House plants. They’re good for the air, can be a cost-effective food source, and add a splash of liveliness to any space. Feel like you’ve killed every plant you’ve tried to grow? Have a pet who likes to nibble on leaves and stems? Are you just simply unsure where to start? No matter your answer, keep reading for some tips, tricks and plant recommendations for your next in-home gardening adventure.

For the “I kill every plant I touch!” people:

  • Asparagus Fern: This delicate plant looks beautiful in a hanging basket and can withstand a missed watering every once in a while.

  • Lucky Bamboo: What’s easier than a plant with no soil?! These plants are some of the easiest to care for, and can be trained to grow in cool shapes. Win-win!

 For the “I want something pretty AND functional” people:

  • Snake Plant: These gorgeous plants are (nearly) indestructible and require little attention. Plus, NASA says they make great air purifiers! That’s a win-win in our books.
  • Aloe Vera: Aloe is a succulent that is easy to grow and removes air pollutants. Open a stem and you can use the gel inside to heal burns and cuts. Goodbye, sunburn. Hello, clean air. 

For the “Ugh, my pet eats EVERYTHING!” people:

  • Echeveria: This purple-and-green succulent is nonpoisonous and spineless, so it won’t harm if a curious kitty takes a nibble.
  • Boston Fern: A popular, nontoxic house plant, Boston ferns make a great addition to your home and are safe for curious animals.
  • Pro tip: Of course, you can try moving plants out of reach of your pets. But if that doesn’t work, we suggest spraying your plants with diluted lemon juice, as many dogs and cats avoid citrusy scents.

For the “I want to grow something I can eat” people:

  • Basil: This herb grows great indoors and can be used in tons of your favorite recipes! Bonus points: Basil is also safe for pets.
  • Cilantro: Another great herb that grows perfectly on your kitchen windowsill. Throw this herb on just about anything.

Have more tips to share? I am all ears! Sound off in the comments.