Not everyone was born with a green thumb—and that’s perfectly fine. Whether you’re forgetful, busy, or just plain bad at keeping plants alive, there’s still hope for a home full of greenery. These houseplants are tough, beautiful, and most importantly, unfazed by neglect. If you’ve got a habit of skipping watering day (or watering week), these are the plants you want on your side.
1. Snake Plant
According to The Spruce, the snake plant is one of the most low-maintenance houseplants you can own. Native to West Africa, it survives on minimal water and does just fine in anything from bright light to near darkness. Its thick, upright leaves store moisture, meaning you only need to water it every few weeks. If your watering can is gathering dust, your snake plant won’t hold a grudge.
This plant also made NASA’s list of air-purifying champions, filtering toxins like formaldehyde and benzene. It adds a clean, architectural touch to any space with minimal effort. If you forget to water it for a month, it’ll probably still look perfect. In short, this is the ultimate beginner’s plant.
2. ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant was highlighted by Better Homes & Gardens as one of the best drought-tolerant houseplants for busy people. It’s nearly indestructible, with thick, tuberous roots that hold onto moisture for weeks. You can leave it in a low-light corner, skip watering, and it’ll keep on thriving. Even under fluorescent office lighting, it still manages to look polished.
Its glossy green leaves don’t just survive—they shine. The ZZ plant also resists pests and diseases, making it one of the easiest plants to keep alive. If you’ve killed everything else, this one still gives you a chance. And when you finally remember to water it, it’ll act like nothing happened.
3. Pothos
As HGTV notes, pothos is basically the MVP of low-maintenance houseplants. Whether you choose golden, marble queen, or neon varieties, all pothos types can survive low light and inconsistent watering. You can forget about them for a while, and they’ll still produce long, beautiful vines. Just let the soil dry out before watering again.
They’re also incredibly easy to propagate, which means more free plants for you. A snip of a vine in water will root in days, no green thumb required. They look great in hanging baskets, on bookshelves, or trailing off countertops. Pothos are a guilt-free way to enjoy greenery without the pressure.
4. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera isn’t just for sunburns—it’s also one of the most drought-tolerant plants you can grow indoors. According to Gardening Know How, aloe prefers dry soil and thrives on neglect. Give it bright light and only water when the soil is bone dry, and it’ll reward you with plump, medicinal leaves. Too much water is actually what kills it.
It also fits beautifully in modern, minimalist spaces. You can snip off a leaf anytime to soothe burns or moisturize your skin naturally. Plus, it’s part of the succulent family, so its built-in water storage is a huge win. Aloe is basically self-sufficient with a side of wellness benefits.
5. Spider Plant
Spider plants are a ‘70s classic that never go out of style, and for good reason. They’re incredibly adaptable and can survive a bit of everything: low light, dry air, and skipped waterings. Their striped green and white leaves spill out in graceful curls, giving your home a lively, relaxed vibe. Let the soil dry out between waterings, and they’ll bounce right back.
Even better? Spider plants produce “babies” or offshoots that you can easily replant or share. They clean the air, are non-toxic to pets, and ask very little in return. It’s like they want to be your easiest roommate ever.
6. Cast Iron Plant
If you’ve ever wished for a plant that could thrive on pure neglect, the cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) is it. Named for its near-indestructibility, it handles low light, infrequent watering, and even temperature changes like a champ. Its broad, deep green leaves bring a jungle feel to shady corners. This plant is as sturdy as its name suggests.
You only need to water it when the top inch of soil feels dry. It’s slow-growing, but that also means it needs less fuss. No bright windows? No problem. The cast iron plant just keeps doing its thing, looking effortlessly elegant.
7. Jade Plant
Jade plants (Crassula ovata) are a symbol of good luck—and thankfully, they don’t rely on luck to survive. They store water in their thick, rubbery leaves, so they’re totally fine with irregular watering schedules. Give them plenty of sunlight, and they’ll stay compact and lush for years. They thrive with a deep watering every couple of weeks.
Overwatering is actually their biggest enemy, so forgetfulness works in your favor here. They also grow into charming tree-like shapes over time. With the right care (read: mostly leaving it alone), a jade plant can last for decades. It’s a hands-off houseplant that becomes part of the family.
8. Chinese Evergreen
Chinese evergreen plants are praised for tolerating just about everything: low light, dry air, and inconsistent watering. Their variegated leaves come in beautiful shades of green, silver, and red. They grow well in almost any corner of your home and still manage to look lush. Just water when the soil feels dry to the touch.
They’re also surprisingly pest-resistant and don’t require any pruning or fertilizing. Even new plant owners find success with this hardy pick. If you’re looking for color without the effort, Chinese evergreen delivers. It’s calm, cool, and collected—even when you’re not.
9. Peace Lily
Peace lilies look delicate, but they’re surprisingly tough under the right conditions. They can handle dry spells and will often give you a warning droop before bouncing back with water. Their glossy green leaves and white blooms add a spa-like touch to any space. Just avoid placing them in direct sunlight.
These plants also help filter indoor air, improving your home environment passively. If you forget to water for a bit, they won’t hold it against you. They’re forgiving and easygoing—a rare combo in the plant world. And when they bloom, they feel like a reward for your minimal effort.
10. Rubber Plant
The rubber plant (Ficus elastica) is a striking, sculptural option that doesn’t need constant care. Its broad, shiny leaves hold moisture and make a bold visual statement. Water only when the top couple inches of soil are dry, and it’ll stay healthy. It likes bright, indirect light but can survive in medium light too.
Rubber plants can grow tall over time, giving your home a dramatic, modern look. They also tolerate a bit of neglect, so you won’t be punished for skipping a watering. Plus, they’re relatively pest-resistant and not fussy about humidity. It’s a statement plant that won’t stress you out.
11. Ponytail Palm
Despite the name, ponytail palms aren’t actually palms—they’re succulents, which explains their low-maintenance nature. They store water in their bulbous trunks and can go weeks without a drop. A sunny windowsill is ideal, but they’ll tolerate lower light in a pinch. They’re perfect for people who travel or simply forget.
With their wild, curly leaves, they add a playful energy to your space. And they’re surprisingly slow growers, so there’s no need for frequent repotting. The ponytail palm is quirky, cute, and incredibly easy to care for. Forget to water? It won’t even notice.
12. Haworthia
Haworthia plants are small, spiky succulents that resemble miniature aloes—and they’re just as tough. They thrive on neglect and don’t mind being root-bound, making them perfect for small pots. Just water once every two or three weeks, and they’ll be content. They love bright, indirect light but tolerate low-light rooms, too.
Their unique patterns and shapes add interest to desks, windowsills, or bathroom counters. And because they stay small, they’re perfect for apartments or tight spaces. Haworthia requires almost zero effort to keep alive. Think of it as a low-stress housemate that always looks cute.
