Easy-Care Houseplants: 10 Forgiving Indoor Varieties

Growing plants indoors is like keeping goldfish—some are challenging, but these 10 are the "goldfish" of houseplants: easy to grow and forgiving of missed waterings. Selected by Sunset garden staff, professional growers, and interior plantscapers.

General Care

• Generous container with rich, all-purpose potting soil and good drainage
• Water to keep soil evenly moist
• Feed monthly with complete houseplant fertilizer
• Clip dead foliage
• Every few months, shower plant with tepid water to remove dust
• Repot with fresh soil every 2–3 years

Low-light plants thrive near east- or north-facing windows; bright-light plants prefer dappled sunlight, not direct sun.

Four for Low Light

Cast-Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)

Tough and drought-tolerant. Glossy dark green leaves 1–2½ ft long, 3–4 in wide; may reach 3 ft tall. Variegated forms available.

Six for Bright Light

Dracaena marginata

Sculptural form with erect stems to 12 ft. Spiky leaves up to 2 ft long, ½ in wide, glossy green with purplish-red margins. 'Tricolor' (rainbow dracaena) has a gold stripe.

Additional plants listed in full article.