Finding the right houseplant can be daunting for beginners, especially when most people are familiar with the common plants like Snake Plants (Sansevieria) or Dracaena plants. However, if you’re looking to start your indoor garden with something a little more unique and equally easy to care for, we’ve got five great options for you. Each plant hails from a different genus, offering a variety of aesthetics and care requirements. All of them make beautiful, low maintenance houseplants.
1. Aspidistra Elatior (Cast Iron Plant)
Genus: Aspidistra
Native Region: Japan and Taiwan
Care Level: Very Easy
The Cast Iron Plant is the perfect choice for those who might be worried about their plant-care skills. This hardy plant is nearly indestructible and can survive in low light, low humidity, and periods of neglect.
Care Instructions:
Light: The Cast Iron Plant tolerates low light conditions, making it ideal for darker corners of your home. It can handle bright, indirect light but should be kept out of direct sunlight to avoid leaf scorch.
Watering: Water when the top inch of soil is dry, but avoid letting the plant sit in water. Overwatering is one of the few things that can harm this plant.
Humidity: This plant is not picky about humidity levels and will do well in both dry and humid environments.
Fertilization: During the growing season, fertilize every 2-3 months with a balanced liquid fertilizer. In winter, feeding can be reduced or skipped altogether.
Pruning: Pruning is generally not necessary, but removing any yellow or brown leaves will keep the plant looking tidy.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
The Cast Iron Plant lives up to its name by being incredibly tough and tolerant of neglect. If you’re a beginner who is often on the go or forgets to water regularly, this plant will forgive you. Its ability to thrive in low-light environments also makes it versatile and easy to place in any room.
2. Saxifraga Stolonifera (Strawberry Begonia)
Genus: Saxifraga
Native Region: East Asia
Care Level: Easy
Despite its name, the Strawberry Begonia is not a true begonia, nor does it produce strawberries. Instead, it’s a charming groundcover plant that features beautiful green leaves with red undersides and delicate white flowers. Its trailing nature makes it ideal for hanging baskets or as a cascading element in mixed planters.
Care Instructions:
Light: The Strawberry Begonia thrives in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate lower light levels. However, avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause leaf burn.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot.
Humidity: This plant enjoys higher humidity but can adapt to average household conditions. If your home is particularly dry, occasional misting can help.
Fertilization: Feed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Reduce feeding during the winter months when the plant’s growth slows.
Propagation: The Strawberry Begonia is easy to propagate through its runners, which are similar to those of a strawberry plant. Simply place the runner in soil, and it will quickly take root.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
The Strawberry Begonia is a resilient plant that offers visual interest with its unique foliage and cascading growth habit. It’s an excellent choice for beginners who want a plant that’s easy to care for but not as common as some other houseplants. Its ease of propagation also makes it a rewarding plant for those new to gardening.
Genus: Tradescantia
Native Region: Mexico and Central America
Care Level: Easy
Tradescantia zebrina, commonly known as the Wandering Jew, is a vibrant and fast-growing plant known for its striking purple, silver, and green striped leaves. It’s a versatile and forgiving plant that can be grown in a hanging basket or as a groundcover. There are many beautiful cultivars of Tradescantia zebrina which produce different leaf colouration.
Care Instructions:
Light: Tradescantia zebrina thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light levels. However, its colors are most vibrant when it receives plenty of bright light.
Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, but be careful not to overwater. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
Humidity: This plant enjoys moderate to high humidity but can adapt to average household humidity. If your home is particularly dry, occasional misting can help maintain the plant’s vibrancy.
Fertilization: Fertilize once a month during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Reduce feeding during the winter months.
Pruning: Regular pruning will keep the plant full and bushy. Pinch back the stems to encourage new growth and remove any leggy or damaged parts.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
Tradescantia zebrina is a visually striking and fast-growing plant that is perfect for beginners who want instant gratification. Its ease of care, coupled with its ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, makes it an excellent starter plant. The vibrant colors and trailing habit add a dynamic element to any indoor space.
4. Rhipsalis Baccifera (Mistletoe Cactus)
Genus: Rhipsalis
Native Region: Tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America, Africa, and Asia
Care Level: Easy
The Mistletoe Cactus is a unique epiphytic cactus that grows naturally in the shaded, humid forests. Unlike typical desert cacti, this one prefers indirect light and high humidity, making it a great option for those who might struggle with traditional succulents.
Care Instructions:
Light: The Mistletoe Cactus thrives in bright, indirect light. It can also tolerate lower light conditions but may grow more slowly.
Watering: Water when the top inch of soil is dry, and make sure the pot drains well. Unlike desert cacti, this plant prefers a bit more moisture but should never be waterlogged.
Humidity: This plant enjoys higher humidity levels, making it perfect for bathrooms or kitchens. If your home is dry, consider misting the plant regularly or using a humidity tray.
Fertilization: Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during the growing season with a diluted, balanced fertilizer. Reduce feeding during the winter months.
Pruning: The Mistletoe Cactus doesn’t require much pruning, but you can trim it to shape or remove any damaged stems as needed.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
The Mistletoe Cactus is an intriguing, low-maintenance plant that’s ideal for beginners who want something a little different. Its cascading stems and tolerance for lower light make it a versatile addition to any indoor space. It’s also relatively easy to care for, needing only occasional watering and misting.
5. Peperomia Obtusifolia (Baby Rubber Plant)
Genus: Peperomia
Native Region: South America
Care Level: Very Easy
The Baby Rubber Plant, or Peperomia obtusifolia, is a compact, low-maintenance houseplant known for its thick, glossy leaves. It’s a great choice for beginners, as it’s forgiving and thrives in various indoor conditions.
Care Instructions:
Light: The Baby Rubber Plant prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light conditions. Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause leaf scorch.
Watering: Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. This plant is semi-succulent, so it stores water in its leaves and is relatively drought-tolerant.
Humidity: This plant does well in average household humidity but will appreciate a bit more humidity if the air is particularly dry.
Fertilization: Feed every 2-4 weeks during the growing season with a diluted, balanced fertilizer. Reduce feeding during the winter when growth slows.
Pruning: Pruning is rarely necessary, but you can pinch back the stems to encourage bushier growth and remove any yellowing leaves.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
The Baby Rubber Plant is extremely easy to care for and adaptable, making it an excellent choice for beginners. Its attractive, thick leaves and compact size make it a great addition to small spaces, and it’s resilient enough to bounce back from minor neglect.
These five lesser-known houseplants— Aspidistra elatior, Saxifraga stolonifera, Tradescantia zebrina, Rhipsalis baccifera, and Peperomia obtusifolia — offer a range of aesthetics and are all suitable for beginners. Each plant brings something unique to the table, whether it’s the robust and forgiving nature of the Cast Iron Plant, the cascading beauty of the Strawberry Begonia, the vibrant colors of the Wandering Jew, the intriguing form of the Mistletoe Cactus, or the resilient compactness of the Baby Rubber Plant.
Starting with these plants will give you a strong foundation in plant care, and their distinctive looks will make your indoor
To browse through all of our low-maintenance plants, perfect for beginners, head to our Low-Maintenance Plants Collection.
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