I’m a Plant Mom to 60+ Houseplants—These 8 Easy-to-Grow Picks Are Seriously Underrated
Low-maintenance doesn’t have to mean boring!
You probably already have some of the most popular houseplants, such as snake plant, Monstera, and golden pothos. These houseplants are staples in any plant lover's home because they’re low-maintenance, readily available, and relatively inexpensive.
But there actually are many other underrated houseplants that are just as easy to grow and even more striking in appearance. While I do have a few plants that need a little more TLC than others (hello, citrus tree!), I much prefer those that don’t constantly need my attention like a cranky toddler. These underrated plants are not fussy, but they have attractive forms and interesting textures that appeal to me, adding a little something different to my collection.
All of the plants on this list are easy-to-grow when given the right care and can be found at most retailers. Make sure to give them sufficient light (most need bright, indirect light), or use a grow light if your home doesn't have nice, big, sunny windows. Most importantly, don’t overwater them. That’s the surest way to kill any houseplant, and most of these will simply not tolerate soggy feet.
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Ahead, my favorite underrated houseplants you need now to brighten up your indoor spaces.
Editor’s Note: Pet parents should note that the zigzag cactus and bird’s nest fern are pet-friendly picks on this list. The other plants are considered toxic to pets by the ASPCA—as are many popular houseplants—so keep them out of reach or skip them altogether. Learn more about pet-friendly houseplants.
Zig Zag Cactus (Disocactus anguliger, formerly Epiphyllum anguliger)
If you’re looking for a whimsical cactus that doesn’t look anything like a spiky desert-dwelling cactus, the zigzag cactus (also called ric rac or fishbone cactus) is for you. It’s actually an epiphyte, like orchids or air plants, in its native environment.
Give zig zag cactus bright, indirect light, and it will grow quickly and may even bloom after a few years with fragrant, orchid-like flowers that last about a week. Water when the top few inches of potting mix is dry.
Read more: 38 Types of Cactus Plants for Your Home and Garden
Scindapsus (Scindapsus spp)
If you’re a fan of pothos, this relative is a great choice. Scindapsus is a vining plant with a silvery sheen or silver splashes on its foliage. It resembles pothos and is often called silver pothos or satin pothos, though it's a different genus.
However, care is the same: Bright, indirect light is best, though scindapsus will tolerate low light levels (it just doesn’t grow very fast). Water when the top few inches of soil feels dry.
Read more: How to Care for a Scindapsus Plant
Snake Plant Cylindrica (Sansevieria cylindrica)
Most of us already have the sturdy snake plant, with its flat solid green or variegated foliage. While it’s a sturdy and reliable plant, I find this variety, with its cylindrical spike-like foliage, much more interesting.
Although this variety of snake plant has a modern feel, it looks at home in any room with low to medium light conditions. Water it when mostly dry.
Read more: How to Care for a Snake Plant
Fernleaf Philodendron (Philodendron Tortum)
Philodendrons are some of the easiest plants to grow, and I absolutely adore the wispy, curling fern-like foliage of this variety. It looks delicate but is actually quite sturdy and forgiving of many different indoor conditions.
This philodendron starts out as a bushy plant before it’s ready to climb; then it takes off on a moss pole. Give it bright, indirect light, and water when the top few inches of soil feel dry.
Read more: 11 Types of Philodendrons Houseplant Lovers Find Easiest to Grow
Aglaonema (Aglaonema)
Also known as Chinese evergreen, this is an excellent plant for beginners because it’s tough-as-nails and puts up with a lot of abuse. Its pretty foliage is silvery, solid green, or pinkish (my favorite!).
If aglaonema gets sufficient light, it will show off with calla lily-like blooms. It prefers moderate light, though it will tolerate low light levels. Water when the top few inches feel dry.
Read more: How to Care for Aglaonema
Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia nicolai)
Bird of paradise is often thought of as a garden plant, but I find it an eye-catching indoor floor plant. This plant can become quite large (mine grew quickly to touch my 9-foot ceilings). It rarely blooms indoors but still makes a striking accent in any room.
Bird of paradise prefers bright light and can take full sun, but it will adapt to indoor medium light levels. Water when the top several inches of soil are dry.
Read more: How to Grow Bird of Paradise
Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
If you struggle with Boston ferns indoors (they need a ton of light and humidity or they tend to drop fronds over and over), try a bird’s nest fern.
This handsome fern has shiny, leathery fronds that whirl around from the center of the plant in a nest-like form. Give it bright indirect light. Water when the top few inches feel dry.
Monstera Lechleriana (Monstera lechleriana Albo-Variegata)
It sounds like a mouthful, but this lesser-known—and once rare—Monstera is absolutely stunning, with its long leaves splashed with cream and white. As it grows, it gets fenestrations (holes) like most other Monstera varieties, closer to the center of the leaf.
Give it bright, indirect light for best growth. It will tolerate medium light but gets a little leggy. Water when the top few inches of soil feel dry.
Read more: How to Care for Monstera Plants
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