Yes, we're talking to you. New to the houseplant craze but unsure of where to begin? Forget plastic fake plants, we got your back. Here are our top picks for easy houseplants to spice up your home without any extra stress.
1. Peace Lily
This is a great plant for people wanting instant greenery at home, and they produce beautiful long-lasting white flowers. The Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) is also renowned for being an amazing air purifier by removing toxins and producing fresh oxygen.
Peace lilies are one of the more popular house plants and for good reasons - they are very low maintenance, but still look absolutely stunning in any indoor space.
2. Golden pothos
Golden pothos is one of the easiest houseplants to grow. Trust us, they are almost impossible to kill. A golden pothos is a trailing plant that just keeps on growing up to meters in length. They are very tolerant of all types of light conditions, even artificial office lights. You can let them trail down or secure them to a fern totem or trellis which will encourage the leaves to grow enormous!
3. ZZ plant
When it comes to low-maintenance houseplants, Zamioculcas zamiifolia is the gold standard.
More commonly known by its nicknames ZZ Plant and Zanzibar Gem, this waxy-leafed tropical is native to drought-prone eastern Africa. As such, the ZZ Plant has thick succulent roots, allowing the plant to withstand up to four months without water. The result is a houseplant that is both beautiful and bulletproof, a perfect choice for beginners and spaces without much natural light.
4. Cacti
Cacti are probably one of the most low-key houseplants you can have. Pop them somewhere sunny and forget about them! One of the best things about cacti is that they grow anywhere. They don’t need much tending to at all, and they are also a great way to spruce up a room. Adapted to harsh climates, they're generally more hardy and tough than other houseplants that grow wild in the tropics.
You can generally have bigger cacti outside in New Zealand too - as they can tolerate the winters here better than most houseplants.
5. Rhipsalis
Rhipsalis are genera of jungle cacti that grow on the branches of trees in the understories of tropical forests, making them tolerant of more moisture than their desert counterparts. These are somewhat different than most cacti, as they are without spines, do well without any direct sun, and need a good amount of water. These draping, cascading cacti have long, thin, intertwined stems, an unusual trait among cacti.
6. Heartleaf philodendron
Philodendron hederaceum, aka Heartleaf Philodendron, is a classic houseplant. Its enduring popularity is due to its durability and ease of care, its long vines that grow to seemingly endless lengths, and its perfectly green, heart-shaped leaves.
One of the easiest aroids around, and a perfect hanging plant for a variety of light conditions. Of all of the trailing philodendrons we have on the market in New Zealand, this one is by far the most hardy.
7. Tradescantia zebrina
An evergreen (and purple) trailing plant, the tradescantia zebrina has very attractive green and purple leaves with silver stripes. Basically a weed, it is a fast-growing and easy to grow plant and offers a graceful trail off of the edges of shelves/desks.
You'll often spot them in cafes, restaurants, and offices because they look beautiful and require such little maintenance.
8. Syngonium
Syngonium are one of the easiest indoor plants, and with many different varieties available (mini pixie, snow-white, golden illusion), they make for an easy way to spruce up your space. Also called the Arrowhead plant, they are quite versatile when cultivated indoors.
This Aroid thrives in low to bright indirect sunlight. New growth can be pinched back to create a bushier appearance, or you can simply let it vine and sprawl organically in your space!
9. Sansevieria "snake plant"
Snake plants are indestructible. We love the vibrant, patterned foliage on snake plants, and the variety available. Super easy to care for, they are known for durability, as well as their tolerance for low light. If that didn't just tick all your boxes for a new houseplant, we don't know what will.
10. Green bubbles
The Callisia Repens, also known as the Green Bubbles plant, is a low creeping succulent. It has small glossy green leaves which are beautifully highlighted by a purple undertone.
The Callisia is known as a fast-growing plant that will reward any house plant hobbyist in no time. Its trailing mass can reach lengths of up to 1.2 meters long! You won't have any problems keeping this guy alive, we promise!
What's your pick for a houseplant that anyone can grow? Spill!
