Not everyone has a green thumb, and that’s totally fine.
However, that doesn’t mean you and your living space can’t benefit from having a bit of greenery. You may not have a lot of time on your hands to deal with high-maintenance plants, and you may have a history of killing them the minute you bring them home, but it doesn’t have to be that way. If you’re after plants that will survive a bit of neglect and still look good, these are the ones you need.
Snake plants barely flinch if you forget to water them.
Snake plants, also known as Sansevieria, are absolute legends when it comes to being low maintenance. They can survive weeks without water, handle low light, and generally just get on with life without much fuss. Their tall, striking leaves also make them look effortlessly stylish, adding a bit of drama to any corner of your home.
Even if you leave one in a shady spot and completely forget about it, chances are it will still be standing strong. They’re great for beginners or busy people who want something green but don’t want the stress of constant care. Plus, they help purify the air, so it’s a win-win.
Spider plants will thrive even if you’re a little forgetful.
Spider plants are the ultimate “set it and forget it” houseplant. They’re incredibly forgiving, bounce back quickly if they get a bit dry, and aren’t fussy about where you put them. Their long, arching leaves look great hanging in baskets or perched on a shelf, giving your space a relaxed, lush vibe without much effort.
One of the best things about spider plants is how easily they produce little offshoots, or “babies,” that you can replant if you fancy a mini jungle. They’re pretty hard to upset and will still look cheerful even if you miss a watering here and there.
Pothos plants are basically indestructible.
Pothos plants, sometimes called Devil’s Ivy, are famous for being almost impossible to kill. They tolerate low light, irregular watering, and still manage to grow like crazy, trailing beautifully from shelves or hanging pots. Their heart-shaped leaves come in a few different colours, too, so you can find one that fits your vibe perfectly.
Even if you completely forget about them for a while, they’re usually quick to forgive once you give them a bit of water. Pothos are also really easy to propagate, meaning you can snip a stem, pop it in water, and before you know it, you’ve got even more leafy friends to share around.
ZZ plants are the champions of neglect.
ZZ plants (short for Zamioculcas zamiifolia, but who has time to say that?) are practically invincible. They have thick, waxy leaves that store water, meaning they can go ages without a drink and still look ridiculously good. They don’t need much light, either, so they’re perfect for darker corners where other plants might struggle.
If you’re someone who forgets about your plants for a month at a time, a ZZ plant won’t hold a grudge. They just carry on, looking glossy and happy with almost no effort from you. They’re basically the ultimate low-effort, high-reward houseplant.
Peace lilies are surprisingly easy-going despite their fancy look.
Peace lilies look like they should be high maintenance with their glossy leaves and elegant white blooms, but they’re actually pretty chill. They’ll droop dramatically if they get too dry, but it’s like their polite way of reminding you they need water—and as soon as you do, they perk right back up.
They also do well in low to medium light and aren’t fussy about fancy fertilisers or strict watering schedules. If you want something that looks like you know what you’re doing without actually needing expert skills, a peace lily is the way to go.
Cast iron plants live up to their tough name.
True to their name, cast iron plants are nearly impossible to kill. They’re super tough, happy in low light, and aren’t bothered if you sometimes forget to water them. Their dark green, glossy leaves give a lovely, calming vibe to any room without demanding much from you in return.
They’re a brilliant choice for anyone who wants greenery but doesn’t have the time or energy to worry about finicky plant needs. They just quietly do their thing, growing slowly but surely, and asking for very little in return. Low stress and lots of reward—what more could you want?
Aloe vera plants are both useful and hard to kill.
Aloe vera plants are a dream for anyone who wants something easy that looks good and is genuinely useful. They love bright light and don’t need a lot of watering. In fact, they prefer it if you leave them alone most of the time. Overwatering is pretty much the only thing that can upset them.
Besides being low effort, aloe plants are handy to have around. Snap off a leaf, and you’ve got a natural remedy for burns or dry skin right there. They’re like the low-maintenance friend who also happens to be incredibly helpful whenever you need them.
Rubber plants can survive a bit of tough love.
Rubber plants are great if you want something a little bigger and bolder that won’t keel over at the first sign of neglect. They like bright, indirect light but can cope if things aren’t perfect, and they don’t mind drying out a bit between waterings. They’re also pretty forgiving if you move them around the house trying to find the right spot.
Once they settle in, they can grow quite tall, giving you a real indoor tree feel without needing a ton of attention. They’re perfect for filling empty corners and making a statement without adding a massive workload to your life.
Jade plants prefer it when you forget about them.
Jade plants, sometimes called money trees, are succulent-style plants that actually thrive on a bit of neglect. They store water in their thick, fleshy leaves, meaning you can skip a few watering sessions without any drama. They like bright light but can handle slightly less if needed, making them super adaptable.
If you want something that’s low-effort but still grows into a beautiful, sturdy little plant, jade plants are perfect. They even have a bit of symbolism attached to them, supposedly bringing good luck and prosperity, which certainly doesn’t hurt when you’re starting your indoor garden journey.
Dracaena plants keep going even when conditions aren’t perfect.
Dracaena plants are a brilliant choice for anyone who wants something tall, striking, and fuss-free. They’re not too picky about light or water, and they’re pretty forgiving if you occasionally forget about them. With their spiky leaves and upright growth, they add a bit of drama to any room without much effort on your part.
They’re also great air purifiers, quietly helping to improve your indoor air quality while looking good. Whether you go for the classic Dragon Tree variety or one of the striped types, you’ll get a plant that doesn’t mind a few ups and downs and still keeps looking strong.
Chinese evergreens are nearly impossible to mess up.
Chinese evergreens are practically made for people who worry about keeping plants alive. They can tolerate low light, inconsistent watering, and even less-than-perfect humidity levels. Plus, they come in loads of lovely varieties with different patterns and colours, so you can easily find one that suits your style.
They’re the kind of plant that just quietly gets on with things, looking good, without demanding anything in return. If you’re nervous about getting your first houseplant, or you’ve had a few casualties in the past, a Chinese evergreen is the plant that’ll restore your confidence.
Philodendrons will forgive pretty much any mistake.
Philodendrons are another brilliant choice for anyone looking for something easy and forgiving. Whether you pick a climbing type or a bushier one, they’re incredibly adaptable and can handle lower light levels and irregular watering without throwing a fit. They grow fast too, which is always a nice bonus when you’re looking to fill out a space quickly.
They’re not too fussy about where you put them, and they’ll often just keep growing, no matter what you throw at them. If you want something that feels lush and tropical without needing a degree in horticulture, a philodendron is definitely the way to go.
