Indoor plants don’t just look good—they can make us feel good, too. When you feel down, it’s amazing what a walk in the park can do. That’s because when we get in touch with nature, we improve our well-being.
However, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, we spend a considerable amount of our time indoors instead—around 90%. That is where indoor plants can come to the rescue. Although they are not a substitute for the ‘great outdoors’, indoor plants can provide similar benefits. Studies have shown even brief exposure to nature, like touching real foliage, can elicit an unconscious calming effect.
Here is the list of the easiest plants to grow that bring your home positivity and good vibes:
1. Peperomia
Peperomias are a diverse group of small, easy-care houseplants with waxy and often highly textured leaves. Some of our favorite varieties include ripple peperomia, watermelon peperomia, baby rubber plant, and silverleaf peperomia. Its waxy, colorful foliage adds a splash of color in any room without taking up a lot of space.
2. Chinese Evergreen
This plant's leaves feature various shades of silver, gray, green, and even pink and red, making Chinese evergreen an excellent choice for brightening up low-light areas of your home. You'll often see them in a shopping mall or airport plantings because they are so adaptable and durable, yet attractive.
3. Grape Ivy
'Ellen Danica,' the variety of grape ivy shown here is also called oakleaf ivy because its leaves are more deeply cut than other types of grape ivy. No matter which variety you choose, the shiny, deep green leaves will add an interesting texture to a room. Its tendrils will easily cling to a trellis or a stake for a vertical display. Even though it's a vine, grape ivy has more of a mounding habit so it's a perfect choice for a lush, tidy-looking indoor hanging basket.
4. Norfolk Island Pine
Outdoors, a new tree can be a big investment, but easy indoor trees can make affordable yet eye-catching houseplants for beginners. The secret to keeping Norfolk Island pine healthy indoors is to give it bright but indirect light. In low light, the lower branches tend to turn brown and fall off. This plant's soft texture adds a cozy, woodsy feeling to any room.
5. Dieffenbachia
Several closely related species share the name of dieffenbachia; they've all got canelike stems and lush green foliage variegated in white or cream. Its large, green-and-white leaves add a tropical touch to any room of your home. One of the plant's common names, dumb cane, refers to the effect of the sap if eaten. It can irritate the mouth and throat enough to make it difficult to speak.
6. Snake Plant
This easy succulent plant seems almost indestructible. Snake plant tolerates low light and little water while still maintaining its good looks. You can find several different varieties with different leaf shapes and patterns like the ones shown here. Any snake plant adds unbeatable texture and strong vertical lines with its sword-shaped leaves.
7. Philodendron
A heart-leaf philodendron is just plain adorable with its glossy, heart-shape foliage and draping vines. Plus, it adapts well to low-light spots and doesn't mind if you forget to water it a time or two. Its trailing stems look especially pretty draping down from a shelf or hanging basket.
8. English Ivy
English ivy has leathery leaves and vigorous vining stems that have made it popular as an outdoor groundcover, but unfortunately it has become invasive in some regions. It can be an easy-care houseplant, too, and you'll be better able to keep it contained that way. It does best in bright but indirect light, though it will do fine in low light as well. It works well wherever you need a draping plant or it easily can be encouraged to climb a support if you want a more upright look.
9. ZZ Plant
Sometimes called eternity plant because it lasts so long, ZZ plant will even grow in low light and can go weeks without water. The fun nickname aside, you'll love this plant for its gently arching stems lined on either side with deep green, smooth leaves. The thick stems and leaves are so sturdy that you might even think they're plastic. Look for a variety called 'Raven' that has almost black leaves, sure to add a moody vibe to any room.
