Get quick care tips for 9 easy houseplants to keep alive.
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I love houseplants. Houseplants bring a calm, natural element to design that has been found to actually reduce stress. Plus their uniqueness adds visual interest that is hard to beat with other home decor.
But loving houseplants and actually being able to keep them alive are two different things. I will admit, despite my best intentions, I have brought a few too many plants home to inevitably begin their sentencing of a slow death 😬
And while faux houseplants are a good option for someone like me (I have plenty of those too), I have learned that there are plenty of living houseplants that put up with my forgetfulness rather well.
Every houseplant that has made the list is very forgiving. Making them ideal for plant owners that may not have the greenest of thumbs. Here are 9 easy houseplants to keep alive.
9 Easy Houseplants To Keep Alive
If you are looking for expert advice on in-depth care and the botany of houseplants, you are in the wrong place. This is better suited for the beginner or lazy plant-owner that wants to decorate with houseplants without too much fuss.
Rather than giving up on plants altogether, grow your skillset with these hard-to-kill houseplants. All you need to know is the basics for light and water to get started with confidence!
Aloe plant
Aloe is such a pretty plant to decorate with. Keep this plant healthy by placing it in indirect sunlight.
Water every 2-3 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Water less frequently in winter.
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Snake plant
Snake plants are happiest in medium light. You can put them in just about any room of the house that has a window- including the bathroom! They don’t mind the humidity.
This houseplant doesn’t mind being ignored, making them easy houseplants to keep alive.
Water once a month or even every other month. Snake plants are susceptible to root rot, so be careful to never over-soak the soil.
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Pothos ivy
The pothos ivy is a perky, happy grower. Water every 2 weeks or when you see that the soil is dry. A room with bright, indirect sunlight is best for pothos ivy. However, this plant will also tolerate the low light of a bathroom.
You can elevate the pothos and allow the ivy to grow freely. Or keep it trimmed with plant shears for a cleaner look.
This is my oldest houseplant at about 4.5 years old. If I can keep her alive this long, anyone can- seriously!!
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ZZ plant
ZZ plants retain water well and only need to be watered once every 2 weeks. Set this plant up for success by placing a pebble layer at the bottom of the planter allowing for better drainage.
Lower light is fine but will reduce this plant’s already slow growth rate. Simply rotate the plant periodically to help it grow evenly on all sides.
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Spider plant
Lightly-moist soil and indirect sunlight are all the low-maintenance spider plant really needs to thrive. Keep your spider plant even happier in a humid environment like the bathroom or kitchen.
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Umbrella (Schefflera) plant
Keep this plant near a window with moist soil. A moderate watering once a week should do the trick. Water less in winter.
This plant has a lot of personality and reaches for the sun. Rotate it regularly for even growth.
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Cactus
Give your cacti a good, full watering every couple of weeks. Make sure excess water drains away. The cactus plant prefers desert conditions with a dry environment and a good amount of light.
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Monstera plant
Consider positioning this gorgeous plant in one of the brighter rooms of your home. The monstera plant likes to be near a window, but out of the direct sunlight.
Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. This plant likes a little humidity, so try using a plant mister every once in a while to give it a little boost.
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Palm plant
Palm plants are low-maintenance and easily adaptable to a variety of lighting, but indirect light is preferred.
Water every 2-3 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Water less frequently in winter.
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Tips for keeping your houseplants alive:
1. Set your plant up for success from the very beginning. Get familiar with your plant’s preferences and give it a spot in your home where it can thrive based on light exposure.
If your plant comes with a tag that indicates care tips, tuck that inside or tape it under your planter to refer back to.
2. Never allow your plant to sit in standing water. Ensuring your planter has a good drainage system is key. Try placing pebbles at the bottom or using a planter with a hole and drainage plate.
If nothing else, dump any excess water that doesn’t absorb into the soil after watering.
3. Pick one day a week to check on your houseplants. Set a reminder for “water Wednesday” on your phone.
Keep some houseplant essentials handy. Decorate with a fun indoor watering can that doubles as a reminder to WATER your plants. Use a plant mister for plants that prefer some humidity.
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Houseplant Essentials
Combining the right plant with some basic care tips makes all the difference!
I have a pothos, Schefflera, palm, snake, and cacti all ranging from 2 to 4 years old and counting. They have all resiliently tolerated some brief seasons of neglect.
If I can keep all these houseplants alive, you can too!
