12 Indoor Low-Maintenance Plants (Updated 2024)

If you are a new plant parent or just looking to add some low-maintenance plants to your collection, you have many options. Adding plants to your home is a great way to give it a fresh look and provide a calming environment. The color green is known for its anxiety-soothing properties, so why not introduce it in your home in the form of nature? 

Compare a few indoor low-maintenance plants before heading to your local nursery. You’ll find the right sized plant for your garden space without adding more responsibilities to your daily to-do list.

1. Aloe Vera

Aloe is not only an easy plant to take care of, but it also can help you with assisting minor injuries. You can use the gel inside the plant to soothe it when you get a cut or burn. This plant only needs to be watered every couple of weeks. It is important to check the soil and once it is completely dry, it is time to water it again. Depending on your home and the humidity, you may only need to water it every two weeks. 

2. Snake Plant

If you are looking for a plant that thrives on being forgotten about, the snake plant may just be the one for you. It is a succulent that has waxy and thick leaves. It is best to keep in a pot, though you may need to repot it when the root system grows too dense to absorb water.

It’s tempting to give your plant lots of love and attention, but give your snake plant some space. They love independence as much as they love sunlight. They don’t usually need attention for about two to three weeks. 

3. ZZ Plant

The ZZ plant or Zamioculcas zamiifolia plant is perfect for travelers or people who go away for long periods of time. It needs such little water that you could go away for months and you will come back to it in the same shape. It has a natural shine on its thick leaves and can be happy in an array of lights, whether they are bright or low. 

The only downside of this plant is it can be on the more expensive side. It has a slow growth rate which means it may be more expensive since it takes longer than usual to grow.

4. Money Plant

Sadly, this plant is not what it sounds like it is. The Chinese money plant is the perfect, tidy plant if you want to avoid dealing with overgrown plants. This plant maintains its size and grows slowly to about 8 to 12 inches tall. Their leaves are thicker and succulent-like, so it does not need a lot of water and does well in lower-light environments. The round leaves are sure to make a statement in your home. 

5. Peace Lily

A peace lily is a beautiful option if you want a plant to fill up some space in your home. It is a houseplant that contrasts hard corners on furniture and windows. It is best to keep them in a place where there is lots of sunlight so they can steadily grow in their new home.

Just keep this plant away from any pets. Peace lilies are notoriously poisonous for cats and dogs. They should remain where pets can’t reach them or within screened porches.

6. Rabbit’s Ear  

Rabbit’s ear is a kalanchoe plant that grows at a moderately fast pace. This plant gets its name since it is about the shape and size of rabbits’ ears. It has hairy leaves that help it retain water and prevent evaporation. You might find yourself stopping to pet your luxuriously soft plant whenever you need to ease your stress. It’s a small, beautiful addition to any indoor garden with low-maintenance plants.

7. Echeveria

You’ll find echeverias in any store that sells succulents. It has layered leaves that come in a range of pastel colors. It’s perfect for any place in your house that gets lots of sunlight. Just don’t water it more than once every two to three weeks to avoid giving your new plant water rot.

8. Black Rose Aeonium

Gardeners who want a bit of drama should try growing the black rose aeonium. It’s a gorgeous black succulent that resembles a rose, but doesn’t need much attention. Grow it indoors wherever you have at least three inches of vertical space for your plants to grow.

9. Pothos

Pothos are such effortless plants, people have kept them alive up to 11 years at a time. They love a medium-sized hanging planter placed in indirect or low light. Water your pothos once a week and its vines will stretch down to the floor if you don’t want to prune it.

You can also repot your pothos into a hanging planter if you change your mind down the road. As long as it has extra space in the soil to form longer roots, your new plant will be happy anywhere in your home.

10. Heartleaf Philodendron

The heartleaf philodendron is much like the pothos. It can grow in a tabletop or hanging planter. It also loves to stretch its green-yellow leaves. Give it lots of time to reach its full potential. It can take up to a couple of years before it gets too big and needs a new pot.

11. String of Pearls

Anyone growing an indoor garden in a small space should consider bringing home a string of pearls plant. The pea-sized bulbs on each trailing vine are an adorable twist on the classic leaf. It will grow out from its container and along whatever surface you put it on. Make sure you only water it when the soil is completely dry, since this is a type of succulent that prefers dry climates.

12. Ponytail Palm

Are you always forgetting to water your plants? The ponytail palm might be the perfect addition to your home. It can go weeks without watering before its long green leaves start to fade. It has unique multi-feet long, vine-like leaves that add a bit of whimsy to any space. Consider adding a ponytail palm in any vertical space that would look nicer with a small tree, since that’s what this miniature palm is.

Add Low-Maintenance Plant to Your Home

Adding a plant to your home is a great way to create a fun new environment. Plants can be difficult to care for, but with these low-maintenance plants, you do not have to worry about much care.

Original Publish Date 2/18/2023 — Updated 10/2/2024