Houseplants are not only beneficial for the air and the soul, but they can also be used for cooking if you decide to grow fragrant herbs and leafy greens. However, caring for houseplants can be a challenge, as many of us have inadvertently killed a fern or ficus shortly after bringing them home. But fear not, there are houseplants that are incredibly resilient and easy to keep alive. If you’re new to gardening or have a busy schedule that prevents you from watering regularly, you’ll want to fill your windowsills with hard-to-kill plants.
To help you choose the most durable houseplants, I consulted plant experts Rebecca Sterling and Puneet Sabharwal. Sterling is the resident plant expert for Easyplant, a brand that specializes in sleek self-watering planters. Sabharwal is the founder of Horti, a plant subscription service that focuses on easy-to-care-for plants that are hard to kill.
I asked both experts for their recommendations on plants that are nearly impossible to kill and how to care for them properly. Below are their suggestions for low-light plants, plants that don’t require frequent watering, and other resilient houseplants that are easy to care for.
1. ZZ Plant: This plant is known for its low maintenance and tolerance to neglect due to its rhizomes that store water. It prefers moist soil but not soggy, and should be watered every 7 to 14 days.
2. Parlor Palm: Great for beginners, this plant thrives in high humidity and should be kept in a humid environment to maintain its lush appearance.
3. Monstera: Known for its adaptability, this plant can survive in various conditions, including low light and high humidity. Water regularly, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
4. Hoya: These plants can last for decades and are resilient to lower humidity levels. They prefer bright, indirect light and require minimal pruning.
5. Aglaonema Siam Pink: Tolerant of low-light environments, this plant can adapt to various conditions and has a slow growth rate, requiring minimal maintenance.
6. Pothos: Considered one of the most indestructible houseplants, Pothos can survive in low-medium light and can tolerate neglect.
7. Snake Plant: Known for being drought tolerant, this plant can survive in both low-light and direct sunlight conditions.
8. Baby Rubber Plant: Easily propagated, this plant can store moisture in its fleshy stems and leaves. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
9. Philodendron Brasil: This vining plant does well in medium to bright indirect light and can tolerate low light conditions. Its variegation will become more vibrant with increased light exposure.
By choosing these resilient houseplants and following the care tips provided by the experts, you can enjoy a thriving indoor garden with minimal effort.