When it comes to houseplants for beginners, we’ve made every mistake in the book — overwatering, underwatering, giving too much sun, too little sun… you name it. Even as real life flower farmers, we’ve had our share of crispy leaves and droopy stems. In Episode 74 of The Flower Files, we’re confessing our funniest plant fails, sharing pet-proofing hacks, and recommending the easiest houseplants to help you grow your green thumb.
Spoiler: even professional growers like us kill a plant or two.
Not All Green Thumbs Are the Same
Here’s the first truth — just because you can grow one thing doesn’t mean you can grow everything. We can grow cut flowers like nobody’s business, but veggies? Hit or miss. Houseplants? Sometimes great, sometimes… not so much.
Kenley’s orchids are thriving. Lizzie’s fiddle leaf fig is going strong. But succulents? Cacti? Let’s just say we’ve had some funerals.
Plant Fails, Pet Fails, and All the Laughs in Between
Houseplants aren’t the only hazards in our lives. We’ve got pets that dig in pots, chew on leaves, and occasionally redecorate with toilet paper. The combination of plants and pets means we’ve learned every trick in the book — from covering soil with tinfoil to poking forks into pots as “don’t dig here” signs.
We also know what it’s like to bring a plant back from the brink… and what it’s like to come home from vacation to an unplanned plant massacre.
Easy Plants for “Brown Thumb” Beginners
If you’re new to houseplants or have a track record of losing them, start with something forgiving:
- Pothos – Low-maintenance, great air filter, thrives in a variety of light conditions.
- Snake Plant – Nearly indestructible, and one of the best plants for filtering air.
- Spider Plant – Easy to grow, produces tons of baby plants to share.
- Peace Lily – Bounces back quickly after wilting and even blooms indoors.
- Air Plants – No soil required — just spritz occasionally.
Avoid starting with Venus flytraps or ultra-sensitive tropicals unless you love a challenge.
Our Go-To Houseplant Care Tips
- Don’t drown them. Most houseplants die from overwatering, not neglect.
- Watch the light. Some plants love bright light; others prefer a shady corner.
- Rotate regularly. This keeps them from leaning toward the sun.
- Dust the leaves. A quick shower (or a fake “rainstorm” if you want to be dramatic) keeps them clean and happy.
- Mind the pets. Keep toxic plants out of reach and pots protected from digging.
Why We Keep Trying (Even When We Fail)
Sure, we’ve lost a plant or two… or ten. But houseplants are worth it. They’re décor, air purifiers, mood boosters, and sometimes a little daily win — like spotting a new leaf unfurling.
So don’t let a crispy leaf or a shriveled stem stop you. Start with something easy, learn as you go, and celebrate the small victories. Even if you’re a real life flower farmer, we’re all still learning.
Want more plant talk (and the occasional dog tangent)?
We’ve got plenty more stories, tips, and laughs coming your way — from easy houseplant care to behind-the-scenes life on the farm. Follow The Flower Files Podcast wherever you listen so you never miss an episode. And if you’ve got a plant success story (or a spectacular fail), tag us on Instagram @wildlynativeflowerfarm — we’d love to see it!
