I want to learn more about houseplants.

Too bad you did not grow up with plants or take an interest at that time. But no matter, try your local library and take a look at the books there and you might begin to see what might suit you in your circumstance. Cactus thrive on neglect. The spatholphyllym must have plenty of water or it wilts. So you see the extremes and there are many more in between. You can also look up things on the net, however I believe the books at the library will be more conducive to your selection and understanding of what make it successfully in your house.