Live Long and Prosper: 16 Easiest Houseplants for Busy People

This blog is for those who want to be surrounded by plants but don't have the time or bandwidth to keep them alive!

We've compiled 16 of the easiest houseplants to nurture indoors — plants that require minimal maintenance and thrive with little fuss. Even with a busy schedule, you can still surround yourself with the beauty and benefits of indoor plants; you just need to have the right ones.

There is no gardening expertise needed, just the initial effort and a few rules to keep your plants alive. Each plant will be introduced with a brief description and its growing needs so you can consider these factors before bringing them home.

Snake plant

A champion of low-maintenance plants, the snake plant is known for its resilience and air-purifying qualities. The snake plant has striking, upright leaves that come in various shades of green and yellow at the ends; this hardy plant can thrive from bright indirect sunlight to low light. It's the perfect choice for forgetful waterers, as it prefers dry soil and can tolerate occasional neglect, making it the perfect filler for any corner in a room.

Spider plant

Another excellent choice for busy people is the spider plant, known for its graceful arching leaves resembling spider legs and its ability to thrive in indirect light. This resilient plant is forgiving of irregular watering and can withstand long periods of neglect. Spider plants also produce baby spider plants, which can be easily propagated into smaller pots.

ZZ plant

Another plant that can thrive with minimal attention is the ZZ Plant. With its glossy, thick leaves that resemble feathers, this tropical plant can tolerate low-light conditions and infrequent watering. It's a slow-growing plant that needs little maintenance, ideal for those with busy schedules, and its air-purifying qualities are a plus.

Peace lily

Peace lilies are elegant plants with dark green leaves and stunning white flowers. These hardy and relatively low-maintenance plants need occasional watering when the soil feels dry, and exposure to low-to-bright indirect light. Additionally, peace lilies produce beautiful white flowers that resemble calla lilies, typically during spring and summer.

Chinese evergreen

Also known as Aglaonema, this plant has attractive foliage and a high tolerance for low-light conditions. This hardy plant has leaves that have dark green coloring that fades towards the center. It can thrive in dry air, making it ideal for indoor environments with central heating or air conditioning.

Aloe vera 

A plant that is resilient and offers medicinal properties—what a score! Aloe vera plants have thick, fleshy leaves, minimal watering needs, thrive in bright indirect sunlight, and are forgiving of occasional neglect. Plus, it's a handy plant to have around for soothing minor burns and skin irritations, adding an extra layer of functionality to your indoor garden.

Devil’s ivy

Also known as Pothos or Golden Pothos, Devil's ivy is a versatile plant that can adapt to various light conditions, from low light to bright indirect sunlight. With its trailing vines, it's perfect for hanging baskets or as a cascading accent on shelves and mantels. Devil's ivy is incredibly low maintenance and can thrive in water or soil mediums.

Rubber plant

Rubber plant, or Rubber fig, has glossy, rubbery leaves and a tolerance for low-light conditions, making it perfect for those living in areas where sunlight is scarce. This slow-growing plant needs minimal watering, mainly soaking when the soil is dry every other week, and can thrive in indirect sunlight or even fluorescent lighting, which is why it's popular indoors, such as in offices and restaurants, as decor.

Air plants

Air plants, also known as Tillandsia, are the epitome of ease. These unique beauties need no soil; they are typically grown in terrariums or hung under a bright spot with indirect sunlight. Simply mist them lightly with water a few times a week or soak them every few weeks to keep them alive. Their ability to thrive with so little maintenance makes them ideal for busy households or even offices with artificial light.

English ivy

English ivy is a sure bet when it comes to easy plants to keep alive. With its glossy leaves and trailing vines, this versatile plant adds timeless charm to any household. English ivy thrives in bright, indirect light and requires minimal watering, but it does need to be set up for success from the beginning with nutrient-rich soil and slow-release fertilizer. Since it's an avid climber, it's best to designate an area where you don't mind it attaching itself; otherwise, it can damage the surface.

Jade plant

Known as the Money plant or Lucky plant, it is not only a symbol of prosperity but also an easy-to-care-for addition to any home. Its coin-like glossy succulent leaves require minimal watering and a bright spot to continue growing. As a succulent, it is drought tolerant and should be watered by submerging the roots in water every few weeks, making it an excellent choice for those with busy schedules.

Heartleaf philodendron

The Heartleaf philodendron is a classic indoor plant, similar to the Pothos except for its heart-shaped leaves. It thrives in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate lower light conditions and needs structures to attach itself to guide its climbing nature. With its minimal watering needs and ability to thrive in well-draining soil, the heartleaf philodendron is an excellent choice for those wanting fuss-free plants at home.

Parlor palm

The Parlor palm is a favorite for indoor gardens because its leaves resemble miniature palm trees clustered within a single planter. Parlor palms have minimal watering needs and a high tolerance for low humidity, making them resilient, low-maintenance choices that are easy to care for and add a lively tropical feel to your home.

Cast iron

True to its name, the Cast iron plant can tolerate a wide range of conditions, including low light, drought, and neglect. Its dark green, leathery leaves add a touch of elegance to any indoor space, and with minimal care, you can enjoy a plant that grows relatively fast even in the direst of environments.

Dragon tree

The Dragon tree is a tall plant with striking arching leaves and a strong trunk. It thrives in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate lower light conditions, making it versatile for balconies or indoor gardens. With its minimal watering needs, tolerance for dry air, and drought resistance qualities, the Dragon tree is an excellent choice for adding a flair of drama to busy households.

Boston fern

Boston ferns are houseplants known for their feathery fronds and intricate, elegant leaves. They thrive in bright, indirect light and high humidity environments, making them ideal for bathrooms or kitchens. With their minimal watering needs, Boston ferns are a great choice for those looking to add a touch of greenery to their surroundings.

Final thoughts

Something to keep in mind is that while these plants are low effort and require minimal care, they still need attention and nurturing. Set yourself up for success by establishing a schedule to water and care for the plants, so you won't have to bid farewell to dead plants in your home. This small change can make a world of difference for your plants.