Easiest Houseplants to Keep Alive: Sally's Honest Rankings

One of my favorite things about working in plant shops is watching people pick out their very first houseplant. Almost everyone walks in excited, points to something pretty, and asks the same question:

"Can I actually keep this alive?"

The good news is that some houseplants are incredibly forgiving. The bad news is that some of the plants that get marketed as "easy" are anything but.

If you're just getting started, here are a few of the plants I see most often and how I honestly feel about them.

WATCH: Sally Ranks the Easiest Houseplants for Beginners

Not everyone wants to read a full article, so here's my quick take. In less than a minute, I rank some of the most popular indoor plants from easiest to hardest to care for and share which ones I'd recommend for beginners.

@plantninjasally 🪴 How easy are these plants to care for? We rated them from 1-10 (10 = easiest!). Which one do you have at home? 🌿 Save this for your next plant purchase! 💚 #PlantCareTips #Plants #Houseplants #PlantParent #PlantCare ♬ original sound - Plant Ninja Sally

VIDEO SUMMARY

In this video, I compare Chinese Evergreens, First Diamond Aglaonemas, Monsteras, Polka Dot Plants, and Peace Lilies, explaining which plants are the most forgiving for new plant owners and which require a little more experience and attention.

THE EASIEST HOUSEPLANTS TO KEEP ALIVE

Let's start with the clear winners: Aglaonemas, also known as Chinese Evergreens.

If someone tells me they've killed every plant they've ever owned, this is usually where I send them. Chinese Evergreens are adaptable, beautiful, and surprisingly tolerant of less-than-perfect conditions. They can handle lower light than many tropical plants, they don't demand constant watering, and they generally bounce back well when life gets busy and you forget about them for a week or two.

One variety I especially love is the First Diamond Aglaonema. It's one of those plants that looks much fussier than it actually is. The bright variegated foliage gives it a high-end look, but underneath all that beauty is a plant that's incredibly resilient. If I had to choose one beginner-friendly houseplant for someone who wants the biggest chance of success, this would be near the top of the list.

Monsteras are another favorite, and for good reason. They're dramatic, fast-growing, and instantly make a room feel like a jungle. Despite their popularity, they're actually pretty easy to care for. While they grow best in bright indirect light, they're surprisingly adaptable and can tolerate conditions that aren't perfect. Give them enough light, avoid overwatering, and they'll reward you with those iconic split leaves that made them famous in the first place.

Then we get into plants that are a little less forgiving.

Polka Dot Plants are absolutely adorable. Their colorful foliage catches people's attention immediately, and I understand why they're so popular. The challenge is that they're often more particular than people expect. They like consistent moisture and can quickly show signs of stress if their watering routine gets disrupted. They're not impossible by any means, but they do require a little more attention than a Chinese Evergreen or Monstera.

And then there's the Peace Lily.

I know this opinion isn't going to make me popular with everyone, but Peace Lilies are not usually my first recommendation for beginners. They're beautiful, there's no question about that. The glossy foliage and white blooms look elegant in almost any space. The problem is that they tend to be dramatic. They like consistent moisture, they let you know immediately when they're unhappy, and many new plant owners find themselves constantly trying to figure out what the plant wants.

I've seen plenty of people succeed with Peace Lilies, but I've also seen plenty of frustrated plant owners who thought they were buying an easy starter plant and ended up feeling defeated.

If you're new to houseplants, my advice is simple: start with something that wants you to succeed.

A Chinese Evergreen, First Diamond Aglaonema, or Monstera will usually give you a much smoother introduction to plant care. You'll spend less time troubleshooting and more time enjoying your plants, which is exactly how it should be.

The truth is that good plant care isn't about finding the perfect plant. It's about building confidence. Start with a plant that's forgiving, learn its rhythms, and enjoy the process. Before long, you'll be the person helping someone else pick out their first plant.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the easiest houseplant to keep alive?

Chinese Evergreens and Aglaonemas are among the easiest indoor plants for beginners because they tolerate lower light and occasional missed waterings better than many other houseplants.

Is a Monstera a good beginner plant?

Yes. Monsteras are relatively forgiving, adapt well to indoor environments, and are one of the most popular houseplants for beginners.

Why are Peace Lilies difficult to care for?

Peace Lilies prefer consistently moist soil and often show signs of stress quickly when conditions change. While beautiful, they can be more demanding than many beginner-friendly plants.

What is the best indoor plant for a beginner?

For most people, I recommend starting with a Chinese Evergreen, First Diamond Aglaonema, or Monstera because they're attractive, forgiving, and adaptable to typical indoor conditions.

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