If your idea of indoor gardening is to plop a plant in a corner and splash some water on it once in awhile, this is the list for you. All will be well if you do exactly that for any of the houseplants on this list. Leaving for a two-week vacation? Sometimes forget you even have houseplants? These are the plants for you.
For those of you who tend to overwater, check out our list of houseplants you can’t kill by overwatering. Worried your place is too dark for plants? Here are our favorite low-light plants. And if you need help, here’s what to do if your plant starts turning yellow.
Spider Plant, Small$44.99Plants.comBuy NowSpider Plant
Spider plant has to top any list of fuss-free houseplants. I’ve practically ignored mine for the past few years and it still develops an abundance of new pups each year. Give them some indirect light and water once a week or so and you’ll be all set.
The Houseplant Lover’s Guide to Spider Plants: Tips, Tricks & Care
Peace Lily, Medium$72.99$58.39Plants.comBuy NowPeace Lily
There’s a reason peace lilies factor into the decor scheme of so many office buildings, and it’s because they’re able to tough it out in low light situations. They’ve even been known to survive off only fluorescent overhead lights, though they do best with some access to sun, of course. For best results, provide them with part sun and water once or twice a week, depending on how large your specimen is.
Graceful Peace Lilies Can Even Survive in a Windowless Room
Cast Iron Plant$39.99$33.99WayfairBuy NowCast Iron Plant
Cast iron plant is another hardy choice for dim conditions. In fact, it’s one downfall is direct sunlight as it’s prone to scorching. When it comes to watering, err on the side of less is more or you may risk root rot.
The Cast Iron Plant is As Hardy & Indestructible as Its Name
Pothos Jade$44$30The SillBuy NowPothos
The title of Apartment Therapy’s growing guide for pothos is “Pothos Are so Easy to Care for It’s Stupid.” And you can’t argue with that. Pothos do well anywhere on the spectrum of light conditions, though, like cast iron plant, they’re prone to scorching. Let the soil dry out fully in between waterings.
Pothos Are So Easy To Care For It’s Stupid
Philodendron Brasil$44$30The SillBuy NowPhilodendron
Philodendrons are similar to pothos in both appearance and care requirements. They like to be kept out of direct sunlight, but they’re fine with most anything else, and they only need water when dry.
The Heartleaf Philodendron is Harder to Kill Than To Keep Alive
Snake Plant$67.99Plants.comBuy NowSnake Plant
Snake plants are like outside cats. They want you to give them food and water occasionally and leave them well alone the rest of time. They tolerate a range of light conditions, but indirect light will give you the best results. Refrain from watering until the soil has dried out, especially in winter when plants need less water.
Chill, Low-Maintenance Snake Plants are Perfect for People Who Can’t Keep Anything Alive
Variegated English Ivy$23.99AmazonBuy NowEnglish Ivy
English ivy is frequently grown as a ground cover outdoors, but it also makes a lovely, and super resilient, trailing houseplant. It’s great for shady, out-of-the-way spots where other plants might not grow, though it can take bright sun, too. And, because it’s typically grown outdoors, it’s also hardy in the face of temperature fluctuations.
Lush & Lively English Ivy is a Low-Maintenance Decorator’s Dream
Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)$65.20Home DepotBuy NowDieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia, also known as Dumb Cane, has mostly the same preferences as many of the other houseplants we’ve talked about so far: a medium amount of light and water when the soil dries out. Rotate your dieffenbachia’s pot every now and again to prevent legginess.
Low-Maintenance Dieffenbachia Plants Are So Easy to Keep Alive
Oxalis Shamrock Triangularis House Plant$25EtsyBuy NowShamrock
Shamrock plants are small and dainty, great for adorning desks, bookcases, or mantles. They like a sunny window and water only when the soil is dry, about every other week.
Unique, Under-the-Radar Oxalis Plants Are Also Low-Maintenance
ZZ Plant$26The SillBuy NowZZ Plant
ZZ plants prefer bright but filtered light, and may even lean away from the window if the sun is too harsh. Other than that, you really don’t need to worry about them much. Water only when dry.
ZZ Plants are the Pinnacle of Low-Maintenance Houseplants
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