Let’s face it… the number one reason why people don’t have indoor plants is because all of their plants die. But here’s a secret… anyone can keep a plant alive if they get one of these hard to kill houseplants! They are also all very low maintenance plants, so they’re great for those of us who are lazy and don’t want to take the time to worry about one more living thing! Fortunately, fitting the right plant to the right person is the very first step to having success. So if you’re one of those ‘I can’t ever keep my plants alive’ people, or even one of those ‘I don’t want to have to worry’ people, then please be willing to try one more time! Pick one of the plants listed below and enjoy the benefits that you can get from having an indoor plant (without the stress)!
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#1: Devil’s Ivy (Pothos) – Epipremnum aureum
I’ve mentioned in all my posts about Devil’s Ivy that this guy is so easy to keep alive. And it is! It can grow in straight water if you want, or it can go pretty dry without dying. I’ve had this plant go multiple times without water, leaving the leaves all wilted. But as soon as it gets another drink, it perks right back up and keeps on going! I’ve also seen chunks of the plant ripped out, leaving exposed roots in the dry air (a result of some very intrigued kids). I’ve just stuck them back in the soil and they’ve kept right on going! Now that’s one pretty tough vine! For care information, check out my post, Pothos Vine Care! Find it here!
#2: Heartleaf Philodendron – Philodendron cordatum
Just like the Devil’s Ivy, Heartleaf Philodendron can also take a lot of abuse and neglect. Both vines do well in low light conditions, and both can either run a bit moist, or a bit dry. I’ve also seen them planted together and they both seem to do equally well. So if you want to buy one of these vines, just pick a variety that you like, then watch as it thrives in your care! Find it here!
#3: English Ivy – Hedera helix
The last of the vines on my list, English Ivy is also as tough as it comes. It does do better with a little bit of light, but even in low light conditions it will still grow extremely well. In low light it tends to spread its leaves a bit farther apart on the vine. This is also one I’ve seen pulled out by its roots (crazy kids!). It was even a bit dried up by the time I noticed it. But, with simply sticking it back in the soil and giving it a bit of water, it survived the whole ordeal. This is another tough vine! Find it here!
#4: Lucky Bamboo – Dracaena braunii, a.k.a. Dracaena sanderiana
This is a great plant for all those who either love their plant to death (by constantly watering it), or for those who never notice that their plant hasn’t been watered in two weeks. The Lucky Bamboo can be grown in straight water with rocks or gravel to hold it upright. The benefits to this is that it can be put in a clear vase where you can see exactly how much water it has. So with a quick glance you can be assured that it either needs more water, or has had quite enough. No second guessing, and no overwatering or underwatering issues! So easy! For care tips, check out my post Lucky Bamboo Plant Care! Find it here!
#5: Spider Plant – Chlorophytum comosum
The Spider Plant is a dorm room favorite as it has low light requirements, doesn’t take up a lot of space, and can fit a college student’s lifestyle. That being said, it is an easy go-to plant for anyone admiring its striped, grass-like foliage! The small shoots that it sends off (called pups) can either be left hanging, or cut off and individually potted. They also make great gifts for others who need an easy-to-take-care-of plant! For care information, check out my post Spider Plant Care. Or purchase one here!
#6: Peace Lily – Spathiphyllum
One of the highest rated by NASA for its air purifying abilities, this plant has it all! Not only does it reduce indoor toxins, but it also has low light requirements, is very low maintenance, and can also be slightly forgotten. Peace lily plants can survive on about one watering per week. Or you can play it by ear and once the leaves start to get droopy, water deeply. Then watch as it perks right back up! This is definitely a good choice for those who want cleaner air and also don’t want the hassle of maintaining a set watering schedule. Find it here!
#7: Snake Plant – Sansevieria trifasciata
This is one of the plants that is commonly found in shopping centers. And do you know why? Because it is extremely forgiving. I’ve seen some plants with leaves shredded, trash thrown into it, and incredibly dry soil. Yet they still survive! These ‘mall plants’ all have low light requirements, pretty drought tolerant, and can stand up to a lot of abuse. Plus, I just love the compact, sleek lines that this plant brings to any room! For care information, check out my post Snake Plant Care! Or purchase one here!
#8: Cast Iron Plant – Aspidistra elatior
Another of the ‘mall plants’, the Cast Iron Plant can be grown in a round pot for a bush effect, or (a personal favorite) in a rectangular pot as more of a separating hedge or a green wall. It is found widely used in commercial plantings, but can sometimes be a little harder to find at the local garden center. But it is still definitely worth looking for! Find it here!
#9: ZZ Plant – Zamioculcas zamiifolia
The last of the ‘mall plants’ on my list today, the ZZ plant has a very distinctive look that will add a modern type of architecture to any space! The only caution is do not overwater this plant. So if you are one of those people who love their plant to death (via constant watering), then I would suggest the Lucky Bamboo instead. However, if you’re one of those people who forgets about their plants, only to find them dried up and dead a few days later, well then this is the plant for you! Find it here!
#10: Aloe Vera Plant – Aloe vera
Just like the ZZ Plant, the Aloe Vera plant likes to stay a little more on the dry side. This doesn’t mean that it doesn’t need to be watered. Instead, notice that if the soil is still wet, then do not water it! This plant is also a great air purifier, as well as has various medicinal properties. A great plant for anyone looking for something that can handle a bit of neglect, as well as gives you many different benefits to having it. For care information, check out my post Aloe Plant Care! Or purchase one here!
Well that’s my list of top ten easiest plants to keep alive! Let me know how it goes! And remember, with a bit of knowledge, anyone can go from a ‘black thumb’ to a green one!
Happy digging!
*If you liked this post, check out my post with 10 More Hard-to-Kill Houseplants!