It can be hard to figure out which plants are easier to take care of and  make good beginner plants. Here are five plants that are incredibly easy to keep alive for those who are just getting into plants themselves.

1) Snake Plant

The great thing about a snake plant is that it doesn’t need anything special and is incredibly low maintenance. Snake plants can survive in shady indoor spots but do the best in indirect sunlight, where they will thrive even more and grow more quickly. The trick is not to overwater, which is what would cause the roots of the plant to rot. For watering a snake plant, check the top to middle area of the soil and water only when it is dry to the touch.

2) Aloe Vera

Just like a snake plant, it is best to water aloe vera plants when the top to middle area of the soil is dry to the touch. Aloe vera plants do need direct sunlight to thrive. The great thing about aloe vera plants is that part of the plant can be cut and used for the gel inside, which is great for sunburns.

3) Philodendron

Philodendra are adaptable and easy to care for year-round. It is important to avoid direct light. Place these plants where they have access to indirect light, and water about once a week. Checking the top of the soil to see if it is wet or dry before watering can also help ensure the plant does not get overwatered. Another way to avoid potential overwatering and root rot is using a pot that has drainage holes at the bottom, according to the Better Home & Gardens website.

4) Christmas Cactus

For a Christmas cactus, it is a good idea to use a pot that has drainage holes. This plant thrives in indirect light, and it is best to water when the top to middle area of the soil is dry to the touch. Be careful not to overwater and always check the plant. Plants show what they need more or less physically.

5) Pothos

Pothos plants thrive in indirect light and when watered every week or every other week. It is always a good idea to touch the top of the soil and only water when the soil is dry to the touch. 

All of these plants are relatively easy to propagate, which means one can start a new plant off of an existing plant. Propagation technique varies for each type, but most commonly, a cutting of the pre-existing plant is put into water, which will start to grow roots and then can be planted.

One of the worst things that one can do to kill a plant is to overwater it, as it can lead to root rot. When a plant is overwatered, it is easy to tell because the plant’s leaves will typically turn yellow. Important things to remember are to keep note of when each plant gets watered, check the top of the soil and make sure to keep each plant in the correct lighting.