Diving into the plant world? Don’t worry — it’s not botany school, and nobody’s checking your Latin pronunciation. The best beginner-friendly indoor plants are chill, low-maintenance, and totally okay with you forgetting their existence for a day (or five). Think of them as the houseguests who water themselves, vibe quietly in the corner, and still manage to look fabulous.

Whether your home is a sunny greenhouse or a bit of a light desert, these leafy legends don’t ask for much. Here are some of our top picks for anyone starting out, plant-curious, or just after something green that won’t throw a tantrum if you miss a watering.

Devil’s Ivy

This is the one we always come back to. Devil’s ivy grows fast, trails nicely and doesn’t complain when light is a bit limited. You can let it spill over a shelf, hang it up or pop it on a desk. It also recovers well if you forget about it for a while.

Peace Lily

If you’re after something with a softer look, peace lilies are a great option. They let you know when they need water by drooping slightly, which makes it easy to get the timing right. The white blooms are a bonus, and they do well in bright but indirect light.

Zanzibar Gem

Also called ZZ plant, this one is all about survival. It stores water in its stems and can sit happily in a darker corner without fuss. You’ll barely need to water it. The glossy leaves give it a tidy, structured look that works well in most rooms.

Snake Plant

Straight-up and low-maintenance. Snake plants don’t need much from you at all. Water every couple of weeks, keep it out of strong sun, and it’ll do just fine. Good for smaller spaces or spots where you want something upright.

Chinese Money Plant

With its round, coin-like leaves and playful shape, this plant is a bit more whimsical. It likes bright spots and a light hand with watering. You might notice it sends up baby plants at the base, which you can pot up and pass on to someone else.

Heartleaf Philodendron

If you want something with a bit of a trailing habit but not as quick-growing as devil’s ivy, this one’s a nice middle ground. The heart-shaped leaves are soft and gentle looking, and it’s happy to just keep growing without too much input from you.

A few gentle reminders

Let your plants dry out a little between waterings. Use pots with drainage. Avoid putting them too close to heaters or air con. And don’t overthink it. Most plants settle in just fine once you stop fussing over them too much.

Indoor plants don’t need to be tricky. The best ones find their place in your space and become part of your day without asking for much at all. Check out our collection of indoor plant gifts or pair one with a care package that makes plant gifting even easier. Need advice? Speak with our friendly team.