By Sarah Henderson, Colorado Master Gardener

Growing houseplants has become a popular hobby in recent years. I have been growing, caring for, and killing houseplants (accidentally) since I lived in a dorm room. I’ve learned a lot of what NOT to do, and I’m still learning what TO do.

A common mistake occurs when people buy a plant from a nursery that is simply not suited to their home and lifestyle. It is important to consider what level of care you can provide. Do you travel frequently? Place a new plant where you will enjoy it, remember to care for it, and in a location that meets its needs according to its care requirements.

The following popular houseplants thrive in many conditions and are more forgiving for beginners or those with busy schedules. Many popular houseplants can even be propagated from cuttings from a friend’s plant.

My oldest and most successful houseplant is the immensely popular spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum). Spider plants spread by sending out little tendrils with baby plants, or “pups,” along with flowers. I started mine from a pup in a sunny window in a glass of water, then moved it to a pot with soil once it grew roots. Spider plants have large, tuberous roots that store water for long periods of time. This makes them more forgiving if you forget to water them or even leave town for a few weeks without a plant sitter. Of course, they really thrive with a bit more attention. They do best in a bright, sunny window with a little bit of fertilizing in the spring and summer months.

Another popular plant is the jade plant (Crassula ovata). It is not a fast grower, but it is easy to care for. Much like other succulents, it stores water in its leaves. When the plant is thirsty, it will wrinkle a bit; thus, reminding you to water it. A jade plant will suffer more from over-watering than under-watering. It is difficult to prescribe specific watering for houseplants since their needs vary based on each home’s environmental conditions and the plant’s needs.

Another plant to try is pothos vine (Epipremnum aureum), also known as Devil’s Ivy. Fair warning: a happy pothos will grow like crazy. Snake plants (Sansevieria trifasciata), peace lilies (Spathiphyllum spp.), ZZ plants (Zamioculcas zamiifolia), and even some varieties of monstera (Monstera deliciosa) can be easy to maintain as well. I even have an orchid that I’ve owned for years that thrives in our bathroom. I see it every day so it’s easier to remember to water it. It is a Phalaenopsis orchid, one of the easiest and most popular orchids due to its ability to survive in a variety of home environments.

Hopefully, this inspires you to bring one of these plants home. Now I need to go water my plants…