One of my favorite things about our generation is that for whatever reason we have all collectively agreed that being an independent adult means cramming our way-too-small rooms with as many house plants as possible. Truly, thank you to whoever was the first to share a photo of the oversized fern they just put next to their bed because now I’m breathing crisper air and calling myself a “plant mom.”
However, buying your first plant can be intimidating, and despite what others may say, a green thumb isn’t always a natural gift. It takes a lot of effort! I say that as someone who once killed an air plant. Do you know what kind of care an air plant requires? Absolutely none. And yet, somehow, I got mine to shrivel up and turn brown. If you want to avoid doing the same, check out this list of house plants for first timers.
- Succulents
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I feel like most people have owned at least one succulent in their life, especially since they are usually cheap and fairly easy to care for. Find a cute succulent that doesn’t need direct sunlight and place it in a pot with a hole at the bottom with soil that drains well. Overwatering is a big issue with succulents, so be sure to let it soak then drain!
- Golden Pothos
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Golden Pothos doesn’t need much light, so it’s likely to do well anywhere in a room. It only needs to be watered about once a week and is known to improve air quality. Golden Pothos is also a great hanging plant, so grab a command hook and a macramé plant hanger and pick a perfect spot!
- Mint
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One of my personal favorites, mint can be grown inside and outside. It only needs a few hours of sunlight, otherwise it will dry out. I use a mist bottle to keep mine moist, but it’s important that the pot has enough drainage, so it doesn’t drown. Mint grows fast, so you’ll have to trim it back every now and then to keep it manageable. I like to pop a few leaves into my water on my way to class!
- Watermelon Peperomia
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This is one of the cutest plants I own. Watermelon Peperomia leaves looks just like the name describes—little watermelons. It’s a smaller house plant that prefers some sunlight and cooler temperatures, so it’s perfect for a bedroom. The best way to water watermelon peperomia is to let the soil at the top of the pot dry out before watering again, so you’ll end up watering about once a week.
- Orchids
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Orchids come in a lot of different sizes, so I recommend starting off with a miniature one, as they are less intimidating. They like some sunlight and only need to be watered about once a week. A common method way to water orchids is to just place an ice cube (or more depending on the size) in the pot and let it melt. If they aren’t getting enough water, the roots will shrivel and turn brown, so keep an eye on it while it first gets adjusted to the new environment!
My last piece of advice is to find a local plant nursery that you like and stick to it! Chain retailers are alright, but nothing beats the attention and care you’ll get from other plant enthusiasts; they want to help!