Never had houseplants..Where to start??

I have a small apartment and would like to have some plants..
Any advise?
Thanks

Can you tell us a little more about what sort of light you have in the areas where you're thinking of putting the plants? The amount of light you get will be a big determining factor in which houseplants will do well in that location. Also, do you have experience with growing outdoor plants, or is this your first time trying to grow anything?

If you have Northern light, the Sanseverias are a great choice. (Common name- snake plants or mother-in-laws tongue.) The best thing about these plants is that there are so many cultivars. They can also grow well away from a window- I have a few that over-winter about 6 feet from any window light.

Aspidistras are also good for Northern exposure. (Common name- bar room plants or cast iron plants.) But be aware they are one of the slowest growers...they usually put up ONE leaf a year, if you're lucky; but they're nearly indestructable.

Pothos and Philodendrons tend to do well nearly anywhere they're placed. So do spider plants. (If you have cats, be sure to keep the spiders out of their reach- they think they're kitty salad! But they're harmless to cats, so you don't have to worry about them getting sick if they chew on them.)

If you have good light (Southern) cacti are great- nearly indestructible if they're not over-watered. (I have some cacti that are over 30 years old!)

ZZ plants also tend to do well in nearly any exposure, as long as you're careful with the water- they like to be on the dry side.

Another easy light lover is any of the Jade plants. Ponytail palms are good here as well. (Once again, keep the the ponytails away from the kitties- this is another favorite houseplant salad for them.)

If you want an "easy" flowering plant, the moth orchid is very easy to grow, as long as they have good drainage, and are watered at least once a week. Mine grow in a North window, and still produce blooms. (They do need special orchid pots, with holes in the side of the pot and orchid soil which consists of bark, charcoal, and pebbles. Plus they like to be on a pebble tray for extra humidity.)

I could go on forever, but I think these are some of your best bets if you're a newbie.

Let me know if any of these interest you- it's getting too cold to ship now, but in the Spring, I could send you several plants to try.

Happy Gardening!

Marsha.

Agreed with the Sanseverias, pothos, philos, ZZ's

Possibly Spider plants, shefflera, If bright enough Oncidium and Phal orchids (no direct sun needed but bright filtered sun).

The more light you have available, the more possibilities!

Or you could get a hoya plant. Once you get one, you'll be hooked on these interesting plants.......like I am. With hoyas , one just isnt enough, you'll see:) Try the common varieties first such as carnosa or tri color and go from there....you won't be disappointed:)