The house plant trend isn’t new, and it certainly isn’t going anywhere! With the age of social media plants seem to have taken over our feeds as well as our homes. Like many generations before us we feel like we started this trend, but I’m sorry to break it to you, humans have been bringing the outdoors in since Greek and Roman times. History shows the same is true across cultures and continents, Asia have long traditions with indoor plants such as the Japanese bonsai.

These trends, like all others, wax and wane over time. There are strong resurgences like in the 1970s. If you were raised by a hippie like I was you’ll know we weren’t the first to hang plants with macrame! For more on the history of houseplants the podcast 99% invisible do an awesome episode on this I really recommend giving it a listen.

For a long time I was amazed that I seem to be able to keep small humans alive but not plants. It probably helps that they communicate when they’re hungry and thirsty. My husband used to roll his eyes when I brought a new plant in, placing bets on how long it would be before it was dead. But over time, I’ve slowly (somewhat) reformed and now consider myself able to keep some plants alive. It’s all about which ones. So here are my top 10 plants that are easy for novices to care for and keep alive.

Peace Lily

This was the first plant I ever received that I was able to keep alive. Mum gave me one as a housewarming gift and I still have it today - 8 years later! It’s also the plant that I’ve gone out and got more of because it’s so easy to keep, I now have three of them. Literally water them when they look like they’re drooping and about to die and boom they perk right back up! If you’re lucky it will grow beautiful white flowers like this one - I’d tell you when and why mine do these under what soil conditions but I literally have no idea. This isn’t a plant guru blog, if you’re after actual plant advice you’ve come to the wrong place.

2. spider plant

These are pretty run of the mill, and very easy to propagate (grow from another plant/offshoot). They are in my eyes the original plant that you hang in a planter - maybe because that’s how I grew up viewing them - Mum always had one or two hanging around the house.

Mine seem to thrive up high, one on top of the pantry in the kitchen in particular so maybe they like the warmer air? I also only water these sporadically when I remember and they seem to cope well with the neglect.

3. heart shaped philodendron

Apparently this plant can grow up or down! I’ve only ever done them trailing like this. I love this plant for taking cuttings and growing new babies to give as gifts. It requires little care and has grown exponentially since I got it. In fact I have to take cuttings to prevent it reaching the floor!

4. lipstick plant

I got this beauty from Tropical Treasures and absolutely love it. It grow down beautifully and I’ve been able to grow several others from taking cuttings from this original plant. It grows the most beautiful little ‘lipstick’ flowers in the spring and summer that vary from bright to deep red.

5. fiddle leaf fig

A good friend got me this fiddle leaf on clearance at Bunnings that was looking pretty sad. She gave it some TLC before bringing it to my house, lest I seal its fate. It sits in a nice sunny spot and has been thriving ever since. Again I do very little to keep it happy, neglect seems to key when it comes to the plants I can keep alive.

6. string of dolphins

Apparently I’m obsessed with plants that grow down. Who doesn’t love a plant that drapes down a wall or shelf? This came from a cutting from a friend, and I’ve since grown a couple more myself. They’re really easy care but in my experience slow growing which can be a nice change from some that just take off like a rocket.

7. Mother in laws tongue

Finally one that grows up straight and tall. This plant likes to be out of direct sunlight, trust me I nearly killed this one by moving it when decorating for Christmas last year into a sunny spot. It got very sad and droopy, thankfully once I put it back on the mantle it came right. I did have to chop it back a bit though. But as long as you put it somewhere without too much sun you should be sweet!

8. peperomia scanda/Cupid Peperomia

This plant has taken off since I got it with literally zero effort on my part. I’ve got mine in a place that doesn’t get any direct sunslight which after a google turns out it likes, and its up on a shelf in my kitchen so it must like the warmth up there. These have variegated leaves which just means they’re two tone which is pretty if you like variation. These also look great in hanging planters draping from all sides!

I was aiming for 10 plants but it always good to have goals so maybe I’ll get there one day. And before you think I’m getting far too big for my britches, I still have many failures when it comes to house plants. If you’ve mastered the above ones and are looking for a challenge here are two I seem to be able to start but always deteriorate over time. If you have any tips I’d love to hear them!

intermediate level

I have no idea what this one is called. But I can pop them in water from cuttings, pot them and they take off. Then they start to look all straggly and horrible. Or they just continue to look straggly like the one in the hanging planter. More water? Less water? More sun? Less sun? I have no idea. Try these at your peril.

string of pearls

I know some people have huge success with these but mine never seem to thrive. I had one good one then my kids stripped all of the pearls off and had them in their play kitchen ‘cooking peas’. I wasn’t even mad, that’s some good imaginative play right there! But my poor plant never recovered :( I overwatered one and it grew a mushroom. I’m starting to think getting a plastic one that always looks good might be the best option for our home.

What are the plants you find easiest to keep alive? Maybe you can help me reach 10! I’d love to hear any tips and tricks you have, and your fail-safe recommendations for this, and other, former plant murderers.

8 plants even the most notorious serial plant killer will be able to keep alive...

Peace Lily