They require zero effort to keep alive and thriving.
Expert consulted: Paris LalicataPlant ExpertYou may think you need a green thumb to have houseplants that thrive, but thankfully, there are plenty of options out there that take practically no effort at all. While there are certainly some indoor plants that require a lot of attention, there are a good number of others that’ll still be green if you leave them in a shady spot. These low-maintenance plants won’t die on you if you forget to water them, making them perfect for any gardening beginner.
“Low-maintenance houseplants are great because they usually thrive with minimal attention, which makes them perfect for busy plant parents, those new to gardening, or even the lazy gardener,” explains The Sill's plant expert Paris Lalicata. “Low-maintenance plant resilience ensures they remain beautiful and healthy even with occasional neglect, and their presence can create a calming and relaxing atmosphere, boosting mood and reducing stress without adding the burden of intensive upkeep.”
Once you've found the right low-maintenance houseplants for your space, they'll reward you with beauty and greenery without demanding much in return. Ahead, check out these 35 easy plants that are perfect for any space.
Additional copy by Kate McGregor and Melanie Yates.
Cuddly Cactus
Drought-tolerant and sun-loving, this small type of cactus lives up to its name. Unlike most of its cousins, this low-maintenance plant doesn't have any sharp spines, so it's ideal for households with curious children and pets.
Bromeliad Vriesea Intenso Orange
This variety of bromeliad sprouts a vibrant center spike, so it's a great way to add color to your collection of greenery—and it's much easier to care for than most indoor flowering plants. This low-maintenance plant is also nontoxic and safe for pets.
Kalanchoe Flapjack
This low-maintenance plant has leaves that resemble pancakes, hence its appetizing name. But it's not always a short stack: It can grow to more than 12 inches tall. Direct sun exposure helps to bring out the pretty pinkish-red pigments on the edges of the leaves.
Preserved Fern Kokedama
A real fern that's been naturally preserved offers all the benefits of a real plant (like look and feel) without the maintenance. Make sure to keep it out of direct light and never water it. What could be easier?
Boston Fern
This fern needs more humidity than it does sunlight, making it a great kitchen or bathroom plant. That's why you always see it hanging on Southern front porches, where the light is shady and the air is damp and warm. Spray this low-maintenance plant with a mister in between waterings to keep it looking fresh.
Money Tree
Need some good luck? The money tree plant is purported to bring it—but you won't need good luck to grow it! Just give it bright indirect light, and turn it occasionally so it grows evenly. In its native habitat, it likes to be near water, so this low-maintenance plant is a good choice if you tend to overwater your plants.
String of Pearls
With a name this cute, how can you not buy it? This vining succulent that looks like an elegant necklace is a fast grower when given lots of light. Put your string of pearls plant in bright indirect light, and water it when the top few inches of soil feel dry.
Aloe Vera
This handsome succulent needs almost no care. Give your aloe vera plant bright, indirect light and water every week or two when it's mostly dry. The gel-like substance inside each leaf can aid healing of minor burns (break off an outer leaf when you want to use it).
Philodendron Micans
Most types of philodendrons are low-maintenance plants, and this one is no different. Micans have velvety, heart-shaped leaves with pinkish petioles (the stalks that attach the leaves to the stems). Give it medium to bright indirect light and water when the top few inches of soil feel dry.
String of Dolphins
Another must-have succulent, string of dolphins looks just like tiny dolphins leaping out of the water. This low-maintenance plant needs bright indirect light and water when the top few inches of soil feel dry.
Bird's Nest Fern
If your heart is set on a fern, opt for the handsome bird's nest, which has thick, glossy leaves that hold onto moisture longer than many other types of ferns—making it the least fussy. Give this low-maintenance plant bright indirect light, and water when the top few inches of soil feel dry.
Golden Pothos
One of the most forgiving plants you can buy, this type of pothos grows quickly when given bright light but is incredibly tolerant of low light, making it an excellent low-maintenance plant for beginners.
Scindapsus
Sometimes called a satin pothos, this plant resembles a pothos with its viney silhouette and heart-shaped leaves. However, it's actually an entirely different genus—but it's just as easy to grow. Give it bright, indirect light, and let the top few inches of soil dry out before watering again.
Echeveria
This pretty succulent has rosette-shaped foliage, often with a reddish or pink tint. Give this plant lots of bright, indirect light (succulents do not tolerate low light) and water every few weeks. You want it to dry out almost completely before giving it another drink—otherwise, it will rot.
Marble Queen Pothos
Want another pothos that's easy to grow and just plain gorgeous? This variety has dramatic white splotches on its leaves instead of golden ones. Give it low to bright indirect light, and let the top few inches of soil dry out before watering again.
Prayer Plant
The gorgeous leaves of this low-maintenance plant move in response to light throughout the day, folding as if in prayer at night. Give your prayer plant bright indirect light, and let it dry out slightly between waterings.
Philodendron Moonlight
Another easy-to-care-for philodendron, this one has the most beautiful large leaves. New growth emerges a glowing chartreuse and turns dark green as it matures. Give it lots of bright indirect light, and it'll be a fast grower. Water when the top few inches of soil feel dry.
Haworthia
This little guy grows to only about six to eight inches tall, so it's the perfect kitchen windowsill plant. Give Haworthia lots of bright indirect light and water every few weeks when it's totally dry.
Philodendron Brasil
With two-tone leaves of pale and dark green, this vining philodendron is a must-have. Give it bright indirect light and water when the top few inches of soil feel dry.
ZZ Plant
Tough as nails and not picky, the ZZ plant can handle low to bright indirect light. This low-maintenance plant also doesn't mind a missed watering and prefers to be mostly dry before you give it a good, long drink.
Paris Lalicata has been with The Sill for almost five years and heads up Plant Education and Community. Paris is a self-taught plant expert with over 10 years of experience growing houseplants. Currently, she maintains an indoor garden of over 200 plants in the northeast. Her passion is making plant care more digestible for budding plant parents, and sharing the many benefits of having plants indoors.
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