Easy-to-Tend Indoor Plants for Those Notorious Plant-Killers
Easy Peasy Indoor Plants for Lazy Green Thumbs
Got a brown thumb but love some greenery in your crib? Worry not, here are 16 kickass, low-maintenance indoor plants that'll elevate your pad without asking much in return. No stress, no fuss, just pop 'em in a pot and forget 'em!
1. Pothos
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Pothos, famed for being hard to kill, are the pint-size heroes of the plant world. They thrive in a variety of environments, handling indirect bright light and low light like bosses. Oops! Forgot to water? No worries! Pothos can even forgive a bit of overwatering (just don't let them get root rot or mold). Find them a spot near a window with bright light but no drafts and no direct sun to scorch the leaves.
2. Snake Plant
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The snake plant, often called Mother-in-law's Tongue, is a low-maintenance champ. Besides being pleasing to the eye and air-purifying, it's super flexible with its needs. Hail from tropical Africa? This plant loves bright, indirect light. Prefer darker spots? It will tolerate, as long as it's warm. Just avoid drafts or placing it in front of cold windows or AC units.
3. Chinese Evergreen
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Being forgiving of overwatering, the Chinese evergreen is an excellent pick if you lean overwatering. It comes in different colors and requires minimal effort to keep it alive. It prefers warm temperatures and can be somewhat flexible with sun and water requirements.
4. Asparagus Fern
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Asparagus fern can be tricky, but fear not! This fluffy, light green plant is not a fern at all. It adapts well to a room's bright light and darker corners. As long as you keep the soil moist but not saturated, it'll thrive.
5. Yucca
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Looking to bring some beach vibes indoors? The yucca is your answer. It needs a lot of sun and is quite low maintenance, but do make sure it has a sturdy container to handle its top-heavy structure. Avoid overwatering.
6. Spider Plant
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Another low-maintenance beauty, the spider plant, is resilient and adorable. It shoots off little "pups" that can be used for new plants or gifts. It air-purifies, making it an even more perfect addition to your indoor jungle.
7. Jade Plant
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The cute jade plant is easy to care for. It stores water in its round leaves, so forgetting to water for a month won't be a problem. Just water when the soil is dry. It thrives in sunny windows.
8. Peace Lily
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Despite the misleading name, peace lilies are not lilies at all. Named for the flower they spawn, they are another great low-maintenance choice that forgives some overwatering. It can tolerate some dry spells but produces more flowers with proper sunlight.
9. English Ivy
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Outdoors, English ivy can be invasive, but indoors, it's a sweet, air-quality-improving plant. It loves sunlight and can survive dry spells, so check the soil before watering.
10. Chinese Money Plant
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The cute, silver-dollar-shaped leaves of the Chinese money plant make it a nice addition to any room. It prefers a shady spot and likes weekly watering. It's a low-maintenance plant that will grow little offshoots for new plants or gifts.
11. Aloe Vera
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Aloe does best in indirect light. Water it like a succulent – it likes indirect light, so place it on a table or stand near a window but not in direct, bright sunlight. You can soak it every week or two in water and then let it dry in between.
12. Dragon Tree
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The dragon tree is a low-maintenance plant, but beware! It's toxic to dogs and cats, so it might not be the best choice if you have pets. Otherwise, this tropical-looking plant, a type of dracaena, is perfect for anyone who can care for it!
13. ZZ plant
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The ZZ plant, native to Africa, is often called "indestructible." It's easy to care for, low-maintenance, and can survive low light, dry conditions, and even low humidity. Add this visually stunning plant to your collection.
14. Dumb Cane
📷 [Credit: Depositphotos]
The dumb cane is another low-maintenance plant, but beware if you have pets, as it's toxic to them. It does well in filtered light, so water it when the top layer of soil is dry. it will grow and thrive under your watch. Avoid direct sunlight, which can burn the leaves. Maintain temperatures around 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit, and avoid overwatering.
15. Air Plants
📷 [Credit: Depositphotos]
Air plants are so chill! You don't even need soil for them – just put 'em in water for a couple of hours every ten days, and let them do their thing. They're practically zero-maintenance and look amazing.
16. Cacti
📷 [Credit: Backyard Garden Lover]
Cacti are your set-it-and-forget-it type of plant. They come in various varieties, but they're easy to care for. They prefer a warm space and can tolerate less watering. Most species also like humidity.
Now that you know your options, start collecting one at a time. Beginner green thumbs, no worries! Starting with just one or a couple of the same type of plant is OK. Once you grow confident, switch to another. Build your indoor jungle and enjoy!
Author
Lisa Clark, a freelance writer, grew up on farmland, moved to the city, and has now returned to her rural roots. She teaches her kids about gardening, planting flowers, and collecting houseplants.
- If you're looking to decorate your home-and-garden lifestyle with some easy-to-maintain greenery, consider adding houseplants such as pothos, snake plant, and Chinese evergreen to your indoor jungle.
- In need of some air-purifying plants that are low-maintenance and can thrive in a variety of environments? Consider adding English ivy, peace lily, or Yucca to your collection.
- For a touch of tropical beauty in your home, consider the dragon tree or ZZ plant, which are both low-maintenance and visually stunning.
- If you're a beginner with a brown thumb but still love some greenery, you might want to start with easy-to-care-for plants like Aloe Vera, Jade plant, or air plants.
- For those looking to elevate their gardening game, these 16 plants are perfect for lazy green thumbs who want to create a beautiful, low-maintenance indoor jungle in their homes. From the Pothos to the Cacti, there's a plant for every lifestyle and skill level. Start collecting one at a time, and enjoy the transformation of your living space.
