These indoor plants that thrive on neglect prove that gardening can be super easy, even for those without a polished green thumb!
Indoor plants that thrive on neglect? Seems contradictory, doesn’t it? Remember that “friend” who practically perfected the art?! But seriously, these plants are so easy-going and low-maintenance that they can go without water for days—or even weeks—and still keep their cool. They’re not picky about light or nutrients, so even if you’re swamped, these green champs won’t hold it against you.
Houseplants that Love Neglect
1. Snake Plant
Botanical Name: Dracaena trifasciata
Nicknamed “mother-in-law’s tongue,” the snake plant is almost impossible to kill. Ideal for those who might forget to water or live in dimly lit apartments, this plant can survive both bright, indirect sunlight and partial shade.
Its resilience is matched only by its ability to survive with minimal watering—too much water is actually its main threat, potentially causing root rot.
2. ZZ Plant
Botanical Name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia
Also called the Eternity Plant, it lives up to its name by being very, very hard to kill. Whether placed in low light or even complete shade, this plant remains unfazed. It boasts a remarkable drought resistance, requiring water only infrequently and tolerating dry conditions for months.
Just keep it away from cold drafts, and your job is done.
3. Aloe Vera
Botanical Name: Aloe vera
Building this list up on plants that require very little watering and never until the solid dries out completely, the aloe vera is another strong contender. It also has the added advantage of being a multipurpose gel that you can use for countless purposes! The only two things you would need to take care of are getting it bright, indirect sunlight, and a well-draining cactus potting soil for it to thrive.
4. Peace Lily
Botanical Name: Spathiphyllum wallisii
Yet another beautiful plant that will pick underwater to overwater any day, the Peace Lily also does not mind different levels of sunlight unless it is the afternoon hours in the peak summer. Pair this plant with well-draining soil with a fistful of organic matter, and this plant will ask for practically nothing more! Keep this plant away from cold drafts, though.
5. Heart-Leaf Philodendron
Botanical Name: Philodendron spp.
Hold off watering for a few days, and your heart-leaf philodendron will hardly notice. It does not need too much direct sun exposure and survives quite well in bright, indirect light and even in some shade, too. However, keep it away from direct sunlight as that can scorch its leaves.
An excellent plant for beginners, most philodendron varieties can handle a few slips in their care!
6. Golden Pothos
Botanical Name: Epipremnum aureum
Golden Pothos is the perfect plant for anyone who loves greenery but might not always have the time to tend to it daily. This forgiving vine thrives under various lighting conditions and doesn’t mind if you skip a watering or two. Plus, it provides plenty of styling options, from vertical displays to living curtain ideas!
7. Cactus
Botanical Name: Cactaceae
Since cacti are basically succulents, they have minimal care requirements, and if you have a busy schedule yet love plants, a cactus can be the best option for you. If you tend to neglect watering very often, cacti will not only survive but thrive.
8. Spider Plant
Botanical Name: Chlorophytum comosum
While there are many beginner-friendly plants out there, nothing is as great of a starter plant as the spider plant. It’s not fussy about lighting and needs water just once a week. It’s perfect for those who are just starting with plants or might not be home often enough to give them constant attention.
9. Air Plant
Botanical Name: Tillandsia spp.
Growing green beauties just got easier, thanks to air plants, which literally do not need soil or water to grow! If you place them in a bathroom where it’s humid and there’s plenty of indirect sunlight, they pretty much care for themselves. If they’re not in a bathroom, just give them a quick soak in water every 10 days during the summer, and they’ll be just fine.
10. Boston Fern
Botanical Name: Nephrolepis exaltata
Boston Ferns like humidity and moist soil, but they’re pretty easygoing if you set up a simple pebble tray with water for them. This setup helps keep them happy and hydrated without needing constant attention, perfect for those times you forget to water.
11. Cyperus
Botanical Name: Cyperus alternifolius
Cyperus thrives as long as it is provided with enough moisture. Rest, it is not at all fussy about light unless it is the harsh afternoon sun that might lead to yellowing or brown spots.
12. Cast Iron Plant
Botanical Name: Aspidistra elatior
True to its name, the Cast Iron Plant is nearly indestructible. It’s incredibly resilient, tolerating low light, lack of water, and temperature extremes—almost every form of neglect.
13. Haworthia Zebra
Botanical Name: Haworthia Attenuata zebrina
The Haworthia Zebra makes an excellent gift choice. Its leaves showcase cool white stripes. It can go unwatered for weeks. Just make sure to soak it thoroughly when watering and keep it in a well-lit area but out of direct, harsh sunlight.
14. Umbrella Plant
Botanical Name: Schefflera amate
This towering beauty is Ideal for those who occasionally remember there’s nature in the house; it thrives just fine in medium to bright, indirect light. Water it only when the soil dries out completely—perfect for the forgetful waterer who still wants greenery at home.
15. Neanthe Bella Palm
Botanical Name: Chamaedorea elegans
One look at this plant, and you might dismiss it as frilly and delicate. However, don’t judge this plant by its leaves because it is quite durable and hardy. It’s undemanding regarding watering, needing only every one to two weeks, provided it gets medium to bright indirect light.
