6 Easy-Care Houseplants That Purify Air & Safe for Families

Houseplants satisfy the innate urge to nurture nature indoors. These six are nearly indestructible, non-toxic (verify Latin name with poison control), and great for beginners.

1. Peperomia (Featured)
   Wide tolerance; bright light, well-drained soil, water when surface dry.
2. Norfolk Island Pine
   Living Christmas tree vibe. Bright indirect light; moist air; water when surface dry. To 10 ft over time.
3. Spider Plant
   Architectural, produces “babies” to root in water. Bright–medium light; keep evenly moist. Leaves pale when thirsty, rebound fast.
4. Umbrella Tree (Schefflera)
   Glossy fans on upright stems to 8 ft. Moderate light; water moderately. Leggy in low light.
5. Grape Ivy
   Not English ivy (toxic). Oak-leaf foliage, trailing. Tolerates lower light; prefers moderate. Water moderately.
6. Cast Iron Plant
   Namesake toughness: survives neglect, low light, drought. Striped/cream-spotted leaves best in medium light, even moisture.

Whether it’s February gloom or a year-round green habit, these plants deliver success on the first try.