76% of millennials own houseplants. But let’s be real—how many of them are still alive? You love the idea of plants. The lush greenery. The cozy, inviting vibe. The way they make a space feel alive. But there’s one small problem: keeping them alive.
You forget to water. You leave for a week, and suddenly, your fiddle leaf fig is throwing a tantrum. Maybe you’ve bought plants before, only to watch them wither in silence, judging you for your poor life choices. Sound familiar? Not all plants need constant care. Some thrive on pure neglect. They don’t need daily watering, they tolerate low light, and they won’t hold a grudge if you forget about them for a while.
We’ve tested dozens of houseplants, and these 20 nearly indestructible plants are perfect for busy people, frequent travelers, or anyone who just wants something green without the stress. From air-purifying wonders to stylish succulents, these plants will bring life to your home—without turning plant care into another full-time job.
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
The perfect plant doesn’t exist… oh wait, yes it does. Snake plants are the definition of “set it and forget it.” They survive in low light, need watering only every couple of weeks, and actually prefer a little neglect. Plus, they clean the air by removing toxins like benzene and formaldehyde. If you’ve killed every plant you’ve ever owned, start with this one. It’ll stick around, looking effortlessly cool, even when you forget it exists.
2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
If your plants could talk, this one would say, ‘I got this.’ The ZZ plant is practically a survivalist. It thrives in almost any lighting, needs watering just once a month, and bounces back from neglect like nothing happened. Its glossy green leaves add an elegant touch to any room. Plus, it’s known for filtering toxins from the air. If you’re looking for a low-effort, high-reward plant, this is the one to grab.
3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
This plant grows like crazy, even if you forget about it. Pothos is the ultimate beginner-friendly plant. It thrives in almost any light—low, bright, or even artificial office lighting—and forgives irregular watering. If you’ve got a habit of neglecting plants, pothos won’t hold it against you. Its trailing vines grow quickly, making it perfect for hanging baskets or shelves. Want more plants? Just snip a piece and place it in water—it’ll grow new roots in no time. It’s basically the definition of low-maintenance beauty.
4. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
This plant does all the work—literally. Spider plants don’t just survive with minimal care; they reward you with baby plants (called “spiderettes”) that you can repot or share. They tolerate a variety of light conditions, only need occasional watering, and purify indoor air. NASA even ranked them as one of the best air-cleaning plants. If you want greenery that asks for little but gives a lot, the spider plant is a no-brainer. It’s basically the easiest plant-parenting experience you’ll ever have.
5. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
A plant that tells you when it’s thirsty? Yes, please. Peace lilies are one of the most forgiving plants out there. They’ll droop dramatically when thirsty, but a quick drink perks them right back up. Their lush green leaves and elegant white flowers make them look high-maintenance, but they’re not. They thrive in low light and need watering only once a week. Plus, they filter toxins like formaldehyde from the air. Want an easy, beautiful plant that practically takes care of itself? The peace lily is it.
6. Aloe Vera
A plant that takes care of YOU? That’s a win-win. Aloe vera doesn’t just sit there looking pretty—it’s useful too. Snap off a leaf, and the gel inside soothes burns, dry skin, and minor cuts. It thrives on neglect, loves bright light, and only needs watering every few weeks. Too much water is the only way to kill it. If you want a plant that looks cool, takes up little space, and actually does something helpful, aloe vera is the perfect addition to your home.
7. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
If houseplants had survival competitions, this one would win. The cast iron plant gets its name for a reason—it’s nearly impossible to kill. It tolerates low light, fluctuating temperatures, and forgetful owners. If you’re the type who forgets to water for weeks at a time, this plant won’t hold it against you. With its dark green, elegant leaves, it’s a great choice for adding a touch of nature to any space. It’s like the “set it and forget it” slow cooker of the plant world.
8. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
Want a statement plant without the stress? Meet the rubber plant. Rubber plants are the perfect balance of style and simplicity. Their bold, glossy leaves make them look like a high-maintenance plant, but they’re surprisingly easygoing. They handle low light well, need watering only when the soil is dry, and can grow impressively tall with minimal effort. Plus, they improve indoor air quality. Whether you want a small tabletop plant or a floor plant that commands attention, the rubber plant is an easy and stylish choice.
9. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
A plant that barely needs water AND brings good luck? Sign us up. Jade plants are succulents, which means they store water in their thick, fleshy leaves—so even if you forget to water them, they’ll be just fine. In fact, too much water is the only way to harm them. They thrive in bright light and need watering only every few weeks. As a bonus, they’re often associated with good luck and prosperity. If you want a plant that’s as easy as it is charming, jade is the way to go.
10. Air Plants (Tillandsia)
No soil? No problem. These plants defy the rules. Air plants are unlike any other houseplant—you don’t even need soil. Instead, they absorb moisture from the air. Just give them a quick soak in water every couple of weeks, and they’re good to go. Because they don’t need a pot, you can get creative—display them in glass terrariums, mount them on driftwood, or even hang them from the ceiling. They’re modern, minimalist, and ridiculously easy to care for. Perfect for those who want something different.
11. Philodendron
If you want a plant that grows like crazy and forgives everything, this is it. Philodendrons are the kind of plant that just won’t quit. They thrive in a variety of lighting conditions, tolerate occasional neglect, and grow fast—sometimes too fast! With their trailing vines or upright forms, they add instant jungle vibes to any space. Forget to water for a week? No big deal. Need an easy-to-propagate plant? Just snip a stem, pop it in water, and watch new roots grow. Low-maintenance, stylish, and adaptable—what’s not to love?
12. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
A plant that looks fancy but asks for almost nothing in return. Chinese evergreens are known for their beautifully patterned leaves, but they don’t demand VIP treatment. They tolerate low light, inconsistent watering, and even dry indoor air. Some varieties have stunning variegation in shades of silver, pink, and red, making them stand out in any room. Plus, they help purify the air. If you want a plant that looks like you put effort into it—but actually requires almost none—Chinese evergreen is the perfect choice.
13. Cactus
If you can remember to water it once a month, you’re golden. Cacti are the definition of low-maintenance. These desert plants thrive on neglect and need watering only once a month (sometimes even less). They love bright, direct sunlight and don’t mind if you forget about them. With their unique shapes, spiky textures, and endless varieties, they make the perfect addition to any space. Want a plant that actually prefers being ignored? A cactus is the easiest—and most stylish—way to add greenery to your home.
14. Dracaena
Tropical vibes with zero stress—yes, please. Dracaena plants look like something straight out of a vacation postcard, but they’re incredibly easy to care for. They handle low to medium light, require watering only when the soil is dry, and adapt to different environments effortlessly. Their long, spiky leaves make them great for adding height and structure to a room. Plus, they filter toxins from the air. If you want an exotic-looking plant that doesn’t come with high-maintenance baggage, Dracaena is the answer.
15. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
This plant has a diva reputation—but it’s easier than you think. Fiddle leaf figs may seem like high-maintenance plants, but once you find their sweet spot (bright, indirect light), they’re actually pretty easygoing. They need watering only when the top inch of soil is dry and prefer consistency over fussing. If you’ve always wanted a statement plant but feared the upkeep, don’t stress. Just give your fiddle leaf fig the right light, water sparingly, and watch it become the star of your space.
16. Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia)
Big, bold, and easygoing—what more do you need? Dumb cane is one of the easiest plants to care for, yet it looks striking with its large, variegated leaves. It tolerates low light, doesn’t need frequent watering, and grows quickly with minimal effort. The only catch? Its sap can be irritating to pets and humans, so keep it out of reach. If you want a bold, beautiful plant that requires little work but makes a big impact, dumb cane is a solid pick.
17. Boston Fern
Fluffy, green, and low-maintenance? Say no more. Boston ferns might look delicate, but they’re actually pretty easy to care for. They love indirect light, occasional misting, and watering when the soil feels dry. While they enjoy humidity, they don’t need constant babysitting to stay lush. Plus, they’re one of the best air-purifying plants. If you want a soft, draping plant that adds an elegant touch to your home (without requiring endless attention), Boston ferns are a fantastic choice.
18. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
A plant that’s been cool since the Victorian era—and still is. Parlor palms have been a houseplant favorite for over a century, and it’s easy to see why. They’re slow-growing, tolerate low light, and require very little water. Their soft, feathery fronds add a subtle tropical feel to any space without the maintenance of an actual palm tree. If you want an elegant, easy-care plant that won’t grow out of control or demand constant attention, the parlor palm is a timeless and stylish choice.
19. Succulents
Tiny, trendy, and impossible to mess up. Succulents are the ultimate beginner-friendly plants. They come in countless shapes, sizes, and colors, and they require next to no effort. They store water in their thick leaves, meaning you only need to water them every few weeks. They love bright light but don’t complain if you forget about them for a while. Whether you go for classic rosettes, trailing varieties, or quirky geometric forms, succulents are a low-maintenance way to add instant charm to any space.
20. Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)
Low-maintenance AND rumored to bring good fortune? Yes, please. The money tree is a favorite among plant lovers—not just because it’s easy to care for, but because it’s believed to attract prosperity and positive energy. It thrives in medium to bright light, needs watering only when the soil is dry, and can grow into a stunning braided-trunk beauty with minimal effort. If you want a plant that’s low-maintenance, stylish, and possibly lucky, the money tree is a must-have. After all, who couldn’t use a little extra good fortune?
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever felt guilty about killing a plant (or five), you’re not alone. Watering schedules, light requirements, soil needs—it can feel overwhelming. But here’s the secret: not all plants need constant attention. Some actually thrive on a little neglect.
These plants will clean your air, brighten your space, and make you look like a plant pro—without turning plant care into another full-time job. No more overwatering disasters. No more crunchy, lifeless leaves. Just effortless greenery that makes your home feel fresh.
So, which one’s going home with you? Share your plant success (or survival) stories in the comments, or tag DIYReveal with your thriving greenery. Let’s make plant parenting easy—and guilt-free.
