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Starting your indoor plant journey can be both exciting and rewarding. If you’re a beginner plant parent or simply looking to brighten up your home with some greenery, indoor plants are a fantastic way to do so. But with so many options out there, choosing the right indoor plants for beginners can be overwhelming.
Whether you live in Sydney, Melbourne, or regional, this guide will introduce you to the top 10 indoor plants for beginners that thrive in Australian homes. These easy houseplants are not only easy to care for, but they also add beauty and life to any space with minimal effort. Plus, we’ve got some handy tips to help you to keep your plant babies happy.
1. Snake plant (Sansevieria)
Snake plants are incredibly popular in Australian homes, and for good reason! They are extremely low-maintenance, require little watering, and thrive in various light conditions. If you're just starting out, a snake plant is a must-have for your collection.
Care tips:
- Water sparingly — every 2-3 weeks.
- Prefers indirect light but tolerates low light.
- Ideal for warmer indoor climates, such as in Sydney or Brisbane.
Why it's great for beginners:
Snake plants are nearly indestructible and perfect for busy people or beginners who might forget about watering their plants. They thrive in almost any environment.
The following video gives you a step-by-step guide on caring for snake plants, along with some easy tips to help them thrive in your home.
Watch on YouTube: Snake plant care in Australia
2. Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) - my top easy plant!
Spider plants are another great choice. Known for their easy growth and arching, striped leaves, spider plants are a great way to add some greenery to your indoor space without much effort.
Care tips:
- Water when the soil feels dry.
- Prefers bright, indirect light but can adapt to lower light but the green will become lighter.
- Ideal for Melbourne's cooler climate, as they can handle temperature fluctuations (but not temperatures approaching zero).
Why it's great for beginners:
Spider plants grow quickly and can thrive with minimal attention (they will even grow babies very easily so are fun to propagate), making them one of the best indoor plants for beginners.
Find all the essential care information you need to grow healthy spider plants in your home in this video.
Watch on YouTube: Spider plant care & propagation tips
3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
If you're looking for a trailing plant that’s perfect for beginners, pothos is the way to go. These lush vines are not only beautiful but also incredibly forgiving. Whether you’re in a high-rise apartment in Sydney or a suburban home in Perth, pothos will thrive.
Care tips:
- Water when the top of the soil is dry.
- Can grow in low to bright indirect light.
- Needs occasional pruning to encourage growth.
Why it's great for beginners:
Pothos are nearly impossible to kill and can be grown in various conditions. Plus, they’re easy to propagate in water or soil, making them a fun addition to your indoor garden.
Watch on YouTube: Pothos care & tips
4. ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ plant is a tough plant that thrives in low-light conditions, making it perfect for Australian homes with less natural light. It’s perfect for beginners because it requires very little care, making it a great option for those starting their plant journey.
Care tips:
- Water only when the soil is dry.
- Thrives in low to moderate light.
- Tolerates dry air and neglect.
Why it's great for beginners:
The ZZ plant is one of the most resilient indoor plants. It thrives even in challenging conditions, so it’s perfect for someone new to plants or someone who doesn't have much time for plant care.
Watch on YouTube: ZZ plant care
5. Aloe vera
Aloe vera is not only easy to care for but also useful for its medicinal properties. (It's great for putting on sunburn!) As long as you have sun coming in the window, you can grow this plant. This succulent is a perfect addition to your collection.
Care tips:
- Water when the soil is dry (about every 2-3 weeks).
- Needs direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day.
- Well-draining soil is essential.
Why it's great for beginners:
Aloe vera is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. It’s perfect for beginners who want a plant that’s both low-maintenance and useful.
Watch on YouTube: Aloe vera care in Australia
6. Peace lily (Spathiphyllum)
The peace lily is a beautiful indoor plant with glossy leaves and stunning white flowers. It thrives in moderate to low light, making it suitable for a wide range of homes. Plus, it’s a great air purifier!
Care tips:
- Water when the soil feels dry.
- Prefers indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions.
- Keep the leaves clean by wiping them with a damp cloth.
Why it's great for beginners:
Peace lilies are easy to care for, and their beautiful blooms brighten up any room. .
Watch on YouTube: Peace lily care & tips
7. Philodendron
Philodendrons are perfect for Australian beginners who want a fast-growing, easy-to-care-for indoor plant. These plants have a trailing growth habit, and their vibrant green leaves make them an attractive addition to any space.
Care tips:
- Water when the soil is dry.
- Prefers indirect light but can tolerate low light.
- Regularly prune to keep the plant healthy and bushy.
Why it's great for beginners:
Philodendrons are low-maintenance, adaptable, and grow quickly, making them one of the easiest plants to care for in Australia.
Watch on YouTube: Philodendron care
8. Cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior)
The cast iron plant lives up to its name. It’s an incredibly resilient indoor plant that thrives in low light and requires minimal care. Perfect for Australian homes with low natural light, this plant is sure to thrive with little attention.
Care tips:
- Water when the soil feels dry.
- Prefers low to moderate light.
- Tolerates dry conditions and low humidity.
Why it's great for beginners:
Cast iron plants are very durable and can survive neglect. If you’re a beginner who wants a hardy plant, this is the one to get.
In this video, you'll find care tips and the ideal environment for your cast iron plant.
Watch on YouTube: Cast iron plant care
9. Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chinese evergreens are a fantastic choice for Australian beginners. With its striking foliage and ease of care, the Chinese evergreen thrives in moderate light and is perfect for beginners looking for a hardy plant.
Care tips:
- Water when the soil feels dry.
- Prefers indirect light but can tolerate low light.
- Tolerates neglect well.
Why it's great for beginners:
Chinese evergreens are low-maintenance, adapt easily to different conditions, and add a pop of colour to any space.
Watch on YouTube: Chinese evergreen care & tips
10. Lavender (Lavandula)
If you live in a sunny region of Australia, lavender is the perfect plant for your home. Lavender not only offers a lovely fragrance, but it’s also relatively easy to care for if you provide it with enough sunlight.
Care tips:
- Water when the soil is dry.
- Needs direct sunlight for 6-8 hours a day.
- Requires well-draining soil.
- Remove spent flowers to keep the bush compact
Why it's great for beginners:
Lavender is a hardy, aromatic plant that’s easy to care for once it’s established. It’s perfect for beginners who want a fragrant addition to their indoor garden.
Find the ideal pot for your lavender in the video description to help with drainage.
Watch on YouTube: Lavender care
FAQs: basic indoor plant tips & hacks for beginners in Australia
Q1: How often should I water my indoor plants?
For most indoor plants, it's best to wait until the soil is dry to the touch before watering. Overwatering is a common mistake for beginners, so ensure your plants are in well-draining pots and not sitting in a pool of water.
Q2: How much light do indoor plants need?
Most indoor plants prefer indirect sunlight. If you have a sunny window, great! However, many plants, like snake plants and ZZ plants, can tolerate low light conditions. Honestly, the best way to test light requirements can be to just move your plant around into different areas and see how they respond.
Q3: What is the best way to fertilise my indoor plants?
Fertilise your plants once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid biofertiliser. Surprise, indoor plants like microbes to thrive! Avoid fertilising in winter when growth slows.
Q4: Can I grow indoor plants in a dark apartment?
Yes! Plants like ZZ plants, snake plants, and peace lilies are well-suited for low light. However, if you have a very dark apartment, you might want to invest in a grow light to give your plants the extra light they need.
Q5: What are some easy tips for keeping indoor plants healthy?
- Water plants correctly (not too often!) & ensure your plants have proper drainage.
- Rotate your plants, once a week is plenty. This helps even growth, because naturally plants will lean towards the light source(windows).
- Regularly dust off the leaves to keep them healthy.
- If your plant has yellowing leaves, it could be a sign of overwatering or the need to feed!
Q6: Where can I buy indoor plants in Australia?
You can find indoor plants at most local nurseries, garden centres, and even online retailers. There is of course Bunnings, IKEA, but there are also online stores like The Plant Society or Plant Marketplace, but in my opinion the best way to get a plant is from another plant lover that has grown it themselves so you know it is happy in local conditions and then one day you can find yourself passing on plant babies yourself!
Start your indoor plant journey today!
It doesn't matter where you live, these 10 easy-to-care-for indoor plants are perfect for beginners in Australia. Happy growing! 🌱