Indoor plants don’t have to be high-maintenance or intimidating. You don’t need gardening experience, expensive tools, or constant attention to keep them alive. Some plants are naturally resilient and can handle missed waterings, low light, and general neglect. If you want to bring greenery into your home without turning it into a full-time job, these are the plants to start with. These easy houseplants are reliable, low-effort, and forgiving—even if you’ve killed every plant you’ve owned before.
7 Easy Houseplants to Keep Alive
Snake Plant
The snake plant is almost impossible to mess up. It thrives on infrequent watering and tolerates low light better than most houseplants. The tall, upright leaves give it a clean look that works in any room. It doesn’t care if you’re gone for a few days or if the light shifts during the year. Just leave it alone, and it will grow.
ZZ Plant
If you’ve got a dark corner or a windowless office, the ZZ plant belongs there. It handles low light and low humidity without any trouble. The thick, waxy leaves store water, so you can forget to water it for weeks and it’ll still be fine. It grows slowly but always looks healthy.
Pothos
Pothos is one of the most adaptable houseplants out there. It grows quickly, it doesn’t need direct sunlight, and it’s fine if you forget to water it now and then. You can hang it in a basket or let it trail across a shelf. It’s easy to clip and propagate, too, so you can grow new plants without spending more money.
Spider Plant
Spider plants are a great choice for beginners and busy households. They handle a wide range of conditions and bounce back fast if you miss a watering or two. Once they’re established, they produce baby plants that you can clip and replant. They’re also non-toxic to pets, which makes them a safer option for homes with animals.
Peace Lily
Peace lilies look polished with their dark leaves and white blooms, but they’re surprisingly low-effort. They’ll tolerate low light, and they give you a clear sign when they’re thirsty—the leaves droop slightly, then perk back up once you water them. They also help clean the air, which is a bonus.
Cast Iron Plant
The cast iron plant lives up to its name. It grows slowly, but it’s nearly indestructible. It handles low light, dry air, and inconsistent care without complaint. If you want something for a room that doesn’t get much attention, this is one of the toughest options you can find.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a smart pick if you want something practical and easy to maintain. It likes bright light and doesn’t need frequent watering. Just let the soil dry out completely between waterings. The leaves are filled with a cooling gel that can be used on burns or skin irritations, so it’s practical too.
Indestructible Plants For the Win
These plants don’t demand constant attention. They’re built to survive in a range of environments, and they don’t punish you for getting off schedule. You don’t need to keep a watering calendar or track humidity levels. If you forget about them for a while, they’ll still be there, growing quietly in the background.
They also make it easier to build confidence. If you’ve struggled with houseplants before, starting with one of these options gives you a better shot at success. Once you’ve kept one alive, it’s easier to branch out to others. But even if you stick with just these, your home will still look greener and more inviting.
FAQs on Easy Houseplants
What kind of light do these plants need?
Most of these plants handle low to moderate light well. They don’t need direct sunlight. Bright, indirect light is ideal, but many will still grow in shady areas.
How often should I water them?
In general, let the top inch or two of soil dry out before watering again. Overwatering is a bigger problem than underwatering for most of these.
Do I need to repot them right away?
No. Most come in containers that will work for a while. When the roots start to outgrow the pot or the plant looks cramped, that’s the time to upgrade.
Are any of these plants safe for pets?
Spider plants are safe. Others, like aloe and peace lilies, are toxic to pets if eaten. Always check before bringing a plant home if you have animals.
What’s the best plant for someone who always forgets to water?
Start with a snake plant or ZZ plant. Both can go weeks without water and still look good.
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