It all started with a clearance basil plant I picked up on a whim at the grocery store. I had no clue what I was doing and I fully expected it to wilt within a week, but it didn’t. In fact, that little basil plant kept growing and giving off the most amazing scent every time I brushed past it in the kitchen. That was the beginning of what’s now a full-blown indoor garden scattered across every sunny windowsill in my apartment.

If you’ve ever thought about growing plants indoors but talked yourself out of it because you think you don’t have a green thumb or you live in a tiny space or your last cactus died mysteriously, I’ve got good news. You absolutely can grow plants inside and you don’t need to be an expert or have a ton of space to make it work. You just need the right plants to start with and a bit of patience.

So if you are curious about getting started with indoor gardening, here’s what I have learned along the way and the plants I’d recommend for anyone who’s just beginning.

1. First Things First: Light is Everything 

Before you bring any plants home, take a good look at the light in your space. Most indoor plants need at least a few hours of indirect sunlight each day. South and west facing windows usually get the most light while north facing ones tend to be a bit gloomier, but that doesn’t mean you can’t grow anything if your apartment is on the dim side, just make sure you will want to pick plants that don’t mind lower light levels.

I did not know this when I started and I definitely lost a few plants by sticking them in corners where they were basically living in shadow. Now I check how the light shifts throughout the day and move plants around depending on the season. Some people get really into grow lights and setups with timers but you don’t have to go that far. A sunny spot by a window will do just fine for most beginner-friendly plants.

2. Easy Plants for Beginners

Let us talk about what to grow. Not all plants are created equal, some are needy and temperamental and will throw a fit if you water them a little too much or not enough. Others are basically indestructible and can bounce back from pretty much anything! Here are the ones I have had the most success with and I would recommend to anyone just starting out.

Pothos (also called Devil’s Ivy)

This is the plant that made me feel like I could actually do this. Pothos is super forgiving, it will tolerate low light and irregular watering and still keep growing. The vines look beautiful spilling out of a hanging pot or trailing along a shelf. Just snip off a piece and stick it in water and you’ll have a new plant growing in no time.

Snake Plant

Snake plants are sleek and modern looking with tall stiff leaves that don’t need much attention. They like to dry out between waterings which means you can forget about them for a week or two and they will be totally fine. They also handle lower light levels really well which makes them perfect for bedrooms or offices.

Spider Plant

I picked one of these up at a plant swap and it has been one of the easiest to care for. They grow these little offshoots that look like baby plants and you can root them in water to start new ones. They like bright but indirect light and a regular watering schedule but they’re not too fussy if you miss a day.

ZZ Plant

This one might be the closest thing to a plastic plant that’s still alive. The leaves are glossy and it grows really slowly but steadily. It thrives in low light and barely needs water. I keep mine in a room that barely gets sun and it still looks great all year round.

Herbs like Basil Mint and Parsley

If you’re into cooking, fresh herbs are a great way to dip your toes into indoor gardening. Basil likes lots of sun so keep it in your brightest window. Mint is more flexible and actually grows like a weed if you let it, and Parsley is somewhere in the middle. I started with basil and there is nothing like plucking fresh leaves for pasta or salad right from your own windowsill.

A Few Things I have Learned the Hard Way

Don’t overwater. This is the number one killer of houseplants. Most plants hate sitting in soggy soil, so make sure your pots have drainage holes and let the soil dry out a bit between waterings.

Dust your leaves every now and then. I didn’t realize this mattered but when leaves are dusty they can’t absorb light as well. I use a damp cloth and just wipe them down every couple of weeks.

Rotate your plants. If they’re always facing the same direction they’ll start to grow lopsided. A little spin every now and then helps them stay balanced.

Be patient. Plants grow slowly, sometimes, even painfully slowly, especially in winter! Don’t give up if your plant doesn’t look like a Pinterest photo right away, the growth will come if you give it time.

Indoor gardening has become one of the most calming and satisfying parts of my daily routine. There’s something about watching something grow that gives you a little sense of accomplishment even on days when everything else feels chaotic. And it doesn’t have to be complicated–you can start with one plant,  learn its habits, and watch it thrive, then get another. Before you know it, your space will feel more alive and you will wonder how you ever lived without a little green in your life!