Keeping houseplants alive can feel like a challenge if you don’t have a green thumb or much time for care. Luckily, some plants are built to thrive even with minimal attention, making them perfect for anyone who tends to forget watering or struggles with plant care.
These 15 houseplants are so resilient that even the most forgetful or inexperienced plant owners find success with them. Whether you want to add a bit of greenery to your space or are looking for a low-maintenance way to freshen up your home, these plants can make it easy.
Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)
If you’re new to plants or tend to forget to water, the snake plant is a solid pick. It can survive low light and infrequent watering without much fuss.
These plants prefer bright, indirect sunlight but handle darker spots pretty well. Just avoid overwatering, and your snake plant will stay happy for a long time.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ plant is perfect if you’re new to houseplants or often forget to water. It can survive low light and doesn’t mind a little neglect.
Place it near a window with indirect light, and it’ll keep on growing without much fuss. Just avoid overwatering—let the soil dry out between waterings.
It also helps clean the air a bit, making your space feel fresher.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is a super easy plant to keep alive, even if you’re not great with houseplants. It can handle low light, so it works well almost anywhere in your home.
You don’t need to water it too often—just wait until the top few inches of soil feel dry. Its trailing vines and variegated leaves add a nice pop of green without much fuss.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The spider plant is super easy to care for, making it perfect if you’re new to houseplants. It tolerates a range of light conditions, from bright indirect light to some shade.
You don’t need to water it often; just let the soil dry out between watering. Plus, it grows little “pups” you can propagate to get more plants without much effort. Overall, it’s a forgiving and fast-growing option for your home.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace lilies are pretty forgiving if you give them some patience. They do well in low to medium light, but keep them out of full direct sun—it can burn their leaves.
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Too much water can drown them, so let the soil breathe between drinks. Once they settle in, they’ll brighten your space with their graceful white blooms.
Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
If you’ve struggled with houseplants before, the Cast Iron Plant should be on your list. It’s tough and can survive low light and irregular watering.
This plant doesn’t demand much attention, making it great for beginners or busy people. It’s also known for handling neglect better than most.
You don’t have to worry about it dying quickly, which means less stress for you and more greenery in your space.
Succulents (Various species)
Succulents are a great choice if you want low-maintenance plants. They store water in their leaves, so you don’t need to water them often.
They handle neglect well and can survive in different light conditions, but bright, indirect light is best. Plus, they add a cool, modern vibe to your space with their unique shapes.
Philodendron
If you’re new to houseplants, philodendrons are a solid choice. They don’t demand much light, so they work well in darker corners of your home.
You only need to water them when the top inch of soil feels dry. They’re pretty forgiving if you forget sometimes.
Their trailing vines add a nice touch to shelves or hanging planters, making your space look green without much effort.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a great choice if you’re new to houseplants or tend to forget watering. It’s tough and can survive with minimal care, making it nearly impossible to kill.
Plus, it offers some health perks—you can even use the gel for minor skin irritations. Give it bright, indirect light, and water sparingly to keep it happy.
Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
If you want a low-maintenance fern, the Bird’s Nest Fern is a solid pick. It does well in indirect light, so a north-facing window works.
You’ll want to keep the soil moist but not soggy. This fern appreciates humidity, so mist it occasionally if your home is dry.
Its large, glossy leaves add a nice touch without needing much fuss. Perfect if you’re not the best at plant care.
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
If you tend to forget watering or don’t have perfect lighting, Chinese Evergreen is a solid choice. It handles low light and irregular care without much fuss.
This plant has beautiful, glossy leaves with various colors, making it a nice addition to your space. It’s tough but looks good while being low maintenance. Perfect for beginners or busy folks who want greenery without the hassle.
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
If you’re looking for a tough plant, the Jade Plant is a solid pick. It’s a succulent with thick, fleshy leaves that store water, so it can handle some neglect.
You don’t need to water it often—just let the soil dry out between drinks. It loves bright light and can even handle some sun, which helps those leaves get a nice red edge.
Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
The Rubber Plant is tough and forgiving, perfect if you tend to forget watering sometimes. Its thick, glossy leaves add a nice pop of green to any room.
It can grow pretty tall but won’t rush to outgrow your space if light is limited. Plus, it resists pests well, making it a low-maintenance friend for your home.
Dracaena
If you’re new to houseplants, Dracaena is a solid pick. It handles low light and doesn’t mind if you forget to water now and then.
You’ll find many types, each with unique looks, but they all stay pretty tough. Just keep the soil slightly moist and avoid direct sunlight for the best results. Your space will look fresh with minimal effort.
Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
The Parlor Palm is a great choice if you want a low-maintenance indoor plant. It thrives in bright, indirect light but can handle lower light, making it perfect for many rooms.
Make sure your pot has good drainage and avoid overwatering. Let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings to keep your palm happy.
This palm grows slowly and adds a tropical vibe without demanding much attention. It’s hard to kill, even if you forget sometimes.