need watering every couple of weeks. Plus they come in incredible colors and shapes. The key is giving them enough light and not overwatering (that's the #1 way people kill them).

Light: Bright light—most succulents need direct or very bright indirect light

Water: Every 2-3 weeks. Less in winter.

Pet safe: Varies—Haworthia (zebra plant) is pet-safe; many others are mildly toxic

Best for: Sunny spots, desks, windowsills, terrariums

8. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

If you want something with presence, the rubber plant delivers. Its large, glossy, dark green (or burgundy) leaves make a real statement, and it's surprisingly easy to care for. It can grow into a tall, tree-like plant over time.

Light: Bright indirect light (tolerates medium light)

Water: When top inch of soil is dry

Pet safe: No—the sap is toxic

Best for: Making a statement, filling an empty corner, growing a tall indoor tree

9. Monstera (Swiss Cheese Plant)

Monsteras iconic split leaves are gorgeous, and they're easier to grow than you'd think. They can get big (up to 8 feet indoors), so give them some space.

Light: Medium to bright indirect light

Water: When top 2 inches of soil are dry (every 1-2 weeks)

Pet safe: No—toxic to cats and dogs

Best for: Living rooms, making a tropical statement, Instagram photos

10. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra)

The cast iron plant got its name because it's virtually indestructible. Low light? No problem. Forgot to water for a month? It'll survive. This is the ultimate "I don't want to think about it" plant.

Light: Low to medium indirect light (one of the best low-light plants)

Water: Every 1-2 weeks. Very drought tolerant.

Pet safe: Yes—non-toxic to cats and dogs ✓

Best for: Dark rooms, basements, pet owners, people who travel

11. Prayer Plant (Maranta)

Prayer plants are named for the way their leaves fold up at night, like hands in prayer. They have gorgeous patterned foliage and they're pet-safe. They like a bit more humidity than some plants on this list, but they're still pretty easy overall.

Light: Low to medium indirect light

Water: Keep soil evenly moist (don't let it dry out completely)

Pet safe: Yes—non-toxic to cats and dogs ✓

Best for: Bathrooms (the humidity helps), bedrooms, pet households

12. Boston Fern

Boston ferns have a reputation for being finicky, but with the right conditions (humidity!), they're actually pretty easy. They love bathrooms, they're pet-safe, and they're great air purifiers. Just mist them regularly or keep them somewhere humid.

Light: Indirect light (no direct sun)

Water: Keep soil consistently moist

Pet safe: Yes—non-toxic to cats and dogs ✓

Best for: Bathrooms, hanging baskets, pet owners

Pet-Safe Plants: A Quick List

If you have cats or dogs, choosing non-toxic plants is important—especially if your pet likes to nibble on leaves. Here's a quick reference of pet-safe plants from this list:

•         Spider Plant

•         Cast Iron Plant

•         Prayer Plant

•         Boston Fern

•         Haworthia (Zebra Plant)

Always double-check with the ASPCA's toxic plant list if you're unsure about a specific plant.

Best Plants for Low Light

These plants can survive in low-light conditions:

•         Snake Plant — handles low light like a champ

•         ZZ Plant — survives even in offices with no windows

•         Pothos — grows (slowly) in low light

•         Cast Iron Plant — made for dark corners

•         Prayer Plant — prefers indirect light anyway

Not sure which low-light plant is right for your space? Visit us at Willem & Jools Flowers and we'll help you find the perfect match.

Quick Tips for Keeping Plants Alive

Even the easiest plants need some basic care. Here are a few tips to set yourself up for success:

Don't overwater. This is the #1 killer of houseplants. When in doubt, wait a few more days. Most plants prefer to dry out a bit between waterings.

Check before you water. Stick your finger in the soil. If it's still moist, wait.

Drainage is key. Make sure your pot has drainage holes. Sitting in water leads to root rot.

Start with one or two plants. See how they do before building a whole jungle.

Wipe the leaves occasionally. Dust blocks light. A quick wipe with a damp cloth keeps them happy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest houseplant to keep alive?

The snake plant (Sansevieria) and ZZ plant are generally considered the easiest houseplants to keep alive. Both tolerate low light, infrequent watering, and general neglect. Pothos is another excellent choice that's nearly impossible to kill.

What are the best low-maintenance plants for beginners?

For beginners, we recommend starting with snake plants, pothos, ZZ plants, or spider plants. All of these are forgiving of mistakes, tolerate various light conditions, and don't need frequent watering.

Which houseplants are safe for cats and dogs?

Spider plants, Boston ferns, prayer plants, cast iron plants, and many palms are safe for pets. Always check the ASPCA's toxic plant database before bringing a new plant into a home with pets.

What plants grow well in low light?

Snake plants, ZZ plants, pothos, philodendrons, and cast iron plants all do well in low-light conditions. While they may grow more slowly without bright light, they'll still survive and look good.

How often should I water houseplants?

It depends on the plant, but most houseplants prefer to dry out slightly between waterings. For low-maintenance plants like snake plants and ZZ plants, that's every 2-3 weeks. For others like pothos and philodendrons, check when the top inch of soil feels dry—usually weekly.

Why do my houseplants keep dying?

The most common reasons are overwatering (leads to root rot), not enough light, or choosing plants that need more care than you can provide. Start with truly low-maintenance plants like snake plants or pothos, make sure your pots have drainage, and wait until soil is dry before watering.

Can I grow plants if I travel a lot?

Absolutely. Snake plants, ZZ plants, succulents, and cast iron plants can all go weeks without water. Just give them a good drink before you leave, and they'll be fine when you return.

Do houseplants really clean the air?

The NASA "clean air" study found that some plants can filter toxins, but you'd need a lot of plants to make a significant difference in a typical home. That said, houseplants do offer real benefits: they reduce stress, improve mood, and add life to any space.

Ready to Add Some Green to Your Space?

You don't need a green thumb to have beautiful plants at home. Start with one or two from this list, and see how it goes. Once you get the hang of it, you can always add more.

At Willem & Jools, we carry a selection of potted plants and can help you find something that suits your space (and your lifestyle). Stop by our shop at 125 Roncesvalles Avenue or give us a call at 416-588-5566.