Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema commutatum)

The Chinese evergreen is proof that attractive, interesting plants can be tough as well. This hardy houseplant tolerates low light and mild drought, and has unique variegated leaves that range from dark green to yellow and even silver. It prefers partial sunlight and regular watering, but can tolerate less than that, including artificial light environments and getting a drink only once or twice a month. All of this combines to make an easy roommate that’s well-suited to beginners or those too busy to devote their houseplants much attention.

Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)

A hardy plant native to eastern Mexico, the ponytail palm can live for up to 350 years in its natural habitat. It makes a forgiving houseplant, with an expanded basal stem structure that makes it very drought-tolerant. Though its natural habitat is very sunny, it tolerates partial shade as well. Despite its common name, it’s not actually a palm, but a member of the agave family and a succulent.

Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta)

The sago palm is another popular houseplant with an inaccurate common name—it is not a palm tree but actually a member of the genus Cycas, a lineage of ancient plants that dates to the Jurassic period.

As an indoor plant, it grows very slowly, and it’s best to buy a mature plant because propagation can take years. It rarely needs to be repotted and is quite drought-tolerant.

Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

The snake plant is a forgiving succulent that is considered one of the best choices for new plant owners. Its thick, rigid leaves retain moisture efficiently. However, snake plants are often overwatered, which can lead to root rot. Its soil should be dry several inches below the surface before watering. Snake plants can also tolerate a range of light conditions, making them a good choice in any room of the house. 

ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

The ZZ plant is a great choice as anyone’s very first houseplant, with attractive, glossy leaves and an easy care regimen. It thrives in less-than-perfect conditions and won’t be bothered by the occasional oversight from its owner. It needs little water and low to medium light, and can exist happily even in rooms with mostly artificial lighting. It’s still best to water it, but since it prefers its soil to dry completely between doses, this can be as little as once a month.

Air Plant (Tillandsia spp.)

If you’re not interested in dealing with soil and pots, an air plant might be the houseplant for you. These unique plants don’t require soil (or a pot), and can gather water and nutrients through specialized leaf structures called trichromes.

Indoors, air plants can grow on just about any surface as long as they receive some sunlight. Though they do not require much water, it’s best to water them occasionally by misting, rinsing, or soaking them and then allowing them to dry thoroughly. 

Aloe (Aloe vera)

The aloe plant is a favorite houseplant that thrives with little water. As a succulent, it can hold onto moisture efficiently, and it prefers to grow in sandy, dry soil. It does prefer direct sunlight, and will thrive in the brightest window in your house.

Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)

Though the parlor palm is slow-growing, it can reach a height of more than 10 feet, making it a great choice for a first-time floor plant. Despite its tropical origins, it is tolerant of low light. It will, however, grow faster if exposed to plenty of bright, indirect light. Like other palms, the parlor palm has shallow, sensitive roots, and does not respond well to frequent repotting. 

English Ivy (Hedera helix)

English ivy is a climbing plant that is best suited to moist, shady conditions, making it a good choice for rooms without much natural light. Since it loves humidity, ivy can even thrive in a bathroom. It grows quickly and is easy to train, and can be an interesting addition to shelves or mantles. It’s worth noting that it’s also an aggressive invasive species in the United States, and shouldn’t be grown outdoors or tossed in a compost pile.

Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)

The jade plant is a succulent with round, fleshy leaves that help the plant retain water and tolerate neglect. Like most succulents, it likes to dry out in between occasional, deep waterings. Jade plants have a woody trunk, and you can promote trunk growth by pruning back new stems in the spring. Under ideal conditions, jade plants can produce small, star-shaped flowers of pink or white.