So, you’ve decided to become a plant parent—congratulations! But maybe you’ve tried your hand at keeping succulents alive, and it just didn’t go as planned. Perhaps succulents or cacti aren’t your vibe, and you’re craving something bigger, greener, and harder to kill. Well, guess what? There are plenty of low-maintenance, robust house plants that are impossible to kill and thrive on minimal care—and no, they’re not succulents!

Whether you’re a forgetful waterer, your apartment has low light, or you just want plants that can survive your non-green thumb, this list of eight almost indestructible house plants will have your back. Not only are these plants forgiving, but they also come with their own set of benefits—from purifying the air to acting as natural pest deterrents. So, grab a watering can, and let’s dive into the world of hardy indoor plants perfect for beginners!

1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

Why It’s Impossible to Kill:
The Snake Plant is a superstar among house plants for people who may not have a lot of time to dedicate to plant care. This tough plant thrives on neglect and can survive in both low and bright light conditions. It’s also highly drought-tolerant, so it won’t mind if you occasionally forget to water it. Over-watering, though, is its kryptonite—so water sparingly!

Benefits:

• Excellent air purifier: The Snake Plant absorbs toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from the air, making your home’s air cleaner and healthier.
• Releases oxygen at night: This plant is unique because it continues to release oxygen during the night, improving your indoor air quality 24/7.

Pro Tip: Keep it in a pot with well-draining soil and water once the top inch is dry. It can go weeks without water, so no need to worry if you’re a little forgetful!

2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

Why It’s Impossible to Kill:
The ZZ Plant is as hardy as they come, thriving in low light and requiring infrequent watering. With thick, waxy leaves that store water, it can survive drought conditions, and it’s virtually pest-free. It’s perfect for plant owners who are prone to underwatering (or just forgetful).

Benefits:

• Purifies air: Like many other house plants, the ZZ Plant filters toxins from the air.
• Easy to propagate: You can grow new plants easily by dividing the root ball or even planting a leaf cutting.

Pro Tip: Water it when the soil is completely dry, usually every 2-3 weeks, and it’ll be perfectly happy. Too much water is its only real enemy.

3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Why It’s Impossible to Kill:
The Peace Lily is as forgiving as plants come. It thrives in low-light conditions and tells you when it needs water—its leaves will droop dramatically, but don’t worry! Just water it, and it’ll spring back to life in no time. It’s the perfect plant for those who want a low-maintenance green friend with beautiful blooms.

Benefits:

• Cleans the air: The Peace Lily is one of NASA’s top air-purifying plants, capable of removing pollutants like ammonia and formaldehyde.
• Adds humidity: The Peace Lily increases humidity levels, which is great for dry environments.

Pro Tip: While it can survive low light, it will bloom better in medium to bright indirect light. Water it when the top of the soil is dry, and give it a misting every now and then for added humidity.

4. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Why It’s Impossible to Kill:
Pothos, also known as Devil’s Ivy, is incredibly low maintenance and can survive in almost any environment—low light, bright light, you name it. It’s also very tolerant of different watering schedules, thriving even if you forget about it for weeks.

Benefits:

• Filters air pollutants: Pothos removes formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide from the air, making your indoor space cleaner.
• Versatile growth: It can be grown in soil or water, making it super adaptable to different environments.

Pro Tip: Pothos grows fast, so you can trim it regularly to keep it bushy and prevent it from becoming too leggy. Place cuttings in water to easily propagate new plants.

5. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Why It’s Impossible to Kill:
Spider Plants are one of the most adaptable house plants around. They’re incredibly forgiving of both overwatering and underwatering, making them perfect for newbies. Plus, they thrive in indirect sunlight, which means they’ll be happy almost anywhere in your home.

Benefits:

• Cleans the air: Spider Plants are known to remove carbon monoxide and other toxins from the air.
• Kid- and pet-friendly: Unlike some house plants, Spider Plants are non-toxic to both children and pets.

Pro Tip: Keep the soil slightly moist, but if you forget to water it once or twice, it will forgive you. It also produces “baby” plants, which you can replant or share with friends!

6. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)

Why It’s Impossible to Kill:
As the name suggests, the Cast Iron Plant is practically indestructible. It tolerates low light, low humidity, and infrequent watering. It’s the go-to plant for those who are notorious for killing plants or have less-than-ideal indoor conditions.

Benefits:

• Low maintenance: It requires very little care, making it an ideal option for busy or forgetful plant parents.
• Pest-resistant: Its tough leaves deter most pests, so you won’t have to worry about infestations.

Pro Tip: This plant thrives in low to medium light and should only be watered when the top inch of soil is dry. It’s slow-growing but extremely hardy.

7. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

Why It’s Impossible to Kill:
The Rubber Plant is a resilient, beautiful indoor tree that thrives in low light and doesn’t mind a little neglect. As long as it has some indirect sunlight and you water it when the soil dries out, this plant will grow into a large, impressive statement piece in your home.

Benefits:

• Air purifier: The Rubber Plant is great at removing toxins from the air, such as formaldehyde.
• Stress relief: Having larger indoor plants like the Rubber Plant has been shown to reduce stress levels and improve mood.

Pro Tip: The Rubber Plant prefers indirect light and doesn’t need to be watered too often. Let the soil dry out between waterings to avoid root rot.

8. Monstera Deliciosa

Why It’s Impossible to Kill:
The Monstera, or Swiss Cheese Plant, is a popular choice for plant lovers who want something that looks impressive but doesn’t require a lot of effort. It can handle low light, but will thrive in brighter, indirect sunlight. Its large, iconic leaves make it a statement piece in any room.

Benefits:

• Air purifier: The Monstera helps remove toxins from the air, making it a functional and fashionable addition to your home.
• Adds tropical vibes: Its large leaves bring a lush, jungle-like aesthetic indoors.

Pro Tip: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and keep it in a spot where it will receive bright, indirect light for the best growth.

Happy Planting!

Becoming a plant parent doesn’t have to be stressful. If you’ve struggled with keeping plants alive in the past, or just want to fill your home with bigger, more vibrant greenery without the hassle of succulents or cacti, these 8 house plants are virtually impossible to kill. Not only are they resilient, but they also bring numerous benefits to your home, from improving air quality to creating a more relaxing, green environment.

With these hardy house plants, you can embrace your inner plant mom (or dad) without worrying about complicated care routines. Happy planting!

Looking for potluck ideas for your next get-together? Check out my post on no-fuzz easy potluck recipes here.