Starting an indoor plant collection can be exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming for new plant parents in Ames. The key is to choose indoor plants for beginners that are forgiving and easy to care for. Fortunately, many houseplants are hardy enough to thrive in typical home conditions with minimal attention.

For plant lovers throughout central Iowa – from Ames in Story County to our neighbors in Polk, Boone, and Marshall counties – these hardy houseplants can brighten any home. All of these houseplants can be found in central Iowa greenhouses at certain times of the year, including Holub Greenhouses, Ames’ best garden center since 1977.

Here are 5 Great Beginner Houseplants to Kickstart your Indoor Gardening Journey

1. Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)

Pothos is a trailing vine with heart-shaped green leaves that often have yellow or white variegation. It’s one of the most popular indoor plants for beginners because it practically thrives on neglect. Place it on a shelf or in a hanging basket and watch its lush vines grow with very little effort.

Light Needs: Tolerates low light but grows faster in medium, indirect light.

Watering Requirements: Water when the top inch of soil is dry and it will stay happy. It will also bounce back easily if you forget occasionally.

Why It’s Great: Fast-growing and hard to kill, Pothos is perfect for anyone new to houseplants.

2. Snake Plant

The snake plant (also known as mother-in-law’s tongue) is nearly indestructible. With its tall, upright leaves and striking green-yellow patterns, it makes a bold statement in any room. Snake plants are beloved at Holub Greenhouses for their resilience and modern look.

Light Needs: Grows in almost any light condition – from low, shady corners to bright, sunny windows.

Watering Requirements: Infrequent watering is best. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings (overwatering is the only way to harm it!).

Why It’s Great: This plant thrives on neglect. It tolerates the low humidity of Iowa winters and even helps purify indoor air, making it a great houseplant for beginners in central Iowa apartments and homes alike.

3. Spider Plant

Spider plants are cheerful, fast-growing houseplants that produce baby “spiderettes” on trailing stems. They have slim, arching leaves (green with white stripes) that look great in hanging baskets or perched on a shelf. Beginners love spider plants for their fun appearance and fuss-free care.

Light Needs: Prefers bright, indirect light but adapts well to lower light conditions.

Watering Requirements: Keep soil lightly moist, watering once the top soil dries out. It can handle occasional missed waterings.

Why It’s Great: Spider plants are easy to multiply – you can pot up the little plantlets that form on the ends of its runners. They’re also non-toxic to pets, which is a bonus for many households.

4. ZZ Plant

The ZZ plant (Zanzibar Gem) is a superstar for low-light environments. It has thick, shiny oval leaves and a lush, upright form. This plant is often recommended at local garden centers for offices and darker rooms due to its ability to thrive where most plants won’t.

Light Needs: Does well in very low light to moderate indirect light – ideal for that dim corner in your living room or office.

Watering Requirements: Extremely drought-tolerant. Water sparingly; it’s better to underwater than overwater (its potato-like rhizomes store moisture).

Why It’s Great: The ZZ plant is as close to set-it-and-forget-it as it gets. It tolerates low humidity and infrequent care, staying glossy and green year-round. If you travel or tend to forget your plants, this one will forgive you.

5. Peperomia

Peperomia are compact, slow-growing plants that come in a variety of leaf shapes and colors. Often called baby rubber plant for its thick, rubbery leaves, a peperomia is a wonderful choice for desks and small spaces. It adds a pop of green (or even red or variegated foliage) without needing much attention.

Light Needs: Enjoys medium to bright indirect light, but can tolerate low light. Avoid intense direct sun on its leaves.

Watering Requirements: Allow the soil to dry out about halfway before watering again. Its succulent-like leaves hold water, so it doesn’t need frequent watering.

Why It’s Great: Peperomias are pretty forgiving. They handle the dry air in winter-heated homes well and don’t mind if you skip a watering now and then. Plus, their cute, tidy appearance fits nicely on any tabletop.

6. Heartleaf Philodendron

This classic vining houseplant has heart-shaped green leaves and a trailing habit similar to pothos. The heartleaf philodendron is an Iowa indoor gardening favorite because it grows happily in most homes with very little fuss. Let it trail from a hanging planter or climb a small trellis for a beautiful green display.

Light Needs: Thrives in low to moderate indirect light, making it great for rooms that don’t get strong sun.

Watering Requirements: Prefers evenly moist soil, but will tolerate the occasional dry spell. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.

Why It’s Great: It’s very forgiving to mistakes. If vines get leggy or too long, just trim them back – it encourages fresh, bushy growth.

7. Ponytail Palm

Don’t let the name fool you – the ponytail palm is actually a succulent! This quirky plant features a swollen trunk (that stores water) topped with a fountain of slender, curly leaves, resembling a ponytail. It’s a fantastic starter indoor plant for those who want something a little different and decorative.

Light Needs: Prefers bright light and even some direct sun, but it will tolerate medium light conditions indoors.

Watering Requirements: Infrequent watering is key. Its bulbous base stores water, so let the soil dry out thoroughly between waterings. Overwatering can cause root rot.

Why It’s Great: Ponytail palms thrive on benign neglect. They handle the low humidity of central Iowa homes with ease and rarely need repotting. Plus, their sculptural look adds a fun tropical vibe to your space.

8. Peace Lily

Peace lilies are known for their graceful, dark green leaves and elegant white “flowers” (which are actually specialized leaf bracts). They are one of the few beginner houseplants that will bloom indoors under the right conditions. Peace lilies are common in homes and offices around Ames for their beauty and easygoing nature.

Light Needs: Happy in low light areas, though it will bloom more in moderate, indirect sunlight. It’s perfect for that spot a few feet away from a window.

Watering Requirements: Keep the soil evenly moist. Peace lilies will let you know they’re thirsty by drooping dramatically – but don’t worry, they perk up quickly after a drink!

Why It’s Great: It’s a forgiving plant that literally tells you when it needs water by wilting, which is helpful for beginners still learning a watering routine. As a bonus, peace lilies can improve indoor air quality by filtering toxins (according to a famous NASA study).

9. Cast Iron Plant

True to its name, the cast iron plant (Aspidistra) is nearly indestructible. This plant has broad, deep-green leaves that rise upright, creating a lush look. It was nicknamed “bar-room plant” because it could survive dim, smoky taverns – a testament to its toughness.

Light Needs: Tolerates very low light like a champ. It will survive in that dark hallway or corner where other plants would decline.

Watering Requirements: Not picky about water. It prefers evenly moist soil but will endure dry spells. Water when you remember – it’s hard to go wrong with this one.

Why It’s Great: The cast iron plant can handle neglect that would kill most other plants. Low light, dust, irregular watering – this plant endures it all and still looks elegant. It’s a perfect choice for busy Iowans who want green decor without the maintenance.

10. Dragon Tree (Dracaena)

The dragon tree is a type of Dracaena with slender, arching leaves edged in red or pink. Over time it can grow into a striking, tree-like form but remains compact enough for indoor settings. Many central Iowa gardeners pick dracaena varieties as their first houseplant because they’re visually appealing yet undemanding.

Light Needs: Grows best in moderate to bright indirect light. It can tolerate lower light, but in very dim spots you may see slower growth or slight stretching.

Watering Requirements: Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out before watering. It enjoys a regular drink but will suffer if overwatered (yellowing leaves can be a sign of too much water).

Why It’s Great: Dracaena plants are resilient and adaptable. They handle the average home’s temperature and humidity with no trouble. With their splash of color and graceful form, dragon trees give a room a fresh look without adding work for you.

Final Tip: Start Small and Enjoy Your Plants!

Begin with one or two easy plants and learn their needs—building confidence as you go. Our staff at Holub Greenhouses is always happy to answer questions about light, watering, or any other plant care concerns you might have. With the right choices and a little patience, you’ll be on your way to a lush indoor oasis in no time.

Stop by Holub Greenhouses in Ames, central Iowa’s favorite local garden center, to pick up these beginner-friendly houseplants and get growing!