Need houseplants you can’t kill? Yeah, me too! Today I’m sharing some of the impossible to kill indoor plants I have in my home, as well as some other low-maintenance plants you can try.

Bringing the outdoors in through the use of plants is my favorite way of creating a welcoming and joyful space in any part of a home. I’m talking about the kitchen, bathroom, office, bedroom, living room, literally any spot where a little sunlight shines.

There are so many benefits of having houseplants in your home besides the beauty they bring like improving air quality, lowering stress levels and even help lowering background noise if you have noisy neighbors.

But are you concerned about that black thumb of yours? Have you had a track record of plants dying as soon as you look at them? I say this because I’ve been there. I still can’t figure out succulents. I know, I know. They’re the easiest plants to keep alive and I really love them, especially in my DIY succulent centerpiece!).

But I do have a few houseplants that I not only have managed to keep alive for months and even years in some cases, but they’re thriving! One I’ve only watered once a month. So, if you’ve been wanting to incorporate a few houseplants in your home, but also want to know that you’ll be successful and therefore won’t waste any money, here are a few you need to try that will last for the long haul.

My 3 Favorite Impossible to Kill Indoor Plants

Snake Plant

I took a chance on the snake plant several months ago when I knew I wanted to try them in our entryway. I had heard they were one of the hardest houseplants to kill, so I dove right in with buying 6 right away to put in my large DIY indoor planter. I crossed my fingers that the very little light in this space would be enough. 

Well, wouldn’t you know, they love the space they’re in! All 6 did so well, I’ve started placing more snake plants throughout the house. And get this, I only water them one time a month.

Snake Plant Facts

Amount of Sunlight: Prefers moderate light but can also tolerate low and high light.
Water Frequency: Wait until soil is completely dry to water. Water every 2-6 depending on the soil. If you over water, could cause root rot.
Repotting: Snake plants like to be pot-bound and get quite comfortable. If you do transplant to a bigger pot, it’s every 2-5 years.
Benefits: Snake plants can help with air purification, reducing humidity and improving sleep quality

ZZ Plant

I was casually walking through the garden section at Lowe’s (it’s a weekly thing around here) when the ZZ plant caught my eye. I don’t know why I’ve never noticed it before but it did that day. I loved the texture and color of the leaves along with the overall look of this impossible-to-kill houseplant. 

I took a glance at the tag and saw it wasn’t high maintenance on a lot of natural light. Figured why not and brought it home. I now own two: one in my kitchen and one in our guest bathroom. I also only water this one about once a month and it continuously has new growth!

ZZ Plant Facts

Amount of Sunlight: Moderate – medium light. Can tolerate low light but won’t show as much growth overtime.
Water Frequency: Don’t overwater! Water every 2-3 weeks in the summer and every 3-4 weeks in the winter.
Repotting: Repot when you notice a lot of growth and best to do this in the spring/summer.
Benefits: ZZ plants are efficient in removing harmful contaminants such as formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, trichloroethylene, toluene and carbon dioxide from the air.
***Warning: This plant is said to be poisonous to animals if eaten. To be safe, also keep out of reach from small children.

Pothos Plant

I feel like the pothos plant is one of the more common houseplants to try. They come in so many different varieties and have the eye-catching appeal of growing down like a full vine. These require slightly more sunlight than the ZZ plant and snake plant, but are very easy to take care of (obviously, since they’re one of my favorite houseplants you can’t kill!).

You can find this one in our guest bathroom, home office and even in the kitchen. I’ve even noticed if you see them droopy (which can happen quickly), they just need a little bit of water and they perk right up! You definitely want to make sure you place this plant near a window. It likes its sunlight!

Pothos Facts

Amount of Sunlight: Moderate to high light; You’ll want to rotate it if only one side is receiving light.
Water Frequency: Water every 6-7 days in the summer and every 9-10 days in the winter. Soak the soil all the way through and wait until it’s dry again.
Repotting: Handles transplanting well. Best to do in the spring/summer.

Benefits: Pothos plants are known for their air purification qualities, helping reduce toxins and even helping to reduce stress.

These are just the plants that I’ve tried inside our home and have been very successful with so far. Now watch, I probably just jinxed myself! But, seriously, you can’t go wrong with starting with one or all of these in your home.

If you still need more ideas for houseplants you can’t kill, don’t worry! There are so many more you can try in your home.

10 More Hardest Houseplants to Kill

Spider Plant

The spider plant is exceptionally low-maintenance, thriving in indirect light and tolerating a wide range of conditions. It’s resilient, rarely suffers from pests, and requires minimal watering, making it perfect for busy individuals or beginner gardeners.

Aloe

Aloe vera is a hardy succulent that requires very little care. It thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and needs infrequent watering, only when the soil is completely dry. Aloe vera’s tolerance for neglect makes it an excellent choice for those who want a low-maintenance, yet beneficial houseplant.

Peace Lily

The peace lily is an easy-to-care-for plant that flourishes in low-light conditions. It only needs watering about once a week, when you’ll see it drooping slightly. It’s a very forgiving plant for those with less time for plant care.

Philodendron

Philodendrons are among the easiest houseplants to grow – and the hardest to kill. They adapt well to various lighting conditions, from low to bright indirect light, and need very little watering. These plants can also recover well from occasional neglect, so it’s not a huge deal if you forget they exist for a little while.

Rubber Plant

The rubber plant is low-maintenance and adaptable. It thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light levels too. Watering is needed only when the top inch of soil is dry. Its resilience and tolerance for different environments make it a great indoor plant.

Jade Plant

The jade plant is a tough succulent that requires very little care. It prefers bright light and needs watering only when the soil is completely dry. Jade plants are drought-tolerant and can survive in less-than-ideal conditions, making them a perfect low-maintenance choice for anyone who often forgets to water their plants.

Tillandsia

Tillandsia, or air plants, are unique and very low-maintenance. They actually don’t even need soil! And they only need a soak in water once a week. They thrive in bright, indirect light and can be placed in a variety of creative arrangements, making them versatile and easy to care for.

Monstera

Monstera deliciosa, nicknamed the Swiss cheese plant, is very easy to care for. It thrives in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate lower light conditions. It only needs to be watered when the top inch of soil is dry and can handle occasional neglect, making it a great choice for low-maintenance greenery.

Aglaonema

Aglaonema, or Chinese evergreen, is one of the most durable houseplants you can’t kill. It thrives in low to medium light and needs watering only when the soil is dry. Its tolerance for low light and infrequent watering makes it an excellent plant for any indoor gardeners without the greenest thumb.

Dracaena

Dracaena plants are very forgiving and low-maintenance. They thrive in low to bright indirect light and require watering only when the top inch of soil is dry. They are very resilient and can tolerate occasional neglect.

Houseplant Care Tips

Even the hardest houseplants to kill do need some care. Here are my best tips to ensure that your indoor plants thrive, not just survive.

• Lighting: One of the most important aspects of houseplant care is providing the right amount of light. Different plants have different light requirements; some thrive in bright, indirect sunlight, while others prefer low light conditions. Always check the specific needs of your plant and place it accordingly. 
• Watering: This is another important part of houseplant care. Overwatering is a common mistake, so it’s best to water plants only when the top inch of soil is dry. Ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot.
• Humidity: Maintaining the right humidity levels is also essential, especially for tropical plants. Using a humidity tray or a room humidifier can help. 
• Fertilizing: Occasionally fertilizing your plants with the correct fertilizer can promote healthy growth. 
• Cleaning: It’s also important to occasionally clean the leaves to remove dust, which can block sunlight and reduce the plant’s ability to photosynthesize. Taking some time to clean your houseplants’ leaves also ensures you spot any areas of damage or disease as early as possible.
• Pests and Diseases: Last but not least, regularly inspect your plants for pests and diseases, and prune them as needed to encourage new growth and maintain their shape.

Signs Your Houseplant Isn’t Healthy

Even the hardest houseplants to kill can sometimes run into issues. Recognizing the signs of an unhealthy houseplant as early as possible is the best way to ensure it doesn’t die. 

One of the most common indicators of a problem with a houseplant is yellowing leaves, which can be a sign of overwatering, underwatering, or nutrient deficiency. If you notice leaves turning brown and crispy at the edges, it could indicate a lack of humidity or too much direct sunlight. Wilting leaves are often a sign of underwatering, but they can also result from overwatering, especially if the roots are rotting.

Another sign to watch for is slow or stunted growth, which can indicate insufficient light, poor soil quality, or nutrient deficiencies. 

The presence of pests such as aphids, spider mites, or mealybugs can also signal that your plant isn’t healthy. These pests can often be spotted on the undersides of leaves or around the stems. 

Keep an eye out for mold and any bad odors coming from the soil. These can be a sign of overwatering and potential root rot.

If you notice any of these issues, the best thing you can do is address them as quickly as possible by adjusting your watering schedule, improving light conditions and treating any pests that might be present.

Ready to Grow Your Own Houseplants?

I hope this list and tips has helped you feel more confident about your ability to grow houseplants you can’t kill!
I have a whole other list of plants for your covered patio space and even as we go out into the yard. But those are posts for another day! Please let me know if you end up trying one of these impossible to kill indoor plants and tag me on Instagram so that I can see!

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