# Houseplant starter list — easy plants and the basics for caring for them The most important thing when starting with houseplants is choosing the right plant and the right pot; the rest is a small care kit. This list gathers easy plants and the supplies that matter and sets apart what can wait, and with a room code you can sort out the shopping with relatives looking for a gift or friends who collect plants with you. No sign-up needed. **In short:** To start caring for houseplants you need an easy plant such as a snake plant, pothos or ZZ plant, a pot with drainage holes, a saucer and indoor potting mix. Perlite for drainage, a watering can, liquid fertilizer and pruning shears round out the kit, and a moisture meter can wait. The most common mistake with easy plants is overwatering, so check that the soil has dried first. ## What's on the list - Snake plant (sansevieria) — needs little water - Pothos — adapts to dimmer spots - ZZ plant (zamioculcas) — tolerates dry spells - Pot with drainage holes — slightly wider than the plant - Saucer — catches excess water - Indoor potting mix — ready-made mix - Watering can — with a long, narrow spout - Perlite — improves drainage - Liquid plant fertilizer — follow the package label - Pruning shears — small and sharp - Soil moisture meter — buy later ## Tips - The most common mistake with easy plants is overwatering; push a finger two or three centimeters into the soil and water only if it's dry. - Make sure the pot has a drainage hole and empty the saucer a few minutes after watering; roots left sitting in water can rot. - Most houseplants like bright spots without direct midday sun; easy types like the snake plant and ZZ plant also adapt to dimmer corners. - Fertilize during the growing season and follow the package label, diluting more if in doubt; pause in winter. ## Frequently asked questions ### Which houseplants are easy for beginners? Snake plant, pothos and ZZ plant manage with little care and forgive missed waterings. All three adapt to dimmer corners, though they do better with more light. ### How often should houseplants be watered? There's no fixed schedule; watering when the top few centimeters of soil have dried is the safest approach. How often depends on light, season and pot, and it usually drops in winter. ### What should you consider about houseplants if you have pets? Many common houseplants, including the snake plant, pothos and ZZ plant, can be toxic to cats and dogs. Keep plants out of your pet's reach, check with a vet if you're unsure whether a plant is safe, and see a vet without delay if you suspect your pet has eaten some. ### Can I change the list? Of course. The ready-made list is just a starting point: delete, add, move items between categories. ### Do I need an account? No. A room code is all it takes — no email, password or signup. ### How long is the list kept? As long as you use it. A list is only deleted after a month without any activity; even opening the room resets the clock. ### Can I install it on my phone? Yes. With the room open, tap "Save Room" to add it to your home screen and open it with one tap. --- [Start a room with this list](https://ortakliste.app/en/list/houseplant-care-starter-list) — 11 items go straight into your new room; delete what you don't need, add what's missing. No account needed.