Three Houseplants for Beginners That Make You Look Like a Pro
Ever admired a friend’s thriving houseplants and thought, ‘I could never keep one alive’? Trust me, I’ve been there! The good news? Some plants only look like they require a green thumb but are actually beginner-friendly. Here are three easy-care houseplants that’ll make you look like a pro—no plant expertise required!
Pothos
Pothos are a super popular plant for first-time plant parents. They’re easy to care for and can grow pretty quickly. These plants like a good amount of light, but you can still find lots of success with them in lower light situations. So if your space has only one window or an otherwise limited light source, this is a great plant for you to try.
Pothos prefer a well-draining soil, which also allows you to get away with watering about once a week. Forgot to water it? No worries! This plant is so anti-drama that it won’t hold a grudge if you miss a watering or two.
The vining nature of a pothos creates a beautiful cascade that looks great as a hanging plant or on a high shelf, allowing the leaves to drape down and add a touch of nature. If the plant is getting too long for the space you have it in, or if you just prefer a shorter plant, simply cut off the bits you don’t want to keep it tidy.
Another fantastic thing about pothos? There are so many varieties to choose from! They come in an array of colorful greens to suit your style. Some favorites are N’Joy Pothos, Neon Pothos, and Satin Pothos.
Pothos Quick Care Guide:
Thrives in low to bright, indirect light
Water once a week (or when the soil feels dry)
Grows fast & forgiving, even if you forget a watering
Philodendron brasil
Just like the Pothos, Philodendron brasil is a fast grower and super easy to care for. It can also withstand infrequent waterings and has the same lighting needs. This plant is an instant stunner with its bright green, heart-shaped leaves with a yellow-green splash down the middle, making it perfect for brightening up any room. This plant also grows like a vine, and makes a great companion plant for your pothos.
Want to change up the look a bit? Stick a small trellis into its pot and wrap the vine around it to create a more elevated, dimensional look.
Philodendron brasil Key Takeaways:
Bold, colorful leaves add a pop of color to any room
Trim to keep it neat and tidy
Add a trellis for some unique styling
Monstera adansonii
Last but not least, let’s talk about this stunner of a plant! AKA the “swiss cheese plant,” this houseplant adds instant jungle chic to any decor. The pinnations -or holes- in the leaves are reminiscent of a tropical locale, and bring that vibe into your home on a smaller, more manageable scale.
If you notice the leaves looking pale or dry, it might be getting too much sun. Move it to a spot with bright, indirect light for best results! Too much sun could also cause the leaves to get dry and form brown tips. This plant loves a bit of humidity, so don’t be afraid to mist it lightly if the air is dry. You can also pop a humidifier next to it if your space allows for it.
Monstera adansonii can also be grown in a hanging pot, but I love the effect it has on a space when grown vertically. If you want to utilize some vertical space in your home, you can encourage monstera adansonii to grow upward by either using a moss pole or by attaching a garden trellis to a wall and clipping the plant along the trellis as it grows.
This is another plant that can be trimmed to maintain its size. It can grow quite large when allowed to, and the leaves may get larger in size as well. Either way, you’re sure to wow house guests (and yourself!) with this gorgeous plant.
Monstera adansonii Quick Tips:
Bright, indirect light is this plant’s best friend!
Keep a spray bottle or small humidifier nearby to keep leaves happy
Use a moss pole or trellis to encourage vertical growth
A Reminder About Basic Plant Care
All three of the plants described above are some of the easiest plants to care for, especially for newbies. They tend to be more resilient to the learning curve that exists with plants. However, it’s important to remember that all plants need three basic things to survive: sunlight, water, and good soil. Consider that the holy trinity of plant care 101. But there are other things that can support your plants as they grow. Pots with drainage, fertilizer, and leaf care are also important, and will ensure that your plants not only live, but thrive. Taking care of plants doesn’t have to be overwhelming! With just a little know-how, you’ll have happy, thriving greenery in no time. Want to make sure your new plant babies thrive? Grab my free beginner’s guide to plant care here—it’s packed with tips to help you grow with confidence!
