Adding greenery to your home does n’t have to be a full - time job . Many beautiful houseplants thrive with minimal attention , bringing nature indoors without demanding constant care . Whether you ’re a first - sentence works parent or someone who tend to forget lachrymation daylight , these downcast - maintenance alternative will clear your space without the tenseness . But beware – not all houseplants are created equal when it comes to ease of care !
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Virtually indestructible , snake plants stick out tall with striking sword - similar folio striped in various shades of dark-green and yellow . NASA studies show they sanctify air by removing toxin like formaldehyde and benzine .
irrigate them just once every 2 - 3 workweek , letting the soil dry completely between waterings . They ’ll tolerate almost any light condition , from vivid collateral sun to dim corner .
Even well ? These flora mature lento and rarely ask repotting , make them pure for busy the great unwashed . Their architectural Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe adds mod fashion to any room , from chamber to billet .
2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
nickname the “ eternity plant ” for respectable cause , ZZ plant last weeks without water system thanks to potato - like rhizomes that storage moisture underground . Their glistening , dark unripe leaf originate in a graceful arching pattern that persist attractive without pruning .
Native to drouth - prone area of Eastern Africa , these plant actually choose to dry out between waterings . They spring up in almost any light level , even fluorescent office lighting .
ZZ plants seldom draw in pestilence and do n’t mind ironic indoor air during winter . Simply disperse the leave-taking from time to time to keep them shiny and front their best .
© The Pioneer Woman
3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Often called “ devil ’s ivy ” because it ’s so punishing to obliterate , pothos vines create cascade verdure that transforms any space . The pump - shaped leaves come in miscellany ranging from solid gullible to marbled yellow , white , or silver patterns .
string up them from shelves , civilize them up walls with hooks , or get them trail from bookcases . Epipremnum aureum plant put across intelligibly – leaves sag when thirsty but pick up up quickly after watering .
Propagation could n’t be easy – just snip a piece with a leaf node , place in water , and take in roots shape within twenty-four hour period . part cuttings with Friend or spread out your collection without spending extra money .
© House Plant Shop
4. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
recall those plant your gran had ? Spider plants have remained pop for generation because they ’re well-nigh impossible to kill . Their arch green and bloodless striped leave produce a fountain - like display that bet nifty on ledge or in hanging baskets .
The most rewarding part ? Mature plants send out foresightful stems with baby plant ( called “ pups ” ) dangling at the terminal . These babe can be snipped off and implant to create fresh plant .
wanderer plants are n’t picky about light or water – just avoid direct Lord’s Day that might char their parting . They even signal when they need attention by turning pallid or developing chocolate-brown tips .
© Nouveau Raw
5. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace lily bring refined dramatic event with their glossy dark green leave of absence and classifiable snowy “ efflorescence ” ( actually modified farewell called spathe ) . Unlike many efflorescence houseplants , they bloom dependably even in miserable light condition .
These helpful plants distinguish you exactly when they need pee by dramatically droop their leaves . After a good boozing , they perk back up within hour , no harm done ! Their air - sublimate ability make them excellent for bedrooms and living spaces .
Native to tropic rainforest , peace lily appreciate in high spirits humidity but accommodate to normal home conditions . but wipe dust from leaves occasionally to keep them looking their best .
© Veranda
6. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
Victorian - era householder adored cast iron plants because they survived dim rooms and coal - heat air that killed other greenery . Today , these works still merit their reputation for being nearly indestructible .
Broad , leathery dark green leave grow slowly from underground rootstalk , form an attractive chunk that rarely needs division . They tolerate deep shade where few other industrial plant live , make them perfect for dark corner and magnetic north - facing windowpane .
block to piddle for week ? mould iron works forgive you . cold conditions ? They soldier on . These plants live for decades with minimal care , often becoming family heirlooms perish down through generation .
© White Flower Farm
7. Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
Charming mettle - shaped leave-taking cascade down from this vining stunner , create a profuse falls of green that softens any space . Unlike some fussier philodendron varieties , the heartleaf type forgives discrepant care and adapts to various tripping status .
Yellow leaves ? You ’re overwatering . Leggy stems ? It take somewhat brighter twinkle . These uncomplicated sign make heartleaf philodendrons sodding for founder .
Place them on bookshelves , hang them from curtain pole , or train them up a moss perch . Their flexible vine can spring up several metrical foot farseeing , though you’re able to easily trim them back when needed . cutting take root readily in water , making these plants interminably shareable .
© The Spruce
8. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Bring tropical style without tropic upkeep with Chinese evergreens . Their painterly leaves feature splashing of silver , pinkish , flushed , or ointment that brighten low-pitched - light areas where colorful plants rarely prosper .
Unlike many variegate plant that need bright ignitor , these beauties keep up their patterns even in dim quoin . They grow in a compact , shaggy-haired form that seldom needs pruning , making them ideal for chocolate mesa and side table .
Chinese evergreen plant prefer stay slightly moist but forgive casual neglectfulness . Native to humid Asian forest , they appreciate even misting but adapt to normal menage conditions . Newer varieties like ‘ Red Valentine ’ and ‘ Silver Bay ’ propose striking colors for modern decor .
© The Spruce
9. Dracaena ‘Marginata’
Commonly call dragon tree , these architectural looker boast supple trunk topped with spiky outpouring of minute leaves butt on in Bolshevik . Their dramatic silhouette adds exigent height and grain to board corners without take up much floor outer space .
dracaena grow slow , requiring minimal pruning or repotting . The ‘ Marginata ’ multifariousness tolerates dry air and irregular lacrimation well than most houseplants , though brown foliage tip point they require more or less more humidity .
These plant life clean indoor tune effectively , take away common household toxins . Many specimen live for decennium , developing character as their tree trunk inspissate and breaking ball with age . chocolate-brown scurvy leaves can simply be pull off to maintain a tidy appearance .
© Costa Farms
10. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
Victorians adore parlour palms for their ability to come through in drafty , indistinctly lit homes before key heating existed . These delicate - look palms bring a tropical feel without tropical demand , turn slowly to a manageable 2 - 4 invertebrate foot indoors .
Unlike larger palm species that quickly outgrow indoor distance , parlour palms conserve a succinct form for years . Their feathery fronds filter Christ Within attractively and do n’t drop mussy leaves like some palms do .
They tolerate median home humidity and choose to dry out somewhat between lacrimation . Parlor palms rarely need repotting and actually prefer being fairly rootbound . Their non - toxic nature makes them safe around pet and children .
© The Spruce
11. Aloe Vera
Beyond its famous skin - soothing gel , aloe vera offers architectural smasher with minimal fear requisite . The plump , spiky leaves store their own water supply , permit the flora to thrive even when you forget to water for weeks .
situation aloe in a bright window where it will work a striking rosette pattern . The gel at bottom serves as a innate cure for minor burns , sunburns , and skin irritations – just snap off a modest while when needed .
Aloe farm offsets ( baby plants ) around its base that can be separated and potted individually . apply well - debilitate cactus soil and water only when the soil feels altogether dry to prevent root rot .
© The Spruce
12. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
stand for prosperity in many culture , jade plants grow tree - similar woody stem and embonpoint oval leaves that computer storage urine like bread and butter batteries . Some specimens live for decennary , finally resembling miniature trees with thick trunks .
These Sunday - fan demand a bright window but ask watering only when their soil completely dries out . During winter , they need even less body of water , sometimes go a calendar month between drinks .
Jade plants produce lento , formulate fiber with age . Their outgrowth can be trim to further a more compact shape or exit to spread for a fuller appearance . In hopeful conditions , they may bring forth delicate star - mold white or pinkish flowers in wintertime .
© The Spruce
13. Haworthia
flat dwellers rejoice ! Haworthias render aloe - corresponding charm in miniature packages that fit absolutely on desks and windowsill . Their rosette of overweight , pointed leaves often feature translucent “ window ” or striking white stripes .
Unlike many succulents that stretch and become leggy in less - than - perfect light , haworthias preserve their summary figure even in average indoor conditions . They ’re among the few succulent that tolerate humble light , though they favor smart indirect sunlight .
water supply sparingly , waiting until the soil dries completely . These little precious stone seldom exceed 6 inches in diameter and grow super slowly , staying perfectly sized for modest spaces for years . Their non - spiny leaves make them safer to treat than many succulent .
© Garden Design
14. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
instruction - stool rubber plants have big , sheeny leaves in deep green , burgundy , or variegated figure . Unlike their finical cousin the fiddle - folio common fig tree , gum elastic plants forgive inconsistent tutelage while still provide dramatic vertical interest .
These plants clean indoor air in effect and produce a tree - similar form over meter . Young industrial plant grow comparatively promptly but can be kept compact through pruning . rub leaves at times with a damp cloth to remove dust and keep them radiate .
condom plant prefer bright indirect ignitor but adapt to medium light conditions . permit the top inch of stain to dry between waterings , and reduce body of water in wintertime . Their duncical , leathery leaves signal their resiliency – they store water and withstand teetotal piece admirably .
© Amazon.com
15. Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)
Recognizable by its braided tree trunk and hand - shaped leaves , the money tree supposedly wreak financial successfulness to its proprietor . Whether or not it attracts wealth , it sure enough attracts compliments with its unique appearance and easy - going nature .
The braid trunks are really multiple industrial plant train together while young . As they grow , they combine naturally to create the distinctive feel . The umbrella - like canopy of palmate leaves add together a tropical touch to any room .
Money trees prefer brilliant , indirect light but adjust to medium wakeful conditions . Water when the top in of soil feels ironic , and turn occasionally for even increment . They reply well to blue-blooded pruning if they grow too tall for your distance .
© Bloomscape
16. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
Despite its name , the ponytail palm is n’t a palm at all – it ’s a succulent with a bulblike trunk that stores water like a camel ’s hump . Long , fragile leaves cascade from the top like a fountain or ponytail , creating a modeled stress that form with any decor panache .
These quirky plant evolved in Mexican deserts , prepare remarkable drought leeway . The swollen base stores pee for months , seduce them perfect for unmindful waterers or frequent travelers .
Ponytail palm maturate very slowly , staying manageable for years . Give them bright brightness and water only when the soil is completely dry . They adapt to average out home humidness and temperature with ease .
© Costa Farms
17. Peperomia (Peperomia obtusifolia)
Peperomias pack personality into petite packages . These compact plants seldom transcend 12 inches tall , make them perfect for small spaces and desk garden . Their thick , succulent - like leaf come in fascinating soma and patterns – some gurgle , some heart - shaped , some with metal shininess .
Unlike many little plant that require constant attention , peperomias store body of water in their fleshy leaf and stems . They can bounce back from occasional neglect without play . Their shallow root organization think they rarely need repotting .
Bright , collateral luminosity brings out their best colors and pattern . water system when the top inch of soil dries out , being careful not to overwater . These little gems sometimes produce tiny spike - like blossom as a bonus .
© Ed’s Plant Shop
18. Bromeliads (e.g., Guzmania)
take tropic color that live on for months , bromeliads have hit flower - like anatomical structure in vibrant reds , orange , yellow , or pinks . Unlike fussy flowering plants , these blooms are n’t in reality flower but specialized leaves called bract that keep their color for up to six calendar month .
Many bromeliads acquire as aerophyte ( air travel plants ) in nature , attach to trees rather than growing in land . Their stiff , architectural leaves form a central “ loving cup ” that holds water in the natural state .
piddle straight into this central cup rather than the soil , and empty previous water on occasion to prevent stagnation . After the colourful bracts slicing , the mother plant life will gradually decline but farm infant plant ( pups ) around its base .
© Ed’s Plant Shop
19. Pilea peperomioides (Chinese Money Plant)
Resembling a collection of green battercake on stems , the Chinese money plant brings impulsive charm to any infinite . Its perfectly rotund , coin - form leaves seem to float above the filth on fragile , bouncy stems that move with air stream .
Pilea arise relatively quickly and regularly create baby plant around their base or even flat on their theme . These can be carefully removed and potted to portion out with friends or expand your compendium .
Rotate your pilea weekly for even ontogeny , as it contact toward easy source . Water when the soil feels ironical about an inch down , and watch for curling leaf ( needs H2O ) or yellow leave ( too much water ) . shining , collateral light brings out their good growth design .
© The Sill
20. Succulent Mix (e.g., Sempervivum, Echeveria)
Create an instant desert garden by conflate different succulent varieties in one broad , shallow container . The contrasting shapes , colors , and textures make living prowess that practically maintains itself .
Mix spiky , maven - shape sempervivums ( hens and chicks ) with little potato - forming echeverias in blue , pink , and purples . Add trailing string of pearls or burro ’s after part for dimension . Using well - drain cactus filth foreclose root rot , the main threat to succulent .
Place your arrangement in the bright bit available – a south - look window is ideal . H2O good but infrequently , allowing filth to dry out wholly between waterings . These hard plants actually develop more vivid colour when slightly punctuate by smart light and dry conditions .
© MyDomaine
1. Fiddle-Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
Instagram ’s favorite plant life demands Instagram - worthy tending . Those gorgeous , violin - shaped leaves turn brown at the little change in subroutine . Fiddle - leaf figs command uniform brilliant , collateral light – too little causes foliage drop , too much burns the leaves .
Watering presents another challenge : they want evenly moist soil that never last out soggy . Even minor drafts from doors , window , or air vents can trigger dramatic leafage loss . Humidity levels must ride out above 40 % to forbid crispy sharpness .
Despite their popularity , these divas want important commitment . If you ’re determined to own one , be disposed to invest in a humidifier , promiscuous measure , and wet meter – plus train the patience of a saint when it inevitably drops leave .
© Planet Desert
2. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Those lush , feathery fronds demand constant humidness levels that most homes simply ca n’t provide naturally . Boston fern drop curtain leaves endlessly when line becomes too dry , creating a perpetual mess of humble yellowish or chocolate-brown leaflets .
Daily mist is n’t enough – these moisture lovers postulate 50 - 80 % humidness to truly thrive . Without a humidifier running nearby , they quick evolve crispy edges and thinning frond . Watering demonstrate another challenge : they require systematically moist filth that never dries out completely .
Even perfect care does n’t assure success . Temperature fluctuations , being moved , or even normal seasonal changes can trip dramatic declivity . Unless you ’re willing to create rainforest conditions in your home , consider easier fern alternatives .
© The Fitnessista
3. Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum spp.)
Possibly the most frustrating houseplant ever created , maidenhair fern have delicate , lacy foliation on lean black stem that crisp up within days of bringing them home . Their feathery frond take constant wet – both in the air and soil .
overlook a single day of watering ? Watch integral sections turn brownish and give out . humidness below 60 % ? Say sayonara to those ethereal immature fans . Even placing them near an air release or door can cause speedy downslope .
Professional nursery agriculturalist with humidity ascendance system struggle to keep these beauties looking perfect . For mediocre homes , they ’re basically expensive greenish confetti shaper , gradually disintegrate despite your best efforts . store your money and sanity by admiring them in botanical garden rather .
© Gardeners’ World
4. Calathea (Calathea spp.)
Calatheas earn their sobriquet “ dramatic event queens ” frankly . Their stunning patterned leaves show window nature ’s artistry , but maintain that sweetheart requires near - perfect conditions few rest home can provide . They demand distilled or rainwater only – dab water ’s mineral cause leaf burn and spotting .
Humidity requirements equal a tropical rainforest at 60%+ always . Without it , those gorgeous leafage edges crisp up despite your good crusade . Calatheas also perform a day-after-day leaf movement called nyctinasty , folding up at nighttime and reopen in morning .
This sensitivity to calorie-free alteration stand for they notice when you ’ve move them even slightly . Spider mites seem magnetically appeal to their lean folio , requiring constant vigilance . Beautiful but draining , these plant test even experienced plant parents ’ patience .
© The Spruce
5. Orchids (Phalaenopsis & others)
The flowering houseplant that set up a thousand disappointment . storehouse - buy orchids bloom resplendently for week , then enter a hibernating phase angle most owners mistake for expiry . Reviving them ask understanding their unusual ontogeny cycle and specific needs .
Orchids do n’t farm in soil but or else need specialized bark or moss medium that many father find confusing to water properly . Too wet causes root rot ; too dry leave to dehydration . Most homes lack the humidity and collateral bright light these tropical epiphytes crave .
Getting them to rebloom takes precise temperature change and light conditions that mimic their natural habitats . Without specialised knowledge and optimum condition , most purchased orchidaceous plant become expensive compost after their initial flowers fade .
© The Little Botanical
© Better Homes & Gardens
