Five No-Fail Houseplants

Low-maintenance standouts that don’t require (much of) a green thumb.

What’s not to love about houseplants? These pops of greenery bring a touch of the outdoors in, livening up a room, while helping to lift your mood.

But maybe you’re notorious for forgetting about watering? Or maybe you’re garden savvy, but don’t want to spend a lot of time nurturing your charges?

Then the following five houseplants are for you. Undemanding, these picks require only the basics of houseplant 101: the right light and watering when the top inch or two of the soil is dry.

Asparagus Fern – Asparagus fern, with its light, feathery foliage, is great for adding texture to a space. These plants like humidity, so place your plant’s pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water.
Optimal light: bright, indirect
English Ivy – If you’re looking for a trailing houseplant for a hanging basket or in a container on a fireplace mantle, English ivy is a go-to choice. Like asparagus fern, English ivy appreciates a humid environment.
Optimal light: medium to bright

Jade Plant – A member of the succulent family, a jade plant has thick stems and glossy green, oblong leaves. Older, larger, jade plants can take on the appearance of a miniature tree.
Optimal light: plenty of bright light
Peace Lily – For a foliage plant that also blooms, look to a peace lily. Glossy green leaves pair with pretty white flowers; the flowers generally bloom throughout the year. Peace lily is another humid-loving houseplant.
Optimal light: plenty of bright light
Philodendron – This tough plant is a survivor, making it perfect if you’re more of a “set it and forget it” gardener. Many varieties of philodendrons are climbers and are happiest when their stems are trained up around a trellis.
Optimal light: bright, indirect