10 Hard To Kill Indoor Plants For Busy People
After growing various indoor plants and experiencing their pros and cons, I’ve identified the 10 Hard To Kill Indoor Plants for Busy People. These resilient plants can withstand neglect, but remember, they still need occasional care.
As I said, after growing almost all the popular and well known Indoor Plant (Yes, I did… Proud to say that I still am growing them), and witnessing their pros and cons first hand, I think I’m a good enough expert to tell you the 10 Hard To Kill Indoor Plants For Busy People. They will not die on you no matter how much you neglect them. However, the negligence can’t last forever, that much is understood I hope? You can delay watering them, or pruning them, or repotting them, or delay fertilizing them but you can’t forget them indefinitely.
Also check out our Indoor Plants Page for exploring more indoor plants, lists and guides.
No matter how busy you are you must never entirely forget about your plant child. That’s right, it’s your child. It is a living thing and it will love you for taking care of it. With just enough care it will thrive and grow. Trust me, just watching them thrive because of your care is one of the most rewarding feeling in the world.
Below is my list of 10 Hard To Kill Indoor Plants For Busy People
1. Dracaena
Description: The Dracaena is obviously No. 1 on my list of 10 Hard To Kill Indoor Plants For Busy People. The one shown in the image is just one of the many varieties of the Dracaena plant family. They are popular indoor plants known for their striking foliage and ease of care. Originating from Africa and Madagascar, they are great for adding a touch of greenery to any space.
The Dracaena is an easy plant to care for. It’s a slow growing plant. When I say a slow growing plant, I mean, it won’t end up overgrowing and looking shabby in your absences or without any pruning. It will have some yellowing leaves, but that’s a part of the natural process of any plant. You can pluck these yellowing leaves by hand whenever you see them.
Related Read: Dracaena Plants indoor care guide
Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal, but they can tolerate low light.
Watering: Water when the top inch of soil is dry; avoid overwatering.
Fertilizing/Repotting: Fertilize monthly during the growing season. Repot every 2-3 years.
Soil: Well-draining potting mix with a neutral pH level.
2. Echeveria
Description: Echeveria is a type of succulent, and it is known for its rosette shape and colorful leaves, it’s a favorite among succulent enthusiasts.
The echeveria does not require constant watering as it stores the water in it’s thick leaves. It does not like sitting in water or having soggy soil. Having too much water will be detrimental to the health of the plant. Its has small pretty flowers.
Pruning the echeveria isn’t required until you feel the need for it by looking at it’s appearance. By that I mean, when you see the plant growing taller, and you see the bottom leaves turning yellowish crispy then you can pluck them out or it will shed it by itself.
Fun Fact: Echeverias are native to semi-desert regions of Central America, Mexico, and northwestern South America.
Light: Needs bright, direct sunlight to thrive.
Watering: Water sparingly, only when the soil is completely dry.
Fertilizing/Repotting: Fertilize sparingly in spring. Repot every 1-2 years.
Soil: Cactus or succulent soil with excellent drainage.
3. Rubber Plant
Description: The Rubber Plants is No. 2 on my list of 10 Hard To Kill Indoor Plants For Busy People. These are another easy to care for low maintenance plant. It comes in a variety of colors and patterns on the leaves. It’s an attractive indoor tree with broad, shiny leaves. Native to Southeast Asia, it’s well-loved for its resilience and air-purifying qualities.
Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal, but it can adapt to lower light.
Watering: Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry.
Fertilizing/Repotting: Fertilize monthly during the growing season. Repot every 1-2 years.
Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
4. Jade Plant
Description: The Jade plant is a popular indoor plant. Like the echeveria, the Jade plant is another form of a succulent plant. The Rubber Plant is an attractive indoor tree with broad, shiny leaves. Native to Southeast Asia, it’s well-loved for its resilience and air-purifying qualities.
It is a slow growing plant which makes it a low maintenance plant. When it does begins to grow, it can grow quite large and it produces beautiful small flowers. The flowers will fill the entire plant if fertilized well. And since the Jade plant is another succulent plant, it does not like too much water. You don’t need to fuss over them too much, let their soil dry out between watering.
Fun Fact: Native to South Africa, the Jade Plant can grow into a small tree over time, especially if given the right conditions.
Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal, but it can adapt to lower light.
Watering: Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry.
Fertilizing/Repotting: Fertilize monthly during the growing season. Repot every 1-2 years.
Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
5. Snake Plant
Description: I was going to make it No. 1 on my list of 10 Hard To Kill Indoor Plants For Busy People, but just for a change I put others first before it. Trust me, it is actually No. 1 on any such list for indoor plants. The snake plant, or (Sansevieria trifasciata) as it is called is also known as or Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, is a hardy succulent known for its upright, sword-like leaves. Originating from West Africa, it’s nearly indestructible.
The plant is actually the most easiest plant to care for amongst all of the mentions above. The snake plant has become my absolute favorite due to it’s exotic feel, and absolutely low maintenance. You can ignore this plant for a month after watering it once, and it will not complain at all. It’s a plant that love negligence by it’s plant parent. But, don’t forget about it completely.
You can place this plant anywhere you like, however, it does like warmer parts of the house, and if possible keep it near a brightly lit window.
Light: Tolerates low light but prefers bright, indirect light.
Watering: Water when the soil is completely dry.
Fertilizing/Repotting: Fertilize twice a year. Repot every 2-3 years. Which makes it easier for busy people. No need to fuss over it’s fertilization.
Soil: Well-draining cactus mix soil for potting it as it does not like sitting in water, or having soggy soil.
6. Hoya Plant
Description: Very easy to care for. Place them wherever you like. Although keep them away from direct sunlight as I have seen some leaves turn brownish/ pinkish/ yellow color by too much heat. Don’t need to much water as they don’t like wet soil. The Hoya plant don’t require regular fertilizing schedule, and will just fine under low maintenance conditions.
Fun Fact: Hoyas are native to tropical Asia and Australia, and their flowers produce a sweet fragrance that can fill a room.
Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct sunlight, especially in the morning.
Watering: Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Fertilizing/Repotting: Fertilize monthly during the growing season. Repot every 2-3 years.
Soil: Well-draining, peat-based potting mix.
7. Parlor Palm
Description: Parlor Palm, or Parlor Palm, or Chamaedorea elegans as it called, is a popular beginner-friendly indoor palm plant. It is well known for having a similar appearance to areca palm plants. It has lush, tropical feather like leaves which are common for the palm family plants. It is good option for those who want an exotic palm vibe in their home, as it is a super easy palm plant to care for.
The Parlor Palm is a small, elegant palm native to Central America. It’s one of the most popular indoor palms, known for its lush, feathery fronds.
Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light.
Watering: Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Fertilizing/Repotting: Fertilize monthly during the growing season. Repot every 2-3 years.
Soil: Well-draining potting mix with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
8. ZZ Plant
Description: The ZZ Plant, also known as Zamioculcas zamiifolia, is an absolute champion in the world of houseplants. The ZZ Plant is known for its glossy, deep green leaves and low maintenance. Originating from East Africa, it’s nearly indestructible and thrives on neglect. If you’re someone who occasionally forgets to water your plants, the ZZ Plant is your best friend.
With its robust structure, this plant can survive low light, minimal watering, and a lot of forgetfulness. It’s slow-growing but will eventually reach up to 2-3 feet indoors, giving your space a lush, green vibe without the hassle.
Light: Can tolerate low light, but prefers bright, indirect light.
Watering: Water when the soil is completely dry.
Fertilizing/Repotting: Fertilize once or twice a year. Repot every 2-3 years.
Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
9. Umbrella Plant
Description: The Umbrella Plant, also known as the Dwarf Umbrella Tree, is an easy-to-care-for plant with glossy, hand-shaped leaves that resemble an umbrella. It originates from Taiwan. It’s also relatively low-maintenance, making it suitable for beginners.
Fun Fact: The Umbrella Plant is native to Taiwan and Hainan, and it’s commonly used in feng shui practices, believed to bring positive energy into a space.
Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can adapt to low light.
Watering: Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Fertilizing/Repotting: Fertilize every 2-3 months during the growing season. Repot every 1-2 years.
Soil: Well-draining potting mix with slightly acidic to neutral pH level.
10. Cast Iron Plant
Description: The Cast Iron Plant is named for its toughness. It’s a low-maintenance plant with long, arching green leaves that add a classic look to any space. It hails from Japan and Taiwan.
Related Read: Cast Iron Plant – Aspidistra elatior care guide
Light: Tolerates low light but prefers medium, indirect light.
Watering: Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Fertilizing/Repotting: Fertilize monthly during the growing season. Repot every 3-4 years.
Soil: Well-draining potting soil with slightly acidic to neutral pH.
FAQ
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What is the most resilient indoor plant?
Snake plant. The Snake Plant, Dracaena and Succulents are most resilient indoor plants, but the snake plant will always top the list.
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What is the biggest killer of houseplants?
Overwatering. The biggest killer of house plants is overwatering. Overwatering causes root rot – the roots are unable to take in too much water, it leads to rotting of the roots by a pathogen that activates in soggy soil and begins attacking the roots.
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What is the toughest pest to get rid of in houseplants?
Spider mites. They are the most difficult to get rid of as they can’t be seen through naked eyes.
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What is the hardest indoor plant to keep alive?
The hardest indoor plant to keep alive is the fiddle-leaf fig.
Special Plant Mention –
Peperomia (Peperomia spp.)
Description: Peperomia is a diverse genus of small, easy-care houseplants with a wide variety of leaf shapes, colors, and textures. These plants are perfect for small spaces and look great on shelves or desks. They’re known for their compact size and their ability to adapt to various indoor conditions.
Fun Fact: There are over 1,000 species of Peperomia, most of which are native to tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America.
Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Peperomias prefer to dry out between waterings and are somewhat drought-tolerant.
Soil: A well-draining potting mix is best. A blend of peat moss and perlite works well to ensure good drainage.
Fertilizing/Repotting: Fertilize every 2-3 months during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Repot only when necessary, as Peperomias prefer to be slightly root-bound.
Recommended Resources for Indian and Global Gardeners
Here is a list of websites and sources you may like to refer to for additional information for readers who want to learn more about gardening, plant care, and soil management.
Gardenia.net
- Description: Gardenia is a comprehensive resource for plant care, garden design, and landscaping ideas. It offers detailed guides on a wide variety of plants, including those suitable for different climates and regions.
- Website: www.gardenia.net
Gardening Know How
- Description: Gardening Know How offers practical advice on all aspects of gardening, including plant care, garden design, and pest management. It’s a trusted resource for both beginner and experienced gardeners.
- Website: www.gardeningknowhow.com
Nurserylive
- Description: Nurserylive is an Indian-based online gardening store that offers a wide range of plants, seeds, and gardening supplies. It also provides helpful guides and tips on plant care, making it a valuable resource for Indian gardeners.
- Website: www.nurserylive.com
Ugaoo
- Description: Ugaoo is an Indian website offering a wide range of plants, seeds, and gardening tools. It provides detailed guides on plant care, soil types, and gardening techniques, making it a valuable resource for Indian gardeners.
- Website: www.ugaoo.com
