Low Maintenance Houseplants You Can’t Kill

These days, a bit of greenery in the house is a much-needed sight, no matter how plain the plant is. Some gardeners have humorously noted that the less you pamper your houseplants, the more they thrive.

Some houseplants are, by nature, practically unkillable – they can withstand inconsistent watering, low-light, and general neglect. Most of these are inexpensive and common to get, meaning you won’t shed a few tears if you happen to kill one. If you’re a beginner seeking for some low-maintenance indoor plants that thrive on neglect, then these houseplants are for you.

Signs of Houseplant Stress

• Yellowing leaves indicate that your houseplant may be either overwatered or underwatered. Check the soil and replant in fresh soil if you suspect it’s been overwatered. For those that routinely forget to water their plants, the EZ self-watering planter ensures proper watering for everything from herbs to houseplants.  

• Brown spots on leaves are a sign that it may be suffering from overwatering and possibly root rot. Root rot and other pest issues can be combated with an organic fungicide. 

• Transplant shock can lead to a plant dropping its leaves. Minimize transplant shock by watering thoroughly after repotting. 

 

1. Snake Plant  

The snake plant is seemingly immortal, capable of surviving a slew of unfortunate incidents, including scorching sunlight, irregular watering, and cramped roots. In fact, they do well in crowded containers and like being root bound. It’s so low maintenance that it’s easy to forget that it exists. Although snake plants can tolerate low light, they thrive in bright light conditions. 

2. Spider Plant 

Spider plant is another plant that refuses to die. Like snake plants, they do fine in low light, though their growth won’t be as robust. Spider plants propagate via “plantlets,” or baby spider plants – part of their appeal is their masses of ribbony rosettes that they put out. If you’re short on space, you can display one in a hanging basket. 

3. Ponytail Palm    

Very forgiving of neglect, the ponytail palm fares the best when you pay little attention to it. With a bulbous trunk and cascading leaves, it brings an exotic element to the house. It prefers to dry out completely between waterings (this is one plant you don’t want to use a self-watering planter on), so it won’t shrivel and die if you forget about it. 

4. Cast-Iron Plant 

With steely fortitude concentrated in its leathery leaves, the cast-iron plant, Aspidistra elatior, is nearly indestructible. In zones 7 – 11, cast-iron plants can be grown outside for a lush border – avoid growing in direct sunlight, as it will blister and fry. Unlike most plants who will tolerate a wide range of light, it actually prefers deep shade, making it useful for those shady crevices in the house. 

5.  Begonia 

Many houseplants are on the dull side of things, with the exception of begonias. Tuberous begonias produce masses of exuberant flowers, perfect for late-season interest; even those without flowers exhibit bizarre spectacles, like polka dots. They thrive well with mild neglect, but aren’t as durable as snake plants or pothos. 

6. Spineless Yucca (Yucca elephantipes)

For a retro, laid-back look, this yucca fulfills all the requirements. Given its ability to grow up to 30 ft, it’s suited for sprawling spaces you want to fill up. Growing it in a pot and keeping it in a pot will constrain its size to about 5 ft. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings and give it full sun. 

7. Jade Plant 

Considered one of the easiest succulents to grow, jade plants are a stress-free experience for most gardeners. They need a lot of sun and very little water – overwatering can lead to the dreaded root rot. Water only when the leafy texture starts to shrivel, which can be up to a month in the dryer winters. 

8. Herbs 

Herbs may not be entirely able to withstand neglect, but they are easy for beginners to grow – many of them, like lemon balm, require almost no effort. With the EZ self-watering planter, you are now able to grow a medley of herbs in your kitchen or living room. One thing to note is that they require at least 6 hours of bright light, which can be supplemented with a grow light. 

9. Anthurium    

For a plant that doesn’t resemble those uninspiring, store-brought varieties, anthurium is a good option. With proper care, its glossy, crimson leaves will stay vibrant for months. There are even distinctive Candy Cane Anthuriums that bear a unique, splattered effect. It doesn’t need an overly elaborate potting mix – a well-draining, lightweight mixture composed of soil, perlite, and orchid bark will suffice. 

10. Bromeliads

Another plant with aesthetic appeal, bromeliads come in jeweled shades of red, pink, and yellow. They last for months, providing your home with statement interest. If your bromeliad has a “cup” that is formed by its leaves, fill the cup with water, as would occur naturally in a rainforest. When watering, be sure to use distilled or filtered water. 

11. Pothos 

One of the best ways to create the illusion of a jungle of houseplants is using pothos. The leaves cascade beautifully hanging from baskets or trailing down pots, blending in with other greenery. The Golden Pothos has been shown to remove toxins from the air, and even if it is a trace amount, it is still worthwhile to have in your home.