Many plants are promoted as low maintenance, promising easy care and a tough nature that fits perfectly into busy lifestyles. However, not all of these plants live up to that reputation. Sometimes, what seems like a simple, carefree plant can turn out to need more attention than you expected.
This article helps you identify 14 plants often called low maintenance but that may require extra care to thrive. Knowing this can save you time and frustration, especially if you’re counting on a plant that won’t need much from you.
Cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior)
You might think the cast iron plant is indestructible because it tolerates low light and neglect. However, it still needs consistent watering and occasional cleaning to avoid dust buildup on its leaves.
If you miss watering it for too long, the plant may show stress by yellowing leaves. So, even though it’s hardy, it’s not completely hands-off.
Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema)
You might think Chinese evergreen is a low-maintenance plant, but it needs more care than you expect. It prefers indirect light and can suffer if left in too dark or too bright spots.
Water it only when the top inch of soil feels dry to avoid root rot. Keep an eye out for pests like spider mites, especially in dry indoor air.
Dieffenbachia
You might think Dieffenbachia is low maintenance, but it needs more care than you expect. It thrives in medium to bright indirect light, so avoid placing it in very dark spots.
Watering should be consistent but not excessive; overwatering can easily harm it. Keep an eye on leaf health, as it’s sensitive to sudden changes in environment.
Peace lily (Spathiphyllum)
You might think the peace lily is low maintenance, but it needs more care than it seems. It prefers consistent watering and will quickly droop if neglected.
This plant also thrives best in moderate to low light but not complete darkness. If your space is too dark, it may stop blooming.
Pay attention to humidity. Dry air can stress the peace lily, so occasional misting can help keep it happy.
Philodendron
You might think a Philodendron is easy to care for because it’s often labeled low maintenance. While it does tolerate low light, it still needs consistent watering and proper humidity to thrive.
Overwatering is a common problem that can harm your plant. You’ll need to find a balance and let the soil dry out between waterings to keep your Philodendron healthy.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
You might think Pothos is an easy plant to care for. It does tolerate low light and infrequent watering, which helps.
But it still needs attention. If you forget to water for too long or place it in very dark spots, it may suffer.
Pothos can also grow quickly and get unruly without regular pruning. So, it’s not completely maintenance-free.
Prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura)
Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. They also appreciate warmth, so avoid placing them near drafts or cold windows. If conditions aren’t right, your plant may develop brown leaf edges or curl.
Snake plant (Sansevieria)
You might hear that snake plants are nearly impossible to kill, but they do need some care. They prefer indirect light, though they can tolerate low light for a while. Overwatering is a common mistake because they like their soil to dry out between waterings.
If you water too often, the roots can rot. It’s best to treat them like cacti and water sparingly, especially in winter. While they are low maintenance, ignoring your snake plant completely may slow its growth or cause problems.
ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
You might think the ZZ plant is foolproof, but it needs more attention than you’d expect. It tolerates low light but grows better with moderate indirect sunlight.
Watering can be tricky—too much and the roots may rot, too little and the leaves can yellow. Check your soil before watering to avoid overdoing it.
While it’s hardy, your ZZ plant still benefits from occasional cleaning of its glossy leaves to keep it healthy and looking good.
Aloe vera
You might think Aloe vera is easy because it tolerates drought, but it needs bright, indirect light to stay healthy. Too much direct sun can cause its leaves to turn brown.
Water your Aloe only when the soil is dry, but don’t let it sit in water. Overwatering leads to root rot, which can quickly harm your plant.
Your Aloe vera also prefers well-draining soil and occasional feeding during growing season to thrive. It’s low maintenance, but not no maintenance.
Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
You might think spider plants are easy, but they need consistent care to thrive. They prefer bright, indirect light and regular watering.
If you let the soil dry out completely or keep it too wet, the leaves may brown or wilt.
Spider plants also like occasional feeding and need repotting every couple of years to stay healthy.
Tradescantia
Tradescantia is often called low maintenance, but it needs regular watering and the right light to thrive. Too much direct sun can burn its leaves, while too little light leads to leggy growth.
You’ll want to check your plant regularly for pests like spider mites. Pruning helps keep its shape and promotes fuller growth. It’s forgiving, but not completely hands-off.
Dracaena
You might think Dracaena is easy to care for, but it needs more attention than you expect. It prefers bright, indirect light and consistent watering.
If you miss watering or place it in low light for too long, its leaves could turn brown or drop. Also, this plant is sensitive to fluoride in tap water, which can damage it.
African violet
African violets might seem low-maintenance at first. However, they need consistent bright, indirect light to thrive.
You also have to be careful with watering. Overwatering or getting water on the leaves can cause problems.
While they don’t need much fuss, they do require attention to their environment. So, they may not be the easiest for beginners.