31 Hard to Kill Houseplants That Are Easy to Keep Alive

begonia

Last Updated on October 31, 2021 by Phil

Worried that you won’t be able to take proper care of your plants?

Here are the some of the easiest houseplants to take care of that look great as well.

They’re hard to kill such that any beginner gardener, even if you have a black thumb, can keep alive.

This makes makes taking care of them simple, even if you’re just starting out.

Pothos

pothos

The pothos plant is a popular houseplant because it’s easy to take care of. In other words, it can tolerate a lot of mistakes and still won’t die on you.

Of course people won’t care about it too much if it didn’t look good too.

After all, one of the reasons we keep houseplants is to beautify our homes, right?

The Pothos is a trailing plant.

That means it grows out of the pot or container much like a vine would. This makes them perfect for hanging baskets as well as pots that let them extend outward.

Like most plants the Pothos is available in many varieties. Among the most popular are the Golden Pothos, Jade Pothos and Marble Queen.

Spider Plant

spider plant

Nope, they have nothing to do with spiders.

In fact, the spider plant is a very good choice is you have pets, including cats and dogs.

That’s because unlike many well-known houseplants, spider plants aren’t poisonous to your furry friends.

Chances are, you’ve probably seen this plant in some of your friends’ homes.

They’re very easy to distinguish because of their long, slim leaves which have a very distinctive white stripe.

Begonia

begonia

Begonias are often grown as houseplants or outdoors in the shade.

That’s because they prefer partial sun or partial shade. This makes them good option if you want to grow beautiful flowers indoors and don’t get a lot of sun.

They’re bright, lively color is one of their biggest selling points.

Another is that they’re easy to tend to.

That said, they don’t like soggy soil, which will make it difficult for them to survive.

For this reason you want to grow them in well-draining containers.

Orchids

Orchid

Orchids are probably the most popular houseplant around. If not, they rank among the top.

That’s because they offer a combination of beauty, longevity and fragrance.

Also, they prefer not getting a lot of sunlight.

Because they grow around trees, they’re used to shade. This makes them ideal for indoor gardens since they’re not fussy about lack of light.

English Ivy

English ivy

If you prefer more green to flowers, the English Ivy is a good option.

It’s another hard to kill plant that isn’t particular about how much light it gets.

In fact, it’s okay with both sunny and shaded conditions.

One of the best things about growing English Ivy indoors is that it’s rids the air of pollutants.

However, do note that this air purifying plant is toxic to cats, dogs and even humans.

So, it’s best kept away from your pets as well as young children.

African Violets

African Violet

Aptly named for its exquisite purple color, this lovely houseplant’s looks makes it among the best-selling flowers for homes.

That said, it actually comes in other hues as well including pink, red, white and blue.

It’s distinctive flower clusters and rounded foliage make it easy to distinguish.

African violets like light (10-14 hours a day is best).

But, they prefer indirect light for best results.

Succulents

 

Pail Container Succulents

Succulents are a group of plants that have thick, fleshy tissues. This allows them to store water for long periods.

The reason being that they’re designed for arid conditions so water isn’t always available.

Besides their unique looks and ability to go without water, succulents are great houseplants because they purify the air.

Additionally, the increase the amount of oxygen in the room while reducing carbon dioxide.

Succulents need a lot of light. And, they don’t do well in shade.

But, they don’t like high temperatures, which can happen on summer days.

So, it’s important to provide that balance of light and temperature.

Aloe Vera

aloe vera

Along with the cactus, the aloe vera ranks among the most well-known succulents.

You’ve likely heard of it before.

That’s because it often included as one of the ingredients in skin care and treatment lotions.

Besides it’s skin healing benefits, people like it as a houseplant because of it’s unique looking leaves.

This makes them a nice adornment on tabletops or in the corner of your room.

Cactus

cactus

Cacti are another kind of succulent that’s perfect as a houseplant.

That’s because it doesn’t need a lot of water. So, it’s a good idea not to over water them.

It likewise enjoys warm temperature. But, it’s able to tolerate cooler conditions as well, down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

That said, it likes light. A lot of it.

Cacti are lovely to look at because we’re very familiar with them.

Although, you’ll want to be wary of putting them where your pets can get to them. While they’re not toxic to dogs or cats, your furry ones can get pricked if they’re not careful.

Jade Plant

jade plant

If you prefer something other than the cactus or aloe vera, the jade plant is a good choice.

It’s likewise a succulent that’s perfect for indoor growth.

It lives long and doesn’t require a lot of watering.

Unlike the aloe vera and cacti, this one looks more like a miniature tree. That’s because of its woody stem and somwhat circular leaves.

But like the two before it likes a lot of sunlight. And, it’s not a fan of cool temperatures.

So, it’s a good idea to keep them where the temperature doesn’t dip below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Peperomia

peperomia

If you don’t have a lot of space, and want something with lovely foliage, this is a good choice.

Yet another easy to care for plant, the peperomia’s leaves are what make it stand out.

As such, it’s important to let it receive a lot of light.

Lack of light can affect foliage growth. This results pool color and fewer leaves. Thus, taking away its crowning glory.

Peace Lily

peace lily

Peace lilies grow beautiful flowers that make them popular with homeowners.

Typically white or green in color, these tropical plants prefer partial sun and shade.

You don’t also want to over soak them with water.

Indoors, they often grow up to 16 inches tall.

But, they can get up to 6 feet high outdoors.

One of the most important things to note about these houseplants is that they’re poisonous to cats and dogs. As such, it’s a good idea to keep them out of reach.

Lucky Bamboo

lucky bamboo

In Chinese culture, this plant offers good luck.

As such, its auspicious to receive one for your home.

Additionally, the number of stalks it has means different things as far as your luck goes.

In any case, the lucky bamboo is easy to grow because it doesn’t require watering.

The reason is that it is often grown in water (along with stones or pebbles to stabilize it).

But like most plants, light is a crucial factor for good growth.

It likes a lot of light. But, it prefers indirect or filtered light. Too much direct light can negatively affect it.

Similarly, keeping it in a dark place will cause it to lose its green color.

Snake Plant

snake plant

If you don’t have a lot of light and don’t want to keep watering your plants, you’ll love this one.

Spider plants are very tolerant. This makes them very resilient even when not cared for well.

They don’t need light. In fact, they prefer shade.

And, you only need to water them once every two weeks. That’s because they’re able to hold a lot of water.

Chinese Money Plant

chinese money plant

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Like the lucky bamboo, this is another plant that brings good luck.

You’ve already probably guessed that just by its name.

It’s easily identified by its flat-rounded leaves, which is why it’s also called the “pancake plant” or “UFO plant” among other things.

Their small size (8-12 inches) makes them perfect for tabletops.

But, you will want to place them by the window away from the sun’s rays. That’s because they like a lot of sunlight but not directly.

ZZ plant

zz plant

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People call it the ZZ plant because ZZ easier to pronounce than its complete name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia.

This one’s another toughie that can withstand a lot of neglect. It doesn’t need a lot of water. And, can live in less than ideal lighting.

This makes it perfect for apartments as well as offices.

In addition, it’s got beautiful foliage that extend outward.

Top that off with its ability to purify the air.

Prayer Plant

prayer plant

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Just by looking at the image, you probably already can tell why people like this plant.

It’s in the leaves.

The prayer plant’s leaves come with amazing decorative designs. Depending on the variety you have, the colors within the leaves will vary as well.

Like many of the “hard to kill” plants in our list, this one doesn’t require direct sunlight. In fact, too much of that can scorch its leaves.

So, it’s better to provide it with bright, indirect light.

Chinese Evergreen

chinese evergreen

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Philodendron

Philodendron

Kalanchoe

Kalanchoe

Crown of Thorns

crown of thorns

Ponytail Palm

ponytail palm

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Rubber Tree

rubber plant

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Dragon Tree

dragon tree

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Air Plants

Air Plant

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Ficus Plant

ficus plant

Asparagus Fern

Asparagus Fern

Bromeliad

bromeliad

Cast Iron Plant

cast iron plant

Parlor Palm

parlor palm

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Fiddle Leaf Fig

Fiddle Leaf Fig

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Conclusion

These plants are perfect for beginner gardeners and busy bodies who can’t always remember to tend to their houseplants.

The good news is, even if you miss watering them or they don’t get enough sunlight, they’ll be find.

Which ones are your favorite plants?

 

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