Life is busy, I get it! So adding another living thing to your home may seem like a bad idea. But what if I said you could be a plant owner even if you’re always on the go?
It’s true. There are so many plants out there, you’re bound to find a few that are so easy to care for that if you don’t even blink in their direction for a week, they’ll still be there thriving. The key is choosing the right varieties.
So what are these miraculous plants, you ask? Here are a few that plant lovers around the world swear by.
ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant is a beautiful variety that stands straight up with thick stems and glossy, dark leaves. It’s considered one of the most indestructible plants in the world, which is great if you happen to forget you own one.
When it comes to watering, the ZZ plant only needs it once every two to three weeks unless it’s in direct sunlight. Then, it needs to be watered more frequently. It needs some light, but if you move it to a dimmer area, it’ll still be okay. However, if you have pets, this probably won’t be the best option for you as it’s toxic to both cats and dogs.
Chinese Evergreen
The Chinese Evergreen is one of those plants that comes in multiple varieties, each bearing its own patterns on the leaves. Some are tinged with pink, others with white; all are beautiful with glossy leaves that command attention.
The plant can be picky in two ways. Don’t store it in temperatures under 60 degrees Fahrenheit or in a drafty area. Chinese Evergreens also don’t care much for soggy soil, but is often forgiving if you forget to water. It also doesn’t need much sunlight to thrive. Like the ZZ plant, it’s toxic to pets.
Spider Plant
The spider plant aptly looks like the arachnid, with long thin leaves that droop as they grow. It’s truly a mesmerizing addition to any home. Plus, it grows babies that you can then re-pot and raise alongside the original; how cool is that?
Spider plants don’t need a ton of water, requiring hydration about once a week, but they should have at least moderate sunlight.
Money Tree
Sadly, you won’t be able to pick dollar bills off this plant, but the money tree is a worthy addition to your home anyway. It’s also said to bring good luck, and we could all use a little bit of that, right? It can grow up to eight feet tall and has a beautiful braided trunk with large, glossy leaves sprouting out the top.
The money tree only needs watering every one to two weeks, but it does need some bright light; just don’t put it directly in the sun.
Bamboo
Bamboo is another variety that is said to bring good luck, and it’s so easy to care for that you could neglect it for an extended period of time and likely still have one to come back to. It needs a bit more care getting established (meaning frequent watering), but once it’s growing, it only needs to be watered when the soil dries.
As an alternative, you can absolutely grow bamboo in water only. Just keep it clear and free of algae.
Peace Lily
Have you ever wondered how much water is too much water, and then had to watch a beautiful plant die? You need a peace lily. They can handle a bit too much water, although you don’t want to drown it.
This gorgeous plant has spade-shaped leaves that grow big and thick. The peace lily does prefer bright light, but if you’re okay with fewer leaves, you can store it in low-light conditions, too.
Ferns
I love ferns, because no two varieties are the same. The long leaves are stunning and might be spiky, wavy, or a combination of the two.
This plant doesn’t need a lot of sunlight to thrive and can go without water until its soil is dry. They do well in hanging baskets or in pots around the home.
Christmas Cactus
We couldn’t leave cacti off the list, but rather than include them all, we singled out the Christmas cactus. This stunning plant grows flowers in the early winter months.
It can thrive in low-light conditions but blooms more in brighter light. The best part? If you forget to water it from time to time, it won’t really hurt the plant. This cactus only needs watering once every two to three weeks.
Snake Plant
Here’s a fun fact: snake plants are also known as mother-in-law’s tongue. They are extremely adaptable and make wonderful additions to busy households where they might go ignored for days.
They are tough to kill, requiring water only approximately once a month because the leaves are able to store so much water. It’s a slow grower, but requires bright to moderate indirect sunlight. It’s also toxic to cats and dogs.
Orchid
As dainty as it looks, you might think the orchid is high-maintenance, but you’d be wrong. It’s a stunning flower that can last through nearly anything, except overwatering.
When it comes to watering, just once a week will do. It also needs bright, indirect light to thrive, so find a spot near a window and let it be.
Pothos
Looking for a plant that you will be extremely hard-pressed to kill? Pothos, also known as devil’s ivy, is the one for you. It can stand up to all types of neglect, from inadequate lighting to forgetting to water it.
Pothos comes in a few different varieties, including green and golden, the latter of which also has yellow leaves. The plant is toxic to pets.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a succulent known for its resilience. Its long, spiky leaves contain the soothing clear gel known for aiding in sunburns and as an ingredient in cosmetics.
It can go long periods without water, needing hydration every two weeks, though sometimes it can go longer. Bright, indirect light is the way to keep this plant blooming.
