Becoming a plant parent doesn't have to be as daunting as it may seem

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Plants can add a lively environment to your home as you nurture and watch them grow. But if you've never owned one before, it can be difficult to know where to start.

If you’re moving into a new home or you have just decided that you want to become a plant parent, there are several beginner-friendly options you can try. These should require minimum effort, while adding a splash of colour and helping your house really feel like a home.

So what are some common beginner-friendly plants? Here are five to get you started.

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A cactus is one of the most low-maintenance plants you can get. As they are used to a desert environment, these plants can be watered every one to two weeks.

However, because they are used to hot weather, they do require regular light. So if you opt for a cactus in your home, make sure you place it in an area where the plant can get plenty of sunlight.

Some cacti however are not pet friendly, so it’s best to research the type of cactus you get. Tropical cacti, for example, tend to be mostly pet-friendly, but always check before you purchase.

Spider plants are pet-friendly and also have air purifying properties to help make your home feel fresher. With a life expectancy of eight years, spider plants are fairly cheap in price and you can water them once a week.

They can also survive pretty well without high maintenance. So whilst you’re in the transition of becoming a plant parent, you can rest assured that spider plants are patient as you learn the ropes.

As well as being a plant that looks great in your home, aloe vera has natural properties that are great for the skin. So if you want to grow a good, healthy aloe vera plant to later use for skin care, you certainly can.

With the full name aloe barbadensis miller and a life expectancy of 12 years, the popular plant does not require too much attention as you can water it every three weeks. So if you’re the type of person who may forget when the last time you watered your plant was, aloe vera may be one of the plants you should lean towards.

The Monstera is sometimes referred to as the Swiss Cheese Plant and is a popular plant when it comes to aesthetics. Great value for money, the Monstera has a history of indoor cultivation and therefore is best suited as an indoor plant.

With a life expectancy of twelve years, this plant can grow up to two meters within just a few years. And in the midst of all of this growth, they are pretty easy to care for as you can water them as little as every one to two weeks.

If there is not much natural light entering your home, you may want to consider getting a ZZ, or Zamioculcas, plant. This is because this plant can thrive well in shady environments.

With a high endurance for droughts, ZZ plants have a life expectancy of 15 years and are far from high-maintenance as they can be watered every two to three weeks.

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