As summer holidays approach for many Brits, houseplants become a big concern, as sometimes no one’s on hand to look after them. If you love decorating your home with beautiful indoor plants, but don’t want the responsibility of leaving them in someone else’s care, you might want to look into an expert’s list of low-maintenance plants.
Beards & Daisies shared their top picks for greenery that flourishes even when left to its own devices. As they explain, there’s no need to sacrifice your summer plans: “Whether you’re heading to the beach for a week or exploring a new city, there are plenty of resilient houseplants that thrive with minimal attention.”
Here are seven low-maintenance houseplants:
1. Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
A go-to for beginners and busy homeowners alike, the Snake Plant is famously tough. With sword-like leaves that store water, it can comfortably go up to three weeks without a drink. Its tolerance for low light makes it a versatile choice for corners or hallways.
2. ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Loved for its glossy, wax-coated leaves, the ZZ Plant thrives even after weeks without watering, remaining lush and upright. “Its waxy, oval-shaped leaves store moisture, and it thrives in low-light environments,” said the experts.
3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Trailing vines and heart-shaped foliage make Pothos a widespread favourite. Its forgiving nature means it’s happy in most light conditions and doesn’t fuss over irregular watering. A deep soak before you leave is often all it needs.
4. Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The Spider Plant is resilient, fast-growing, and non-toxic—perfect for households with pets. It produces baby plants or “spiderettes” and can handle being left alone for a week or two with ease.
5. Cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior)
True to its name, this plant is as tough as they come. As Beards & Daisies note, it “thrives in low light and poor soil, and it’s not fussy about watering.” Ideal for dim spaces and those who tend to forget the watering can.
6. Succulents and cacti
These desert natives are built for survival. Their ability to store water in their leaves or stems means you can often leave them alone for several weeks. Just be sure they have access to bright light and well-draining soil.
7. Peace lily (spathiphyllum)
Known for its striking white blooms and air-purifying powers, the peace lily is surprisingly low-maintenance. It shows visual cues when thirsty, drooping dramatically before perking up again after a drink.