Top 10 Low Maintenance Plants

Plant lovers come in all shapes and sizes and for some of us we do not possess the particular skill of keeping our plants alive. Luckily, having a natural green thumb is not necessary for these 10 low maintenance house plants. All of these plants are resilient and can withstand their plant parent’s busy schedule!

1. SNAKE PLANT

The Snake Plant is a succulent with thick green spiky leaves covered with dark green zigzag patterns throughout. This popular house plant is a natural air purifier and is the perfect addition for anyone who is looking to add greenery into their office or living space.

Sun Exposure: The Snake Plant requires filtered sun. Filtered sun is when sun exposure is filtered through a sheer curtain to protect your plant from direct sun rays. 

Water Needs: The Snake Plant only requires a ½ a cup of water or until the first inch of soil is moist every 21 days. With such minimal watering needs, this plant can withstand a forgetful owner.

2. CLIVIA

The Clivia is a beautiful flowering plant with thick green leaves and orange flowers. This plant is perfect for a cool, dim-lit room and will add a pop of color to any home 

Sun Exposure: The Clivia requires filtered sunlight and can thrive in a dim-lit room that provides about an hour of direct sunlight a day with the rest of the day receiving indirect light.

Water Needs: The Clivia has seasonal watering needs. In the summer months, the Clivia requires moist soil and should be watered every 7 days. In the winter months, the Clivia is dormant and only requires water once a month.

3. CHINESE MONEY PLANT

The Chinese Money Plant originated in the Chinese province of Yunnan. It’s name is derived from it’s green leaves that resemble small coins. Although originally from China, this plant is extremely popular in Scandinavia and is considered a staple in many homes. Easy to care for, the Chinese Money Plant can grow in low light and dry conditions, making it perfect for the forgetful plant lover.

Sun Exposure: Although the Chinese Money Plant can thrive in low light conditions, this plant prefers filtered light exposure. Filtered light allows the plant to indirectly receive the sun’s rays. Only allowing the plant one hour of direct sun. 

Water Needs: The Chinese Money Plant only requires water once every 10 days or until the soil is completely dry. If your plant’s leaves begin to appear droopy, this is a sign that it is in need of some water!

4. JADE PLANT

Need a little luck in your life? The Jade Plant is the perfect low maintenance succulent that is said to bring luck to its owner. This resilient plant requires a lot of sunshine and minimal watering.

Sun Exposure: The Jade Plant requires full sun! The perfect location to ensure your Jade Plant is receiving as much sun as possible is in front of or about 2 to 3 feet from a western or southern facing window. 

Water Needs: Like most succulents, the Jade plant stores water in its leaves and therefore does not require a frequent watering schedule. Only water your Jade Plant once the top 2 inches of soil are completely dry. 

5. ALOE VERA

Aloe Vera is a classic houseplant that can be found in the majority of plant lover’s homes. Low maintenance with vast medicinal benefits, including healing burns and cuts as well as increasing white blood cells, the Aloe plant is the perfect addition to your plant collection.

Sun Exposure: Aloe Vera's light needs are pretty simple. They  require full sun exposure. Full sun exposure is when your plant receives direct sunlight at least 4 hours a day. The perfect location for your Aloe is near a southern or western facing wall.

Water Needs: Aloe Vera should only be watered every 20 to 28 days. Aloe Vera will suffer if watered too often so be sure to only water your Aloe Vera once the soil is starting to become dry.

6. AIR PLANT

The Air Plant, or Tillandsia,  is a unique, and easy to care for houseplant that requires absolutely no soil! Because of this, Tillandsia care is quite simple. 

Sun Exposure: The Air Plant requires filtered sun. This means that your Air Plant should only be placed in direct sunlight for a maximum of one hour a day. For the remainder of the day, ensure your plant is receiving indirect sunlight through a thin curtain.  

Water Needs: Since your Air Plant does not have any soil, watering this plant is a one of a kind process. In order to water your Air Plant, you must place it in a bowl of water and allow it to soak for up to 3 minutes. Once the 3 minutes is up, place your Air Plant upside down to allow the remaining water to drip off the plant. Repeat this process about once a week.

7. GOLDEN POTHOS

The Golden Pothos or Devil's Ivy is a beautiful green vine plant with spots of white throughout their leaves. This plant is known for its natural air purifying abilities and can aid in removing household toxins making it perfect for a beginner botanist or plant lover. In addition to it’s toxin removing abilities, the Golden Pothos is easy to care for and can adapt well to different climates. 

Sun Exposure: The Golden Pothos thrives in bright, filtered sun but can handle partial shade and dimmer lighting.The perfect location for your Golden Pothos is about 1 to 2 feet from a western or southern facing window.

Water Needs: The Golden Pothos does not have complicated water needs. In order to ensure your plant is reaching its full potential, water your plant once every week or when the plant’s soil is completely dry. 

8. ZZ PLANT 

The ZZ Plant is a low maintenance house plant that is considered by many to be indestructible. This plant can handle harsh conditions like minimal light and drought-like conditions. Native to East Africa, the ZZ Plant has long glossy green leaves that will brighten up any space in your home or office. 

Sun Exposure: The ZZ Plant prefers filtered sun exposure, with bright, indirect sunlight for the majority of the day. Although this plant prefers filtered sun exposure, the ZZ Plant can also thrive in other lighting conditions such as partial to full shade.

Water Needs: The ZZ Plant is resilient and can handle dry soil and drought-like conditions making this plant perfect for the plant owner who struggles with remembering to frequently water their plants. The ZZ plant only requires water about every two weeks or when the first top inch of the soil is completely dry. 

9. RUBBER PLANT

The Rubber Plant, or Ficus Elastica, has glossy, rounded leaves that grow close to the plant’s stems. This succulent is known for its air purifying abilities and minimal sun and water needs. If you are able to provide your plant with water once a week and a location where it will receive indirect sun, this resilient plant will thrive in most conditions.

Sun Exposure: The Rubber Plant prefers filtered sun. Filtered sun allows your plant to receive indirect sunlight through a thin sheet or curtain throughout the day.

Water Needs: The Rubber Plant does not have complicated watering needs. Water your plant once a week until the soil is completely moist. Wait until the soil dries out before watering.

10. SPIDER PLANT

The Spider Plant is a popular houseplant with long thin green leaves that fall along the sides of the plant. Native to the South African rainforest, the Spider Plant prefers environments that mimic this with filtered sun and moist soil  

Sun Exposure: The Spider Plant prefers filtered sun that mimics the canopy of its native rainforest environment. Filtered sun is when the plant receives indirect light for the majority of the day through a western or southern facing window. 

Water Needs: The Spider Plant requires water once it’s soil is completely dry. Once the soil is completely dry, water your plant with about ½ a cup of cup of water or until the first inch of the soil is completely moist.