If you’re a first-time plant owner and desire a plant that won’t take up too much of your time, then you’re going to want a plant that is low-maintenance, and hard to kill. Tough plants that can withstand a range of growing conditions and (mostly) like to be left alone do exist. In fact, we’ve compiled some of the toughest, hardiest, and forgiving houseplants around for you below. Start with one of these awesome plants and learn from there. You’ll soon grow to love having them in your home and will want more because of all the wonderful health benefits plants provide.

Best Beginner Friendly Plants

Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)

Pothos is an attractive trailing vine plant with medium-sized leaves that are dark green or yellow and green variegated. They look best on top of a tall bookshelf or in a hanging planter. They are hard to kill and can tolerate nearly any type of growing environment. They can also hand infrequent waterings for those who sometimes forget to water their plants. For your pothos to thrive, place in indirect medium light and water once every one to two weeks.

Snake Plant

This striking plant has stiff, lengthy vertical leaves with pointed ends. The leaves are dark green with margins of bright yellow. They also come in green and yellow variegated patterns. The Snake Plant, also called the Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, is very resilient and hard to kill. It can handle low light or bright light and a spotty watering schedule. The Snake Plant is a great air purifier as it converts CO2 into oxygen during the night.

Anthurium

For an easy houseplant that has a wonderful pop of color, the Anthurium is a great choice. It’s dark green leaves are heart-shaped and includes a “bloom” which consists of a deep red waxy spathe with a yellow spadix which sticks up from within. A low-maintenance plant, the Anthurium does best in bright, indirect light and watering every 1-2 weeks. Keep pets away as it is toxic to them.

Ponytail Palm

As the name suggests, this is a plant with long, thin, hair-like leaves that cascade down from the top resembling a pony tail. Not actually a palm but rather a succulent, this no-fuss plant requires very little care. It can tolerate a decent amount of neglect and prefers to be left alone which makes it a great plant for people who travel a lot. They thrive in bright light and only like water once their soil has completely dried out.

Aloe

Most people know Aloe for its medicinal properties in its leaves, primarily to soothe sunburns, but they also make striking houseplants. Their cool, spiky, thick leaves can grow in length up to 20 inches. They require little maintenance and grow much faster than most other succulents. Aloe loves the sun, even direct sunlight. Place in a pot that drained and wat until soil dries out between waterings.

Fittonias (Nerve Plant)

This pretty plant comes in a variety of leaf colors and has veined leaves giving it a very ornamental look. It loves water so is perfect for those overwaterers out there. They love humidity and warm conditions so misting in between waterings may be necessary. Place in bright, indirect light and wait for soil to dry out before watering.