Houseplants do more than just sit there and look pretty.
They can freshen the air you breathe, lift your mood even on the grayest of days, and inject life and color into every room of your home.
But not all houseplants are created equal. The right choice depends on your space, your schedule, and how “responsible for plants” you really are.
As National Houseplant Appreciation Day approaches on Jan. 10, there’s no better reason to get lush greenery in your home—not just to survive.
6 of the best houseplants to add this year
The houseplants that are right for you will depend on the amount of light in the room you plan to put them in, whether you have pets, and how much time you have to care for them.
As you shop and evaluate your options, here are six easy-care houseplants to put on your 2026 radar.
1. Peace lily (Spathiphyllum)
The peace lily can bloom several times a year and produce curved white flowers that look like a dove’s wing. This plant has a high rate of respiration—it adds moisture to the air while removing internal impurities.
“It is also a good way to communicate: When it needs water, the peace lily moves forward, making its needs very clear,” it said. Juliet Howefounder of Twigs Design in Fairfield County, CT.
Pro care tip: Water about once a week, and make sure the soil is evenly moist but not wet.
2. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
“Perfectly pet-friendly, the Boston Fern offers abundant, lush green foliage that creates a soft, calming atmosphere,” explains Howe. It has high breathability, increases indoor humidity, and helps remove formaldehyde from the air.
Pro care tip: Make sure it is placed in a bright, indirect location and the soil is always moist.
3. African violet (Saintpaulia)
African violet is Howe’s top choice for small spaces. With proper care, it blooms several times a year, providing the owner with happy flowers.
“Although it’s not difficult to keep it in good condition, keeping up with watering is important,” explained Howe.
Pro care tip: About once a week, practice watering, where you put the pot in warm water for about 20 minutes.
4. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is one of the easiest houseplants to care for—making it a perfect choice for beginners. Its trailing vines can spill nicely from shelves, but you can also trim them to look like a tree.
“It tolerates missed watering and adapts to a variety of light conditions,” says Howe.
Pro care tip: Keep this one in low light, and water it every two weeks.
5. Snake plant (Sansevieria/Dracaena trifasciata)
The hardiest and most low-maintenance houseplant you can find, the snake plant has a sharp, upright figure that adds a modern touch to any space.
“This one is great for areas where a specific accent is needed. It lives carefree and prefers to dry out between waterings,” explains Howe.
Pro care tip: Place it in a bright, indirect light and water it occasionally because it is very drought tolerant.
6. Monstera (Monstera deliciosa)
Native to the rainforest, monstera is a climbing vine prized for its shiny heart-shaped leaves. These form holes or fenestrations as they grow to allow light to shine through the lower parts of the plant.
“Called the ‘Swiss cheese plant,’ the monster needs a lot of space to grow,” Howe said.
Pro care tip: When the top 2 to 4 inches of soil is dry, water it—simulating heavy rain.
How to take care of houseplants
Caring for houseplants is easier than you might think.
Fortunately, all the plants on this list are very forgiving. However, they still need light and water to thrive. Here are some expert tips to ensure they stand the test of time:
Water well
Always use pots with drainage holes to prevent root rot, and water when the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
“Yellow leaves, leaf drop, moldy soil, or foul-smelling soil means you’ve watered too much, while dry soil, wilted leaves, or brown edges indicate you’ve watered too little,” says Howe.
Practice watering if necessary
Some species, including lily, African violet, pothos, and snake plant, like to be watered down, which encourages the roots to grow down toward the water source.
To do this, put the pot in a tray of water for 2 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the roots, until the soil is wet.
Let the sun shine
Most houseplants like indirect, abundant sunlight. Without enough light, they may not have enough light for photosynthesis and therefore not have enough energy.
“If the sun isn’t strong enough, look for another location that will provide better light. Alternatively, consider grow lights to support your plant,” explains Howe.
Don’t forget spring and summer food
Another general rule is to fertilize your houseplants in the spring and summer, as this is their most vigorous growing season.
“Fertilizing during the warmer months supports strong stem and flower growth,” says Howe.
