Low-Maintenance Indoor Plants

A typical conversation with one of my patients…

Patient: “Do you have any kids?”
Me: “No.”
Patient: “Do you have any pets?”
Me: “No.”
Patient: “Well, what do you have?”
Me: “I have a husband and some plants!”

Probably not the response they’re looking for, but honestly it’s just where I’m at right now in life. My husband and I are quite content with our apartment lifestyle sans kids and pets. And since we moved to Myrtle Beach, I’ve become quite a fan of houseplants.

So today, I thought I’d share the most low-maintenance houseplants that even the least experienced plant mom couldn’t kill. Not only are they beautiful plants, but they are perfect for any living space. Granted these are indoor plants, so I wouldn’t try to keep these on an outdoor patio or balcony. Most of these plants will thrive in either filtered or direct sunlight, so be sure to do your research before you start watering or nurturing your plant. Here are my top picks!

Snake Plant

Growth Rate: Slow
Exposure: Shade, Low-Light
Watering: every 3-4 weeks, allow soil to dry between waterings

Pothos Ivy

Growth Rate: Fast
Exposure: Bright, Indirect Light
Watering: every 2-3 weeks, allow soil to dry completely between waterings

Spider Plant

Growth Rate: Fast
Exposure: Bright, Indirect Light
Watering: every 1-2 weeks, keep soil moist for optimal growth

English Ivy

Growth Rate: Fast
Exposure: Partial to Full Shade
Watering: prefers drier conditions, allow pot to drain well between watering

Rubber Tree

Growth Rate: Slow
Exposure: Bright, Indirect Light
Watering: keep moist in spring/summer, water 1-2X/month in winter

Fiddle-Leaf Fig Tree

Growth Rate: Slow
Exposure: Bright, Filtered Light
Watering: mist weekly, thorough watering every 2 weeks, allow first inch of soil to get dry between waterings, allow water to drain from pot to prevent rotting.

Asparagus Fern

Growth Rate: Medium
Exposure: Indirect Light
Watering: mist daily, used to humid/dry climates

Chinese Money Plant

Growth Rate: Fast
Exposure: Bright, Direct Light
Watering: mist weekly, water 1-2X week making sure to allow dirt to fully dry between waterings, this plant is similar to a succulent with its resilient, waxy leaves

Peperomia

Growth Rate: Slow
Exposure: Medium to Bright Light
Watering: water when soil is dry, grows naturally in decaying bark and dry/acidic environments, use orchid potting mix if possible

Jade Plant

Growth Rate: Slow
Exposure: Bright, Full Sun
Watering: water often in spring/summer so soil is moist but not wet, reduce watering to 1-2X/month in winter

Ponytail Palm

Growth Rate: Slow
Exposure: Bright, Full Sun
Watering: water every 3 weeks, allow soil to dry completely between waterings, water once a month in winter

Philodendron

Growth Rate: Fast
Exposure: Bright, Indirect Light
Watering: keep moist at all times, allowing top inch to dry between waterings

ZZ Plant

Growth Rate: Slow
Exposure: Moderate-Medium Light
Watering: every 2-3 weeks

Dieffenbachia

Growth Rate: Fast
Exposure: Bright light in winter, shade/indirect light in spring/summer
Watering: water 2x/week in spring/summer, water 1-2X/month in winter

Chinese Evergreen

Growth Rate: Medium
Exposure: Medium to low/indirect light
Watering: allow top inch of soil to dry out entirely between waterings, be careful not to overwater

Right now, I’m the proud plant mom of a Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree and a Snake Plant. However, I’m in the market for a new houseplant. These quarantine times have really made me want to expand my plant family and grow grow grow.

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What are your favorite houseplants right now?