Houseplants are great additions to your home because they brighten any room, can help improve your mood, and will never argue with you. The good news is you don’t have to have a green thumb to keep them thriving either. There are plenty of low-maintenance houseplants that don’t always need a ton of light or are forgiving of a less-than-regular watering schedule, which is great for anyone who’s busy or forgetful (or both).

Whether you’re looking for something for your shelf, a plant that grows tall or hangs down, or greenery that can help bring good vibes into your home, here are 15 plants that pretty much anyone can keep alive. 

Snake plants have stiff pointed leaves that wind upward and look, well, a bit snake-like. This sharp-looking plant has patterned leaves with yellow edges and it definitely doesn’t bite. It can tolerate low light and is drought tolerant, so you only need to water it every couple of weeks. 

Money trees are characterized by their braided trunks (which are actually a few plants twisted together) and are thought to bring good luck and prosperity, which is welcome in any home. They prefer bright, indirect light and weekly waterings (let the soil dry in-between), and they’re pet-friendly too.

If you’re looking to add a tropical touch to your room, this tall, leafy palm will help bring vacation vibes inside. The fronds grow out into an arch shape, forming a crown, and it thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. Water it every week or two, when the top of the soil feels dry. 

With shiny dark green leaves, the ZZ plant is as attractive as it is low maintenance. It’s adaptable to low to moderate light or indirect sunlight, is slow-growing, and it doesn’t require frequent watering. 

Though not actually made of or used to make rubber, this plant is still great for beginners. The baby rubber plant’s round leaves retain moisture so it can withstand a missed watering, and it loves medium to bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light too. It’s 1-800-Flowers.com’s pick for the 2022 Plant of the Year because it symbolizes good luck and happiness, which is exactly the energy we need for the new year. It can also grow multiple “pups” that you can propagate to grow your houseplant collection or gift to others.

The Dieffenbachia is often called a dumb cane, not because of its intelligence but because its leaves are toxic to people and animals. When ingested, it can cause a temporary loss of speech. But as long as you’re not going around your house eating your greenery, this plant is fairly low maintenance, requiring bright indirect light and watering once a week or when the topsoil is dry.

The Pothos plant is an ideal option for even those who are truly green thumb-challenged. Its nickname is the Devil’s Ivy because it can grow almost anywhere, including in low light or fluorescent light spaces. Its marbled, heart-shaped leaves will continue to grow and vine, showing you love for years to come.

Air plants are one of those oddities that can grow without any soil, making them great additions to any table, terrarium, planter, or shelf. They need bright, indirect light and a 10-20 minute soak every week or so, and then you can put them wherever you want to show them off. 

There’s a reason why you see succulents everywhere. They’re cute, come in different shapes, and are fairly easy to keep alive. Give them lots of light and occasional watering (overwatering can be doom for a succulent, so let the soil dry out before rewatering)

The Ponytail Palm is actually not a palm but a succulent, and its bulbous trunk holds water, which makes it drought tolerant. It likes bright, indirect light and will be fine in dry conditions. The thin leaves grow in a messy but stylish way, and it’s non-toxic to humans and pets.

The heartleaf philodendron is a vining plant with heart-shaped leaves that can drape elegantly from a hanging planter or down a bookshelf. It can handle various kinds of light and water conditions. Water it when the soil is dry and place this plant in medium indirect light (though it will handle low light too).

Spider plants are easy-going and not at all scary as their name would imply. Water them when the soil feels dry (but don’t overwater) and put them in a spot with bright indirect light to watch them grow, though lower light is tolerable as well. Spider plants also produce “pups,” which grow from the mother plant and can be propagated into new plants.

The Pilea Peperomioides (also called the Chinese money plant, UFO plant, and pancake plant) has circular eaves that will add some fun decor to your room. Give it bright indirect light and water every 1-2 weeks and it’ll stay happy. Plus it’ll grow baby plants, which you can separate into another pot for a gift that keeps on giving.

Prayer plants have striking leaves, with brightly colored veins (usually red or yellow). Prayer plants like bright, indirect light (direct sunlight will scorch the leaves) and damp soil, and will grow slowly over time. At night, the leaves stay flat during the day and fold up, like praying hands, at night.   Peace Lily

If you’re looking for something with flowers, check out the serene Peace Lily. The plant’s white blooms are actually specialized leaves that cover the flowers on the stem, but regardless, they make a gorgeous sight. They do well in medium indirect light, but will also grow in shade, and like moist but not soggy soil. If you’re over or underwatering your Peace Lily, it will let you know by drooping.