One of the easiest ways to brighten up a room is to add some plants to it. However, if you're too busy or simply haven’t been blessed with a green thumb, you may find it hard to keep indoor plants alive. The obvious solution is to get succulents because they’re almost impossible to kill. But what if you really want your room to look like a lush indoor jungle rather than a tired semi-desert? The good news is that there are other types of plants that require little maintenance. Here are 20 easy-to-care-for indoor plants that go beyond succulents.
Green Living
21 Easy-to-Care-for Indoor Plants That Go Beyond Succulents
March 28, 2019
One of the easiest ways to brighten up a room is to add some plants to it. However, if you're too busy or simply haven’t been blessed with a green thumb, you may find it hard to keep indoor plants alive. The obvious solution is to get succulents because they’re almost impossible to kill. But what if you really want your room to look like a lush indoor jungle rather than a tired semi-desert? The good news is that there are other types of plants that require little maintenance. Here are 20 easy-to-care-for indoor plants that go beyond succulents.
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Bonsai Trees
1/21Bonsai Trees
1/21Photo Credit: Getty Images
Growing and nurturing bonsai trees has been long-heralded as a great stress-reliever and it's tradition of snipping and pruning is firmly rooted in history. Tending to these miniature replicas of full-grown trees found in nature has been a time-honoured Chinese tradition dating back more than 1,000 years. Not to mention, their unique <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/organic-gardening-what-when-to-plant-1927482/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">growth patterns</a> make for a show-stopping addition to your home. And don't fret, even with all that history, bonsai trees for beginners is possible too.Green Living21 Easy-to-Care-for Indoor Plants That Go Beyond SucculentsBonsai Trees
PHOTO 1 of 21READ LESS -Growing and nurturing bonsai trees has been long-heralded as a great stress-reliever and it's tradition of snipping and pruning is firmly rooted in history. Tending to these miniature replicas of full-grown trees found in nature has been a time-honoured Chinese tradition dating back more than 1,000 years. Not to mention, their unique <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/outdoors/photos/organic-gardening-what-when-to-plant-1927482/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">growth patterns</a> make for a show-stopping addition to your home. And don't fret, even with all that history, bonsai trees for beginners is possible too.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
2/21Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
2/21Photo Credit: Getty Images
Lavender’s relaxing properties help promote better sleep, so it’s one of the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bedrooms/photos/the-best-bedroom-plants-to-help-you-get-a-better-sleep-1918667/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">best plants for your bedroom</a>. Place it in front of a sunny window with good ventilation and water it only when the soil feels slightly dry. Planting it in a terra cotta pot will help prevent root rot. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/plants-child-pet-safe-1913786/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">20 Plants That Are Safe for Kids, Cats and Dogs</a>Green Living21 Easy-to-Care-for Indoor Plants That Go Beyond SucculentsLavender (Lavandula spp.)
PHOTO 2 of 21READ LESS -Lavender’s relaxing properties help promote better sleep, so it’s one of the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bedrooms/photos/the-best-bedroom-plants-to-help-you-get-a-better-sleep-1918667/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">best plants for your bedroom</a>. Place it in front of a sunny window with good ventilation and water it only when the soil feels slightly dry. Planting it in a terra cotta pot will help prevent root rot. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/plants-child-pet-safe-1913786/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">20 Plants That Are Safe for Kids, Cats and Dogs</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Asparagus Fern (Asparagus setaceus)
3/21Asparagus Fern (Asparagus setaceus)
3/21Photo Credit: Getty Images
This hardy asparagus fern isn’t technically a fern, which is why it’s so easy to care for. It prefers dappled light, warmer temperatures and humidity, so it’s perfect for the bathroom. Daily misting will help it thrive. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/living-rooms/photos/plant-filled-living-rooms-1912351/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">15 Plant-Filled Living Rooms for Serious Decor Inspiration</a>Green Living21 Easy-to-Care-for Indoor Plants That Go Beyond SucculentsAsparagus Fern (Asparagus setaceus)
PHOTO 3 of 21READ LESS -This hardy asparagus fern isn’t technically a fern, which is why it’s so easy to care for. It prefers dappled light, warmer temperatures and humidity, so it’s perfect for the bathroom. Daily misting will help it thrive. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/living-rooms/photos/plant-filled-living-rooms-1912351/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">15 Plant-Filled Living Rooms for Serious Decor Inspiration</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Dracaena (Dracaena spp.)
4/21Dracaena (Dracaena spp.)
4/21Photo Credit: Getty Images
Dracaena plants prefer warmer temperatures and bright, filtered light. They thrive best in moist soil, but take care that the soil doesn’t become soggy through overwatering. When the plant grows too high, simply cut off the top and new shoots will appear within weeks.Green Living21 Easy-to-Care-for Indoor Plants That Go Beyond SucculentsDracaena (Dracaena spp.)
PHOTO 4 of 21READ LESS -Dracaena plants prefer warmer temperatures and bright, filtered light. They thrive best in moist soil, but take care that the soil doesn’t become soggy through overwatering. When the plant grows too high, simply cut off the top and new shoots will appear within weeks.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Peacock Plant (Calathea makoyana)
5/21Peacock Plant (Calathea makoyana)
5/21Photo Credit: Getty Images
The peacock plant’s unusual leaf markings will make it a good talking point. This plant loves high humidity, so it’s a good addition to the kitchen or bathroom. To provide enough humidity, simply place bowls of water around it and avoid lots of bright light. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/20-plants-that-will-improve-the-air-quality-in-your-home-1901078/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">20 Plants That Will Improve the Air Quality of Your Home</a>Green Living21 Easy-to-Care-for Indoor Plants That Go Beyond SucculentsPeacock Plant (Calathea makoyana)
PHOTO 5 of 21READ LESS -The peacock plant’s unusual leaf markings will make it a good talking point. This plant loves high humidity, so it’s a good addition to the kitchen or bathroom. To provide enough humidity, simply place bowls of water around it and avoid lots of bright light. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/20-plants-that-will-improve-the-air-quality-in-your-home-1901078/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">20 Plants That Will Improve the Air Quality of Your Home</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum)
6/21Anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum)
6/21Photo Credit: Getty Images
Anthurium produces stunning flowers: usually bright red, but you can also find hybrids in other colours. Place it in medium to bright light where it doesn’t get direct sun. It does best in evenly moist soil but during fall and winter months the soil should be barely moist, so you shouldn’t water it too often. Since the leaves are toxic, it’s best to place your anthurium plant <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/plants-child-pet-safe-1913786/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">out of reach of kids and pets</a>.Green Living21 Easy-to-Care-for Indoor Plants That Go Beyond SucculentsAnthurium (Anthurium andraeanum)
PHOTO 6 of 21READ LESS -Anthurium produces stunning flowers: usually bright red, but you can also find hybrids in other colours. Place it in medium to bright light where it doesn’t get direct sun. It does best in evenly moist soil but during fall and winter months the soil should be barely moist, so you shouldn’t water it too often. Since the leaves are toxic, it’s best to place your anthurium plant <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/plants-child-pet-safe-1913786/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">out of reach of kids and pets</a>.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Parlour Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
7/21Parlour Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
7/21Photo Credit: Getty Images
The low-maintenance parlour palm is one of the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/plants-child-pet-safe-1913786/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">plants that are safe for kids and pets</a>. It does well in a north-facing spot since it prefers bright, filtered sunlight. It’s sensitive to overwatering, so water it infrequently. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.slice.ca/breaktime/photos/the-cutest-mixed-breed-dogs-you-can-get/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">70 Cute Mixed Breed Dogs You Need to Know About</a>Green Living21 Easy-to-Care-for Indoor Plants That Go Beyond SucculentsParlour Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
PHOTO 7 of 21READ LESS -The low-maintenance parlour palm is one of the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/plants-child-pet-safe-1913786/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">plants that are safe for kids and pets</a>. It does well in a north-facing spot since it prefers bright, filtered sunlight. It’s sensitive to overwatering, so water it infrequently. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.slice.ca/breaktime/photos/the-cutest-mixed-breed-dogs-you-can-get/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">70 Cute Mixed Breed Dogs You Need to Know About</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii)
8/21Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii)
8/21Photo Credit: Getty Images
The peace lily likes warm temperatures and moist soil. It can grow in both low and bright light conditions and tolerates low humidity. It usually flowers in summer and is one of the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/20-plants-that-will-improve-the-air-quality-in-your-home-1901078/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">plants that will improve the air quality in your home</a>.Green Living21 Easy-to-Care-for Indoor Plants That Go Beyond SucculentsPeace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii)
PHOTO 8 of 21READ LESS -The peace lily likes warm temperatures and moist soil. It can grow in both low and bright light conditions and tolerates low humidity. It usually flowers in summer and is one of the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/20-plants-that-will-improve-the-air-quality-in-your-home-1901078/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">plants that will improve the air quality in your home</a>.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)
9/21Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)
9/21Photo Credit: Getty Images
The Chinese money plant grows best in sandy soils and in spots with bright light, but out of direct sunlight. You only need to water it once a week or so. These small plants may be difficult to find in Canadian nurseries but grow easily from cuttings, so they make a good friendship plant.Green Living21 Easy-to-Care-for Indoor Plants That Go Beyond SucculentsChinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)
PHOTO 9 of 21READ LESS -The Chinese money plant grows best in sandy soils and in spots with bright light, but out of direct sunlight. You only need to water it once a week or so. These small plants may be difficult to find in Canadian nurseries but grow easily from cuttings, so they make a good friendship plant.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Radiator Plant (Peperomia spp.)
10/21Radiator Plant (Peperomia spp.)
10/21Photo Credit: Getty Images
The radiator plant or Peperomia is a great option for your home office. It’s compact so you can put it on your desk or on a shelf. It grows well even under fluorescent light. It’s fine if you forget to water this plant, since you actually need to let the soil dry out between waterings.Green Living21 Easy-to-Care-for Indoor Plants That Go Beyond SucculentsRadiator Plant (Peperomia spp.)
PHOTO 10 of 21READ LESS -The radiator plant or Peperomia is a great option for your home office. It’s compact so you can put it on your desk or on a shelf. It grows well even under fluorescent light. It’s fine if you forget to water this plant, since you actually need to let the soil dry out between waterings.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
11/21Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
11/21Photo Credit: Getty Images
The cast iron plant is tough as, well, cast iron. It tolerates dust, heat, cold, dry soil, wet soil, low light and general neglect. However, it prefers cooler temperatures and bright, yet indirect, light.Green Living21 Easy-to-Care-for Indoor Plants That Go Beyond SucculentsCast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
PHOTO 11 of 21READ LESS -The cast iron plant is tough as, well, cast iron. It tolerates dust, heat, cold, dry soil, wet soil, low light and general neglect. However, it prefers cooler temperatures and bright, yet indirect, light.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
12/21Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
12/21Photo Credit: Getty Images
The spider plant is one of the easiest houseplants to grow. It’s highly adaptable to different conditions but does best in cooler temperatures and bright, indirect light. However, fluoridated water can cause its leaf tips to turn brown, so it’s better to water it using rainwater or distilled water.Green Living21 Easy-to-Care-for Indoor Plants That Go Beyond SucculentsSpider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
PHOTO 12 of 21READ LESS -The spider plant is one of the easiest houseplants to grow. It’s highly adaptable to different conditions but does best in cooler temperatures and bright, indirect light. However, fluoridated water can cause its leaf tips to turn brown, so it’s better to water it using rainwater or distilled water.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum)
13/21Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum)
13/21Photo Credit: Getty Images
Pothos adapts easily to different conditions and is one of the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/indoor-plants-thrive-low-light-1912891/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">indoor plants that thrive in low light</a>. Because it’s so easy to care for and so hard to kill, it’s a great option for beginners. Keep it out of reach of kids and pets, though, since it is toxic. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.slice.ca/breaktime/photos/little-dogs-perfect-for-apartment-living/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">25 Little Dogs That are a Perfect Fit for Apartment Living</a>Green Living21 Easy-to-Care-for Indoor Plants That Go Beyond SucculentsPothos (Epipremnum Aureum)
PHOTO 13 of 21READ LESS -Pothos adapts easily to different conditions and is one of the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/indoor-plants-thrive-low-light-1912891/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">indoor plants that thrive in low light</a>. Because it’s so easy to care for and so hard to kill, it’s a great option for beginners. Keep it out of reach of kids and pets, though, since it is toxic. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.slice.ca/breaktime/photos/little-dogs-perfect-for-apartment-living/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">25 Little Dogs That are a Perfect Fit for Apartment Living</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia spp.)
14/21Dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia spp.)
14/21Photo Credit: Getty Images
Also known as dumb cane, dieffenbachia plants are hardy and adaptable. They prefer well-drained soils and light watering, as well as filtered light. Keep in mind though that dieffenbachia plants are toxic.Green Living21 Easy-to-Care-for Indoor Plants That Go Beyond SucculentsDieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia spp.)
PHOTO 14 of 21READ LESS -Also known as dumb cane, dieffenbachia plants are hardy and adaptable. They prefer well-drained soils and light watering, as well as filtered light. Keep in mind though that dieffenbachia plants are toxic.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Ficus (Ficus spp.)
15/21Ficus (Ficus spp.)
15/21Photo Credit: Getty Images
Depending on its size, you can keep a ficus on the floor or on a tabletop. There are many different species, and most prefer bright light in summer and more moderate light in winter. Allow the soil to become slightly dry between watering and rotate the plant regularly so that all sides get enough light.Green Living21 Easy-to-Care-for Indoor Plants That Go Beyond SucculentsFicus (Ficus spp.)
PHOTO 15 of 21READ LESS -Depending on its size, you can keep a ficus on the floor or on a tabletop. There are many different species, and most prefer bright light in summer and more moderate light in winter. Allow the soil to become slightly dry between watering and rotate the plant regularly so that all sides get enough light.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Air Plant (Tillandsia spp.)
16/21Air Plant (Tillandsia spp.)
16/21Photo Credit: Getty Images
Just about all rooms are <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bedrooms/photos/20-rooms-made-better-with-plants-1052781/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">made better with plants</a>. With air plants, you don’t even need soil: you can simply keep them in a glass bowl or vase in bright, filtered light. To water them, let them soak in a bowl or sink full of water once a week, let the excess water run off and put them back in their container.Green Living21 Easy-to-Care-for Indoor Plants That Go Beyond SucculentsAir Plant (Tillandsia spp.)
PHOTO 16 of 21READ LESS -Just about all rooms are <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bedrooms/photos/20-rooms-made-better-with-plants-1052781/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">made better with plants</a>. With air plants, you don’t even need soil: you can simply keep them in a glass bowl or vase in bright, filtered light. To water them, let them soak in a bowl or sink full of water once a week, let the excess water run off and put them back in their container.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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English Ivy (Hedera helix)
17/21English Ivy (Hedera helix)
17/21Photo Credit: Getty Images
English ivy is a gorgeous plant to grow on a trellis or in a hanging basket. It prefers bright light and well-drained soil. You only need to water it when the soil feels dry. About once a month in spring, summer and fall, you can add a nitrogen-rich fertilizer.Green Living21 Easy-to-Care-for Indoor Plants That Go Beyond SucculentsEnglish Ivy (Hedera helix)
PHOTO 17 of 21READ LESS -English ivy is a gorgeous plant to grow on a trellis or in a hanging basket. It prefers bright light and well-drained soil. You only need to water it when the soil feels dry. About once a month in spring, summer and fall, you can add a nitrogen-rich fertilizer.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Arrowhead Vine (Syngonium podophyllum)
18/21Arrowhead Vine (Syngonium podophyllum)
18/21Photo Credit: Getty Images
The arrowhead vine does just fine in artificial light. You can place small plants in baskets with other plants and train larger plants to a moss pole. Keep the soil evenly moist.Green Living21 Easy-to-Care-for Indoor Plants That Go Beyond SucculentsArrowhead Vine (Syngonium podophyllum)
PHOTO 18 of 21READ LESS -The arrowhead vine does just fine in artificial light. You can place small plants in baskets with other plants and train larger plants to a moss pole. Keep the soil evenly moist.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Begonia (Begonia spp.)
19/21Begonia (Begonia spp.)
19/21Photo Credit: Getty Images
Begonia plants are one of the easiest ways to add colour to a room because of their showy flowers and the fact that they’re naturally pest resistant. Some hybrids will also <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/plants-that-flower-in-winter-1921590/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">flower in winter</a>. They prefer lots of bright, indirect light and high humidity levels. Only water them when the leaves start drooping because they’re sensitive to overwatering.Green Living21 Easy-to-Care-for Indoor Plants That Go Beyond SucculentsBegonia (Begonia spp.)
PHOTO 19 of 21READ LESS -Begonia plants are one of the easiest ways to add colour to a room because of their showy flowers and the fact that they’re naturally pest resistant. Some hybrids will also <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/plants-that-flower-in-winter-1921590/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">flower in winter</a>. They prefer lots of bright, indirect light and high humidity levels. Only water them when the leaves start drooping because they’re sensitive to overwatering.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)
20/21Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)
20/21Photo Credit: Getty Images
Philodendron plants adapt to just about any indoor setting and can tolerate low light, so they’re great for shelves. In fact, placing them high up on a shelf is best since they’re toxic to children and pets. Water them when the soil gets slightly dry and keep the soil evenly moist.Green Living21 Easy-to-Care-for Indoor Plants That Go Beyond SucculentsPhilodendron (Philodendron spp.)
PHOTO 20 of 21READ LESS -Philodendron plants adapt to just about any indoor setting and can tolerate low light, so they’re great for shelves. In fact, placing them high up on a shelf is best since they’re toxic to children and pets. Water them when the soil gets slightly dry and keep the soil evenly moist.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
21/21ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
21/21Photo Credit: Getty Images
The ZZ plant is almost indestructible, tolerating low light, low humidity and drought. Be careful not to overwater your ZZ plant: its rhizome and spongy stems store enough water. Keep your plant in moderate to high light but far away from direct sunlight and drafts.Green Living21 Easy-to-Care-for Indoor Plants That Go Beyond SucculentsZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
PHOTO 21 of 21READ LESS -The ZZ plant is almost indestructible, tolerating low light, low humidity and drought. Be careful not to overwater your ZZ plant: its rhizome and spongy stems store enough water. Keep your plant in moderate to high light but far away from direct sunlight and drafts.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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