21 Set-and-Forget Houseplants That Flourish Without Fuss

As someone who’s killed more plants than I care to admit and frequently gets asked about keeping houseplants alive, I never know how to respond. The truth is, I used to think you needed a green thumb or some special talent to grow plants indoors. So, instead of giving up entirely, I decided to find out which plants actually thrive on neglect.

“There are so many houseplants that practically take care of themselves,” says my friend who runs a local nursery and has helped countless people like me discover low-maintenance options. “People think all plants need constant attention, but some of the best houseplants actually prefer to be left alone. They’re perfect for busy lifestyles, and they’ll forgive you if you forget to water them for a week or two.”

While there are hundreds of houseplant varieties out there, starting with the right ones makes all the difference. With that in mind, here are 21 houseplants that will grow happily with minimal fuss from you.

1. Snake Plant

Snake plants are practically foolproof, which makes them perfect for beginners or anyone who travels frequently. You can forget to water yours for weeks, and it’ll still look just fine sitting in that corner. In fact, overwatering kills more snake plants than neglect does, so err on the side of dry soil. These tall, upright plants with their thick, sword-like leaves can handle low light conditions better than most houseplants. Just place yours near a window with indirect light and water maybe once a month—or even less during winter months.

2. ZZ Plant

Plant lovers often call the ZZ plant “unkillable” because it tolerates just about any growing condition you throw at it. The thick, waxy leaves store water like a camel, so you can forget to water it for weeks without any problems. Low light? No problem. Bright light? Works fine too. The glossy green leaves grow on sturdy stems that arch gracefully from the soil. New growth starts as bright lime-colored shoots that darken as they mature. This African native can go months between waterings and still look fresh. Perfect for beginners or anyone who travels frequently.

3. Pothos

Pothos earned its nickname “devil’s ivy” because it’s nearly impossible to kill. This trailing plant features heart-shaped leaves that cascade beautifully from hanging baskets or climb up moss poles. The green foliage often displays cream or yellow variegation, depending on the variety you choose. It thrives in low to medium light and actually prefers to dry out between waterings. You can propagate new plants easily by cutting a stem and placing it in water. Pothos removes toxins from indoor air, making it both practical and attractive. Look for popular varieties like ‘Golden,’ ‘Marble Queen,’ and ‘Neon.’

4. Spider Plant

Spider plants earn their name from the long, arching stems that dangle baby plantlets like little spiders on a web. The narrow green leaves often feature cream or white stripes running down the center. These plantlets can be rooted in water or soil to create new plants, making propagation incredibly easy. Spider plants tolerate low light and irregular watering, bouncing back quickly from neglect. They work well in hanging baskets or on shelves where the trailing stems can cascade freely. Prefers bright, indirect light but adapts to various conditions. Hardy and forgiving for beginners.

5. Rubber Plant

You’ll find this classic houseplant practically takes care of itself once you get it settled in. The thick, glossy leaves can grow quite large, making it a great choice for filling empty corners or spaces that need some greenery. Rubber plants handle low light conditions well, though they’ll grow faster near a bright window. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, which usually means once a week or so. These plants can reach ceiling height if you let them, but regular pruning keeps them manageable. Watch for ‘Burgundy’ with dark red leaves or ‘Tineke’ with cream and green variegation.

6. Peace Lily

Peace lilies make great choices for busy plant parents because they actually tell you when they need water. When the leaves start to droop a bit, that’s your cue to give it a drink. These plants prefer indirect light, so you don’t need to worry about finding the perfect sunny spot. They’ll do just fine in a corner or on a desk away from windows. One bonus is that peace lilies can bloom indoors with white flowers that last for weeks. Just remember to wipe down the leaves occasionally to keep them looking fresh and help the plant breathe better.

7. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera makes for one of the easiest houseplants you can grow, especially if you tend to forget about watering. These succulents actually prefer to dry out completely between waterings, so you only need to water them every two to three weeks. Place your aloe in bright, indirect light near a window, and it’ll be perfectly happy. The thick, fleshy leaves store water naturally, which means they can handle neglect better than most plants. Plus, you can use the gel inside the leaves for minor burns or skin irritation—just break off a leaf and squeeze out the clear gel inside.

8. Philodendron

Philodendrons come in many varieties, from trailing types perfect for hanging baskets to upright forms that climb moss poles. The heart-shaped leaves range from solid green to variegated patterns in cream and yellow. These tropical plants tolerate low light conditions better than most houseplants, making them ideal for darker corners of your home. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and they’ll forgive you if you forget occasionally. Most varieties prefer temperatures between 65-80°F and appreciate higher humidity. Popular choices include heartleaf philodendron, Brasil, and pink princess varieties.

9. Dracaena

Dracaena plants come in many varieties, each with their own leaf patterns and colors. Some have long, narrow leaves striped with yellow or white, while others feature broader foliage in solid green. These tropical plants adapt well to indoor conditions and forgive occasional neglect. They prefer bright, indirect light but can handle lower light situations. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, usually every week or two. Dracaena plants grow slowly and can reach several feet tall over time. They’re also known for cleaning indoor air. Popular varieties include ‘Janet Craig,’ ‘Warneckii,’ and ‘Marginata.’

10. Chinese Evergreen

Chinese Evergreen comes in many varieties with different leaf patterns and colors. You’ll find options with silver markings, pink edges, or red spots scattered across green leaves. This tropical plant handles low light better than most houseplants, making it perfect for darker corners of your home. It doesn’t need frequent watering either – just let the soil dry out between drinks. The thick, waxy leaves stay colorful year-round indoors. Grows slowly but steadily in temperatures between 65-75°F. Look for popular varieties like ‘Silver Bay,’ ‘Red Aglaonema,’ and ‘Maria Christina.’

11. Cast Iron Plant

Cast iron plants earn their name because they can handle just about anything you throw at them. These tough houseplants thrive in low light conditions where other plants would struggle, making them perfect for darker corners or offices with fluorescent lighting. The dark green leaves grow slowly but steadily, creating a neat clump that rarely needs attention. You can forget to water them for weeks and they’ll still look good. They tolerate temperature changes, dry air, and even occasional neglect without complaint. Look for varieties like ‘Variegata’ with cream-striped leaves or stick with the classic solid green.

12. Monstera Deliciosa

You’ve probably seen this plant’s distinctive split leaves in design magazines and Instagram posts. Monstera deliciosa earned its nickname “Swiss cheese plant” from those natural holes and splits that develop as the leaves mature. Young plants start with solid, heart-shaped leaves, but give them time and they’ll develop their signature fenestrations. This tropical houseplant climbs in nature, so providing a moss pole or trellis helps it reach its full potential indoors. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and place it in bright, indirect light. It tolerates lower light conditions but grows more slowly. Hardy as a houseplant in most indoor conditions.

13. Jade Plant

Jade plants are perfect for people who forget to water their houseplants regularly. These thick-leafed succulents can go weeks without water, making them ideal for busy schedules or frequent travelers. Water your jade plant only when the soil feels completely dry to the touch—usually every two to three weeks during spring and summer. In winter, you might only need to water once a month. Place it near a sunny window where it gets bright, indirect light. One bonus is that jade plants are easy to propagate, so you can share cuttings with friends.

14. Christmas Cactus

Christmas cactus blooms reliably during the winter months when most houseplants are dormant. The segmented, flat stems cascade nicely from hanging baskets or shelves. Pink, red, white, or purple flowers appear at the stem tips and can last for weeks. Unlike desert cacti, this plant prefers regular watering and slightly moist soil. It thrives in bright, indirect light and enjoys cooler temperatures around 60-70°F. The key to getting blooms is providing 12-14 hours of darkness daily for about six weeks before you want flowers to appear. Hardy and forgiving for beginners.

15. Heartleaf Philodendron

The heartleaf philodendron earns its spot on this list because it practically takes care of itself. You can water it when the top inch of soil feels dry, which usually works out to about once a week. But here’s the best part—if you forget to water it for a while, it won’t throw a fit like some other houseplants do. The heart-shaped leaves will tell you what’s going on, drooping slightly when thirsty and perking back up after a drink. It’s happy in medium light but can handle lower light conditions too, making it perfect for that corner spot where other plants might struggle.

16. Golden Pothos

Golden pothos might just be the perfect plant for beginners since it practically takes care of itself. You can water it once every week or two, and it won’t complain if you forget occasionally. The plant grows well in bright, indirect light, but it also tolerates lower light conditions better than most houseplants. One great feature is that the trailing vines can grow several feet long, making it ideal for hanging baskets or high shelves. Plus, golden pothos actually helps clean the air in your home while looking good doing it.

17. Parlor Palm

Parlor palms are perfect for beginners who worry about killing their plants. These compact palms grow slowly and don’t mind if you forget to water them for a week or two. They actually prefer their soil to dry out between waterings, so you won’t need to stress about keeping a strict watering schedule. Keep in mind that parlor palms do best in bright, indirect light—direct sunlight can scorch their fronds. Also remember that these plants naturally grow in humid environments, so placing them near other plants or on a pebble tray with water can help them thrive in your home.

18. Fiddle Leaf Fig

Fiddle leaf figs have become popular houseplants thanks to their large, violin-shaped leaves that create a bold statement in any room. These plants prefer bright, indirect light and don’t need daily attention once you understand their basic needs. Water them when the top inch of soil feels dry, usually every 7-10 days. They like consistency, so try to keep them in the same spot rather than moving them around frequently. The leaves can grow quite large, reaching up to 12 inches long on mature plants. With proper care, your fiddle leaf fig will slowly grow taller and develop that tree-like appearance many people love.

19. Succulent Mix

Succulent mixes make perfect starter plants because they’re basically designed to survive neglect. Most people think you need to water them regularly, but that’s actually the fastest way to kill them. These plants store water in their thick leaves and stems, so they only need watering every two to three weeks during spring and summer. In winter, you can stretch that to once a month. The key is letting the soil dry out completely between waterings. Place them near a sunny window and they’ll be happy for months with minimal attention from you.

20. Air Plants

Air plants are perfect for people who forget to water their houseplants. These unusual plants don’t need soil at all – they absorb moisture and nutrients through their leaves from the air around them. You can display them in glass terrariums, hang them from the ceiling, or simply place them on a shelf. Just give them a weekly mist with water or soak them for 20-30 minutes once a week. They prefer bright, indirect light and good air circulation. Many varieties produce colorful flower spikes in shades of pink, red, or purple when they’re happy.