10 Common Houseplants That Are Almost Impossible to Kill

Introduction

• Want to add some green to your home but worried you’ll kill any plant you touch?
• These plants are for you. They are tough, forgiving, and perfect for beginners, busy people, or anyone with a less-than-perfect “green thumb.”
• They can handle low light, inconsistent watering, and general neglect.
• Here are 10 great plants to get you started.

1. The Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

• This is the champion of tough plants.
• Its stiff, upright leaves look modern and clean.
• It can survive in very low light (though it prefers medium light).
• It needs very little water. Water it only when the soil is bone dry, maybe once a month. The easiest way to kill it is by over-watering.

2. The ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

• This plant almost thrives on neglect.
• It has waxy, shiny green leaves and stores water in potato-like roots.
• This means it can go for weeks (even months) without water.
• It’s perfectly happy in a dark corner or office with fluorescent lights.

3. The Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

• This is the classic, fast-growing vine you see in hanging baskets.
• It’s happy in bright light or low light.
• It tells you when it’s thirsty. The leaves will wilt and look sad.
• Just give it a good soak, and it will perk right back up in a few hours. It’s very forgiving.

4. The Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

• This is a classic for a reason. It’s tough and produces “babies” (spiderettes) that you can easily repot.
• It can handle a range of light conditions.
• It’s not fussy about water, but it prefers to dry out a bit between waterings.
• It’s also non-toxic, making it a great choice for pet owners.

5. The Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

• This plant is the perfect communicator.
• It has dark green leaves and produces beautiful white “flowers.”
• It will collapse dramatically when it needs water, leaving no guesswork.
• Water it, and it will be standing up again within a few hours. It’s also great for low-light spots.

6. The Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)

• The name says it all. This plant is tough as nails.
• It can handle deep shade, temperature changes, and irregular watering.
• It’s a slow grower, so it won’t take over your space.
• It’s the perfect plant for a dark hallway or corner where nothing else will grow.

7. The Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen)

• This is a beautiful plant that is surprisingly tough.
• Many types have beautiful patterns with pink, silver, or red.
• It is one of the best plants for low-light conditions.
• It just asks to be watered when the top few inches of soil are dry.

8. The Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)

• This is a type of succulent with thick, fleshy leaves that store water.
• It’s a “set it and forget it” plant.
• It does need a good amount of light, so a sunny windowsill is best.
• But it needs very little water, especially in the winter.

9. The Heartleaf Philodendron

• This plant looks very similar to a Pothos and is just as easy.
• It has beautiful, heart-shaped leaves and is a fast-growing viner.
• It’s very adaptable and can handle low light.
• Like the Pothos, it will droop a bit to let you know it’s thirsty.

10. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)

• This plant doesn’t even need soil to live.
• It is most often grown in a vase with pebbles and water.
• All you have to do is change the water every few weeks.
• It prefers indirect light and is a great way to add green to a bathroom or desk.

Conclusion

• You don’t need to be a plant expert to have a green home.
• The number one mistake beginners make is “caring” too much, especially with over-watering.
• Start with one of these plants, and you’ll see how easy it can be.