When you're new to gardening (or just lead a very busy lifestyle), finding the right houseplants can make all the difference. Plenty of people have a track record of forgetting to water their plants or struggling to keep their greenery alive in general. If you can relate, you're not alone. The good news is there are plenty of varieties out there that are quite easy to care for. Here are 10 houseplant options that are practically impossible to kill.
Scroll to see all the easiest houseplants that are totally hard to kill!
1. Parlor Palm
The Sill
The Sill Parlor Palm
Native to Central and South America, the Parlor Palm is a resilient plant that thrives in low-light environments, making it perfect for spaces that don't get much natural sunlight. It also grows to a manageable height of two to three feet, meaning it doesn't take up a ton of space and is excellent for smaller homes. However, one of the best parts about the Parlor Palm is how little maintenance it requires. Just some occasional watering is enough to keep this plant happy.
2. Rubber Plant
CB2
CB2 Live Ficus Elastica Rubber Plant
As a fig tree variety, the Rubber Plant has become a popular choice for both homes and offices due to its beautiful appearance yet easygoing nature. Its big glossy leaves sometimes lead it to be mistaken as a high-maintenance jungle plant, which is why many people over-water it. In reality, though, this plant is fairly low-maintenance, and while it thrives in bright, indirect light, it can tolerate low-light conditions.
It also doesn't like to be moved around frequently, which is a major upside for people who don't have the time to fuss over their plants.
3. Golden Pothos
Amazon
Costa Farms Golden Pothos Live Plant
If you want to dive into the world of vining houseplants, Golden Pothos is a stellar option. This stunning variety, featuring heart-shaped leaves in hues of green and yellow, is quite forgiving and resilient. Golden Pathos can grow up to 12 to 18 inches per month, so it's known as a fast grower. And while it enjoys natural light, it's also adaptable enough to do well under fluorescent lighting. So, it's great for offices or dorm rooms.
4. Jade Plant
The Sill
The Sill Sunset Jade
The Jade Plant is a succulent that takes on a tree-like appearance as it matures, with a woody stem and thick leaves. It's this variety's leaves that help it retain water, too. That's why Jade Plant is perfect for people who tend to forget about their greenery from time to time. It's much easier to over-water it than under-water it.
5. Aloe
Amazon
Costa Farms Aloe Vera, Live Succulent Plant
Featuring thick, dark green leaves, Aloe is a hardy succulent that's known for its impressive drought tolerance. This low-maintenance plant does best in bright light, so all you have to do is place it on a sunny windowsill. Plus, it's pretty adaptable and can handle partial light. Just keep in mind that these conditions might cause Aloe to produce longer, spindly leaves as opposed to compact and sturdy ones.
6. English Ivy
West Elm
West Elm Live English Ivy House Plant
Another vining plant that thrives with minimal care is English Ivy. It looks stunning in a hanging container or trailing over high shelving. This resilient variety can go for weeks without any attention, which is why so many busy plant parents love it. English Ivy is easy to manage indoors and can serve as a great home decor statement piece. However, it's important to note that, in the United States, this plant is considered an invasive species when planted outside.
7. Snake Plant
The Sill
The Sill Snake Plant Laurentii
Anyone looking for a tough and easy-to-care-for houseplant should consider the Snake Plant, which can go for weeks without water. This variety, which features stiff, upright leaves, is a large succulent that's adaptable and can flourish in a range of conditions. Whether in bright light, shade, dry, or humid environments, the Snake Plant will survive.
8. Spider Plant
Williams Sonoma
Williams Sonoma Live Spider House Plant
Sometimes referred to as the Ribbon Plant, the Spider Plant is a super forgiving variety that can handle occasional watering and exposure to artificial light. Not to mention, it grows great in both hanging baskets and pots. Spider Plant features leaves with light green stripes and white, star-shaped flowers, too, meaning it's a striking home decor addition.
9. Eternity Plant
The Sill
The Sill ZZ Plant
This variety's name couldn't be more appropriate since the Eternity Plant (AKA "ZZ" plant) is able to shine in less-than-ideal environments and endure neglect much longer than other plants. It's hardy, requires very little water, and does well in low to medium light. It's best to let the soil dry out completely in between watering, so sometimes, the Eternity Plant only needs a drink about once a month.
10. Peace Lily
West Elm
West Elm Live Peace Lily Plant
Finally, the Peace Lily is a gorgeous houseplant that blooms white flowers when given enough light. Or, in shadier spaces, it still functions as an adaptable foliage plant. Peace Lilies are extremely drought tolerant as well, which is why it's best to water only when the soil feels dry to the touch. An easy way to tell if your plant needs a drink is by observing its leaves. When the foliage begins to droop, you can give it some water.
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