Not everyone has a green thumb, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a home filled with lush greenery. Some houseplants are practically indestructible, thriving even in the care of the most forgetful plant owners. Whether your space is dark, your watering habits are inconsistent, or you tend to forget about your plants altogether, these hardy houseplants can handle it all. Here’s a list of resilient plants that will survive—and even thrive—on neglect.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
Snake plants are famous for their tolerance to low light and infrequent watering. They can survive in dim corners and even thrive on a north-facing windowsill. Their thick, upright leaves store water, making them resistant to drought. Overwatering is their only true enemy, so it’s best to let the soil dry out between waterings.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ plant is perfect for low-light spaces and forgetful owners. Its waxy, deep-green leaves store water, allowing it to go weeks without care. It tolerates dry air and low humidity, making it ideal for apartments or offices. Bonus: It also purifies the air.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is one of the easiest plants to grow. It thrives in low light but can also handle brighter spaces. Its trailing vines look great in hanging baskets or draped over shelves. Pothos can bounce back from missed waterings or occasional overwatering, making it nearly foolproof.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are highly adaptable and resilient. They tolerate low light and irregular watering schedules and even thrive in cool temperatures. They produce “pups” or baby plants, which can be propagated to grow new spider plants—perfect for plant lovers who want to share their greenery.
Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
True to its name, the cast iron plant is nearly indestructible. It can survive low light, cold drafts, and even neglectful watering. Its broad, dark-green leaves are a classic addition to any room, particularly in cooler, north-facing spaces.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The peace lily is a forgiving plant that droops dramatically to signal when it needs water. It thrives in low to medium light and tolerates overwatering better than most plants. With its glossy leaves and occasional white blooms, it adds elegance to any space.
Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
Rubber plants are hardy and can tolerate neglect, especially if grown in low to moderate light. They prefer to dry out slightly between waterings and can handle cooler temperatures. Their shiny, deep-green leaves make them a striking addition to any home. They will grow to the ceiling, if allowed.
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Jade plants are succulents that thrive on minimal care. They need bright light to grow vigorously but can survive in less-than-ideal conditions. They store water in their thick leaves, allowing them to tolerate missed waterings with ease.
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chinese evergreens are known for their tolerance of low light and humidity. They’re a great option for dim corners or bathrooms with minimal natural light. They require infrequent watering and can adapt to a variety of conditions.
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Boston ferns add a touch of lush greenery to any space and tolerate inconsistent watering. While they thrive in indirect light and higher humidity, they are surprisingly forgiving in less-than-ideal conditions, bouncing back from dry spells with a little care.
Even the worst plant owners can cultivate a lush home with these hardy houseplants. They’re low maintenance, forgiving, and adaptable, making them perfect for anyone looking to enjoy the beauty of greenery without the pressure of constant care. Pick a few from this list and watch your home transform into a thriving oasis. Ask for them by name at your local building centre.
