Many people love the look of houseplants but struggle to keep them alive. Life gets busy, watering gets forgotten, and before long, another plant ends up in trouble. If that sounds familiar, you’re definitely not alone.
The good news is that some houseplants are much more forgiving than others. They can handle missed waterings, less-than-perfect conditions, and a little neglect without giving up. That makes them a great choice for beginners, frequent travelers, or anyone who wants greenery without a lot of upkeep.
If you’ve had bad luck with houseplants in the past, these tough, easygoing varieties may be exactly what you’re looking for. Here are 15 houseplants that continue to grow and look great even when they don’t get constant attention.
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 that serve to store water, so it can be very forgiving with little light and poor/infrequent watering. And its glossy green leaves will brighten up any room.
Cast Iron Plant
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
Aloe vera is not only a plant, but it is also 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
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 for being 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
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 Dracaena. 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
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.
