7 Easy and Low-Maintenance Houseplants 

Houseplants are terrific additions to your Pennsylvania home whether you’re stuck inside during the Pennsylvania winter and want to continue gardening or just want some greenery in your home.  Most houseplants also make for affordable ways to decorate a house, and some research even suggests that houseplants can boost your mood and lower stress levels.

But how do you choose the perfect houseplant?  What houseplant is right for you?  You want greenery that thrives without demanding a second career in horticulture. At Lehigh Valley Home & Garden Center, our plant experts have curated a list of some of our easiest and most low-maintenance houseplants.

1. Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen)

Aglaonemas are some of the most low-maintenance houseplants you can get.  Plus, the aglaonema is a showstopper plant that tolerates low light and grows slowly, which means that it won’t outgrow your favorite decorative pot (make sure to check out the unique pottery at our Pennsylvania garden center).

How to Care for Aglaonemas

Aglaonemas are incredibly forgiving, which means that they are great houseplants for beginners. They prefer low-to-bright indirect light (avoiding direct hot sun) and only need water when the top inch of soil feels dry. They are also tolerant of the dry indoor air caused by our Pennsylvania winter heating.

Why it May be the Plant for You

Aglaonemas are great for people who want fun color in their homes since aglaonemas come in shades of red, pink, white, and beige.  You’ll also love their variegated foliage that will make them a beautiful focal plant for your home.  Aglaonemas are also perfect if you want lushness in your home since they are full, bushy plants.  If you have a corner that needs a little something-something, then try an aglaonema to perk that corner up.

2. Cordyline (Harlequin)

Pink lovers, the Cordyline Harlequin is for you!  This gorgeous houseplant has stunning streaks of hot pink throughout its leaves.  This plant is also called the “Hawaiian Ti Plant,” which hearkens to its tropical look.

How to Care for Cordylines

Keep your Cordyline Harlequin in a spot with bright, indirect light to maintain the plant’s vibrant colors. Water it when the soil surface starts to dry out, and it will reward you with steady growth.

Why it May be the Plant for You

If you want a pink houseplant or just want striking color in your home, then you’ll love the Cordyline Harlequin.  Its streaks of cream and pink will bring bold color to any space.  Indeed, this plant is a standout piece that your neighbors will be jealous of.

3. Fuzzy Petiole Philodendron

For those who love a tactile gardening experience, the Fuzzy Petiole is a must-have. It’s a conversation starter that feels as good as it looks.

How to Care for Fuzzy Petiole Philodendrons

Like most philodendrons, the Fuzzy Petiole philodendron is low maintenance and easy to care for.  Give it standard potting mix and medium-to-bright indirect light.  Water it thoroughly and then let the soil dry out about halfway before watering again.

Why it May be the Plant for You

Fuzzy Petiole philodendrons are great for creating a lush oasis in your Pennsylvania home.  Plus, this houseplant can create textual intrigue because its large, heart-shaped leaves are glossy while their fuzzy red petioles (the stalks that connect the leaves to the main stem of a plant) are hard and create a fuzzy texture.  Also, if you like the look of Monstera plants, then you’ll love this special philodendron.

4. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)

The jade plant is a timeless classic. Known as the "Money Plant," this sturdy succulent can live for decades and is often passed down through generations in families.  Their stems become thick and woody, which make the plant look like a miniature tree.

How to Care for Jade Plants

As a succulent, the jade plant stores water in its fleshy leaves. This means it’s perfect for the "forgetful" waterer. Give it plenty of sunlight—a south-facing window is ideal—and water it sparingly.

Why it May be the Plant for You

Jade plants are traditionally associated with prosperity and good fortune, and who couldn’t use a little of both these days?  Those who love classic beauties in their houseplant home décor or like the look of bonsai trees will love jade plants.  This houseplant is also great for those who want a glossy sheen to their plants since the jade plant has waxy leaves that make it look like it has a polished sheen.

5. Sansevieria (Snake Plant)

The sansevieria is one of the most resilient houseplants available.  It’s drought-resistant, so if you forget to water it, don’t worry.  Interestingly, sansevieria leaves were once used to make bowstrings and rope.  Now, people mostly use it for decorative purposes and for xeriscaping, which is landscaping that minimizes (or eliminates) the need for irrigation.

How to Care for Sansevierias

Sansevierias are one of the ultimate easy and low-maintenance houseplants for Pennsylvania homes.  They can survive in low light or bright light, and they can withstand weeks of neglect. In fact, the biggest mistake you can make is watering sansevierias too much.

Why it May be the Plant for You

If you want vertical intrigue in your home, then you’ll love the sansevieria’s architectural, upright leaves.  This plant is perfect for adding height to small spaces, and it works well for minimalist or contemporary home decor styles.  Try this plant in a mid-century, modern planter.

6. Scindapsus (Satin Pothos)

The Scindapsus gets its “satin pothos” nickname from its leaves’ matte, suede-like texture.  Like a classic pothos, the Scindapsus is an easy-to-care-for vining plant.  Its heart-shaped, dark green leaves have unique splatters of silver that, under bright light or LED light, shimmer with metallic luster.

How to Care for Scindapsus

The Scindapsus thrives in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.  It will tell you when it’s thirsty, because its leaves will curl slightly, which signals that it’s time for a drink. Once watered, this houseplant perks right back up.

Why it May be the Plant for You

If you like visually-intriguing plants, then the Scindapsus is for you.  Plus, this plant will give your space textual intrigue and a hint of sparkle.  Put the Scindapsus in a hanging basket or pot on a bookshelf, and enjoy its cascade of beautiful greenery.

7. Senecio Stapeliiformis (Pickle Plant)

The Pickle Plant is aptly named because its leaves look like small pickles.  Each “pickle” leaf has soft, spiny hairs and the plant produces daisy-like white or yellow flowers.  This succulent is bound to make your houseguests stop and say, "What is that?”

How to Care for Pickle Plants

Give Pickle Plants bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. This low-maintenance and drought-tolerant plant doesn’t need much attention.  Simply allow its soil to completely dry out between waterings to avoid root rot.

Why it May be the Plant for You

If you want a unique plant, then the Pickle Plant is for you.  This is also a great plant for people with a sense of humor (how can you not smile looking at a Pickle Plant?) and those who appreciate the quirky, oddballs of the plant world.

Visit Lehigh Valley Home & Garden for the Healthiest Houseplants

At Lehigh Valley Home & Garden Center in Allentown, we pride ourselves on having the healthiest houseplants in Pennsylvania.  As the largest and friendliest garden center in the Lehigh Valley, we offer everything from beginner-friendly favorites to rare tropical plants you won't find anywhere else. Our expert staff will provide you with personalized and friendly gardening advice to ensure your new houseplants thrive in your home.

Stop by our Allentown garden center today for all your gardening supplies, outdoor home décor, and, of course, the perfect houseplant for you.