You don’t need a green thumb or a greenhouse to grow a lush jungle indoors. All you need is a few trusty plants that don’t care if you forget them for a week. Maybe two. There are these magical leafy friends that thrive on the kind of attention you give your keys—barely any. And yet, they show up, grow up, and glow up.
Let’s not waste breath on fussy foliage. We’re diving into the hardy houseplants that just get it.
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Some call it Mother-in-law’s Tongue. Bit rude, but honestly, kinda fitting. It’s sharp, tall, dramatic—and doesn’t need your drama back.
This plant doesn’t flinch if you miss a watering or five. It stores water in its thick, upright leaves and can grow in both dark corners and sun-splashed sills. You can ignore it for weeks. It’ll still stand there like a warrior, waving its green swords.
What’s wild is it even purifies the air while you forget it exists. Like a roommate that pays rent on time and doesn’t talk. Dreamy.
2. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
You want trailing vines that don’t throw tantrums? Get you a pothos. It’s the chill friend who doesn’t text back but is always glad to see you.
Pop it in a hanging pot or let it tumble off a bookshelf. It doesn’t care. Fluorescent light, bright light, a little shadowy nook—sure. It’ll thrive.
Give it a drink when the soil feels dry. That’s it. It’ll grow like it’s got somewhere to be. And the best part? Snip a vine, stick it in water, and boom—a new plant’s born. Free decor, baby.
3. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
This one? Practically plastic. But in the chicest, most alive way.
The ZZ plant is glossy, dark green, and couldn’t care less about your chaotic schedule. It grows slow, but strong, like it’s thinking about things. It can sit in low light and needs water maybe twice a month. Maybe less, honestly.
You could go on vacation, come back, and it’ll look at you like, “Oh hey, you live here?” Not needy. Not dramatic. Just there. Like a leafy little rock of emotional stability.
4. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The name says it all. It’s peaceful. It’s quiet. It just wants to chill.
Now, listen—peace lilies will droop when thirsty. But don’t freak out. It’s not dying. It’s just being a little dramatic to get your attention. A splash of water, and it perks up like it never happened. Classic drama queen energy.
Bonus? It gives you flowers. White ones that look like little flags of surrender. Low light? No problem. Forgetful owner? Still fine. This plant forgives and flourishes.
5. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
It shoots out babies like it’s on a mission. These “spiderettes” dangle like green fireworks, and they’re adorable.
The spider plant thrives in indirect light and isn’t picky about humidity or temperature. You can neglect it, and it might just throw you more babies as if to say, “I gotchu.”
You can pot the little offshoots to grow new plants—like free housewarming gifts. Or start your own green empire. It’s a giver, this one.
6. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
Cast. Iron. You get the vibe, yeah?
This plant has seen things. Survived them. Your dim living room or overzealous heating system ain’t gonna break it. It’s slow-growing, dark green, and practically immune to neglect.
You can go weeks—weeks—without watering it. And it’ll still be there. Dusty, probably, but alive. A loyal old-timer with zero expectations.
7. Aloe Vera
Soothing. Simple. Spiky but sweet.
Aloe vera is that desert friend who never asks for much. Just some sunlight and a little water now and then. Too much water and it’ll throw a fit, so dry neglect is better than over-loving this one.
Plus, you get that bonus: the healing gel inside the leaves. Sunburn? Kitchen accident? Snip a leaf, squeeze it, and feel fancy. Like a witchy herbalist in your own kitchen.
8. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Low light? Dry air? Meh, it shrugs. This plant could live in a shoebox and still look fabulous.
Its leaves come in splashy patterns—silver, green, sometimes even pink or red. It doesn’t need a greenhouse to be glamorous. It just is. Give it water once the top inch of soil feels dry. Don’t fuss.
It grows slowly, but every new leaf feels like a tiny surprise. A little “hey, I’m still here” from the universe.
9. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
Glossy. Bold. Kinda moody, in a good way.
This one needs a touch more light than the others, but not loads. A bright room, not direct sun. It likes to dry out a bit between drinks. If you forget to water it, it might drop a leaf in protest, but don’t panic—it’s just being dramatic. It’ll bounce back.
Let it grow tall, or prune it to keep it short and bushy. Your choice. It’s a stylish houseplant with main-character energy.
10. Philodendron (Heartleaf or Brasil)
This one loves you even when you don’t deserve it. Truly.
The heart-shaped leaves are soft, green, and forgiving. It grows fast, and vines out like it’s trying to hug the world. Stick it in low light or filtered sunlight—it’ll adjust. Miss a watering? It shrugs. Overwatered once? Meh, forgiven.
It just wants to grow. That’s its whole personality. And if you forget it’s there? It doesn’t hold grudges.
11. Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)
Big, splashy leaves. Kinda looks like it’s been hand-painted by someone dramatic.
Dieffenbachia is the diva of the easy-care world. It’s low effort, but it shows off like it’s high maintenance. Give it indirect light and water it when the top inch of soil feels dry. That’s it. No special rituals.
One weird thing—don’t chew on it. Seriously. It’s toxic if eaten, especially for pets or curious toddlers. So keep it up high if you’ve got tiny teeth around.
12. Dracaena Marginata (Dragon Tree)
Spiky. Sculptural. Slightly gothic in the best way.
Dracaena marginata has thin, sword-like leaves edged in red. It looks like it listens to alt-rock and doesn’t text back. But it’s one of the chillest plants out there.
Low light? Fine. Skipped watering? Not ideal, but forgiven. This one likes dry soil more than wet. And it grows tall if you let it. Like, ceiling-kissing tall.
13. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
It’s not a palm. It’s not a ponytail. But it’s still adorable.
This quirky plant stores water in its bulbous trunk, so it can go weeks without a drink. The curly, wild leaves spill out like bedhead, and you won’t need to trim or train them. Just let it be messy.
Put it in bright light if you can. It’ll love that. But it won’t cry in a corner if it gets a little less.
14. Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
This one’s all ruffles and softness. It looks delicate, but it’s a survivor.
Bird’s Nest Fern doesn’t like direct sunlight—it’ll crisp up like overcooked bacon. But indirect light? Perfect. Slightly moist soil? Even better. And it actually likes humidity, so it’s great for your bathroom or next to the kitchen sink.
It won’t get huge, but it fills its space like a plush pillow of green.
15. Hoya (Hoya carnosa)
They call it the wax plant, but don’t let that fool you. It’s not fake—it’s just that smooth.
Hoya has thick, shiny leaves and sometimes grows clusters of star-shaped, scented flowers. But it doesn’t need constant care to do all that. It just… exists. You water it when you remember. Let it dry out. Give it some light. That’s the contract.
Some varieties even trail like vines, others grow bushy. It’s a flexible friend.
16. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Old-school succulent vibes. But don’t sleep on it.
Jade is chunky, charming, and pretty much unbothered by your messy lifestyle. It loves sun, but it’ll tolerate a little shade too. Just don’t drown it—it hates wet roots.
Some people say it brings good luck and money. Not scientifically proven, but hey, worth a shot, right?
17. Rattlesnake Plant (Calathea lancifolia)
The name’s a little intense, but it’s not dangerous—just stylish.
This plant has wavy leaves with dark spots that look painted on. At night, the leaves fold up like hands in prayer. That’s not just cute, that’s science (nyctinasty, if you wanna sound smart).
It’s a bit more humidity-loving than others, but it still counts as low maintenance if your house isn’t bone dry. Mist it once in a while and it’ll strut its stuff like it’s on a catwalk.
18. Peperomia (Peperomia obtusifolia)
Tiny. Round. Plump. Kinda like the houseplant version of a cartoon sidekick.
Peperomia has thick, rubbery leaves that hold water, so you don’t have to. It’s not fussy about light, and it won’t grow wild. Just sits there, being cute.
It’s perfect for desks, shelves, or anywhere you want a little punch of green without the commitment of a jungle.
19. Nerve Plant (Fittonia albivenis)
Bright pink or white veins running across deep green leaves—like someone went wild with a highlighter.
It’s tiny and a lil dramatic if you forget to water it. It’ll faint, full-on flop over. But splash it with water and 30 minutes later? Resurrection. Like nothing happened.
Best kept in lower light with slightly moist soil. It thrives in terrariums too, if you’re into that tiny forest vibe.
20. Oxalis Triangularis (Purple Shamrock)
This one looks like a bunch of purple butterflies taking a nap.
Oxalis opens its leaves during the day and closes them at night. It’s weird. It’s wonderful. And it’s pretty easy to keep happy. Bright indirect light and a bit of water when the soil feels dry.
Bonus: it grows from bulbs, so if it ever goes dormant, don’t freak out. It’ll come back like a seasonal miracle.
But What Makes a Plant Truly “Low Maintenance”?
It ain’t just about not watering it.
A low-maintenance plant is one that forgives. It’s about flexibility. About a plant that doesn’t get clingy or make you feel guilty. It thrives when you forget it. Or at least doesn’t throw a tantrum.
Look for these traits:
- Doesn’t need daily watering
- Doesn’t demand direct sunlight
- Can handle dry indoor air
- Isn’t prone to pests
- Doesn’t wilt dramatically when ignored
And bonus points if it cleans your air while sitting there, looking pretty.
Watering Tips You Didn’t Ask For But Might Need
Here’s the deal—overwatering kills more plants than underwatering ever will. Most of these leafy legends prefer to dry out between waterings.
Stick your finger in the soil. If it’s dry two inches down, give it a drink. If not, walk away. Repeat after me: soggy soil is the enemy.
And don’t let the pot sit in water. Roots hate wet feet. Think of it like walking around in soggy socks. Nobody wants that.
Light Isn’t Just Light—It’s Mood
When a plant says “low light,” it doesn’t mean no light. Plants aren’t mushrooms. They still need a lil’ sun to photosynthesize, aka their version of coffee.
A north-facing window, a few feet from a bright spot, or even near a lamp for a few hours a day—these work. You don’t need full sun. Just vibes.
If your plant starts getting leggy—long stems, few leaves—it’s screaming, “I’m starving for light!” Move it closer to a brighter spot.
Final Thoughts from a Forgetful Plant Parent
You can love plants and still be bad at taking care of them. That’s real. That’s me. But the beauty of these ten is they don’t need you to be perfect. They just need you to show up… every now and then.
You don’t need a degree in botany. You just need a corner and a pot. And maybe a reminder app.
The thing is, these plants make your space better. Greener. Softer. More alive. And they do it quietly. No buzzing, no alerts. Just vibes.
So go ahead. Pick a few. Forget them sometimes. Water them when you remember. Watch them forgive you and grow anyway.
That’s the kinda energy we all need more of, isn’t it?
FAQs
What are the best low maintenance indoor plants for beginners?
Snake Plant, Pothos, ZZ Plant, and Spider Plant are great beginner-friendly options.
How often should I water low maintenance indoor plants?
Most need watering every 2–3 weeks, depending on light and humidity.
Can low maintenance plants survive in low light?
Yes, many like ZZ Plant, Pothos, and Cast Iron Plant thrive in low light.
Do low maintenance plants clean the air?
Yes, plants like Snake Plant and Peace Lily help purify indoor air.
Are any of these plants pet-safe?
Some, like Spider Plant and Ponytail Palm, are non-toxic, but always double-check.
Can I grow these plants without natural sunlight?
Yes, most do well with indirect or artificial light.
Which plant needs the least watering?
ZZ Plant, Ponytail Palm, and Jade Plant are super drought-tolerant.
What’s the easiest plant to propagate?
Pothos and Spider Plant are very easy to propagate in water.
Will these plants work in a small apartment?
Absolutely—many like Peperomia and Nerve Plant are compact and perfect for small spaces.
Are these plants okay for bathrooms or humid areas?
Yes, Bird’s Nest Fern, Peace Lily, and Calathea love humidity.
Emma is a passionate home decor enthusiast and the voice behind Home Evoke. With a keen eye for design and a love for transforming spaces, she shares her expertise and creative ideas to help others create beautiful, functional homes. Through her blog, Emma inspires readers with practical tips, trend insights, and DIY projects that make home styling effortless and enjoyable.