The Best Houseplants for Forgetful Plant Parents

Ever found yourself watering your plants only to realise it’s been…well, weeks since you last remembered? Do your leafy friends tend to turn into crispy relics of neglect rather than thriving, green masterpieces? If so, fear not - you’re not alone, and you don’t have to abandon your houseplant dreams just yet!

Some plants are practically the superheroes of the botanical world, surviving with minimal care while still looking lush and lovely. So, if your plant-keeping skills are more oops-I-forgot than green-fingered guru, these low-maintenance houseplants will have your back (even when you forget about them).

ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) – The Die Hard

The ZZ plant is almost impossible to kill. It thrives in low light, doesn’t fuss about humidity, and can survive weeks (yes, weeks) without water. If you’ve got a history of houseplant casualties, this glossy beauty might just restore your faith in greenery. Care tip: Water once a month and give it a dust-off now and then to keep those shiny leaves looking sharp.

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) – The Unstoppable Vine

Pothos is basically the plant equivalent of that one friend who goes with the flow - completely unfazed by neglect, dim lighting, or sporadic watering. Its trailing vines make it a stunning feature in any space, and it bounces back even if you forget to water it for weeks. Care tip: If the leaves droop, that’s its polite way of saying, "Excuse me, a little water, please?" Otherwise, it’ll be just fine.

Snake Plant (Sansevieria) – The Ultimate Survivor

Nicknamed Mother-in-Law’s Tongue (though we’ll leave that analogy to your imagination), the snake plant is nearly indestructible. It thrives on neglect, happily existing in low light and requiring only the occasional drink - think once a month, max. Plus, it’s a pro at purifying the air, so you can breathe easy knowing it’s working hard even when you’re not. Care tip: Forgetful? No worries. Water it when the soil is bone-dry.

Aloe Vera – The Soothing Superhero

Not only does aloe vera thrive with barely any attention, but it also comes with built-in first aid benefits! Snap off a leaf, and you’ve got instant soothing gel for burns or dry skin. It loves bright, indirect light and infrequent watering - making it perfect for those who occasionally forget their plants exist. Care tip: Water sparingly - every few weeks is plenty. Too much water is the only way to kill it.

Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior) – The Hard-as-Nails Houseplant

The name says it all: this plant is as tough as, well, cast iron. It shrugs off low light, dodgy humidity levels, and irregular watering like an absolute champ. Even if you neglect it for weeks on end, it will soldier on, green and glorious. Care tip: Just water when you remember - no guilt trips necessary.

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

The spider plant is an absolute classic for a reason: it thrives on neglect, adapts to various light conditions, and even rewards you with adorable baby plantlets that you can propagate. Plus, it’s an excellent air purifier - win-win! Care tip: Give it a drink when the soil feels dry, and it’ll repay you with fresh air and baby plants.

Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) – The Lucky One

This chubby little succulent is said to bring good luck and fortune, which is handy because you’ll need very little luck to keep it alive! The jade plant stores water in its thick leaves, meaning it can survive long stretches without watering. Care tip: Water when the soil is dry, and don’t worry if you forget - it prefers it that way.