1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
If you’re the kind of person who forgets to water your plants for weeks, the snake plant might be your soulmate. This tall, sword-like stunner thrives on neglect and can survive in low light, bright light, and everything in between. It stores water in its thick leaves, so skipping a watering or two won’t faze it. In fact, overwatering is the quickest way to kill it.
Another reason people love snake plants is their air-purifying abilities. They’re known to filter toxins like formaldehyde from the air, which is a bonus for bedrooms or offices. They don’t need repotting often, either—another checkmark in the “set it and forget it” category. Honestly, the more you ignore it, the better it seems to look.
2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
This glossy, green beauty looks high-maintenance, but it’s practically unkillable. Its rhizomes, which are like underground storage organs, hold water for long periods. That means if you forget about it for a month, it will still look fresh and happy. Low light is no problem either, making it perfect for dim corners.
The ZZ plant doesn’t need much fertilizer or attention, and it actually prefers to be left alone. Bright, indirect light will speed up growth, but it won’t sulk if you stick it in the shadows. It’s also incredibly resistant to pests, which makes life even easier. Just keep it out of reach of curious pets, since it’s mildly toxic if eaten.
3. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is the definition of low-maintenance, with its plump, spiky leaves that store plenty of water. This succulent practically begs you to forget about it, thriving best when watered every few weeks. It’s happiest in a sunny window but can also tolerate some shade without much complaint. The only real mistake is drowning it with too much love in the form of overwatering.
On top of its survival skills, aloe is also practical to have around. Break open a leaf, and you’ve got soothing gel for burns or dry skin. It grows slowly, so you don’t need to constantly repot or prune. It’s a plant that quietly pulls its weight without demanding your time.
4. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Known as the “devil’s ivy,” pothos is nearly impossible to kill. It can handle low light, fluorescent light, or bright indirect light without issue. If you forget to water it, the vines will perk right back up as soon as they get a drink. It’s one of those forgiving plants that’s perfect for beginners.
Pothos is also versatile—you can grow it trailing from a hanging basket or climbing up a support pole. It grows quickly when conditions are right, but even if neglected, it doesn’t give up. You can also snip cuttings and root them in water with minimal effort. This is one of those plants that will reward you even if you don’t try very hard.
5. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
The name says it all: this plant is tough as nails. Native to shady forest floors, it thrives in low light where many others would wither. It doesn’t need frequent watering, and it tolerates neglect with surprising grace. If you want something green in a dark hallway or windowless room, this is your go-to.
Its broad, dark-green leaves add a lush, classic vibe without needing fuss. The cast iron plant is also resistant to pests and diseases, which makes it even easier to care for. It grows slowly, so you don’t need to worry about constant repotting. Basically, once you set it down, it’s content to just exist.
6. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are cheerful, arching plants that bounce back from almost anything. They don’t mind inconsistent watering, and their thick roots store enough moisture to tide them over. They’ll survive in low light, though they do best in bright, indirect sunlight. You can practically ignore them, and they’ll still keep pushing out new growth.
One of the fun things about spider plants is their “babies,” or offshoots, that dangle like little green ornaments. These can be easily propagated into new plants with almost no effort. They’re also great for improving indoor air quality. Even if you forget about them for weeks, they’ll usually forgive you with fresh growth.
7. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Jade plants are sturdy succulents that can live for decades with minimal care. Their thick, oval leaves store water, so forgetting a watering isn’t a problem. They prefer bright light but won’t sulk if they don’t get it every day. As long as you don’t overwater, they’ll stay healthy and strong.
These plants are often passed down through generations because they’re so resilient. Some people even consider them good luck or symbols of prosperity. They’re slow growers, which means you don’t need to fuss with frequent repotting. A jade plant is the type of companion that asks very little but sticks around for a lifetime.
8. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
Despite their dramatic, shiny leaves, rubber plants are surprisingly low-maintenance. They don’t need constant watering, and they’re tolerant of less-than-ideal light. If you forget about them for a while, they’ll usually bounce back once they’re watered again. They prefer stability and don’t like being moved around too much.
Rubber plants can also grow into small indoor trees with very little input from you. Their broad leaves make a bold statement in any room without much upkeep. They’re also fairly resistant to pests, which means less stress for plant parents. Give them space, and they’ll reward you with steady, quiet growth.
9. Agave
Agave plants are built for survival, especially in dry, harsh conditions. They store water in their thick, fleshy leaves and can go weeks without a drink. Bright sunlight is their happy place, but they’ll tolerate some shade without much drama. If you forget about them, they just keep on thriving.
These spiky beauties are also low on maintenance needs beyond the occasional watering. They don’t need rich soil or frequent fertilizer to stay healthy. Many varieties even thrive outdoors in hot, dry climates with zero intervention. They’re as close to a “plant-it-and-walk-away” option as you can get.
10. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace lilies look elegant with their dark leaves and white flowers, but they’re incredibly forgiving. They’ll actually tell you when they’re thirsty by drooping dramatically, then bouncing back within hours after watering. They can handle low light better than most flowering plants. As long as you don’t drown them, they’ll thrive on minimal care.
Another perk is their ability to filter indoor air pollutants. They’re one of those plants that make your space healthier without needing much in return. They don’t need frequent fertilizing, and they’re not picky about temperature. A peace lily is the kind of plant that thrives when you keep things simple.
11. Cactus
Cacti are the poster children of neglect-tolerant plants. They store water in their stems, which means they can survive for weeks—or even months—without attention. Sunlight is their main requirement, and even that doesn’t have to be perfect. Forget to water for a season? They’ll still hang in there.
They also come in so many shapes and sizes, from tiny desk buddies to towering floor plants. Some even produce beautiful flowers when they’re happy, despite getting very little care. You’ll rarely have to worry about pests or diseases. If “hands-off” is your style, a cactus is your perfect match.
12. Air Plant (Tillandsia)
Air plants are quirky little things that don’t even need soil. They absorb moisture and nutrients straight from the air through their leaves. You can mist them once a week or dunk them in water for a quick soak every now and then. Forget for a while? They’re surprisingly forgiving.
Their sculptural shapes make them fun to display in creative ways—hanging in glass globes, mounted on wood, or sitting in decorative bowls. Because they’re not tied to soil, they’re incredibly low-mess. They also don’t need much fertilizer, just a light spritz now and then. They’re plants you can literally set anywhere and mostly ignore.
13. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
Despite the name, ponytail palms aren’t actually palms but succulents. Their bulbous trunk stores water, which means they can go weeks without a sip. They’re slow growers, so you won’t be dealing with frequent pruning or repotting. Bright light makes them happiest, but they’ll tolerate lower light just fine.
The long, curling leaves give them a playful, tropical vibe without any added work. They’re also resistant to most pests and diseases, which makes them even easier to care for. Ponytail palms thrive on neglect, and too much water is their biggest enemy. If you want something stylish and carefree, this one’s a winner.
This post 13 Plants That Only Survive If You Basically Ignore Them was first published on Greenhouse Black.
