Houseplants that don't need much more than water

These low-maintenance houseplants add greenery and color to any home without requiring much from you other than the occasional watering. You don't need to be a gardener to keep these houseplants alive. Low-maintenance and suitable for beginners, these plants require little water from time to time. So go ahead and add some fresh greenery to your home. Regardless of your skill level, these beauties will thrive in your home.

1 Peperomia

Peperomias are a diverse group of small, easy-care houseplants with waxy and often very hard leaves. Some of our favorite varieties include Ripple Peperomia, Watermelon Peperomia, Baby Rubber Plant, and Silverleaf Peperomia. Its waxy, colorful foliage adds a splash of color to any room without taking up too much space.

Name Peperomia spp.

Growing conditions: low to medium light; 60-75°F; Allow the soil surface to dry out between waterings

Size: 1 foot tall and wide

2 Grape Ivy

'Ellen Danica,' the variety shown here, is also known as oakleaf ivy because its leaves are cut more deeply than other types of grape ivy. No matter which variety you choose, the glossy, deep green leaves add an interesting texture to a room. Its tendrils easily cling to a trellis or a stake for a vertical display. Although it's a vine, grape ivy has a high climbing habit, so it's the perfect choice for a lush, elegant-looking indoor hanging basket.

Name: Cissus rhombifolia

Growing conditions: medium light; 65-80°F; Keep evenly moist

Size: The vine size is 6 feet

3 Norfolk Island Pine

Outdoors, a new tree can be a big investment, but simple indoor trees can make for affordable yet spectacular houseplants for beginners. The secret to keeping a Norfolk Island pine healthy indoors is to give it bright but indirect light. In low light, the lower branches turn brown and fall off. The soft texture of this plant adds a cozy, woody feel to any room. It will look great when decorating for Christmas.

Name: Araucaria heterophylla

Growing conditions: a bright light; 60-75°F; Allow the soil surface to dry out between waterings

Size: 10 feet tall and 5 feet wide

4 Chinese Evergreen

The leaves of this plant come in various shades of silver, gray, green, pink, and red, making Chinese greenery a great choice for brightening up low-light areas of your home. You'll often see them in a shopping mall or airport planter because they're so versatile and durable, yet attractive.

Name: Aclonema cummutatum

Growing conditions: low to medium light; 60-75°F; Keep evenly moist

Size: 3 feet tall and wide

5 Dieffenbachia

Several closely related species share the name Dieffenbachia; They all have cane-like stems and white or cream-colored evergreen foliage. Its large, green, and white leaves add a tropical touch to any room in your home. One of the plant's common names, dumb cane, refers to the effect of consuming juice. It can irritate the mouth and throat, making it difficult to speak.

Name: Dieffenbachia spp.

Growing conditions: low to medium light; 60-80°F; Keep evenly moist

Size: 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide

6 Arrow flag

The arrowhead vine gets its name from the triangular shape of its green leaves. You can find bronze-green varieties with colorful leaves or pink. Young plants form a mound about a foot high, but as they mature the stems begin to vine, so you can grow them upright if you give them support or let them trail in a hanging basket. The attractive shape of the leaves and trailing stems give any room a tropical feel.

Name: Cinchonium podophyllum (you may find it sold as Nephthys)

Growing conditions: low to medium light; 60-75°F; Keep evenly moist

Size: 3 feet tall and wide

7 Hoya

The wax plant is a hoya species with slender stems lined with small, waxy green leaves. It occasionally blooms, producing small clusters of fragrant pink flowers. The golden wax plant (pictured) adds a creamy contrast to the plant's appeal. The most powerfully scented indoor flowering plant you can grow is one of the most popular and requires very little water.

Name: Hoya carnosa

Growing conditions: medium to bright light; 55-75°F; Allow the soil surface to dry out between waterings

Size: Can climb or recede to 4 feet or more