Indoor plants that are practically impossible to kill are the only reason I’m still willing to call myself a “plant person.” And I say that as someone who has absolutely, undeniably murdered a cactus before. A cactus. The plant equivalent of a Nokia phone. Still died on my watch.
Back in 8th grade, I wore two different shoes to school. Not on purpose. It was a Monday.
This feels relevant because it explains a lot about how I approach responsibility. Including plant care.
So if you’ve ever stood in a plant store thinking, This one feels judgy, or Googled “why is my plant mad at me” at 2 a.m., welcome. You’re among friends. Let’s talk about plants that want to live. Plants that thrive on neglect. Plants that forgive you when you forget they exist for three weeks straight.
Because honestly? We all deserve that kind of grace.
My Complicated History With Houseplants (A Brief Tragedy)
I didn’t start out bad with plants. I started hopeful.
I’d buy one. Water it responsibly. Talk to it a little (don’t pretend you don’t). Then life would happen. Deadlines. Dishes. That one group chat that never stops. And suddenly… crispy leaves.
A friend once looked at my drooping plant and said, “You know it needs light, right?”
I stared at her.
“It has light. I open the blinds sometimes.”
She sighed. Deeply.
That’s when I realized I needed indoor plants that are practically impossible to kill—not aspirational greenery that requires a routine and emotional availability.
Why Some Plants Are Just Built Different
Some plants evolved in harsh conditions. Dry soil. Low light. Chaos. Honestly? Relatable.
These plants:
- Don’t panic when you forget to water
- Survive weird lighting situations
- Don’t drop leaves dramatically to make a point
They’re resilient. Adaptable. Emotionally stable.
We love to see it.
1. Snake Plant (A.K.A. The Plant That Refuses to Die)
If indoor plants had a hall of fame, the snake plant would be first ballot.
This thing:
- Thrives in low light
- Handles bright light
- Doesn’t care if you forget to water
- Looks good doing absolutely nothing
I once didn’t water mine for a month. It didn’t flinch. It just stood there like, Is that all you’ve got?
Also—tall leaves make rooms feel bigger. Design win.
2. Pothos (The Overachiever)
Pothos plants are enthusiastic. Maybe too enthusiastic.
You give them a little water? They grow.
You forget about them? Still grow.
They trail beautifully. They’re forgiving. They bounce back even after looking sad for a bit.
I once trimmed mine aggressively because it was getting wild. It responded by growing faster. Petty.
Perfect for:
- Shelves
- Hanging planters
- Anywhere you want movement
3. ZZ Plant (Low-Energy, High Reward)
The ZZ plant is the introvert of the plant world.
It doesn’t need much or ask for attention.
It just… exists. Gracefully.
Low light? Fine.
Infrequent watering? Preferred.
If you want a plant that looks polished but doesn’t require emotional investment, this is it.
4. Cast Iron Plant (Lives Up to the Name)
This plant sounds dramatic and honestly? It deserves it.
Cast iron plants are tough. Like, survived my apartment tough.
They tolerate:
- Low light
- Temperature changes
- Forgetfulness
They’re not flashy. They’re dependable.
The plant version of that friend who always shows up.
5. Peace Lily (Drama, But the Good Kind)
Okay, peace lilies are a little dramatic. But in a helpful way.
When they need water, they droop. Obviously.
You water them, and within hours they perk up like nothing happened.
It’s communication. Clear. Respectful.
Plus—they’re pretty. Elegant. They make you feel like you have your life together, even if your laundry situation says otherwise.
6. Spider Plant (The Comeback King)
Spider plants don’t give up. Ever.
They:
- Survive missed waterings
- Handle various light levels
- Produce baby plants like it’s their job
You can literally propagate them by accident.
They’re perfect for shelves, hanging baskets, and people who like a little chaos with their greenery.
7. Rubber Plant (Big Leaves, Big Confidence)
Rubber plants look fancy. Like they belong in a magazine.
But surprise—they’re tougher than they look.
They like:
- Bright, indirect light
- Infrequent watering
They don’t like overthinking. Which is good, because I do enough of that for both of us.
8. Aloe Vera (Useful and Forgiving)
Aloe is practical. It heals burns and looks cool. It doesn’t need much.
Water it occasionally. Give it light. Leave it alone.
Just don’t overwater it. Aloe hates enthusiasm.
9. Chinese Evergreen (Quietly Reliable)
Chinese evergreens don’t get enough credit.
They tolerate low light, uneven watering, and still look good. Variegated leaves add interest without being loud.
Great for offices. Bedrooms. That awkward corner you don’t know what to do with.
10. Fake Plants (Hear Me Out)
Okay, okay—this is controversial.
But modern faux plants? Some of them are convincing. Especially from a distance.
If your lifestyle is pure chaos and even the toughest indoor plants struggle? No shame.
Greenery is about how it makes you feel. Real or fake.
Peace is peace.
How to Keep Even “Impossible” Plants Alive (Bare Minimum Edition)
Let’s keep this simple:
- Don’t overwater
- Check soil before watering (stick a finger in—science)
- Rotate plants occasionally
- Forgive yourself
Plants are resilient.
You don’t need a spreadsheet.
Why Indoor Plants Matter More Than We Admit
Plants soften rooms.
They calm nervous energy.
They make homes feel alive.
Even one plant can change the mood of a space. And choosing indoor plants that are practically impossible to kill means you get the joy without the guilt spiral.
That’s a win.
One Last Thought about indoor plants
If you’ve killed plants before, it doesn’t mean you’re bad at it. It means you just haven’t met the right plant yet.
Some plants need constant care.
Some just need space.
Choose the ones that fit your life—not the version of yourself you wish you were.
Your plants don’t need perfection.
They just need you to try. Occasionally.
