9 Best Indoor Plants for Busy Moms

Low-maintenance houseplants can make your dreams of a greener space a reality – No green thumb required.

Did you know that having plants in your home can reduce stress? Let’s be honest; moms could do with some stress relief.

They look good, improve air quality, and bring the outdoors in. Not to mention that many indoor plants are much easier to care for than you realize.

Here are the 9 most mom-friendly indoor plants to try. I have all of them, and so far, they are all alive (infrequent watering and all).

Top 9 Houseplants for Busy Moms

#1 Snake Plants (Dracaena trifasciata)

Commonly called mother-in-laws tongue or snake plant, this is the perfect starter plant for moms who don’t have time to pander over houseplants.

Snake plants can handle low-light spaces and low humidity. They prefer well-draining soil and don’t need to be watered often. They are a no-fuss plant that will make a bold statement without any extra admin for you.

One of the biggest benefits of this plant is its ability to clean the air in your home. Studies show it improves air quality by absorbing harmful toxins and carbon dioxide from the air while releasing oxygen.

What It Needs:

• Bright, indirect sunlight is best, but they will grow in low-light corners.
• A warm, draught-free spot (particularly in winter).
• Infrequent watering to avoid soggy soil and root rot.
• Bottom-watering to encourage stronger root growth.
• The occasional wipe with a damp cloth removes dust coating the leaves.

#2 Heart Leaf Philodendron (Philodendron scandens)

Heart leaf philodendrons are one of the most common houseplants, and for good reason. They are impressive, fast-growing, and require minimal care.

It loves to climb but also looks stunning in a hanging basket or trailing from a shelf. If you prefer a bushier look, pinch off the new shoots. I’m all about trailing plants, so I have let mine creep along my gallery wall.

This is a plant you want to keep out of reach of kids and pets as it contains poisonous calcium oxalates and can irritate the skin.

What It Needs:

• Mist the leaves occasionally to increase the humidity.
• If watering with tap water, let it stand overnight as the plant doesn’t like cold water.
• Bright, indirect sunlight.

#3 Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Another trailing plant that is ideal for busy moms is a pothos. It is beginner-friendly and very forgiving.

When your pothos has good light and a warm spot, it will trail or climb, making you look like a first-rate gardener. My pothos is probably one of my favorite plants. It has held up to my kids, survived some serious neglect, and was easy to propagate.

What It Needs:

• Moderate humidity. 
• Well-draining soil. 
• Regular watering.
• Bright, indirect light, but works well in low-light spaces.
• Prefers a warm room.

#4 Dragon Tree (Dracaena)

There are several Dracaena or dragon tree varieties, and I have four of them. They are a low-maintenance and forgiving plant, perfect for moms who can barely remember to fold the laundry (intentionally or unintentionally), let alone water plants.

Dragon trees are drought-resistant and great for improving air quality. They can grow up to 10ft and are impressive in a low-lit corner.

What It Needs:

• Bright, indirect light.
• Light, infrequent watering.
• Water that doesn’t contain fluoride, so let your tap water stand overnight.

#5 Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)

Now, some would say that a fiddle leaf fig is tricky for those less than dedicated growers, but I have found it a rewarding plant in my collection (with very little care). 

They are super trendy, with #fiddleleaffig having over 381K posts. Fiddle leafs need to be in a warm space away from draughts and don’t love fluctuating temperatures.

As a busy mom, you may want to opt for a small version when trying out a fiddle leaf. I was nervous when I got mine, but it has consistently been getting new leaves and is happily growing with minimal care from me.

What It Needs:

• Turn the plant every few days, so all parts get some sun.
• Dust the leaves every couple of weeks.
• Bright, filtered light.
• Moderate watering.

#6 Succulents

If you have a sunny windowsill, then you can try your hand at succulents. There are a wide variety of fun options to choose from, and all of them require zero effort to keep alive.

You may want to avoid succulents with spikes or hairs if you have curious kids, but luckily many are fuzz-free.

What It Needs:

• 6+ hours of sunlight. 
• Well-draining soil.
• Allow your succulents to dry out before watering.

#7 Parlor Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

Parlor palms can handle low light and low temperatures, making them a popular indoor plant choice.

They are large and impressive and, bonus, easy to care for. Parlor palms are also great for purifying the air so having it in your bedroom or office is ideal.

What It Needs:

• Bright, indirect light.
• Moderate watering (it doesn’t like to be soggy).

#8 Split-Leaf Philodendron (Monstera deliciosa)

One of the most forgiving plants I have grown, Monstera Deliciosa, is one of my all-time favorites. It looks impressive, and it’s easy to propagate. I have already made three baby plants simply by rooting them in water on the window sill. 

Let the soil dry out in between waterings, and you will be rewarded with large, glossy leaves.

What It Needs:

• Bright, indirect sunlight
• Well-drained soil

#9 Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Lastly, the Peach Lily is one of the easiest houseplants to grow and thrives indoors. When they get more light, they get white spathes that look like flowers. They don’t like to be overwatered and prefer being underwatered. Ideal for busy moms.

When your Peace Lily has outgrown its pot, you can divide and repot. Who doesn’t love free plants?

What It Needs:

• Prefers bright light but will adapt to low-light areas
• Occasional misting to increase humidity

Most Houseplants Are Hardier Than Your Think

Keeping houseplants alive is easier than you think. I don’t have the greenest thumb, and yet my indoor jungle is growing and, so far, thriving. Having plants in my space makes me happy, and I love that they are improving the air quality in my home.

You don’t have to go all out. Just start with one. Find a spot for your plant where you will see it daily. That way remembering to water it will be easy. Just a warning, though….one might not be enough!