Make a right choice is definitely the key to be success. This theory could be applying to the houseplant selection for your home too. As a beginner plant lover with no much knowledge and experience to handle the fussy plants, we should start from the easier plants first to make a good start.

1) Callisia fragrans (Basket Plant)

Callisia fragrans native to Mexico and belong to the family of Commelinaceae. It could widely adapt to the different sunlight intensity from semi shade to full sun’s condition. Besides that, it could widely adapt different watering level too. It could withstand ample of water or certain level of drought condition. The only reason could kill the Callisia fragrans maybe is roots rotten due to the excessive water standing in the pot. It could adapt wide variety of soil types also, it could grow in the organically rich soil or even sandy loam soil. It could grow up to 30cm, growing very fast and suitable to be a hanging houseplant. In conclusion, in could widely adapt to different sunlight intensity, watering amount and soil types and it is a good recommendation for beginner for growing.

2) Callisia repen (turtle vine) 

Origin of Callisia repens is Central and South America. Both Callisia repens and Callisia fragrans belong to family of Commelinaceae. Therefore, thay have many similar characteristics. Many of the grower consider the Callisia repens as succulents’ plants. But compare to succulent plants, Callisia repens need more water and growing better with high watering frequency compare to succulent plants. Callisia repens could widely adapt to different sunlight intensity also. However, compare with Callisia fragrans which could well adapt semi shade condition and growing really well under semi shade condition; Callisia repens could survive under semi shade condition but grow better under full sunlight. Besides that, frequently pinch out the growing tips may encourage sub-stem growing and make it look bushier. 

3) Plectranthus protranthus

Plectranthus protranthus native to South Africa and belongs to Lamiaceae family. Plactranthus protranthus may tolerate different sunlight intensity condition, from partial shade to full sun condition. However, it will grow better under full sunlight and its leaves will become a little bit in pink colour under high intensity of sunlight. Besides that, it is drought tolerance and may save our troubles in watering daily. It is like succulent plants, it is only need to watering twice per week to make it survive. However, it cannot tolerate water standing in the pot and need to make sure the planting medium is well-draining to prevent roots rotten. It is also suitable use as hanging plants due to its drapery leaves. 

4) Pilea cadierei (Aluminum Plant) 

Pilea cadierei aka Aluminum plant is native to China, Vietnam and South East Asia rainforest. It is belonging to family of Urticaceae. It prefers bright but indirect sunlight and the position on the window sill or besides the window would be the perfect position for Pilea cadierei. It prefers high humidity condition, daily watering would make it grow better, but watering twice per week may enough to make it survive. It prefers high humidity, we may keep the soil slightly moist but make sure the soil is well-draining to prevent roots rotten. Same as the Callisia repens, regular pinch out the growing tips could make it grow bushier. 

5) Episcia cupreata (Chocolate soldier/sliver sheen/Tropical topaz)

Episcia cupreata native to South America area and belong to Gesneriaceae family. The plant characteristic is similar to Pilea cadierei, it prefers bright but indirect sunlight. Therefore, the position besides the window or the window sill would be the ideal position for Episcia cupreata. It requires moderate watering amount only but daily watering may make it grow better. But daily misting is not requiring because its leaves could not tolerate water standing on leaves. Place in a position with well air circulation, and the plants will be growing healthily and leave from the plant diseases. 

6) Dischidia ruscifolia (Million Heart) /Dischidia oiantha/ Dischidia oaintha variegated

Dischidia ruscifolia native to China, India and Indo-China area, belong to family of Apocynaceae. It is well adapting to semi shade to full sun condition. So, we may place it anywhere in the house, it could grow well in any lighting condition. It is drought tolerance, misting or watering the plant twice a week is enough to make it grow well. However, moist and well-ventilated air conditioned could make it grow better. It is very easy to grow, only overwatering and make the water standing in the pot could kill the plant.

7) Polyscias fruticose (Ming Aralia)

Polyscias fruticose native to India, South East Asia and Polynesia and belonging to family of Araliaceae. It may grow under partial shade to full sun condition but grow better under bright but indirect sunlight. It is suitable to growing in soil between pH6.0-6.5 and organically rich soil. And it is preferring high moist and high humidity condition. Regular watering could make it grow healthily and prevent spider mites occurring. However, it could not tolerate water standing in the pot, allow the soil to drying before next watering to prevent roots rotten.

8）Chlorophytum comosum/capense (variegated)

Chlorophytum native to South Africa and belonging to Anthericaceae. It is prefers growing under semi shade condition, it may grow well under bright but indirect sunlight. It requiring intermediate level of water only. Therefore, watering twice a week is enough to make it survive. It could tolerance wide range of soil types from clay soil to loam soil to grow Chlorophytum comosum. Besides that, it is drought tolerance, but over dry would make the tips of leaves burning and affect its aesthetic value.

Looking after the houseplant is actually an easy and relax activities, if you make a right choice on the selection of houseplant. Growing houseplant at home may bring a lot of benefits for our health and environments. So, enjoy yourself in gardening, don’t make the gardening to be so difficult and spoil our moods in continue this beneficial hobby.