January 30, 2025

20+ Low Maintenance Houseplants for Any Home

I can’t count the number of times I’ve been asked about houseplants that require minimal care. We all want the beauty and life that plants bring to our homes but without the hard work.

It could be you’re a busy professional, a frequent traveler or just someone who’s, well, lazy. Whatever it is there’s lots of houseplants that thrive on very little attention.

So I’m going to bring you some of the most resilient and undemanding houseplants, each with its own unique charm and easy to care for needs.

Snake Plant

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Often referred to as “Mother-in-Law’s Tongue,” the snake plant is renowned for its hardiness. It tolerates various light conditions, from low to bright indirect light, and requires infrequent watering – typically every two to three weeks. On top of all that snake plants are known to purify indoor air by removing toxins.

ZZ Plant

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The ZZ plant is nearly indestructible. It thrives in low-light environments and can go for over a month without water thanks to its rhizomatous roots that store moisture. Its glossy and deep green leaves are very striking and combined with its low maintenance it’s become a favorite among busy individuals.

Pothos

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Pothos, with its trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves, is both attractive and adaptable. It flourishes in various lighting conditions, including low light, and forgives occasional neglect. Watering every one to two weeks is sufficient, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. It’s an excellent choice for adding greenery to shelves or hanging baskets.

Spider Plant

Spider plants are classic houseplants known for their ease of care. They prefer bright, indirect light but can adapt to lower light levels. Water them moderately, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. They also produce “spiderettes” or baby plants that can be propagated effortlessly.

Peace Lily

Peace lilies are not only low-maintenance but also bloom with elegant white flowers. They thrive in low to medium light conditions and prefer to be kept moist but not waterlogged. Beyond their lovely looks peace lilies help reduce indoor humidity and can combat mold growth, making them ideal for bathrooms.

Jade Plant

Jade plants are succulents with thick, glossy leaves that store water, allowing them to endure extended periods without moisture. They prefer bright light and should be watered sparingly, especially during the winter months. Their tree-like structure adds a touch of elegance to any space.

Rubber Plant

Rubber plants boast broad, shiny leaves and can adapt to various light environments, though they prefer bright, indirect light. They require moderate watering, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. These plants can grow quite tall so are suitable as floor plants in living areas.

Cast Iron Plant

True to its name the cast iron plant is nearly indestructible. It tolerates low light, temperature fluctuations, and irregular watering. With its lush, dark green foliage, it adds a touch of the tropics to any interior space.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a succulent known for its medicinal properties. It thrives in bright, indirect light and requires minimal watering – allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Beyond its ornamental value the gel inside its leaves can be used to soothe minor burns and skin irritations.

Philodendron

Philodendrons are versatile plants that come in both vining and non-climbing varieties. They adapt well to low-light conditions and prefer their soil to dry out between waterings. Their lush foliage brings a tropical feel to indoor environments.

Chinese Evergreen

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This plant is a champion in tolerating neglect and poor lighting. Its vibrant, patterned leaves come in shades of green, silver or even red and pink varieties. Water it sparingly and let the soil dry out between sessions. It’s also known to filter air pollutants, making it a great office or bedroom companion.

Parlor Palm

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The parlor palm adds a subtle tropical vibe with its feathery fronds. It thrives in low to medium light and only needs watering every couple of weeks. This slow growing plant is an ideal choice for small spaces and doesn’t demand frequent repotting.

Dracaena Marginata

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This dramatic, spiky plant is as easy going as they come. It tolerates a range of light conditions and needs watering only when the top inch of soil dries out. Its tall, thin stems make it a great vertical accent in a room.

Cactus

While succulents like jade and aloe vera get all the attention, classic cacti deserve a spot on this list. These spiky, low maintenance wonders thrive in bright light and need watering about once a month, if that. Choose from a range of shapes and sizes to suit your style.

Calathea

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Known for their striking, patterned leaves that fold up at night, Calatheas are excellent for low-light spaces. They prefer slightly higher humidity but are otherwise simple to care for with regular watering when the topsoil feels dry.

Fiddle Leaf Fig

Though it’s known for its stylish, large leaves, the fiddle leaf fig has a reputation for being a little dramatic. That said it can still be low maintenance if given consistent care: bright, indirect light and a once-weekly watering schedule. It’s a bold statement plant.

Lucky Bamboo

Lucky bamboo thrives in water, making it unique among other houseplants. Place its roots in a vase with pebbles and water making sure the water is changed every couple of weeks. It tolerates low light and is considered a symbol of good fortune.

Hoya

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With its thick, waxy leaves and occasional star-shaped flowers, hoya is an underrated gem. It loves bright, indirect light but can survive in dimmer conditions. Water it once the soil is dry and it will reward you with its stunning vines and fragrant blooms.

Dumb Cane

This tropical plant thrives in medium light and doesn’t need constant care. Its variegated leaves are showy, adding some real interest to any corner. Water sparingly and be sure to have good drainage as it dislikes sitting in soggy soil.

Bird’s Nest Fern

This unique fern has rippled, apple-green fronds that grow in a rosette shape. It’s easier to care for than other ferns, preferring indirect light and slightly moist soil. Its lush appearance works well for bathrooms or kitchens with some humidity.

Pilea Peperomioides

This quirky little plant is a favorite for its coin-shaped leaves. It thrives on indirect light and only needs watering when the soil feels dry. Bonus: It produces baby plants so you can propagate and share with friends!

Crown of Thorns

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For a houseplant with blooms the Crown of Thorns is almost impossible to beat. It’s a succulent so it tolerates drought easily, and its thorny stems paired with vibrant flowers make it a conversation starter.

Care Tips for Low-Maintenance Houseplants

While these plants are forgiving it’s always best to stick to some basic care principles so you can be sure they’ll thrive.

  • Light: Understand each plant’s light preferences. While many tolerate low light, some, like the jade plant and aloe vera, prefer brighter conditions.
  • Watering: Overwatering is a common mistake. It’s often better to underwater than overwater. Be sure your pots have drainage holes to prevent root rot.
  • Soil: Use well-draining soil mixes appropriate for each plant type. Succulents, for instance, benefit from sandy soils, while others prefer peat-based mixes.
  • Humidity and Temperature: Most houseplants prefer stable temperatures and some level of humidity. However, many on this list are adaptable to typical indoor conditions.
  • Fertilization: During the growing season (spring and summer), occasional feeding with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer can promote healthy growth.

Final Thoughts

Introducing low maintenance houseplants into your home is a rewarding way to add some life and personality without the stress of complicated care routines. The plants we’ve covered here offer a variety of shapes, sizes and benefits.

And the best part? These houseplants not only survive but thrive with just a little bit of attention. So they’re perfect for those of you with busy lifestyles or new to gardening. So pick a few that suit your style and let the power of plants transform your space with next to no effort.

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