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Houseplants make a wonderful addition to our homes. Not only do they complement our decor, but they help to bring the outside in, eliminate toxins in the air, and boost our mood.
Despite these benefits, many of us find it challenging to keep our plants alive. Some plants are famously high-maintenance, while others need the right environment to thrive.
Gerard George, a seasoned plant expert at Focus-New York, generously shares his insights on the top 12 houseplants that are practically impossible to kill. He provides simple tips to keep them alive with minimal effort – needing just the occasional watering and a touch of sunlight.
Spider Plant
“Spider plants are like the superheroes of the plant world. They can survive almost anything,” says Gerard. These adaptable plants can tolerate a wide range of light levels and are forgiving when it comes to watering. Gerard emphasizes that “Spider plants are great for beginners because they are known to be resilient and can bounce back even if you forget to water them for a while.”
Snake Plant
Snake plants have the ability to thrive in low light conditions and withstand neglect for long periods of time. Gerard advises, “If you’re a frequent traveler, busy professional, or someone who tends to forget about your plants, the snake plant should be your go-to indoor plant. It can go weeks without water and still hold up well.”
ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant is a beauty, with thick, waxy leaves that store water well. Gerard recommends giving your ZZ plant a good drink of water and then letting it dry out in between waterings.
Pothos Plant
“Pothos plants are the ultimate survivors,” notes Gerard. These adaptable plants can thrive in various lighting conditions and are forgiving when it comes to watering. Wilson advises, “If you’re unsure how much to water your pothos, remember this: it’s better to be underwater than overwater. Pothos plants can tolerate both under-watering and occasional overwatering.”
Peace Lily
“Peace lilies are not only beautiful but also incredibly easy to care for,” says Gerard. These plants prefer medium to low light and can tolerate infrequent watering. He adds, “When your peace lily starts to droop, it’s a sign that it needs water. Just give it a good drink, and it will perk right up.”
Chinese Money Plant
The Chinese money plant, a succulent with round leaves, is a plant that can virtually last forever. All you have to do is water it twice a week and drain the excess water from the saucer.
Aloe Vera
The aloe vera plant is well known for its incredible healing properties. If you have a minor burn or skin irritation, just break off a piece of an aloe vera leaf, and the gel inside can soothe and heal your skin. As a houseplant, Aloe vera plants thrive in bright, indirect light. Gerard notes that since aloe vera is a succulent, it likes its soil on the drier side. You only need to water it when the soil has completely dried out.
Jade Plant
“Jade plants are like the rock stars of the succulent world,” says Gerard. These plants thrive in bright light and prefer to dry out between waterings. And during the winter months, they can go up to a month without being watered.
Remember, less is more when it comes to watering your jade plant. Overwatering is the most common mistake people make. Let the soil dry out before watering again.
Rubber Plant
Rubber plants make a bold statement in any room with their glossy, dark leaves. Gerard advises, “Place your rubber plant in a spot with bright, indirect light, and it will thrive. Just be sure not to overwater it, as these plants prefer to dry out between waterings.”
English Ivy
English ivy is a timeless beauty that adds a touch of elegance to any space. They are low maintenance and will thrive in most indoor environments.
Chinese Evergreen
“Chinese evergreens are like chameleons; they can adapt to any lighting condition,” Gerard claims. These plants thrive in low to medium light and only need watering when the top inch of soil feels dry. Gerard advises that Chinese evergreens are perfect for those who want a plant that can handle different light levels. Plus, they come in different varieties, so you can find one that suits your style.
Dracaena
“Dracaena plants are visually stunning, and they make fantastic air purifiers,” notes Gerard. These plants prefer bright, indirect light and should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry. Greensworth recommends, “With a little bit of care and the right light conditions, your dracaena will thrive and bring a tropical vibe to your home.”
For more information, tips, and resources on finding the best plant for your space, visit Focus-New York.
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Tamara White is the creator and founder of The Thrifty Apartment, a home decor and DIY blog that focuses on affordable and budget-friendly home decorating ideas and projects. Tamara documents her home improvement journey, love of thrifting, tips for space optimization, and creating beautiful spaces.
