The best houseplant is not the trendiest one. It is the plant that fits the light and care routine in your home.
For lower-light rooms
Snake plant and parlor palm tolerate lower light better than most popular houseplants. Growth will be slower, so allow the potting mix to dry more between waterings.
For bright, indirect light
Pothos, heartleaf philodendron, Monstera, spider plant, and Pilea perform best near a bright window without hours of harsh midday sun.
A quick light test
- Low light: you can read comfortably during the day, but the plant receives little direct sun.
- Medium light: the room is bright for much of the day and may receive soft morning or late-afternoon sun.
- High light: the location receives several hours of strong direct sun.
Water according to the room
Lower light means slower water use. Check the soil instead of watering on a fixed calendar. Empty decorative cachepots and saucers after watering so roots are not left standing in water.
Good places to start include the Snake Plant Zeylanica, Parlor Palm, and Golden Pothos.