Live plants bring a fresh, natural vibe to any home, especially if you don’t have a garden. Thankfully, some plants thrive indoors and are incredibly low-maintenance. Perfect for anyone who isn’t a plant expert, these resilient options are easy to care for and will add a welcoming touch to your home.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Also cheekily known as mother-in-law’s tongue, this plant is nearly indestructible and can thrive even if neglected. Hortology says it “is a relatively hardy plant which enjoys conditions from full sun to light shade and is also able to adapt to low light conditions if preferred.” Its tall, sword-like leaves are striking yet efficient at purifying the air, and it needs little watering.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Happy Houseplants states that spider plants are resilient and adaptable, happy in a range of conditions from gloomy to dim and cool to hot, and don’t require watering until their soil feels dry. They’re also quick to produce numerous “pups” (baby plants), so you can easily propagate and share this hardy species with your friends!
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Also known as ‘devil’s ivy,’ pothos is a cascading house plant with heart-shaped leaves and a popular choice for indoor gardeners. The Spruce writes that it’s versatile in terms of placement and care schedules, thriving in various lighting conditions and requiring only occasional watering.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii)
According to Gardeners’ World, this houseplant is popular for its unusual-shaped white flowers and attractive leaves. It’s a natural air purifier and prefers low to medium light, so it’s perfect for small apartments. It only needs watering once the soil is dry and can tolerate dry spells—its leaves wilt when water is scarce, so there’s a visual reminder to water it, too!
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
A low-maintenance houseplant, the ZZ plant is a slow-growing, durable species that can withstand periods of drought, making it perfect for travelers or forgetful caregivers! The Sill says it thrives in low-light environments and is ideal for dim offices and homes with little natural light.
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
Aloe vera is not only easy to care for, but it has practical uses, too. Its succulent, gel-filled leaves can soothe skin complaints like mild sunburns, rashes, and irritations. Good Housekeeping recommends keeping it in a spot with plenty of light but out of direct sunlight. It’s very hardy concerning watering and can tolerate long periods of drought.
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Like aloe vera, jade plants are succulents capable of storing water in their leaves. For this reason, they don’t need frequent watering, and their leaves will only droop if overwatered or left for months in dry soil. Place them in bright light and occasionally dust their thick, shiny leaves to ensure they can photosynthesize effectively.
Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
This plant has large, dark green, and glossy leaves that start out as orange spikes of color. Country Living recommends ‘easygoing’ rubber plants for beginner horticulturists because they are undemanding and quick to thrive. Keep them in indirect sunlight and water only when the top layer of soil dries out.
Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)
Philodendrons characteristically have a wide range of leaf sizes and shapes, but all varieties are equally easy to care for. They’re well suited to indoor life because they prefer moderate to low light levels and are tolerant of irregular watering.
Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
Apartment Therapy states that this plant “is named for its ability to survive a wide range of conditions. If you’re looking for low-maintenance greenery that can survive low light, low humidity, irregular watering, and temperature fluctuation, the cast-iron plant is THE plant for you.” As its name suggests, the Cast Iron Plant is tough and resistant to neglect!
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema spp.)
Chinese evergreen plants are beloved by indoor gardeners for their ability to thrive in low light and with minimal water. The plant’s variegated leaves are also attractive, adding a pop of color to any home, and its inherent resilience makes it an excellent plant for beginners hoping to add beauty without much effort.
Haworthia (Haworthia spp.)
Haworthia is a small succulent with striking, near-translucent rosette-shaped leaves that are attractive and unusual. All species in the genera are excellent at storing water for long periods and are incredibly hardy. They also prefer indirect sunlight, so they enjoy being indoor plants.
Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
Most ferns require constant moisture and humidity, but the bird’s nest fern is much more forgiving. It thrives in medium/low light and prefers moist soil (not wet), making it a low-maintenance fern suitable for indoor spaces. Planet Natural says they “have smooth, lance-shaped fronds that occasionally develop gentle ripples with enough light.”
Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
This compact and elegant houseplant has attractive, feathery, green fronds and is adaptable to low-light conditions. Although it grows best in evenly moist soil, it’s forgiving of erratic watering schedules and is not easily killed off by inexperienced or forgetful carers! It also grows slowly, doesn’t need repotting often, and is resistant to pests.
Dracaena (Dracaena spp.)
Dracaena plants are known for their striking, colorfully variegated leaves and ability to effectively purify indoor air. They grow well in any light condition, from dim to bright, and are very tolerant to drought, only requiring water once their soil has completely dried out.
Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
Not a true palm but a succulent, the Ponytail Palm stores water in its bulbous base and has very low water requirements, allowing it to stay alive without water for months. It grows fastest in bright light but can adapt to lower light levels and has beautiful, cascading leaves that help beautify any indoor space.
Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii)
Although cactuses aren’t typically known for their flowers, they’re often large and vibrant. The Christmas Cactus has magenta or lilac flowers that bloom just in time for the holiday season. Despite its exotic appearance, it’s surprisingly easy to care for and tolerates low light and water conditions. It’s also very long-lived, with a lifespan of up to 30 years!
Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
This trailing plant is named for its heart-shaped leaves and is well known for its ability to adapt and thrive under various growing conditions. Although it prefers moderate light and slightly damp soil, it tolerates neglect and adds an easy splash of color to shelves and hanging baskets in the home.