If you’ve been unable to care for previous house plants, you may be left feeling dejected. But not every house plant requires you to have a natural green thumb and extensive gardening knowledge. Here is a list of strong indoor species that can survive and even thrive, despite serious neglect. Just remember to buy something that likes to live how you live.
Pothos
Calling all green thumb failures: This beautiful, trailing vine has earned the nickname of devil’s ivy for its ability to withstand almost anything, such as pitch-black conditions as well as under and over-watering.
Aglaonema
If you’re more of an over-waterer, an excellent plant to bring home is this Chinese evergreen. The Aglaonema can withstand excess water and it also comes in a spectrum of colors, including green, red, pink, and white.
Jade Plant
The jade plant retains excess water in its round leaves, so this plant can sometimes survive for more than a month without any attention whatsoever. Whenever they do get water again, they start to rehydrate and grow.
Asparagus Fern
This cute, fluffy plant tolerates much more abuse than other ferns thanks to the fact that it’s not really a fern. The Asparagus fern adapts to both bright and dark spots of your home.
Chinese Money Plant
This plant grows its best in a shady spot or on a winter windowsill with weekly watering.
Yucca
All you need for a happy yucca is a whole lot of sun. Place this plant in a deep enough container that balances out the top-heavy woody stems. Water sparingly.
Air Plant
This plant grows without dirt altogether, so you don’t need to put it at all. All you have to do is dunk it in water for about three hours every 10 days or so.
Spider Plant
This fast-growing plant produces little ‘babies’ that you can re-pot for more greenery around the house. Just pick well-lit spots and don’t forget to water weekly.
Peace Lily
If you overwater your plants, try peace lilies, as these can grow in an abundance of water. Given enough light, they also produce their spade-shaped flowers throughout the year.
Aloe
This plant prefers indirect light and would love a spot on your desk or bedside table, given a good soak every week or two in water.
