Some people have a magic touch when it comes to growing indoor plants, producing lush green beauties with little effort. If you aren’t one of these people, don’t feel bad and do not give up.
You can change your luck if you choose plants that are hard to kill. Yes, they do exist. Master gardener or not really a gardener at all, here are 10 easy plants to try in your home or office.
1. Spider Plant – Low-Maintenance Houseplants
If you’re looking for a hanging plant that is easy to grow, the spider plant is a cinch. Watch for the plant to grow miniature plantlets at the end of the dangling stems. These miniature spiders are easy to cut and pot up to create a new plant.
Propagation steps
1. Watch for miniature plantlets to form on the ends of stems.
2. Cut the plantlets and pot them up to create a new plant.
2. Pothos – Low-Maintenance Houseplants
The pothos is another great starter plant, plus it enjoys a wide range of environments. It will tolerate dry soil or can even be grown in vases of water. Pothos can also make a great addition to your bathroom or office as it can tolerate low light situations.
If you like forgiving foliage that appreciates indirect light, see how to grow and care for prayer plants.
3. Snake Plant – Low-Maintenance Houseplants
With its sturdy sword-shaped leaves, the snake plant is a toughie that thrives with neglect. The only real danger is watering too frequently. Water this nearly indestructible plant only when the soil is dry, and it will tolerate indirect light to low light.
4. Peace Lily – Low-Maintenance Houseplants
This graceful, resilient plant with shiny dark green leaves is the peace lily. Pretty white blooms appear in early summer and often bloom again sporadically throughout the year. Underwater rather than overwater this plant in a setting with bright indirect light.
5. Aloe Vera – Low-Maintenance Houseplants
Aloe vera has often been used to treat minor burns and rashes, but the plant itself is also easy to care for. This member of the succulent family prefers to be on the dry side and watered infrequently. Give this plant bright light in a south or west facing window for a healthy and helpful plant.
6. Chinese Evergreen – Low-Maintenance Houseplants
The Chinese evergreen is a distinctive plant with foliage in shades of green, silver, or gray. This plant is very forgiving and adaptable, growing in medium or low light. Allow the soil to dry between waterings, and never allow the soil to become soggy.
For an easy indoor bloomer with similar light needs, see holiday cactus care tips.
7. Dieffenbachia – Low-Maintenance Houseplants
Dieffenbachia, also known as dumbcane, is a larger houseplant that is perfect for the home or office. This plant prefers filtered light, so a spot in front of a sheer curtain would be ideal. Overwatering is a common issue with this plant, so be sure to water only when the soil has dried out.
8. ZZ Plant – Low-Maintenance Houseplants
The ZZ plant has a stunning, almost artificial look and feel, commonly seen in places like malls, airports, and doctor’s offices. The reason for its use in these locations is because this plant can tolerate extremely little light and high levels of neglect. Even the most absent-minded owner would have a hard time killing this sturdy house plant.
9. Jade Plant – Low-Maintenance Houseplants
The jade plant is often considered to be a symbol of good luck, but you do not need to be lucky to learn the proper care and maintenance of jade plants. They prefer bright indirect light with the top of the soil dry to the touch. Try this one in either the home or office.
10. Air Plants – Low-Maintenance Houseplants
Last on the list is a plant that does not even require soil to grow. Air plants can sit or hang from just about anywhere, prefer bright to medium indirect light, and a 10 to 20 minute soak every week to two weeks. They do require a bit of warmth and humidity, so a spot in the kitchen or bathroom would be their ideal space.
Quick soak routine
1. Give air plants a 10 to 20 minute soak every 1 to 2 weeks.
2. Return them to a bright to medium indirect light spot with good warmth and humidity.
Water Tips for Low-Maintenance Houseplants
Many houseplants prefer natural or distilled water, so if the water in your home or office is highly chlorinated, be sure to use filtered water. You can also allow any tap water to sit in the watering can for several days until the chlorine evaporates.
For seasonal color that pairs well with easy indoor greens, see how to grow long-lasting fall mums.
Final Thoughts on Low-Maintenance Houseplants
Here are 10 of the most common hard to kill houseplants that bring life to your home or office with minimal effort. Choose forgiving species, water thoughtfully, and match light to each plant’s preference. Happy gardening!