15 Houseplants That Thrive Even When Neglected

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There are some of us who love houseplants but aren’t exactly green-thumbed. This makes it hard for them to keep plants alive, maybe because they have a busy schedule and forget, or maybe you just don’t have a green thumb. But don’t worry! But there are quite a few houseplants that can handle a little neglect and will soldier on.

The following are hardy plants, perfect for people who may not have time to fuss over them every day.

Spider Plant

The spider plant is the ultimate plant survivor. It’s tough, easy to adapt to, and forgiving. It will grow whether you forget to water it for days or put it in low light. Spider plants make “baby plants”, which you can snip and replant to make an indoor jungle.

Pothos

Another good choice for the forgetful is pothos. This trailing plant can grow in a range of conditions from low light. Its heart shaped leaves will look lush and green, even if you skip a few waterings. Almost like it wants to live, no matter what!

ZZ Plant

The ZZ plant is the plant for you if you’re seeking a plant that thrives on neglect. It has waxy thick leaves which serve to store water in, so can be very forgiving with little light and poor/infrequent watering. And its glossy green leaves will brighten up any room.

Cast Iron Plant

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The cast iron plant is so named because it is as tough as nails. It won’t sweat if you water it irregularly, expose it to low light, or change the temperature. It’s a plant that asks for little in return, and its deep green leaves make it a striking addition to any home.

Peace Lily

Surprisingly easy to care for, the peace lily is a stunning plant. This plant does best in indirect light but will tolerate low light. It has the delightful habit of drooping when it needs water, but even if you don’t get it right away, it comes back with a good drink.

Aloe Vera

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Aloe vera is not only a plant, it is a natural healer with soothing gel, as this WebMD article attests. It’s also very easy to care for. It likes a sunny spot but can go for weeks without water. If you want a low effort houseplant that’s also good for burns and skin care, it’s the perfect plant.

Jade Plant

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The plant world’s laid back roommates are jade plants. They live in dry conditions and don’t need a lot of water. If you take care of them just a little bit, they can actually grow into beautiful miniature trees over time, and these little succulents are long-lasting.

Snake Plant

The snake plant is popular for its sword like leaves and that it’s easy to take care of. It’s nearly indestructible and can survive neglect. It doesn’t matter if you put it in the shade or direct sunlight. Even better? According to easyplant, it is well known for purifying the air.

Rubber Plant

If your rubber plants are a bit thirsty, they may get a little dramatic (leaves will droop), but a good watering will perk them right up. They don’t need much attention to look good and are great for adding height and structure to your space.

Philodendron

Large, glossy leaves and trailing vines are what you’ll recognize philodendrons by. Luckily, they are hardy and will grow in a range of light conditions so they make a perfect choice for low light rooms or offices. But they don’t require frequent watering either, so they won’t be mad at you if you forget from time to time.

Cactus

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A cactus is one of the hardest plants to neglect. Bright light and dry conditions are what they thrive in, so you can pretty much forget about them for weeks at a time. All they require is a warm spot and an infrequent drink of water; they will repay you with their special form and occasionally (in Company ranges of B. guttatus) bloom instead.

Boston Fern

The Boston fern is a great choice for someone who often forgets to water but likes the look of ferns. It does enjoy some humidity, but it’s a much harder fern than most and can get along with occasional mists and some indirect light.

Dracaena

Another great option for those low maintenance plant lovers is dracaenas. There are many leaf colors and sizes, including short and bushy or tall and tree like. Dracaenas are easy to care for because they can handle low light and don’t require a lot of water, making them great for people who like a more hands off approach.

Succulents

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In general, succulents are a great plant for the busy or forgetful. These are no fuss little desert plants that do well on minimal water and sunlight. Quirky shapes and easy care make them a favorite with plant lovers who want something that’ll survive their forgetfulness.

Chinese Evergreen

Chinese evergreen is a gorgeous plant that’s pretty much designed for neglect. According to The Green Mad House, Chinese evergreen can handle a variety of light levels, whatever the humidity is, irregular watering, etc. Silver and green leaves, it doesn’t ask much of you in return and it adds a touch of elegance to any room.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.