There’s no denying that decorating with houseplants is a rapidly growing trend in the interior design world—our very own Ashley Insider @preppybohemianathome can even attest to it. We love the trend of decorating with lush greenery. The only thing we don’t love is all the extra time it takes to tend to them, especially when you’re not gifted with a green thumb. This is why we’ve rounded up a list of some of our favorite houseplants that are easy to care for, and even easier on the eyes.
1. Peace Lily
No matter how brown your thumb is, you’ll be able to keep this one alive with no problem. Peace lilies flourish with indirect light from a nearby window, and generally need watering just once a week. As an added bonus, this plant helps filter out 5 different toxic chemicals from the air.
Note: Peace lily is toxic to dogs and cats.
2. Spider Plant
Set indoors, these plants are happy with indirect light and a little humidity, making a spot near a steamy bathroom an ideal location. They are known to filter formaldehyde, xylene and toluene from the air, so you can say hello to natural purification. Plus, this plant is non-toxic to dogs and cats, making it a great choice for most households. While snake plants are nearly impossible to kill, make sure it’s planted in a pot with proper drainage to avoid rotting.
3. Snake Plant
This one is ideal for busy bees who are always on the go. Snake plants are tolerant of many lighting conditions, but will propagate best in bright, indirect light. This plant doesn’t like to be kept wet, so make sure it is set up with proper draining or a soilless potting mixture. Snake plants should be watered only when the soil is almost completely dry—which could range from two to six weeks depending on your home’s temperature, humidity and light levels. Talk about setting it and forgetting it.
Note: Snake plant is toxic to dogs and cats.
4. Jade Plant
If you love the look of trendy succulents, but love easy care even more, the jade plant is your perfect pick. Often thought of as a symbol for good luck, these beauties also make wonderful housewarming gifts. The jade plant needs direct sunlight for at least 4 hours a day, so it’s best set by a sunny window—or perhaps in a Black Medal Planter. Similar to the snake plant, it should be watered when almost dry and with caution not to over water.
Note: Jade plant is toxic to dogs, cats and horses.
5. Marimo Moss Ball
Take a unique turn with an aquatic plant on your coffee table. The marimo ball is a living green algae colony that grows fully submerged in water and actually flourishes in darker environments. You can get creative with your choice of clear container—just be sure to have a loose fitting lid to allow oxygen to flow. And while this plant is non-toxic to dogs and cats, we recommend keeping this jar out of reach to avoid getting knocked over. It’s recommended to change the water (which should be cool, fresh and filtered) every one to two weeks. Easy-peasy.
6. Lucky Bamboo
Requiring little care, this plant is a popular choice for the home and office. Just remember to avoid picking one with four branches. According to Chinese culture, the number four is deemed as unlucky, while the number three promises happiness. Another interesting fact: lucky bamboo is not actually related to the bamboo family, but is actually closer related to lilies. So while real bamboo is safe around pets, lucky bamboo is toxic to dogs and cats. To keep lucky bamboo thriving, set it by low, indirect light. It also doesn’t need much watering, but take care to always keep the roots covered in water that’s low in chlorine levels.
7. Aloe Vera
Low-maintenance and practical, growing an aloe plant in your home could prove very useful during harsh summers. And if you’re forgetful about watering, this may just be your dream match. You’ll only have to water this plant once every three weeks. Just make sure it’s set in a pot with proper drainage (to avoid rotting) and you’re all good to go.
Note: Aloe is toxic to dogs, cats and horses.
8. English Ivy
Popular for its timeless appeal, English ivy looks elegant potted in hanging planters, or set down on the edge of a shelf. The draped effect that English ivy creates as it trails down furniture is what makes it such a favorite among plant enthusiasts. Plus, they are known to filter out four different toxic chemicals from the air. English ivy prefers moist soil, cooler room temperatures and indirect sunlight. Just take care to manage its vines, as they can develop tiny roots that attach to surfaces.
Note: English ivy is toxic to dogs, cats and horses.
9. Calathea
Pet owners will be happy to know that this houseplant is safe to keep around their furry friends. And since it needs minimal care, watering once every one-two weeks and medium sunlight, you won’t feel like you’re tending after another pet in the house. The green and yellow patterned leaves create a little exotic flair, setting it apart from your typical houseplant. Think of what a pretty addition it would make to a tropical-themed bar cart display.
10. Pothos
If your space is lacking natural light, this houseplant is the perfect solution for freshening up your décor. Pothos plants do well in low-light homes, and will actually develop pale leaves if they are getting too much light. Watering is simple—just make sure to allow the soil to dry out between watering. Another interesting characteristic: the pothos plant doesn’t need to be planted in soil, but can be placed in a container with water if you prefer that aesthetic. And like English ivy, this plant gives off major wow factor with its gorgeous long, trailing vines.
Note: Pothos is toxic to dogs and cats.
11. Philodendron
If you’ve been actively admiring the plant trend, you’ll probably recognize this one due to the recent popularity of the Pink Princess variety. Whether you decide to go for classic greenery or want a little streak of pink in your decor, the philodendron is incredibly simple to care for. They do well with indirect sunlight paired with the occasional visit outside. Philodendrons like to be kept a little moist (only the top inch of soil should dry out) and can benefit from misting during the growing season.
Note: Philodendron is toxic to dogs, cats and horses.
12. Areca Palm
Give your space a little tropical update with this easy–to-care for palm tree. You can expect your areca palm to grow six to seven feet tall when kept indoors (they grow on average six to ten inches each year). Just like what you’d expect of a tropical plant, this palm benefits from lots of filtered light and moist (but well-drained) soil. Bonus: This tree is safe to grow around dogs and cats!
We hope this inspired you to decorate your home with living accents! To see more spaces with greenery, check out our Pinterest. Find the right variety for your space and your family, especially your four-legged roommates.
Before you head out to your nearest plant nursery and join the #plantgang, watch this video from Fancy Free Nursery to learn how to style your home with plants. We’d love to see how you spruce up your space with one of these plants, so don’t forget to snap a picture and share with everyone by using the hashtag #MyAshleyHome.
