I love having plants in the house, but I am notoriously bad at keeping them alive. I had had to bin brown, crispy plants more times than I would like to admit.
But I am getting smarter, and try to stick to plants that are ok with a bit of neglect! Here are my top ten plants that are pretty hard to kill.
Philodendron
There are many different species of this leafy green plant, but on the whole they like it when their soil dries out between waterings, and if you leave it a bit too long their leaves will go droopy as a little nudge for water.
Fiddle leaf fig
These beauties like bright light, but out of direct rays of sun. Other than that this indoor tree is pretty low maintenance and they’ll only need a drink when the top inch of soil dries out.
Aloe Vera
This spiky plant has soothing properties and only needs a water every two to three weeks.
Jade/money plant
This succulent is used in Feng Shui to grow energy in your bank balance! But if that doesn’t work it will survive a bit of neglect. It can be left to dry out in-between waters, and can live for years.
Snake plant
This plant is nearly indestructible; it doesn’t like too much water and can suffer low levels of lighting.
Cacti
An obvious one, but they can’t go unmentioned. These spiky plants have been the only survivors in my house in some years. Used to living in the dessert, you don’t need to remember to water them regularly.
Peace Lily
This popular leafy plant has occasional white flowers but it looks lovely when it is just leaves too. They don’t need too much water, and will wilt when really thirsty, only to perk back up quickly once you have given them a drink.
Cast iron plant
Called this for it’s resistance to neglect! It can tolerate low light, little watering and variable temperatures. Pretty much indestructible then.
Pothos
This leafy green vine will grow long trails and will survive sporadic watering and low light.
Kalanchoe
Perfect if you want a bit of colour. The Kalanchoe doesn’t like too much water and the soil is best if it has the chance to dry out in-between waters. Not one for cats or dogs though as it is poisonous to them.
What are your favourite houseplants? Do you know of any others that are a little bit self-sufficient?
