A Beginner’s Guide to Low-Maintenance,
Wellness-Boosting Indoor Plants
Houseplants can be a simple yet stylish way to add color, warmth, and personality to your home, and many varieties can even help create a healthier living environment. If you’ve struggled to keep plants alive in the past, don’t be discouraged – success often comes down to choosing the right variety for your lifestyle. The good news? Plenty of beginner-friendly options thrive with minimal effort. Here are a few ways houseplants can improve your health, along with four easy-to-grow varieties to brighten your space, purify your air, and boost your well-being – no green thumb required.
Leaf the Toxins Behind
Before branching out, it may be helpful to understand how indoor plants can enhance your life to determine which best fits your needs. In addition to aesthetic appeal, houseplants have also been proven to have many health and environmental benefits, including:
Improving air quality – numerous houseplants have the ability to filter out harmful toxins, such as formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, carbon monoxide, and other air pollutants to purify the air and stimulate a healthier indoor environment. They’re also effective at producing oxygen, increasing moisture, and helping regulate humidity levels for easier breathing.
Aiding in healing and recovery – studies have shown that being surrounded by plants can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and even speed recovery time after illness or surgery.
Promoting restful sleep – certain plant varieties release oxygen at night or emit calming scents, helping you relax and drift into deeper sleep.
Pothos Plant
(Epiphremnm aureum)
Also known as Devil’s Ivy, this low-maintenance houseplant produces smooth, heart-shaped green and yellow leaves with textured stems. Known for its rapid growth, climbing habit, and air purification abilities, the pothos plant works to filter toxins, eliminate odors, and release moisture into the air.
Water: Requires occasional watering
Light: Thrives in various lighting conditions; avoid placing in direct sunlight
Pet-friendly: No
Snake Plant
(Dracaena trifasciata)
This popular houseplant requires very little care, making it another ideal option for beginners. Although it can grow in almost any environment, it prefers warm temperatures with below-average humidity and moderate light levels. Snake plants convert indoor air into usable oxygen at night using a process called crassulacean acid metabolism.
Water: Requires infrequent watering; allow soil to dry between watering
Light: Thrives in low to direct light
Pet-friendly: No
ZZ Plant
(Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Frequently referred to as Zanzibar Gem, this plant is often characterized by its glossy green leaves and ability to tolerate most conditions. Easily cared for and propagated, the ZZ plant purifies the air and is also pest-resistant – a solid option for those wanting something stylish yet laidback.
Water: Tolerant of dry conditions and low humidity; water every 2-3 weeks when soil has completely dried
Light: Thrives in low to bright, indirect light
Pet-friendly: No
Spider Plant
(Chlorophytum comosum)
Adaptable and fast-growing, spider plants produce long, green or variegated leaves with cascading stems, and are often known for producing baby plantlets that can be snipped off and replanted. The spider plant helps improve air quality by filtering toxins and releasing moisture into the air.
Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry; keep soil slightly moist
Light: Thrives in bright, indirect light
Pet-friendly: Yes
Meet the Author
Lindsey Clute, BA
Lindsey Clute is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in communications with a minor in international studies. Prior to joining CMC Media & Marketing Group as editor, Lindsey worked in social media marketing, managing social media accounts and supporting various marketing initiatives. In addition, she worked as an editorial intern for a local media group. Today, Lindsey leads ideation, conceptualization, and development of numerous health, wellness, and lifestyle articles published in print and online for HealthScope, CityScope, and Choose Chattanooga magazines – premier publications serving S.E. Tennessee and North Georgia.
Lindsey Clute, BA
Lindsey Clute is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in communications with a minor in international studies. Prior to joining CMC Media & Marketing Group as editor, Lindsey worked in social media marketing, managing social media accounts and supporting various marketing initiatives. In addition, she worked as an editorial intern for a local media group. Today, Lindsey leads ideation, conceptualization, and development of numerous health, wellness, and lifestyle articles published in print and online for HealthScope, CityScope, and Choose Chattanooga magazines – premier publications serving S.E. Tennessee and North Georgia.
