Entering the world of indoor plants can be both exciting and overwhelming for beginners. With countless varieties available, knowing where to start can feel like navigating a dense jungle. Fortunately, Atlanta-based plant enthusiast and creator Paige Tailyn (@paigetailyn) has cultivated wisdom along with her impressive collection of 475 plants, making her the perfect guide for novice plant parents.

Takeaways New Hide ▲

Syngonium is ideal

for beginners, offering

fast growth and

forgiving care needs

Pothos plants thrive

with minimal attention,

perfect for busy

or forgetful owners

Monstera Deliciosa provides

dramatic foliage while

adapting easily to

typical indoor conditions

Anthurium Clarinervium offers

elegant leaves and

clear care signals

for new plant enthusiasts

❮

❯

Tailyn’s journey from casual plant owner to botanical expert has given her unique insight into which plants are most forgiving for beginners while still being rewarding to grow. Her philosophy centers around starting with resilient varieties that build confidence before expanding to more challenging specimens. “The key is to begin with plants that won’t punish you for the occasional forgotten watering or less-than-perfect light conditions,” Tailyn explains.

In this guide, we’ll explore Tailyn’s top five recommendations for beginner plant enthusiasts. These selections balance ease of care with aesthetic appeal, offering new plant parents the best chance of success. From the rapidly growing Syngonium to the iconic Monstera Deliciosa, these plants will help you develop your green thumb while transforming your space into a verdant oasis.

@paigetailyn

Is this my last TikTok? 🥹 THANK YOU all for your unwavering love and support of this page. TikTok has always been a space in which I feel like I could show up as my most authentic self and be received with so much kindness. Thank you all 1 million times. I’ve 475+ plants in my collection! I can tell you a thing or two about plants that you should buy 🪴 —— 🪴5 plants I would buy over and over again🪴 – Sygnoniums – Monstera Deliciosa – Anthurium Clarinervium – Pothos – Philo Billetiae plplantmomlplantloverlplantsoftiktoklplantsmakepeoplehappyl#plantcollector

♬ UNSTOPPABLE EVENING – finetune

1. Syngonium: The Superior Starter

“Syngoniums are simply superior,” Tailyn declares with the confidence of someone who has witnessed their remarkable resilience firsthand. These plants, also known as arrowhead plants for their distinctive leaf shape, earn top billing in Tailyn’s recommendations because they combine rapid growth with exceptional forgiveness.

What makes Syngoniums particularly appealing to beginners is their visible progress. Unlike slower-growing varieties that might leave newcomers questioning their abilities, these plants provide quick feedback and gratification. “There’s nothing more encouraging than seeing new leaves unfurl regularly,” notes Tailyn. “It keeps beginners motivated and engaged with plant care.”

How to Maintain Your Syngonium:

Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal, though they can tolerate medium light conditions. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch their leaves.

Water: Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. These plants prefer to be slightly underwatered rather than overwatered.

Humidity: Average home humidity is fine, though they appreciate occasional misting, especially in drier environments.

Soil: A well-draining potting mix works best. Add perlite to improve drainage if needed.

Propagation: Incredibly easy to propagate from stem cuttings in water or directly in soil, making it simple to expand your collection.

2. Pothos: The Resilient Reliable

Pothos plants have earned their reputation as nearly indestructible houseplants, making them perfect for busy individuals or those prone to occasional plant neglect. As Tailyn emphasizes, “You can go days without looking at a pothos, and it will still show up for you.” This remarkable resilience explains why pothos varieties are staples in homes, offices, and public spaces worldwide.

Beyond their hardiness, pothos plants offer impressive versatility in how they can be displayed. Their trailing vines can cascade from hanging baskets, climb up moss poles, or spread across shelves and mantels. Available in varieties from golden-speckled to neon green to marbled white-and-green, there’s a pothos to complement any decor style.

How to Maintain Your Pothos:

Light: Adaptable to various light conditions from low to bright indirect light. Variegated varieties need brighter light to maintain their patterns.

Water: Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings. Pothos will communicate their needs by wilting slightly when thirsty, but quickly perk up after watering.

Pruning: Regular pruning encourages bushier growth. Trim just above a leaf node using clean scissors.

Cleaning: Wipe leaves occasionally with a damp cloth to remove dust and keep the plant looking vibrant.

Warning signs: Yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering, while brown tips suggest underwatering or low humidity.

3. Philodendron Billietiae: The Forgiving Exotic

For beginners looking to add something a bit more unusual to their collection, Tailyn recommends the Philodendron Billietiae. While this striking plant with its elongated leaves and distinctive orange-yellow stems might look like it demands expert care, Tailyn reassures that its slow growth rate actually works in favor of novice plant parents.

“The Billietiae grows slowly, which means you have a lot of leeway to care for it,” Tailyn explains. “You’re not constantly needing to adjust care routines or repot.” This characteristic makes it an excellent “bridge plant” between basic starter plants and more challenging tropical varieties, allowing beginners to gain experience with a more exotic specimen without the pressure of rapid growth cycles.

How to Maintain Your Philodendron Billietiae:

Light: Bright indirect light is best. Morning sun is fine, but protect from harsh afternoon rays.

Water: Allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter months.

Support: Provide a moss pole or trellis for climbing as the plant matures. This encourages larger leaf development.

Humidity: Appreciates higher humidity (50-60%) but adapts to average home conditions. Consider grouping with other plants to increase local humidity.

Fertilizer: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength once a month during growing season (spring and summer).

4. Anthurium Clarinervium: The Hardy One

The Anthurium Clarinervium, with its velvety, heart-shaped leaves featuring prominent white veins, looks like it belongs in a high-maintenance tropical greenhouse. However, Tailyn reveals that these stunning plants are surprisingly accommodating for beginners. “These plants are hearty and very simple,” she advises, noting that they perform well even in average home humidity conditions.

What makes the Anthurium Clarinervium particularly suitable for beginners is its clear communication. Unlike some plants that deteriorate rapidly when unhappy, this Anthurium gives obvious signals when care adjustments are needed, providing valuable learning opportunities without high stakes.

How to Maintain Your Anthurium Clarinervium:

Light: Bright indirect light is essential. Too little light results in fewer leaves, while too much causes leaf burn.

Soil: Requires well-draining, chunky aroid mix. Consider adding orchid bark, perlite, and charcoal to standard potting soil.

Water: Allow the top half of the soil to dry out between waterings. Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.

Temperature: Keeps comfortable in normal home temperatures between 65-80°F. Protect from drafts and cold windows.

Cleaning: Gently wipe leaves with a soft, damp cloth to remove dust and enhance the plant’s natural beauty. This also helps with photosynthesis.

5. Monstera Deliciosa: The Iconic Classic

“I will buy this plant over and over again,” Tailyn enthuses about the Monstera Deliciosa, often called the Swiss Cheese Plant. This sentiment reflects not only the Monstera’s striking appearance but also its remarkable adaptability to indoor conditions. With its iconic fenestrated leaves that develop more dramatic splits and holes as the plant matures, the Monstera delivers a satisfying growth experience for beginners.

Despite its tropical origins, the Monstera Deliciosa has proven itself remarkably adaptable to indoor environments, tolerating a range of conditions that would challenge more finicky plants. Its forgiving nature, combined with its dramatic aesthetic impact, makes it a standout recommendation for those just beginning their plant parenthood journey.

How to Maintain Your Monstera Deliciosa:

Light: Thrives in medium to bright indirect light. Can tolerate lower light conditions, though growth will be slower with fewer fenestrations.

Water: Allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry between waterings. Reduce watering in winter.

Support: Provide a moss pole or sturdy support as the plant matures. This mimics its natural growing habit of climbing trees and encourages larger leaf development.

Space: Give your Monstera room to grow – these plants can become substantial over time. Consider their mature size when choosing a location.

Pruning: Don’t be afraid to prune to control size and shape. Cut stems just below a node with clean, sharp scissors.

Starting your plant journey with these five recommendations from Paige Tailyn provides a solid foundation for developing your plant care skills. Each offers a different growth pattern, care routine, and aesthetic, allowing you to discover what aspects of plant parenthood you most enjoy while minimizing frustration and disappointment.

As Tailyn would remind new plant enthusiasts, “The journey to having hundreds of plants starts with successfully keeping just one alive.” By beginning with these forgiving varieties, you’ll build confidence, knowledge, and quite possibly, an enduring passion for bringing the natural world into your home.