15 Best Low-Maintenance Indoor Plants for Busy People Who Forget to Water
This post contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Indoor plants are more than just decor—they’re living companions that bring a host of benefits to your space. They purify the air by filtering out pollutants, boost your mental health by reducing stress, and add a touch of natural beauty to any room. Imagine coming home after a long day to a space filled with greenery—it’s an instant mood-lifter! Studies show that houseplants that purify air can improve your environment, while their presence enhances focus and well-being.
But let’s be real: if you’re a busy person juggling work, family, or a packed schedule, keeping plants alive can feel daunting. Forgetting to water them or not having time for upkeep often leads to wilted leaves and guilt. That’s where low-maintenance indoor plants shine. These resilient beauties thrive on neglect, making them perfect for anyone who loves greenery but can’t commit to daily care. In this article, we’ll dive into the 15 best low-maintenance indoor plants, ideal for busy folks who might skip a watering or two. Whether you’re new to plants or a seasoned enthusiast, you’ll find options here to green up your life effortlessly. Curious? Check out this best low-maintenance houseplants list for more inspiration!
The 15 Best Low-Maintenance Indoor Plants
Below, we’ve rounded up 15 low-maintenance indoor plants that are perfect for busy schedules. Each profile includes everything you need to know to keep them thriving with minimal effort.
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Description: Known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, the Snake Plant boasts tall, sword-like leaves in green with yellow edges. It grows slowly, reaching up to 3-4 feet, perfect for tight corners.
Lighting Requirements: Thrives in low to bright indirect light—super adaptable!
Watering Needs: Water every 2-6 weeks; let soil dry out completely. It’s a champ at surviving neglect.
Temperature and Humidity: Likes 60-85°F and low humidity.
Soil and Fertilization: Use well-draining soil (cactus mix works great). Fertilize once or twice a year.
Pests and Diseases: Rarely bothered, but watch for spider mites or root rot from overwatering.
Propagation and Pruning: Divide clumps or use leaf cuttings. Trim yellow leaves as needed.
This low-maintenance indoor plant is a top pick for beginners. Want one? Try a hard-to-kill snake plant from Costa Farms!
2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Description: With glossy, dark green leaves on upright stems, the ZZ Plant looks polished and grows to about 2-3 feet.
Lighting Requirements: Handles low to bright indirect light like a pro.
Watering Needs: Water every 2-3 weeks; it’s drought-tolerant and forgiving.
Temperature and Humidity: Prefers 60-75°F and low humidity.
Soil and Fertilization: Well-draining soil; fertilize once yearly.
Pests and Diseases: Pest-resistant; avoid soggy soil to prevent root rot.
Propagation and Pruning: Divide rhizomes or use stem cuttings. Pruning is minimal.
The ultra low-maintenance ZZ plant from Costa Farms is a must-have for busy plant lovers.
3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Description: This trailing vine has heart-shaped, variegated leaves—green with yellow or white splashes. Great for shelves!
Lighting Requirements: Low to bright indirect light; very versatile.
Watering Needs: Water when the top inch dries out; it bounces back from neglect.
Temperature and Humidity: 65-85°F; average humidity is fine.
Soil and Fertilization: General potting soil; fertilize monthly in spring/summer.
Pests and Diseases: Spider mites possible; don’t overwater.
Propagation and Pruning: Snip cuttings and root in water; trim to manage length.
A classic low-maintenance indoor plant—perfect for any space!
4. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Description: Arching green leaves with white stripes, plus cute “spiderettes” that dangle.
Lighting Requirements: Prefers bright indirect light but tolerates low light.
Watering Needs: Water when soil dries; it’s forgiving if you forget.
Temperature and Humidity: 60-80°F; average humidity works.
Soil and Fertilization: Well-draining soil; fertilize monthly in summer.
Pests and Diseases: Spider mites can appear; avoid waterlogging.
Propagation and Pruning: Plant spiderettes; trim brown tips.
Check out this easy-care indoor plants list featuring the Spider Plant!
5. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Description: Dark green leaves with elegant white blooms—adds a serene vibe.
Lighting Requirements: Low to medium indirect light; shade-friendly.
Watering Needs: Water when top inch is dry; droops to signal thirst.
Temperature and Humidity: 65-80°F; loves higher humidity.
Soil and Fertilization: Rich, well-draining soil; fertilize every 6 weeks.
Pests and Diseases: Mealybugs possible; don’t overwater.
Propagation and Pruning: Divide during repotting; remove old flowers.
A low-maintenance indoor plant that’s also a mood-enhancing indoor greenery star.
6. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Description: Variegated leaves in green, silver, or red—vibrant and compact.
Lighting Requirements: Low to medium indirect light.
Watering Needs: Water when top inch dries; tolerates neglect well.
Temperature and Humidity: 65-75°F; prefers higher humidity.
Soil and Fertilization: Well-draining soil; fertilize monthly in growing season.
Pests and Diseases: Scale or spider mites; avoid cold drafts.
Propagation and Pruning: Divide or use stem cuttings; prune to shape.
7. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
Description: Tough, dark green, lance-shaped leaves—lives up to its name!
Lighting Requirements: Low to medium indirect light.
Watering Needs: Water every 2-3 weeks; super drought-tolerant.
Temperature and Humidity: 50-85°F; low humidity is fine.
Soil and Fertilization: Well-draining soil; fertilize once a year.
Pests and Diseases: Rarely affected; watch for overwatering.
Propagation and Pruning: Divide clumps; minimal pruning needed.
A top hard-to-kill houseplant for any busy home.
8. Aloe Vera
Description: Thick, fleshy leaves full of soothing gel—a practical beauty.
Lighting Requirements: Bright indirect light; loves sunny spots.
Watering Needs: Water every 3-4 weeks; let soil dry out fully.
Temperature and Humidity: 55-80°F; low humidity.
Soil and Fertilization: Cactus or succulent mix; fertilize sparingly.
Pests and Diseases: Mealybugs possible; avoid excess water.
Propagation and Pruning: Use offsets; remove dead leaves.
9. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
Description: A bulbous base with long, curly leaves—quirky and cute!
Lighting Requirements: Bright indirect light; can handle some sun.
Watering Needs: Water every 3-4 weeks; drought-tolerant.
Temperature and Humidity: 60-80°F; low humidity.
Soil and Fertilization: Well-draining soil; fertilize once a year.
Pests and Diseases: Rarely bothered; don’t overwater.
Propagation and Pruning: Use offsets or seeds; minimal pruning.
10. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
Description: Large, glossy leaves that can grow tall—a statement piece.
Lighting Requirements: Bright indirect light; avoid direct sun.
Watering Needs: Water when top inch dries; tolerates some neglect.
Temperature and Humidity: 60-80°F; average humidity.
Soil and Fertilization: Well-draining soil; fertilize monthly in growing season.
Pests and Diseases: Scale or spider mites; avoid overwatering.
Propagation and Pruning: Use cuttings; prune to control size.
11. Philodendron (Heartleaf Philodendron)
Description: Trailing vines with heart-shaped leaves—simple yet charming.
Lighting Requirements: Low to bright indirect light.
Watering Needs: Water when top inch dries; forgiving of neglect.
Temperature and Humidity: 65-80°F; average humidity.
Soil and Fertilization: Potting soil; fertilize monthly in summer.
Pests and Diseases: Spider mites possible; don’t overwater.
Propagation and Pruning: Root cuttings in water; trim as needed.
12. Dracaena (Dracaena marginata)
Description: Slender stems with narrow, colorful leaves—adds height.
Lighting Requirements: Bright indirect light; tolerates lower light.
Watering Needs: Water every 2-3 weeks; let soil dry out.
Temperature and Humidity: 65-78°F; low to average humidity.
Soil and Fertilization: Well-draining soil; fertilize every 6 months.
Pests and Diseases: Spider mites or mealybugs; avoid soggy soil.
Propagation and Pruning: Use stem cuttings; prune for shape.
13. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Description: Succulent with thick, oval leaves—symbolizes good luck!
Lighting Requirements: Bright indirect light; loves sun.
Watering Needs: Water every 3-4 weeks; very drought-tolerant.
Temperature and Humidity: 65-75°F; low humidity.
Soil and Fertilization: Cactus mix; fertilize sparingly.
Pests and Diseases: Mealybugs; avoid overwatering.
Propagation and Pruning: Use leaf or stem cuttings; prune to shape.
14. Echeveria
Description: Rosette-forming succulent with colorful, plump leaves.
Lighting Requirements: Bright indirect light; needs good light.
Watering Needs: Water every 3-4 weeks; let soil dry completely.
Temperature and Humidity: 65-80°F; low humidity.
Soil and Fertilization: Cactus mix; fertilize once a year.
Pests and Diseases: Aphids or mealybugs; avoid excess water.
Propagation and Pruning: Use offsets or leaves; remove dead leaves.
15. Haworthia
Description: Small succulent with thick, pointed leaves—perfectly petite.
Lighting Requirements: Bright indirect light; tolerates some shade.
Watering Needs: Water every 3-4 weeks; drought-tolerant.
Temperature and Humidity: 65-80°F; low humidity.
Soil and Fertilization: Cactus mix; fertilize sparingly.
Pests and Diseases: Rarely affected; don’t overwater.
Propagation and Pruning: Use offsets; minimal pruning.
Additional Tips for Busy Plant Parents
These low-maintenance indoor plants are easy, but a few tricks can make care even simpler:
- Watering Strategies: Use self-watering planters for minimal upkeep from Mkono to keep soil moist without effort. Set a monthly watering reminder if you’re forgetful!
- Soil and Fertilization: Stick to well-draining soil suited to each plant. Fertilize sparingly—once or twice a year is plenty for most.
- Pest Control: Check leaves occasionally for pests like spider mites. Treat with neem oil if needed.
- Light and Placement: Match plants to your home’s light conditions. Group similar ones for efficiency.
For more, see our simple plant care tips guide!
Conclusion
Low-maintenance indoor plants are a game-changer for busy people craving greenery without the fuss. From the sturdy Snake Plant to the dainty Haworthia, these 15 options bring air-purifying, mood-boosting benefits with little effort. They thrive despite forgotten waterings, making them ideal for any lifestyle. Start with one—like the beginner indoor gardening guide suggests—and watch your space transform. Explore more basic care for houseplants to keep them happy. Happy planting!
