I'm looking for an easy-going plant to start with since I'm a beginner. My room faces east, and I live in Edinburgh, where winters can get quite cold and damp, while the summers are milder and dryer. I've heard that ficus might be a good option because they're low maintenance and can adapt to various conditions. Any suggestions?
3 Answers
You can't go wrong with pothos! It's literally the go-to plant for beginners. It's forgiving and grows well in low light, making it perfect for your space.
Ficuses like *F. benjamina* and *F. elastica* are good choices since they just need consistent watering and breathable soil. If you're a bit forgetful with watering, consider plants like *Dracaena trifasciata* or *Zamioculcas zamiifolia*; they thrive if you let them dry out between waterings. Another option is *Euphorbia leuconeura*, which can handle over or underwatering, and it's tolerant of different light conditions.
Also, keeping plants like *Cissus alata* or *Goeppertia kegeljanii* in moist, breathable soil can also work out well!
Spider plants are a terrific choice! They're hardy, come in various types, and they're safe for pets. They grow quickly and do well in lower light, too. I particularly love the curly leaf variety!
The curly ones are the best! They're the only spider plants I've managed to keep alive.

Honestly, pothos is always the answer for new plant parents!