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Writer's pictureMadi Fay

The 7 Easiest Plants To Keep Alive

Updated: Nov 18, 2023

Plants bring just about any home an additional freshness, beauty, and serenity that we all enjoy.


But unfortunately, for some, purchasing and sustaining a plant, as much as we may want to, can seem daunting, especially if there have been failed experiences in the past.

If this sounds like you, don't worry, there is hope.


Many house plants are simple to keep alive, even for the plant owner who lacks a green thumb or feels too busy to add a high-maintenance plant to their life.


Holistic Plants
Vadim Kaipov x Unsplash

We'll discuss the seven easiest plants to keep alive and what makes them so low maintenance. So whether you're a rookie looking to take your first swing at plant parent life or a seasoned plant veteran who wants to add some easy options to their plant inventory, this article aims to have you educated and prepared for your future selections.


7 Plants That Require Little Care And Attention


1. The Snake Plant


snake plant patch plant
Patch Plants

The snake plant, better known as the Sansevieria or "Mother-in-law's tongue," is one of the easiest plants to keep alive that has gained tremendous popularity among house plants. This is mainly due to the snake plant's ability to survive with little water and dim lighting. These factors make the snake plant an incredibly low-maintenance plant option.


But just because the snake plant requires little attention doesn't mean you won't get anything from the relationship. Not only is your house getting a beautiful and aesthetically pleasing addition, but it also brings a 100% natural air purifier. The snake plant can remove toxins in the air of your house, making it a healthier living condition for you and your family.


Consider this plant if you're looking for a practical, easy-to-maintain plant.

General tips for caring for your Snake plant:

  • Temperature: Moderate temperature of 60-85°F.

  • Water: Always check the soil moisture to avoid overwatering it. Can tolerate drought. Water it as infrequently as every 2-4 weeks. In the winter, the snake plant can likely go even longer without watering because of the colder weather and less access to sunlight.

  • Light: Avoid direct sunlight on your snake plant.


2. Pothos Plant


Pathos Plant
Old Farmers Almanac x usmee/Shuttershock

Sometimes known as Devil's Ivy, the pothos plant should have any beginner plant parent leaping for joy because of how simple it is to care for. This house plant can go without water for long periods, perfect for those first-time plant owners who forgot to hire a house sitter while away on summer vacation!


Pothos plants can also survive in several different lighting conditions. Like the snake plant, pothos plants purify the air, improving your home's air quality.


Picky about your home's aesthetics? Pothos plants can come in various color options ranging from green, golden, or even variegated, giving you plenty of freedom to play around with color schemes.

General tips for caring for your Pothos plant:

  • Temperature: Moderate temperatures, anywhere from 60-85°F.

  • Water: Water every week or every other week. Always check that the top inch of soil is dry before watering your Pothos plant again.

  • Light: Avoid direct sunlight.




3. The Spider Plant


Old Farmers Almanac x t50Shuttershock

Don't be scared because of this plant's name. The Chlorophytum comosum, or the spider plant, is an iconic house plant selection.


You've likely seen this plant in someone's house before. The spider plant is a simple and low-maintenance option to consider. It requires very little water and limited light. In addition, the spider plant is a natural air purifier, removing toxins from the air within your home and improving its overall quality.


Give it some time, and you'll notice beautiful white flowers sprouting from the ends of your spider plants. This indoor plant makes a gorgeous addition to any home.

General tips for caring for your Spider plant:

  • Temperature: 60-75°F will be the sweet spot for the Spider Plant.

  • Water: Check the top inch of the soil and re-water the plant if the soil is dry. If the soil is still wet, wait a few more days and check again.

  • Light: Avoid direct sunlight.


4. The ZZ Plant


Campbell's Nursery ZZ plant
Campbell's Nursery

While some have shortened this plant's name to ZZ plant, its official name is Zamioculcas Zamiifolia. Some have also called this plant Zanzibar Gem. But, for everyone's sake, let's call it the ZZ plant. Native to areas in Eastern Africa, the ZZ plant makes our list of easiest plants to keep alive because of its ability to survive with very little water and poor light conditions, making it a low-maintenance, easy-to-care-for plant option.


Air purifying capabilities and glossy, oval-shaped, dark green leaves make the ZZ plant a beautiful and fun addition to indoor living areas. According to studies, the ZZ plant can decontaminate air by reducing benzene, toluene, xylene, and ethylbenzene, four pollutant gasses.

General tips for caring for your ZZ plant:

  • Temperature: Temperatures between 60-75°F.

  • Water: Re-water when the soil is dry; if the bottom of the soil is still wet, wait until it dries completely before watering again.

  • Light: Place in bright, indirect light.


5. The Peace Lily


Peace lily
Michler's

A fitting name for this plant, the Peace Lily, will give owners exactly that; peace. This is because little care is needed for the Peace Lily, also known as the Spathiphyllum or Spath.


Owners can have peace knowing their plants thrive even with little water and poor lighting.

If your Peace Lily is drooping, this is its way of telling you it occasionally needs more water. Just because it's drooping doesn't mean you've failed. A little more water can bring this plant back to its original glory, offering second chances to plant owners.


The Peace Lily is known for producing little white flowers lasting several weeks. The plant gives off a vibe of serenity and calmness. It also possesses air purifying capabilities, making it an excellent choice for apartments or homes.

​​General tips for caring for your Peace Lily:

  • Temperature: Warmer weather, anywhere from 65-80°F.

  • Water: Check the top inch of the soil. If dry, re-water the plant. If the bottom is still wet, wait a few more days, then check again.

  • Light: Place in bright, indirect light.



6. The Rubber Plant


Leon & George Rubber Plant
Leon & George

With voluminous, polished leaves, the rubber plant not only purifies the air in your indoor area but also works as a great statement piece. The plant is native to the Southern and Southeastern parts of Asia but has done quite well here in the States.


The rubber plant can also be known as rubber fig, rubber tree, Indian rubber bush, or rubber plant tree.


Consider this plant for your office desk, kitchen counter, or reading room! It's an easy-to-maintain plant option because of its little need for water or sunlight.

​ ​​General tips for caring for your Rubber Plant:

  • Temperature: 60-75​​°F temperatures would do best for the Rubber plant.

  • Water: Check the top inch of the soil is dry is the best way to avoid over-watering. Never re-water if the soil remains moist from previous watering.

  • Light: While the Rubber plant can handle dim lighting, it would prefer bright indirect light.


7. The Chinese Evergreen Plant


Chinese evergreen plant care
Gardeners World x Getty Images

Last but certainly not least is the Chinese Evergreen plant. Also known as the Aglaonema plant, these plants are initially from the tropical regions of New Guinea and Asia but have also done quite well here in the States.


The Chinese Evergreen plant has become a favorite among beginner plant owners or owners who are too busy to care for their plants. The plant only requires minimal water for survival and can grow in various lighting environments.


Like the other indoor plants in this list, the Chinese Evergreen plant purifies the air around it, removing toxins and improving air quality. This plant also produces a variety of stunning colors, including silver, green, and vibrant red. Owners have the luxury of choosing a plant that fits their home's color scheme.

​​ ​​General tips for caring for your Chinese Evergreen Plant:

  • Temperature: Best in slightly warmer temperatures, typically 65-80​​°F.

  • Water: Give some water when you notice the top inch of the soil is dry. To avoid over-watering, wait a few days to water the plant if the bottom is still slightly moist.

  • Light: Keep in bright, indirect lighting.

Bonus Tips:

  • Prune your plant when necessary to keep them looking clean and tidy.

  • Avoid placing your plants under air conditioning vents, as a draft can damage your plant.

  • Repot your plant as it grows when necessary.

  • Dust off your plant occasionally to help keep them looking clean and healthy.

  • During spring and summer, consider fertilizing your plant with a balanced fertilizer.

  • The plants in this list would all benefit from a pot with a drainage hole at the bottom and soil draining well.



Bringing Plants to Your Indoor Space


Adding these easiest plants to keep alive in your indoor space is a great way to improve beauty and freshness. And with all the above house plants listed, you see hope for even those lacking a green thumb or the time and energy to care for a high-maintenance plant.


In addition, these easy-to-care-for plant options allow you to remove any intimidation or fear and purchase that plant you've been considering. From the Peace Lily to the Chinese Evergreen plant, your indoor area can add a sprinkle of freshness and life while also being purified of harmful toxins, making for a healthier living condition.


It may be time to give indoor gardening life a try. With these options, you'll know you aren't getting in over your head with a high-maintenance plant option.


Good luck, and get ready for the joy of watching an indoor plant blossom and come to life!




 

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