Low-Maintenance Indoor Plants: A Beginner's Guide to Five Resilient Species

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Low-Maintenance Indoor Plants: A Beginner's Guide to Five Resilient Species

Let's be honest: I have a terrible track record with plants. Many have met an early end under my care. Keeping up with my own needs is hard enough, let alone remembering what a plant requires—how much water, what kind of light, which temperature range, even what music it enjoys or how it takes its tea. Fortunately, my history of plant casualties has given me enough experience to put together a list of five species that even someone like me can keep alive. These are the top five houseplants I return to again and again.

Zee Zee Plant

Three of these have been in my care, and they weathered serious neglect and a relocation without any visible stress. They are attractive plants that can grow quite large if you trim the leaves, though their growth is slow. For a small bookshelf plant that you can essentially forget about, this is my recommendation. Growing Conditions: Low to bright light; 60-75 degrees. Let the soil dry out between waterings. Size: 2-3 feet tall and wide. FYI: This plant is poisonous if eaten or chewed by children or pets, so keep it out of their reach.

Split-Leaf Philodendron

This plant has a striking sculptural and organic look. It might seem like it demands a lot of care, but it is actually very easy to maintain. I have one in a basket on the floor of my dark dining room, and it is still alive. Growing Conditions: Medium to bright light, but away from direct sun. Bright, filtered light works best. Plants in lower light tend to produce smaller leaves without splits or holes. Let the soil dry out between waterings. Size: 4-6 feet tall and wide.

Rubber Tree

I really like the appearance of the dark leaves on this plant. While they can grow into trees in theory, regular trimming keeps them small and bushy. Growing Conditions: Medium to bright light; 60-80 degrees. Let the soil surface dry out between waterings. Size: Up to 8 feet tall and 4 feet wide. FYI: The milky white sap may irritate people with sensitive skin.

Snake Plants

This plant handles neglect very well. If your only success with houseplants has been with plastic ones, try the "snake plant." These sculptural plants can survive in low light but prefer brighter conditions. Growing Conditions: Low to bright light; 60-85 degrees. Let the soil surface dry out between waterings. Size: Up to 4 feet tall and wide.

Guiana Chestnut

The Guiana Chestnut, also called a "money tree," is believed to be a sign of good fortune. Get yourself a money tree and perhaps it will bring prosperity to you and yours. Growing Conditions: Indirect light or low light. If the plant starts to yellow or wither, it needs more light. Water every 7-10 days. Size: 4-6 feet tall and wide.