Some people seem to have a knack for encouraging green things to grow all around them. They have a sixth sense for just when to water, and every room in their house is filled to the brim with happy, healthy, vibrant houseplants.
Then there are those who buy a new plant, filled with hope (and a little trepidation) only to finally toss it a few weeks or months later, when it's shriveled and brown and they've finally given up.
If you count yourself in the latter category (or you're just looking for something low-maintenance), then this list is for you. Do you spend some part of every month traveling? Are there no good sunny windows in your house or apartment? Is watering on a regular schedule just not your thing?
These plants seem to thrive on neglect. Some just don't need to be watered very often. Others can handle super low-light situations. You can think of them as like the cats of houseplants; they're fine with a little attention, but they can also take care of themselves.
Give them a try! Because everyone deserves to have some plants in their life.
1
Cast-Iron Plant (Apidistra elatior)
Also known as "bar room plant" these sturdy guys have a reputation for thriving under neglect. Water them when the top few inches feels dry—and that's about it.
Learn More: Your Easy-Care Guide to the Durable Cast-Iron Plant
2
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
These glossy, dramatic plants are among the easiest to grow. They'll take a variety of light situations and don't need to be watered often at all.
Water ZZ plant few weeks when it feels mostly dry.
Learn more: How to Care for a ZZ Plant
3
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is as sturdy as they come. Although it prefers medium light, it does just fine in low or even artificial light. It'll do fine in drafty, or dry air and as long as you don't overwater it, it'll be fine.
Learn more: Pothos Plant Growing Tips
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4
Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
Philodendrons in general are tough to kill, and this neat-looking beauty is no exception. It's perfect for beginners and won't mind at all if you forget to water it for a week or two.
These Fool-Proof Philodendron Care Tips Will Have Your Plant Thriving
5
Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)
Snake plants are nearly impossible to kill! They don’t mind low light levels at all, and they only need watered every few weeks.
In fact, overwatering is the only sure way to kill this plant.
Learn more: How to Care for a Snake Plant
6
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema commutatum)
This is one of the easiest plants you can grow. Aglaonema survives on very low light levels and has beautiful silvery or pink-streaked foliage. Let it dry out between waterings.
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7
Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
Lucky bamboo can take very low light levels. It’s actually a type of dracaena with the lower leaves stripped off to resemble bamboo. This plant is grown in either soil or water; in soil, keep it slightly moist. In a vase of water, change the water weekly. That's all you need to do!
Interested? How to Care for the Lucky Bamboo Plant
8
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
With dramatic arching leaves and variegated foliage, spider plant likes high light but can adapt to low light levels. In high light, it may produce “babies” you can snip off and plant to make new plants, but that’s less likely in low light.
You can let it dry out between waterings.
How To Care for a Spider Plant Like a Pro
9
Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
The dramatic markings on this plant make it a must-have. Although it likes moderate light, it can adapt to low light, though it will grow more slowly. Interestingly, the plant gets its name because the leaves curl up, as if in prayer, at night.
Read more: How to Water and Care for Your Prayer Plant
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10
Haworthia (Haworthia spp)
This cute little plant maxes out at just 6 to 8 inches tall. The striped foliage make it an adorable plant for end tables or night stands. Because it’s a succulent, it can go several weeks without water. In fact most succulents are hard to kill!
Your Complete Guide to Growing Succulents
Christopher Michel
Chris is the Senior Food & Garden Editor at Country Living, where he covers all things edible or growable. He has two kids and lives in Birmingham, AL.
