There’s no better way to bring nature into your household than with a potted plant. There are numerous health benefits to having plants in your home and they are beautiful decor in every type of space. If you’re afraid of the commitment involved, then choose a low-maintenance, easy-to-grow variety to start with. Then, continue to add more hardy type plants to turn your brown thumb green. Below is a list of great plants for beginners that can survive a missed watering or two.

Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)

Pothos is an attractive trailing vine plant with medium-sized leaves that are dark green or yellow and green variegated. They look best on top of a tall bookshelf or in a hanging planter. They are hard to kill and can tolerate nearly any type of growing environment. They can also hand infrequent waterings for those who sometimes forget to water their plants. For your pothos to thrive, place in indirect medium light and water once every one to two weeks.

Ponytail Palm

As the name suggests, this is a plant with long, thin, hair-like leaves that cascade down from the top resembling a pony tail. Not actually a palm but rather a succulent, this no-fuss plant requires very little care. It can tolerate a decent amount of neglect and prefers to be left alone which makes it a great plant for people who travel a lot. They thrive in bright light and only like water once their soil has completely dried out.

ZZ Plant

Another plant which is actually a succulent, the ZZ plant has dark green, oval leaves that have a waxy shine and grow in abundance from vertical stems giving the plant a lush look. The ZZ Plant is nearly indestructible and can survive adverse conditions such as low light and drought. They can be placed anywhere in the home and will do just fine but prefer bright to moderate indirect light. Let the solid completely dry out between waterings.

Phalaenopsis Orchid

The beautiful “Moth Orchid” is actually a very easy orchid variety to grow indoors. Their stunning, beautiful blooms can last up to four months and can bloom as often as twice a year. This is a pretty forgiving plant and can last up to 10 years. Place in a an area with low light, no full sun, and water once a week when in bloom. Once the bloom is off, you only need to water it every two weeks.

Peace Lily

Easy to grow indoors, the Peace Lily, is a lush, full plant with curving, rich green leaves. They will surprise you by blooming a beautiful white flower when you least expect it. Exoitc and elegant, the Peace Lily also filters toxins in the air. They enjoy moist soil and bright, indirect light. Keep pets and kids away though as this plant is toxic to them.

Jade Plant

A great plant for beginners, the Jade Plant, which is a succulent, grows easily and is not very demanding. Its thick, dark green, waxy leaves retain water so it can go a while between waterings. The Jade Plant can also grow to large size so prune accordingly. Place in full sun and water only when the soil feels dry for this beauty to thrive.

Wandering Jew Plant

A very attractive and colorful plant native to Mexico, this gorgeous plant is considered difficult to kill. Their leaves are a pretty purple and green with purple growth being more new than the green growth. Keep in bright, indirect light or the colorful leaves will fade. Mist frequently as it loves high humidity and keep the soil moist.

Money Tree Plant

The Money Tree plant is easy to grow and is relatively low maintenance. It’s cool braided trunk gives it a quirky, unique appearance and it bright green leaves makes it brighten up any space. Perfect for corners, it can grow as tall as six feet indoors. The Money Tree plant prefers moderate, indirect light but can fare well in low light conditions as well. Place in a well draining pot and water when the top 2-3 inches of the soil are dry.