21 Low-Maintenance Houseplants Most Likely to Survive All Year Long!
If you’re looking to bring a touch of nature into your home but aren’t the best at plant care, don’t worry! There are plenty of low-maintenance houseplants that are incredibly resilient and can thrive year-round with minimal attention.
Whether you’re a beginner or someone with a less-than-green thumb, these easy-care indoor plants are the perfect solution.
Below is a list of 21 low-maintenance houseplants that can survive all year long with just a little love and care.
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
One of the most low-maintenance houseplants available, the snake plant is perfect for those with busy lives.
Known for its upright, sword-like leaves, this plant can tolerate a variety of lighting conditions, from bright indirect light to low-light spaces. It also requires infrequent watering, as it can survive drought-like conditions.
Key care tips:
- Water only when the soil is dry.
- Thrives in temperatures between 60°F–85°F (15°C–29°C).
- Minimal pruning needed.
2. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The spider plant is another easy-care indoor plant that makes an excellent addition to any room. It is a hardy plant that grows long, arching leaves and produces small white flowers. The spider plant thrives in moderate to bright light and doesn’t require frequent watering.
Key care tips:
- Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Can adapt to a variety of lighting conditions.
- Prune off dead leaves to keep the plant looking tidy.
3. Aloe Vera
Not only is aloe vera a useful plant for its medicinal properties, but it is also incredibly easy to care for. With its thick, fleshy leaves, it stores water, making it very drought-tolerant. This succulent plant does well in bright light and thrives on neglect, needing very little water.
Key care tips:
- Water only when the soil is completely dry.
- Ensure it gets plenty of sunlight.
- Prefers warm temperatures but can survive in cooler environments.
4. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ plant is a true survivor, capable of thriving in low light and with little water. Its waxy, dark green leaves make it an attractive addition to any space, and its resilience makes it perfect for beginners or busy individuals.
Key care tips:
- Water sparingly; it’s best to wait until the soil has completely dried.
- Tolerates low-light environments.
- Keep away from drafts or extremely cold temperatures.
5. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance houseplant that can grow in almost any condition, pothos is the way to go.
This vine plant with heart-shaped leaves is forgiving when it comes to water and light requirements, making it an excellent choice for those who struggle to remember regular care.
Key care tips:
- Water when the soil is dry to the touch.
- Thrives in low light but prefers bright, indirect light.
- Pinch back growth regularly to encourage a fuller appearance.
6. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The peace lily is a stunning houseplant known for its white, elegant blooms. While it prefers indirect sunlight, it’s very forgiving of neglect. It can survive in low light and doesn’t require constant attention, making it a great choice for new plant owners.
Key care tips:
- Water when the soil feels dry to the touch.
- Can tolerate low light but will flower more in brighter areas.
- Mist leaves occasionally to keep them shiny and clean.
7. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
True to its name, the cast iron plant is incredibly tough and can handle low light, neglect, and inconsistent watering. It features broad, deep green leaves and adds a lush, vibrant touch to your home without much effort.
Key care tips:
- Water when the soil is dry.
- Thrives in low to moderate light conditions.
- Occasionally dust the leaves to keep them looking fresh.
8. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
The rubber plant is another popular low-maintenance houseplant that can grow tall and impressive. Its large, glossy leaves make it an eye-catching addition to any room. It thrives in bright, indirect light but can also handle lower-light areas with some adjustments in care.
Key care tips:
- Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Prefers indirect light but can adapt to low light.
- Clean leaves occasionally to ensure proper photosynthesis.
9. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
If you want to add some greenery to your walls or shelves, English ivy is the perfect choice. This plant is a fast-growing vine that requires minimal care and can thrive in low-light conditions. Its trailing growth makes it ideal for hanging baskets or planters.
Key care tips:
- Water when the soil is dry.
- Prefers cool to moderate temperatures.
- Prune regularly to prevent overgrowth.
10. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
The Chinese evergreen is a hardy and attractive plant that can tolerate low light, dry air, and neglect. Its variegated leaves come in a range of colors, from silver to deep green, adding a beautiful touch to any indoor space.
Key care tips:
- Water when the soil is dry.
- Tolerates low light but thrives in moderate light.
- Keep away from drafts and air conditioners.
11. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
A popular succulent, the jade plant is not only a low-maintenance houseplant, but it’s also said to bring good luck! With its thick, fleshy leaves, it stores water, making it drought-tolerant and easy to care for.
Key care tips:
- Water when the soil is dry.
- Needs bright, indirect light.
- Can handle a variety of temperatures, but avoid extreme cold.
12. Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
The bird’s nest fern is a non-flowering fern that thrives in bright, indirect light. It has glossy, wavy leaves and is very tolerant of different indoor conditions. It’s a great option for those who love the look of ferns but want something that’s easy to care for.
Key care tips:
- Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
- Prefers indirect, bright light.
- Mist occasionally to keep humidity levels up.
13. Dracaena
With its striking appearance and varied leaf patterns, the dracaena is an excellent choice for beginners. This plant is very adaptable and can survive in various light conditions, from bright indirect light to lower-light spaces.
Key care tips:
- Water when the soil is dry.
- Thrives in moderate light conditions.
- Avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot.
14. Aloe Vera
Not only is Aloe Vera a valuable plant for its skin-healing properties, but it is also known for being a low-maintenance plant that thrives in dry environments. It requires minimal water and prefers bright light, making it a great option for a sunny windowsill.
Key care tips:
- Water sparingly when the soil is dry.
- Keep in a sunny spot to encourage growth.
- Ensure the pot has good drainage.
15. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
A very forgiving plant, the parlor palm is an elegant indoor plant with feathery fronds. It’s perfect for low-light spaces and requires very little maintenance, making it a top choice for apartment dwellers and those new to plant care.
Key care tips:
- Water when the top layer of soil feels dry.
- Thrives in low light but prefers moderate, indirect light.
- Occasional pruning may be needed to keep the fronds healthy.
16. Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)
Philodendron plants are known for their heart-shaped leaves and trailing vines, making them ideal for hanging baskets or as tabletop plants. They are incredibly easy to grow and can tolerate low light and infrequent watering.
Key care tips:
- Water when the soil is dry.
- Thrives in moderate to bright indirect light.
- Prune to encourage bushy growth.
17. Cactus
A low-maintenance succulent, cactus plants are perfect for anyone looking to add greenery to their home without the hassle of regular care. These plants love bright light and don’t require much watering.
Key care tips:
- Water when the soil is completely dry.
- Place in bright, direct light for best growth.
- Ensure good drainage to avoid root rot.
18. Calathea (Calathea spp.)
With its striking foliage and vibrant colors, the calathea plant adds beauty to any room while being easy to care for. It prefers indirect light and can handle moderate humidity levels, making it ideal for bathrooms or kitchens.
Key care tips:
- Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy.
- Thrives in moderate to low light.
- Mist the leaves occasionally for added humidity.
19. Hoya (Hoya spp.)
The hoya, also known as the wax plant, is a great option for low-maintenance plant lovers. It has thick, waxy leaves and produces beautiful, fragrant flowers when well cared for.
Hoyas can survive in various lighting conditions, making them ideal for a variety of indoor spaces. They are incredibly drought-tolerant and do not need frequent watering.
Key care tips:
- Water sparingly; allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Prefers bright, indirect light but can adapt to lower light levels.
- Feed with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
20. Mint (Mentha)
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance houseplant that offers both practicality and beauty, mint is an excellent choice. It’s perfect for a sunny windowsill and provides fresh herbs for cooking all year long. Mint grows quickly and doesn’t require much attention.
Key care tips:
- Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy.
- Thrives in bright sunlight.
- Prune regularly to keep the plant from becoming too leggy.
21. Schefflera (Schefflera actinophylla)
Known for its glossy, large leaves, the schefflera is a hardy and attractive plant that thrives with little effort. This plant grows well in moderate to bright indirect light and can tolerate periods of neglect. It’s a great plant for homes with busy people or those just starting their plant journey.
Key care tips:
- Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Tolerates low to moderate light conditions.
- Prune regularly to maintain a manageable size and encourage new growth.
With these 21 low-maintenance houseplants, you can enjoy the beauty of indoor greenery without worrying about complicated care routines. These plants are perfect for both beginners and seasoned plant lovers who prefer a hassle-free approach.
From resilient succulents like aloe vera and jade plants to lush foliage options like snake plants and spider plants, there’s something for everyone. With a little light, occasional watering, and some basic upkeep, these houseplants are sure to thrive and brighten your home all year long!