I love the idea of houseplants. Lush greenery softening the corners of my living room. A little splash of life on my windowsill. That serene feeling of being surrounded by nature—even indoors. But keeping them alive? That’s another story.
Between work, grocery lists, and remembering to actually fold the laundry, watering my plants is usually the first thing that slips through the cracks. I’ve forgotten to water a snake plant for a month, and somehow, it's still standing like a champ. That’s the kind of loyalty I can work with.
If your track record with houseplants reads more “hopeful chaos” than “budding green thumb,” you’re not alone. But here’s the great news: not all plants need to be fussed over. In fact, some prefer to be left alone. They’re the introverts of the plant world—quiet, low-maintenance, and surprisingly resilient.
I’ve rounded up 7 of the best houseplants for people who forget to water everything. These aren’t your basic starter plants, either (looking at you, pothos). These are thoughtfully chosen for folks who want greenery without the guilt—plants that can handle a little neglect and still thrive.
This little architectural beauty hails from South Africa and brings a bold personality without demanding your attention. The zebra plant’s dark green, ridged leaves are marked with white horizontal stripes, which makes it look far more exotic than it is difficult.
It thrives in bright indirect light but can handle low light, too. Water once every two to three weeks—less in winter. Overwatering is more of a threat than underwatering. It rarely outgrows its space, making it ideal for shelves, desks, or small apartments.
Handy Tip: Use a terra cotta pot for succulents like zebra plants. It helps the soil dry out faster, which prevents root rot from overwatering—one of the most common beginner mistakes.
Cast iron plants have been popular since the Victorian era—and for good reason. They thrive on neglect and have a regal look with deep green, paddle-shaped leaves that arch elegantly. I’ve left mine in a dim hallway for weeks without so much as a droop.
This plant tolerates low light, inconsistent watering, and temperature fluctuations. It may not grow fast, but it won’t quit on you, either. Its dark leaves pair beautifully with light-toned ceramics or metallic planters for a stylish contrast.
This is one of those plants that makes guests go, “Wait, what is that?” The silver dollar vine has round, coin-like leaves and grows on long, elegant tendrils. It looks fancy, but it’s tougher than it seems.
Native to Madagascar, this succulent stores water in its leaves and can go weeks without a drink. It thrives in bright light but doesn’t mind dry indoor air. It has a trailing habit, so it’s beautiful in a hanging planter or cascading from a shelf.
Chinese evergreens come in a variety of colors—from rich greens to silvery streaks to hints of pink or red—and they look far more high-maintenance than they actually are. It’s one of the best beginner plants for people who still want that designer look.
It tolerates low to medium light and doesn’t fuss over humidity. You can water it every 10–14 days, and it’ll still hold its shape. Some varieties even do well under fluorescent lighting, making it a go-to for office spaces. Their vibrant foliage can instantly brighten up dull corners or windowless rooms.
Handy Tip: Rotate your Chinese evergreen every month or so to keep it growing evenly. It naturally leans toward the light, and rotating helps it stay full and balanced.
This tropical epiphytic cactus has a spindly, tangled look that works beautifully in modern or boho spaces. Despite the cactus label, it doesn’t have sharp spines and actually prefers a little more humidity than its desert cousins.
In warmer months, this plant likes water every 2–3 weeks. In winter, watering once a month should do the trick. Adjust based on your space’s temperature, light, and pot size—they all influence how quickly the soil dries out. It adds texture and movement to a space—and looks especially cool in a hanging pot or trailing over a bookshelf.
This small-leaf trailing plant is part of the Peperomia family and offers thick, glossy, round leaves that look perpetually hydrated. It’s one of those plants that seems to mind its own business—and we love it for that.
It prefers to dry out between waterings, so you can safely forget about it for a bit. Bright, indirect light is ideal, but it will forgive lower light levels. It also stays small, which means no repotting drama. Peperomia plants are non-toxic, so they’re pet-friendly too.
Parlor palms have been gracing living rooms since the 1800s. With their delicate, feathery fronds, they make any room feel instantly more relaxed and polished. They look like they require a lot of care—but they really, really don’t.
It’s extremely tolerant of low light, low humidity, and inconsistent watering. It doesn’t like to be waterlogged, so you can let it dry out completely between waterings. Even a small parlor palm can give your space that vacation-in-your-own-living-room vibe.
You don’t need to have a green thumb to enjoy houseplants. In fact, the entire point of this list is that you don’t need to be perfect. These plants aren’t going to judge you if you forget to water for a week (or two). They’re patient, forgiving, and quietly keep doing their thing while you do yours. Still, if you want to make life even easier:
Studies show that people who spend time around houseplants may experience reduced stress and improved mood—even if they’re not particularly good at keeping them alive.
According to NASA’s Clean Air Study, some common houseplants can help filter out indoor pollutants like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene.
You don’t have to be a plant whisperer. You don’t need a sun-drenched solarium or a spreadsheet tracking humidity levels. All you need is the willingness to try—and a few leafy friends that don’t mind if you’re a little distracted sometimes.
Because the truth is, the best houseplants aren’t just the ones that survive your forgetfulness. They’re the ones that remind you it’s okay to grow at your own pace, too.
So if you’ve been hesitating to bring a little green into your space, consider this your permission slip. Start with one. Maybe the zebra plant. Maybe the parlor palm. And see what happens when you let nature be easy.
