I’ll be the first to admit it. I’ve killed a lot of plants. Not on purpose, of course. I’ve just never been blessed with what they call a “green thumb.” But over the years, through a combination of trial and error, desperate Googling at 2 a.m., and unsolicited advice from strangers on gardening forums, I’ve discovered a handful of plants that actually want to live. Like, they try really hard. Even when I forget to water them for a week or place them in a room that gets all of five minutes of sunlight a day.
So if you’re like me, and I mean someone who loves the idea of having plants but isn’t exactly sure what they’re doing, this list is for you. These are my top 10 plants that will flourish under just about any conditions. Seriously, if these plants can survive me, they can survive anyone.
1. Snake Plant
Ah, the snake plant. My ride-or-die. I think this was the first plant I ever bought that didn’t immediately drop dead out of protest. This beauty is tall, striking, and has those cool leaves that look like they’re reaching for the sky.
Here’s the best part: it thrives on neglect. I’ve forgotten to water mine for a month, and it didn’t even flinch. And light? Doesn’t care. Bright light, low light, no light—it will adjust. I’ve moved it all over my house, including into a bathroom with no windows, and it looked even better than before.
Water: only when the soil is dry to the touch, normally every 2 to 4 weeks
Soil: you should use a well-draining potting mix to prevent root rot
Temperature and Humidity: they can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and dry air
2. Pothos
Pothos plants are the definition of easy-going. I’ve had mine draped over bookshelves, dangling from hanging baskets, and even crawling up the side of a kitchen cabinet. It doesn’t matter where I put them because they just grow. And fast.
What I love most about pothos is how forgiving they are. If the leaves droop, it’s just their polite way of saying, “Hey, a little water, please?” And as soon as you do, they are back to life like nothing even happened. They root in water too, so if you ever want to clone your plant, just snip a piece and throw it in a jar. It’ll grow roots like crazy.
Water: you should allow the soil to dry completely inbetween waterings
Soil: they thrive in well-drained potting soil
Temperature and Humidity: they are not sensitive to temperature and tolerate normal room humidity
3. ZZ Plant
This plant is so indestructible I’m convinced it could survive on Mars. The ZZ plant is glossy, gorgeous, and practically immune to whatever dumb mistakes I make. Overwatering? No, it’s fine. Forgetting it exists for three weeks? Still fine. The only way I think you could kill it is by lighting it on fire.
What’s great is it looks fancy, like something you’d see in a designer hotel lobby, but it’s actually cheap and low-effort. And those waxy leaves? They stay clean. I never even dust it.
Water: only when the soil is completely dry
Soil: use a peat-free cactus and succulent compost
Temperature and Humidity: you should keep your plant in a room with temperatures consistently above 50°F
4. Spider Plant
Okay, I’ll admit I thought spider plants were kind of basic when I first saw them. Every dentist’s office has one. But hear me out because these little guys are absolute legends. They don’t just survive, they thrive.
Mine exploded with growth within a couple of months and started shooting out these adorable little plant babies, like it was trying to start a colony. And the best part? You can just snip those babies off and repot them. I gave them to friends, family, and even neighbors. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.
Water: allow the soil to be slightly dry between waterings
Soil: use a well-draining potting mix and avoid heavy, clay-based soils
Temperature and Humidity: this plant is not sensitive to temperature and humidity changes
5. Peace Lily
Now, the peace lily is one of the few flowering plants I’ve managed to keep alive. And it’s not just alive, it’s flourishing. It’s got these elegant white blooms and lush green leaves that make it look like I actually know what I’m doing.
This plant has a very clear way of communicating. It droops dramatically when it’s thirsty. But give it a drink, and it perks right back up within hours. It’s theatrical and adorable. Plus, it tolerates low light like a champ and apparently purifies the air too, which is great because I have a cat and questionable ventilation.
Water: lightly water when the top of the soil feels dry
Soil: you should repot it every spring using houseplant compost
Temperature and Humidity: you can keep your plant in light, steamy bathrooms and kitchens
6. Aloe Vera
I initially got an aloe plant because I’m pale and burn easily, so having a natural sunburn remedy on hand seemed like a win. What I didn’t realize is how low-maintenance it is. Aloe is a succulent, which basically means it stores water and doesn’t care if I forget to water it for ages.
It thrives in bright light, but it can handle a bit of shade too. Mine lives on a windowsill where it gets full sun half the day and mild neglect the other half. And it’s still growing strong. Plus, every time I cut a leaf, I feel like some kind of herbalist.
Water: aloes are killed by overwatering, so do it sparingly
Soil: you should use a well-draining soil mix like cactus potting mix
Temperature and Humidity: this plant thrives in temperatures between 55 and 85 degrees
7. Cast Iron Plant
Let me tell you, the cast iron plant lives up to its name. This plant endures a lot of things. Low light? It’s fine. Temperature swings? No problem. Dust, dry air, or a forgotten watering schedule? It shrugs all of it off.
It’s not flashy, it has broad, dark green leaves. But that’s what I love about it! It’s quietly dependable. It’s the plant equivalent of that friend who always shows up on time and helps you move furniture without complaining.
Water: just allow the soil to be completely dry before watering it
Soil: for this plant you’ll want to use a fast-draining soil, such as a cactus mix
Temperature and Humidity: they can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and humidity levels
8. Philodendron
I have a soft spot for philodendrons. They just make everything feel more alive. I’ve had a heartleaf philodendron trailing down a bookshelf for a year now, and I swear it’s doubled in size every few months. It’s not picky about light, doesn’t mind if I forget a watering or two, and just keeps pushing out leaves like it’s got something to prove.
It also tells you when it’s thirsty, kind of like pothos does. Slightly droopy leaves that perk right up when you water it. I’ve also rooted cuttings in water, and they’ve taken off just fine. I honestly love philodendrons. I could have a house full of them and be totally happy.
Water: you should water your plant when the top inch of soil is dry
Soil: a well-draining potting mix is crucial
Temperature and Humidity: they thrive in temperatures between 65 and 80°F and humidity levels of 50% or higher
9. Jade Plant
I like to think of jade plants as the overachievers of the succulent world. They look like tiny trees, with thick, glossy leaves and stubby stems. And they live forever. I mean that. I’ve heard of people inheriting jade plants from their grandparents.
Mine sits on a bright windowsill and asks for nothing more than the occasional watering. That’s it. No drama. No drooping. No pest problem. It just grows slowly and steadily, minding its business. Plus, some people say they bring good luck and money.
Water: water sparingly and during the winter reduce watering frequency
Soil: Jade plants prefer well-draining soil, as this is the most important thing in preventing root rot.
Temperature and Humidity: these plants prefer average household temperatures and humidity levels
10. Rubber Plant
I saved the rubber plant for last because it’s kind of the sleeper hit. When I first got mine, I didn’t expect much. But it totally proved me wrong. It started out small, and now it’s this big, beautiful, tree-looking thing that makes my living room feel like a jungle.
It loves bright, indirect light and a regular watering schedule, but it doesn’t throw a tantrum if you mess up once in a while. And those big, glossy leaves? Stunning. They make a statement. People always ask if it’s fake because it looks that good.
Water: you should water your plant when the top 2 to 3 inches of soil feel dry. Use lukewarm water, as hot or cold water can shock the roots
Soil: use a well-draining potting mix and add perlite or pumice to improve drainage
Temperature and Humidity: they don’t like temperature fluctuations and thrive in normal room humidity
Do you want to be more efficient when you water your plants? I think I might have the perfect solution for you. Try out this beautiful watering can, and I promise you won’t regret it!
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