Houseplants are having an actual moment on the internet. It started last year, but the momentum is still going strong across social media. Plant accounts offer viral content about rare and luxury plants, plant care, and how to sneak yet another houseplant into your home without your partner noticing. Internet trends aside, houseplants are beneficial for your mental health, especially when you’re stuck indoors for an indefinite amount of time. But if you’re brand-new to plant ownership, don’t start your collection with one of those orchids from a home improvement store–those things are born to die.
Instead, start with some of these extraordinarily tolerant and accommodating species that will continue to live despite your best efforts.
10 Hardest to Kill Houseplants
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Aloe
You’re supposed to neglect these guys. Well, not really, but you get my meaning. Over-watering is one of the biggest problems for new houseplant owners, and aloe can go weeks before they need some attention.
Rubber Plant
This plant is like a mood ring that changes color depending on the light exposure. The big flat leaves darken in low light and turn a vibrant green in bright sunlight. It thrives in medium indirect light. They also grow with the space available; given enough time and space, they can get up to 30 feet high.
Rabbits Ear
Consider the rabbit’s ear if you aren’t responsible enough for a pet or have allergies because it has soft fuzzy leaves. It’s a hardy plant, popular as ground cover in landscaping because it spreads so fast. Give it potting mix with a lot of drainage and regular watering–but it’ll forgive you if you forget once in a while.
Philodendron
It seems like every therapist has one of these in their office. Or, at least, every therapist on TV. That’s because these plants communicate their needs. The philodendron’s leaves droop if you’re watering wrong and if they’re not getting sufficient light.
Jade Plant
These guys will put up with a lot, but they’ll let you know when you’ve messed up. They’re boisterous and pretty when well-tended to, but there’s nothing sadder than a dull, wilted jade plant dropping leaves to hint that maybe it needs a new pot or just water.
Photo by Janelle Hiroshige on Unsplash
Snake Plant
It’s not the most attractive looking plant out there, but it’s independent and happy in a pot. Word of caution, you can damage snake plants by over-watering. On the plus side, they can go months between waterings. They do best in medium light but will survive in low and bright light as well.
Spider Plant
If you love drama, you’ll love the sweeping leaves of the spider plant. They need bright to moderate light and for their soil to be constantly moist. Best of all, the spider plant reproduces easily, creating “pups” that you can re-pot or give to friends.
Golden Pothos
If you want a hardy plant that is also beautiful, shop around for pothos. They come in various styles, including marble queen, neon, pearls, and jade, all with different leaf patterns.
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Cast-Iron Plant
Beloved by fluorescent-lit offices across America, the cast-iron plant survives in any light condition and is drought resistant–aka, when you forget about it for a month at a time. It’s also slow-growing, so you don’t have to worry about repotting it for a long time.