7 Houseplants That Thrive on Neglect

7 Houseplants That Thrive on Neglect—and Won't Die When You Forget to Water Them

These easy-going houseplants reduce the pressure of being a plant parent.

Published on October 08, 2024

Let’s face it, life gets busy and sometimes we aren't the best plant parents. Whether you travel a lot, are preoccupied with juggling family and work obligations, or just have a hard time remembering to water your plants, it can be helpful to choose houseplants that fit your lifestyle. Plants that don't require much care or regular watering can be the right choice to keep your home green and lively without all the maintenance. So, we asked a horticultural expert for suitable houseplants that can thrive with a busy person's lifestyle.

Andrew Bunting, vice president of horticulture with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

01 of 07

Snake Plant

This plant choice is no-fuss. “This easy-to-grow houseplant can go weeks with neglect and little care,” said Andrew Bunting, vice president of horticulture with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society in Philadelphia. He explained snake plants require only an occasional watering and can tolerate many light conditions in the house from lots of sun to indirect light or low light.

02 of 07

Jade Plant

This houseplant’s composition is a win for busy indoor plant enthusiasts. “Because of its succulent leaves and stems it essentially has its own reservoirs of moisture,” said Bunting. To that point, he shared that jade plants can go without watering for a considerable period of time without showing signs of stress.

03 of 07

Golden Pothos

This plant is a good match for wanderlusters. “If you water it before you leave on vacation, it will be thriving when you return,” Bunting assured. “This very common houseplant—which has both the capacity to spill over book shelves or climb surfaces—is tough as nails. It will grow in almost any light condition.”

04 of 07

Chinese Evergreen

This houseplant variety can tolerate very low light conditions and can thrive on neglect. “The Chinese evergreen comes in many varieties with interesting variegated leaves,” Bunting said. “It is a popular houseplant, but is also used in malls, where maintenance might be minimal.”

05 of 07

Peace Lily

For plant owners who spend time away from home, this plant could be the perfect choice. “The peace lily is known for its upright dark green leaves and its white spathe and spadix,” Bunting says. It requires very little care to be healthy and happy, so Bunting advises to water heavily before a long trip and allow the water to drain out the bottom and it will be “good to go” for weeks.

06 of 07

Fiddleleaf Fig

Although this houseplant is rather large in stature, don't be intimidated. Fiddleleaf fig trees can actually thrive with with minimal care. “It’s very durable and it can withstand considerable periods without being watered,” Bunting noted. “In the home, it will adapt to varying light conditions.”

07 of 07

Monstera

A minimal amount of care will set this plant up for success before you head out of town. "Before going on vacation, set this plant in the bathtub and literally give it a shower,” explained Bunting. “It will appreciate thorough watering and humidity.” To help the plant thrive, keep it in an area of the house with dappled sunlight, Bunting ads.

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