12 easy indoor plants that are nearly impossible to kill

Have you killed a few plants but keep buying them because you're an enthusiast? Don't worry. Almost all of us have been there. Our favourite plants sometimes meet a grim fate… often simply because they had demanding needs that were hard to meet.

What makes a plant easy to grow?

• It thrives despite inconsistent watering and even survives in dry soil.
• It endures different light levels, including low light.
• It tolerates dry homes with low humidity.
• It survives despite minimal care.

Also keep in mind that large plants often have a better chance of survival than young ones, simply because their root systems are already well-developed.

We’ve put together a list of twelve tried-and-true survivors, especially adaptable for new plant parents.
 

#1 Snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata)

The snake plant is hard to kill. Only overwatering will do it in. Being a succulent with bulky rhizomes at the base and thicker leaves, the snake plant has its own water reservoirs. It not only requires less watering, but it also has the ability to live in low light spots. Often considered indestructible, you can choose between many varieties, some are dwarf and others grow up to 1.2 m (4’) high.
 

How to care for a snake plant? 

Sansevierias are very easy to satisfy. Low to bright indirect light will please them and you should water well only when completely dry, every few weeks.

Feed lightly - once a month or less - during spring and summer with our All Purpose Liquid Plant Food 10-15-10.

Tip: Wipe the leaves occasionally to remove dust so the plant can photosynthesize better.
 

What's wrong with my snake plant? 

Sansevierias are incredibly resilient and show specific signs of distress when stressed. The most common warning signs are yellowing, limp or wrinkled leaves, which usually indicate an issue with watering or light exposure.

Tip: Yellowing leaves or a mushy base is usually due to overwatering.

#2 ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

ZZ plants are considered succulents and have underground potato-like rhizomes and glossy leaves that store water well for when the soil is dry. Since this plant does well in low light situations and is tolerant of dry conditions, it is a must for neglectful plant parents. No need to fuss over this houseplant. Grows to 76 cm (30”) tall.
 

How to care for a ZZ plant? 

ZZ plants thrive in bright, indirect light but also tolerate low light very well. They do best in well-draining soil and should be watered every few weeks, only when the potting mix has dried out, since they prefer being slightly neglected over overwatered.
 

What's wrong with my ZZ plant?

When you see yellowing leaves or soft spots, you are overwatering. Adjusting your watering frequency should fix the problem in no time.  

#3 Pothos (Epipremnum)

Pothos is one of the easiest plants to grow. It has been popular for decades. This trailing plant can be trained up a trellis or allowed to cascade from the side of its pot. Our grandmothers used to hang them in planters or let them trail along the tops of cupboards. If you want to keep the branches from getting too long, simply pinch off the tips.  

However, it is worth noting that pothos is an excellent climber. In fact, unlike young plants—which have small, solid leaves—mature climbing specimens develop larger, beautifully split foliage. This allows the plant to better withstand strong winds in its native tropical habitat.

Pothos has aerial roots at leaf nodes, which root quickly if you want to make cuttings.
 

How to care for a pothos?

Pothos are happiest in bright, indirect light, though they also adapt well to lower light conditions. They prefer lightly moist soil but don’t like sitting in water. Keep them in well-draining soil and water when the top 5 cm (2”) is dry.

Fertilize your plant once a month in spring and summer, when the plant is actively growing, and reduce every 6-8 weeks in fall and winter.
 

What's wrong with my pothos? 

Pothos is easy to read. If the leaves droop, it’s thirsty. If the leaves are turning yellow, you are overwatering. If the stems are getting bare, you need more light.

#4 Cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior)

It’s called “cast iron plant” because it’s known to be tough. It endures heat, dust, low light and lack of water better than most houseplants. It requires little attention but rewards with lush foliage. This plant grows to 1 m (3’) tall.
 

How to care for an Aspidistra elatior? 

The cast iron plant does best in low to medium indirect light and appreciates being kept out of direct sun. It likes well-draining soil and moderate watering, letting the top part of the soil dry out between waterings. Water when the top 5 cm (2”) of potting mix is dry.

Because Aspidistra elatior is a slow grower, it is a light feeder. Use our All Purpose Plant Food once a month, in spring and summer.
 

What's wrong with my Aspidistra elatior? 

Aspidistra elatior is known for its hardiness, but improper care can still lead to problems. The most common is yellowing of the foliage due to overwatering or poor drainage. A good quality potting mix will save you a lot of trouble. Browning of the leaf tips is usually caused by overly dry air, overfertilizing or irregular watering.

#5 Ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)

Ponytail palm is actually not a palm at all. It is a succulent like the snake plant, and it stores water in its bulbous trunk base to survive long periods of drought. It is the “camel” of the plant world. Indoors, it can grow really big, up to 1.8 m (6’) tall.

How to care for a ponytail palm?

Ponytail palm is generally very easy to grow indoors. It likes indirect to direct sun, but will tolerate lower light levels. It needs well-draining soil and a well-balanced fertilizer such as our All Purpose Liquid Plant Food 10-15-10. As it appreciates infrequent watering, it's a great choice for busy people or beginners.
 

What's wrong with my ponytail palm? 

Since its swollen trunk stores water, the main thing is to avoid overwatering that causes yellowing leaves. Make sure the potting mix is dry before watering. Brown tips mean overly dry air, brown leaves mean that you are underwatering. 

#6 Heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)

Highly adaptable, forgiving, and requiring minimal maintenance, heartleaf philodendrons are perfect for both beginners and experienced plant lovers. Like they do in nature, their growth habit changes based on which you choose. If allowed to climb using aerial roots, they mature and produce much larger, thicker leaves. Left to hang, they remain smaller, acting as trailing plants with a relaxed and nice cascading look. 
 

How to care for a philodendron? 

This trailing plant will grow in low humidity and warm temperatures. It likes medium to bright indirect light but grows in low light as well. Water once the top 2.5 cm (1”) is dry. If the plant develops stems that are too long, simply cut them to encourage new branches to develop. As simple as that!
 

What's wrong with my Philodendron hederaceum? 

When it’s thirsty, the leaves wilt. Yellow leaves mean you’re overwatering. Brown or dropping leaves is a clue that you’ve neglected watering too long. 

#7 Jade plant (Crassula ovata)

The jade plant is a succulent that stores water well, making it one of the best low maintenance houseplants. It can reach a height of 1.2 m (4’). You can place a leaf on the surface of a potting mix, and it will form roots for a new plant.
 

How to care for a jade plant? 

This is the one plant on the list that needs more bright light than the others. To keep a jade plant happy, provide it with at least 4 to 6 hours of bright light and some direct sun daily. Ensure the soil dries out entirely between waterings. Water when the top 5-7 cm (2-2.5”) is dry and be sure to use a fast-draining potting mix.  
 

What's wrong with my jade plant? 

If leaves are dropping, you are overwatering or there’s not enough light. If the plant is stretching, it needs more light or bright sun. Wrinkled, shriveled leaves indicate the plant is dehydrated.

The biggest problem with Crassula ovata is root rot if they are overwatered. If the soil does not drain well, change it for a good potting mix.

#8 Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Spider plants grow from a tough crown with thick roots that store water. It is one of the easiest houseplants to grow. It eventually produces cascading stems with small plantlets. These can be cut off and planted to start a new spider plant or just left on as this plant is attractive in a hanging basket.
 

How to care for a spider plant? 

Spider plants are easy to cultivate and are great for beginners. They grow best in bright, indirect light, with lightly moist but well-draining soil. Water when the top 2.5 cm (1”) is dry. They are quite forgiving if care isn’t perfect.

Tip: Spider plants prefer a slightly cramped pot rather than an overly large one.
 

What's wrong with my spider plant?

The most common issues with spider plants are brown leaf tips, mostly caused by dry air, fluoride/salts in tap water or inconsistent watering. They can also get yellow leaves, a sign of overwatering. Pale leaves mean too much direct sun, brown tips, inconsistent watering.
Spider plants can sometimes develop root rot if conditions are poor.

Tip: Avoid letting the soil dry out completely! Limp leaves tell you the plant is too dry. Brown tips are from inconsistent watering.

#9 Peperomia (Peperomia obtusifolia)

Peperomia is an easy-care small plant that tolerates some neglect. It grows to a height of 30 cm (12”). Pinching the tips of stems helps to encourage new, healthy foliage and avoids leggy growth.
 

How to care for a peperomia? 

Peperomia plants are easy to please. They like medium to bright indirect light, but non-variegated peperomias can survive in low light. Allow the potting mix to dry out before watering.

You need to fertilize them, but as they are slow-growing and have delicate root systems, they don’t need a lot.

Tip: To give your peperomia a bushier appearance or prevent it from becoming too leggy, pinch it back just above a leaf node to encourage new growth. Use the clippings to propagate more plants!
 

What's wrong with my peperomia?

Yellow leaves mean too much water and overwatering can cause root rot, the biggest problem you can have with a peperomia. If the leaves are falling off, it means a lack of light or underwatering. A good potting soil will help avoid watering issues.

#10 Chinese money plant (Pilea peperomioides)

The Chinese money plant is usually an easy-to-grow, fast-growing plant. Issues that show up in the leaves can be linked to insufficient light exposure or an erratic watering schedule.
 

How to care for a Chinese money plant?

Pilea peperomioides appreciates bright, indirect light but can grow in low light conditions. Water only once you’re sure the potting mix is dry. Don’t overwater as these plants don’t like to sit in wet soggy potting mix.
 

What's wrong with my Chinese money plant?

The leaves will begin to droop when the potting mix is too dry. Time to water! Browning leaves indicate too much direct light, while yellow leaves indicate too much water.
 

#11 Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema commutatum)

The Chinese evergreen is a beautiful, easy-to-care-for houseplant. Because of its hands-free care, the plant is simple to nurture. It adapts to normal house conditions and can bounce back from occasional underwatering better than most houseplants. It can reach a height of 1 m (3-3.5’).
 

How to care for an Aglaonema commutatum? 

Chinese evergreens thrive in low to medium indirect light. Darker green varieties of Aglaonema can grow in near-shade, while variegated varieties with lighter-coloured leaves require brighter light. Water your plant only when the top 5 cm (2”) is dry.
 

What's wrong with my Chinese evergreen? 

Avoid overwatering! You’re giving it too much water if leaves are turning yellow, but root rot can also occur when the roots of the plant become waterlogged. If you see crispy edges, then your plant is getting too much direct light. Chinese evergreens hate drafts and chilly winter windows. 

#12 Peace lily (Spathiphyllum)

Peace lilies are very easy-going plants that can live 20 years without requiring a lot of care. It will flourish easily and can grow up to 1-1.2 m (3-4’) tall over time.
 

How to care for a peace lily?

Appreciated for its bushy look and its white blooms, peace lily requires a warm environment (18 to 29 °C), high humidity and consistently moist but well-draining soil. Although they thrive in low, indirect light, if you want blooms, you’ll need to place your plant in a brighter indirect light. Water when the top 2.5 cm (1”) is dry.

Fertilize your peace lily with a balanced, liquid plant food during spring and summer.
 

What's wrong with my peace lily?

Peace lilies will droop their leaves dramatically whenever they are thirsty but will perk up immediately after watering. It is a good indicator for beginners to learn a watering rhythm! Curled leaves mean too much light, scorched leaves, too much sun, and yellow leaves, too much water.
 

Ready to grow? Choose the right plant and watch it thrive

No matter which plant you choose, by staying attentive, you will be able to provide it with the environment and care it needs.

Pay attention to light intensity and avoid overwatering. Give your plant a quality potting mix that will be forgiving while you take the time to find the ideal watering frequency. Finally, remember that even low-maintenance plants need to be fed from time to time. Fertilize them regularly during their growing season with Schultz's famous “7 drops” formula, which prevents the risk of overfertilization.