Luckily for gardening amateurs, there are a handful of picture-perfect plants that can survive drought, neglect, darkness, and a lack of food. These are the perfect green companions for those who have a busy lifestyle.
That being said, it’s important to keep in mind that all plants do need a small amount of care, even if it’s minimalist. When cared for correctly though, these blooms can bring joy, colour, and numerous health benefits to the home.
Many of these hard to kill houseplants also have air-purifying qualities and can provide a dose of greenery to your kitchens, bedrooms and other living spaces.
1. Mother-in-laws tongue (Sansevieria Trifasciata)
This extremely hardy plant can be neglected for weeks on end. In fact, it thrives in dry soil, which means you can leave it to its own devices every now and again.
Whether you travel for business on a regular basis, or simply forget to water your plants, it can survive without care for between 10 and 14 days. It’s also a good option for shady areas, which makes it a great choice for dark corners and low-lit areas.
2. String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)
This very pretty succulent gets its nickname from its leaves, which resemble pearl-like strands. These can grow to the size of marbles and make for an aesthetically pleasing display. The easiest way to ensure this plant thrives is to place it in a pot containing well-draining soil.
For best results, use cactus soil with a sandy consistency, wait between watering (until the soil is dry to the touch) and place it in an area out of direct sunlight.
3. Echeveria
These very sweet succulents, although small, are extremely mighty when it comes to withstanding neglect. This is because they’re able to store water in their rich, fleshy leaves. They are the perfect plant for smaller spaces, such as apartments, as they take up little room.
To ensure they grow to their maximum potential, place them in a pot with a free-draining potting mixture and pick an area that boasts plenty of sunlight. To add the ultimate appeal to your home and oodles of colour, choose a range of succulents in varying patterns and hues.
Although Echeveria is often found in several pastel shades, it’s also possible to find them in a collection of bolder colours, including yellow, orange, red and pink.
4. Bromeliad
This shrub is a distant cousin of the pineapple plant, which makes it a great choice for those wishing to bring a tropical feel to their homes and offices. They are normally available in bloom, which can be hard to maintain without humid environments, however, the foliage is just as pretty as the flower.
Their biggest selling point? They take their moisture and nutrients from the air, which means they require little care, asides from a drop of water every now and again.
5. Flaming Katy (Kalanchoe)
These hot-hued, bold blooms are extremely popular among those looking for hard-to-kill houseplants. They require little water due to their origin and being native to arid lands.
Allow the soil to fully dry out between watering and place on a sunny windowsill. This will promote beautiful blooms in a range of hues spanning from orange, to pinks and reds.
Many people throw away this plant post blooming, however, when pruned correctly, it can re-bloom the following year, provided that you give it a reduced amount of water during the winter months.
6. Cactus
Cacti are at the top of the list when it comes to fool-proof houseplants. They require little watering and are available in a huge range of shapes, sizes, textures, and colours. These blooms, when teamed with numerous variants, can create an aesthetically pleasing display on any windowsill.
The more popular species include Mammillaria hahniana (old lady cactus), Astrophytum asterias (star cactus) and Opuntia microdasys (bunny ears cactus).
7. Heart-Leaf Philodendron (Philodendron Hederaceum)
This small, easy-to-care-for trailing plant handles shade extremely well. In fact, it prefers a location boasting low to medium light and a little water. To help your philodendron thrive, water it just once a week.
This shrub is a good option for smaller spaces as it can be grown on a shelf, or in a hanging basket.
8. English Ivy (Headers Helix)
Few think of this plant as a houseplant, however, it’s a great option for those who wish to train plants to trail from ledges and high shelves. Its stunning, rich green foliage adds instant energy to any room in the household.
Provided that you place it in an area that boasts good light, it requires very little maintenance.
9. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas Zamiifolia)
This prevalent houseplant is suited to both contemporary and traditional homes. It’s extremely hardy and is able to survive shade and drought. One factor to take into consideration if placing this plant in your home is to keep it away from small children and pets, as it can be toxic.
Yellow leaves can be a sign of water watering, so it’s best to allow the soil to dry out entirely between watering.
10. Jade Plant (Crassula Ovata)
This picture-perfect succulent with its wood-like stems resembles a small tree. It requires little water as its disc-shaped leaves are able to store additional moisture all year round. To ensure it thrives throughout the year, place it in a bright area, making sure to avoid direct sunlight and give it only a little water.
Certain varieties boast a pretty red tinge, which develops around the edge of the green leaves. This tends to happen only when exposed to bright light, while other species boast cutesy pastel pink blooms in the springtime.
All of the houseplants we have mentioned in our guide are easy-to-care-for, yet still, promise to add an injection of colour and energy to homes and offices around the world.
Asides from bringing a little of the outdoors in, these plants have numerous health benefits, heighten motivation and can lower stress levels. What’s not to love?
Sources: daviddomoney.com, stylecurator.com.au, thejoyofplants.co.uk
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