Some of us may not have the greenest of thumbs, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying all the benefits of houseplants.

Not only are there plenty of low-maintenance houseplants to grow, houseplants add living beauty to your space and help purify the air, giving you a boost in both body and spirit.

(Though do keep in mind that some houseplants are toxic to pets or children, so check children’s health websites before incorporating houseplants into your home.)

These ten hard-to-kill houseplants will flourish under the care of even the most forgetful gardeners.

1. Philodendron

1. Philodendron
Pixabay

Add a subtle touch of burgundy or golden yellow to your living space with the wide, waxy leaves of philodendron. Try the varieties McColley’s Finale or Prince of Orange for colorful philodendron that are low-fuss. This houseplant can grow quickly, though, so keep it well groomed by trimming it back, staking upright types or winding the foliage around itself.

Why we love it: There are two types of philodendron: vining and non-climbing, so it’s a cinch to pick the type that best suits your space. It also accents other plants wonderfully.

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2. Geranium

2. Geranium
Pixabay

A reliable and eager bloomer, even in winter, geraniums come in every shade of the rainbow, and then some. If you want to add more than just color to your living space, explore the world of scented-leaf geraniums, which come in fragrances like pine, peppermint, and nutmeg.

Why we love it: Geraniums are best left to their own devices. Water thoroughly, but only as needed, then sit back and enjoy the show

3. Hens and chicks

3. Hens and chicks
Pixabay

Whether it’s a single blooming sempervivum or a whole container of these rosette-shaped succulents, they make for an impressive presentation. These tough little guys need bright light to survive, and just one of these plants will easily propagate many more. This succulent’s only weakness is mealybugs, which can spread to other plants in your home if you’re not careful.

Why we love it: No matter where or how you plant it, hens and chicks will always look orderly and snug in their containers.

Some of us may not have the greenest of thumbs, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying all the benefits of houseplants.

Not only are there plenty of low-maintenance houseplants to grow, houseplants add living beauty to your space and help purify the air, giving you a boost in both body and spirit.

(Though do keep in mind that some houseplants are toxic to pets or children, so check children’s health websites before incorporating houseplants into your home.)

These ten hard-to-kill houseplants will flourish under the care of even the most forgetful gardeners.

4. Aloe

4. Aloe
Max Pixel

Want the look of an agave plant on a much smaller scale? Try family-friendly aloe. This funky-looking succulent flourishes in south-facing windowsills where they can get plenty of bright light, but east- and west-facing windows work just as well.

Aloe loves company—cluster a few different varieties together in one container for a unique look.

Why we love it: The popular aloe vera doesn’t just look good—it’ll make you feel good, too. The jelly-like pulp inside its leaves is a great home remedy for minor burns and insect bites.

5. ZZ plant

5. ZZ plant
Wikimedia

With no blooms when grown indoors and a slow growth-rate, ZZ plant doesn’t have a lot of frills. But what it lacks in pop, it makes up in polish with its glossy green leaves and vertical, palm-like stems. Splurge a little and buy a mature ZZ plant at the outset and give this slender statement plant its best chance to thrive in the indirect light of an east- or west-facing window.

Why we love it: ZZ plant works with every decorating style, because it looks awesome in any kind of container from a woven basket for a bohemian look to a chic glazed container for a modern space.

6. Norfolk Island pine

6. Norfolk Island pine
Public Domain Pictures

Create an evergreen forest in miniature with a few Norfolk Island pines. The soft, feathery needles make this live tree friendlier than most. It’ll eventually become a small tree, but slow the growth process a little bit by keeping it tightly potted. Grow it in bright light and keep the soil moist.

Why we love it: Although unable to hold heavier ornaments, Norfolk Island pine can pull double-duty as a Christmas tree. Think cute, homemade popcorn chains, origami, and garland!

Some of us may not have the greenest of thumbs, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying all the benefits of houseplants.

Not only are there plenty of low-maintenance houseplants to grow, houseplants add living beauty to your space and help purify the air, giving you a boost in both body and spirit.

(Though do keep in mind that some houseplants are toxic to pets or children, so check children’s health websites before incorporating houseplants into your home.)

These ten hard-to-kill houseplants will flourish under the care of even the most forgetful gardeners.

7. Christmas cactus

7. Christmas cactus
Wikimedia

There are very few plants that prompt warm, fuzzy feelings of holiday nostalgia like the Christmas cactus. This cactus bursts into beautiful bloom in midwinter, and its plump flowers come in a range of colors from bright yellows to deep pinks. For the best performance, don’t fuss and fret over Christmas cactus beyond watering it when its soil is dry.

Why we love it: This cactus asks for next to nothing from its caretaker and will readily live on for years and years. It also makes a thoughtful gift!

8. Haworthia

8. Haworthia
worldofsucculents.com

It’s easy to guess why haworthia is sometimes referred to as the zebra plant—the white, stripey bumps along its leaves make it stand out in a crowd. Not only is this houseplant eye-catching, it also withstands nearly any abuse thrown at it, since it doesn’t require much watering and does fine in most light conditions, though a south-facing window is best practice.

Why we love it: Haworthia has a long history—it was first referenced in writing in the early 1600s when European explorers brought haworthia back from southern Africa.

9. Carex

9. Carex
Public Domain

There are thousands of species of carex and they come in all shapes and sizes, but you really can’t go wrong with any of them. You’ll enjoy their elegant bursts of sweeping grass-like blades. If planting a larger variety, like Ice Ballet (C. morrowii), you’ll eventually need a hefty container, but always start with a pot one size bigger than it is currently growing in to prevent root rot.

Why we love it: If you have a habit of overwatering plants, carex is more tolerant of accidental soakings than most houseplants.

Some of us may not have the greenest of thumbs, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying all the benefits of houseplants.

Not only are there plenty of low-maintenance houseplants to grow, houseplants add living beauty to your space and help purify the air, giving you a boost in both body and spirit.

(Though do keep in mind that some houseplants are toxic to pets or children, so check children’s health websites before incorporating houseplants into your home.)

These ten hard-to-kill houseplants will flourish under the care of even the most forgetful gardeners.

10. Medinilla

10. Medinilla
Wikimedia

Put a medinilla in a room and it will demand your attention with its broad green leaves and pink-then-purple blooms. Give this showstopper houseplant the spotlight it deserves with a heavy container and a south-facing window, then watch as it slowly grows to the size of a small citrus tree (depending on variety).

Why we love it: Medinilla cheers up any room with its bright pink flower clusters during the doldrums of autumn and winter.

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