14 Low Maintenance Plants That Refuse to Die

Also known as «mother-in-law’s tongue» (a nickname worth buying it for alone), the snake plant is practically immortal. It has sword-like leaves that stand tall and proud and thrives in darker corners where other plants would dramatically wilt and perish. It even removes toxins from your air while you forget to water it for weeks. Place it in north or east-facing rooms with minimal sunlight, and water it so infrequently you might actually forget you own it (guilty).

Related: The Lazy Girl’s Guide to Snake Plant Care

The pothos (or devil’s ivy) is the plant world’s overachiever. This trailing vine grows so prolifically you’ll feel like a gardening genius even if you’ve killed everything else. Its waxy leaves come in various patterns—golden, marble, neon—and can tolerate poor light conditions that would send other plants into therapy. Nearly fuss-free, it enjoys being left alone, making it perfect for people who prefer plants that don’t need constant validation. Just find it a spot and let it do its thing.

Related: The Ultimate Pothos Plant Guide, According to Experts

The jade plant can live up to 70 years with minimal care. This succulent features thick woody stems topped with fleshy oval leaves, creating a miniature tree-like appearance. It’s the most low-maintenance succulent you’ll ever own and practically impossible to kill. Place it in a bright window, water when the soil is completely dry, and watch it thrive for decades while requiring almost nothing from you in return.

Related: How to Keep Your Jade Plant Thriving Indoors for Decades (Yes, Really)

Not only is aloe vera practically indestructible, but it’s also useful. This spiky succulent stores its own water supply in those thick, gel-filled leaves, meaning it can survive your extended «oops, I forgot to water» periods. Plus, break off a leaf and use the gel for burns, scrapes, or that ambitious attempt at homemade skincare. Place it in a sunny spot, water sparingly, and enjoy its dual role as both decor and medicine cabinet.

Unlike its prickly relatives, the cuddly cactus (Cereus jamacaru) won’t punish you with painful spines when you inevitably bump into it. This smooth green cactus thrives in bright, direct sunlight and needs watering only every 2-3 weeks when the soil is completely dry. It’s perfect for households with curious children and pets who might otherwise become unwitting pin cushions. Place it in a south or west-facing window, and it will reward your minimal efforts with steady, drama-free growth.

The peace lily removes formaldehyde and ammonia from your indoor air while looking elegantly sophisticated. Its glossy leaves and white «flowers» (actually modified leaves called spathes) bring a touch of class to any room. The best part? This plant will dramatically flop when thirsty, giving you an unmistakable signal that it needs water—perfect for the attention-challenged plant parent. Once watered, it perks right back up, no grudges held.

Related: 20 Flowering Houseplants That Will Turn Your Home Into a Botanical Wonderland

The golden pothos deserves its own mention as the most forgiving of the pothos family. With heart-shaped leaves splashed with yellow variegation, it brightens any space while requiring almost nothing in return. This plant grows quickly in bright light but tolerates low light conditions that would send other plants into a sulk. Water every two weeks, and it will cascade beautifully from shelves or hanging planters, creating that effortless «plant lady» aesthetic without any actual effort.

With glossy heart-shaped leaves and vibrant, waxy flowers in red, pink, or white, anthuriums can grow in various mediums—soil, water, bark, or moss—making them adaptable to whatever planting situation you have on hand. They prefer high humidity but will forgive you if you forget to mist. Place in filtered bright light for best results, and enjoy flowers that last for months at a time.

Available in a rainbow of colors and leaf variations, bromeliads are like statement jewlery. Their flowers last for months at a time, giving you maximum visual impact for minimal effort. Unlike typical plants, you water bromeliads by filling the central cup formed by their leaves, leaving the soil relatively dry. Place in bright light and well-drained soil, and enjoy.