Bringing some lush greenery into your home is a wonderful way to add a touch of nature, especially if you don’t have access to an outdoor garden. But if you’re someone who struggles to keep plants alive, don’t worry: this guide highlights a selection of hardy houseplants that can thrive with minimal care and survive even the most forgetful plant owners.
Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
Despite being described as sophisticated, the cast iron plant lives up to its name and is nearly indestructible. It survives at all light levels, although it prefers shadier indoor environments. Its watering needs are minimal, as it actually prefers to be sparingly and infrequently watered. It is especially good at purifying air, making it great for city living and small spaces.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
This plant is a trailing, vine-like species that is a popular choice for indoor hanging baskets or trailing over shelves. Available in a variety of leaf colors and patterns, Pothos is an ‘easygoing’ plant that adapts to most light levels and only requires watering once the topmost layer of soil dries out. Although not necessary, regular trimming will produce bushier growth.
Jade Plant (Crassula Ovata)
This succulent, with its plump, oval leaves, is a symbol of good luck and prosperity in many cultures. As per House Beautiful, the Jade Plant is native to South Africa, and the greatest risk is over-watering, so it’s perfect for neglectful plant owners. It will grow well in any sunny location and may produce clusters of pink or white flowers in the winter.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
Amusingly nicknamed “Mother-in-Law’s Tongue” due to its sharp, upright leaves, the Snake Plant is a low-maintenance champion. It tolerates low light conditions, infrequent watering, and occasional bouts of neglect, thanks to its thick, waxy leaves that retain water well. It doesn’t even matter if you water it a lot at once—perfect for forgetful gardeners!
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
This plant has elegant, glossy, dark green leaves, and suits modern interiors well. The ZZ Plant thrives in low light and requires minimal watering, although take care not to over-water it, as this can negatively affect it. If you allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings and are sparing, the ZZ plant will tolerate fairly long periods of neglect.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Southern Living says this adaptable house plant is known for its cascading green leaves and tendency to sprout new individuals, which can be separated and gifted to friends! It is also very tolerant of a wide range of living conditions, although it’s happiest in bright, indirect light. It also noticeably droops when it needs water—a great visual cue for less attentive gardeners.
Air Plant (Tillandsia spp.)
These unique plants don’t require any soil at all! Air plants absorb moisture and nutrients from the air through tiny scales on their leaves, so you only need to give them a thorough misting of water with a spray bottle once or twice a week, or put them in a humid spot like a bathroom. They thrive in bright, indirect light and come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.
Snakewood (Dracaena marginata)
This elegant, tropical houseplant has slender, upright canes with long, sword-shaped leaves edged in beautiful shades of red. Although it grows slowly, it can reach an impressive height indoors. Place it in bright, indirect light, and water it deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry. Like the Cast Iron Plant, it is well known for its air-purifying properties.
Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)
Often labeled as ‘adorable,’ this small plant is recognizable by its round, coin-shaped leaves that resemble miniature lily pads. This species thrives in bright, indirect light and enjoys consistently moist soil that isn’t soggy, so you will need to be attentive to the watering schedule. Apart from that, it’s very low maintenance and perfect for small window sills or shelves.
Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
If you love the tropical look of palms, look no further! This miniature palm tree has a swollen base that stores water, and although it prefers bright light, it requires minimal watering. Actually, overwatering is the biggest threat to its health. Although slow-growing, Ponytail Palms are long-lived and many live for decades with only minimal care.
Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)
This diverse genus of plants offers a variety of houseplant options to suit all homes and personal preferences, from climbing vines to flattened, sprawling foliage, with all types of leaf shapes, sizes, and color patterns. Most Philodendrons prefer bright, indirect light and well-drained soil that stays consistently moist but not soggy.
Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii)
Despite its festive name, the Christmas Cactus thrives year-round with minimal care and boasts segmented, flattened greenery that explodes with vibrantly colored blooms in winter. Good Housekeeping warns against overwatering but recommends keeping this species in evenly watered, well-drained soil. Despite its colorful flowers, it doesn’t require fertilizer.
Haworthia (Haworthia spp.)
These miniature succulents are perfect for small homes or for adding extra greenery to existing plant pots. They are very varied in appearance, with many different sizes, shapes, textures, colors, and leaf patterns available. They like bright but indirect sunlight and require watering very infrequently.
ZZ Cactus (Senecio mandraliscae)
Despite its name, this plant is not technically a cactus, although it does have plump, tear-shaped leaves that are great for storing water. It is extremely tolerant to drought and can survive on a very neglectful watering schedule. Place it in bright, indirect light and water it very sparingly, taking care not to overwater it.
Spider Lily (Hymenocallis spp.)
This elegant bulb plant rewards even careless gardeners with stunning, white, spider-like blooms. Guide to Houseplants advises, “Give them plenty of water throughout the growing season, add sand to the soil for fast drainage, and find a spot where they’ll get several hours of bright, filtered light.”
Aluminum Plant (Pilea aluminium)
This low-growing species has unusual, quilted leaves with a metallic sheen that makes them shimmer in direct light. While it does need regular watering, it can tolerate some neglect as long as its soil and pot allow sufficient drainage. It’s popular in terrariums and decorative indoor displays.
Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
A vibrant variation of the classic Pothos, this almost neon-green vine is also known as ‘Devil’s Ivy’ and adds a tropical brightness to indoor spaces. It’s also easygoing and can tolerate lower light conditions and inconsistent watering, as long as it isn’t left to dry out for weeks on end. Regular trimming isn’t necessary, but it encourages bushier growth and brighter foliage.
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
Another easy-to-care-for succulent, Aloe Vera plants come with an added medicinal benefit, as the gel inside their thick leaves can be used to treat mild skin irritations and sunburn. It tolerates most light levels but prefers bright, indirect light and infrequent watering. It’s a perfect, low-maintenance choice for beginner plant parents!
