The 22 Hardest to Kill Houseplants You Must Have

Have you ever dreamed of having a home filled with lush greenery but hesitated because you think you don’t have a green thumb? You’re not alone.

As someone who has struggled with maintaining plants in the past, I can assure you there’s hope! Some houseplants are so hardy they thrive even in less-than-perfect conditions.

Let’s dive into 22 houseplants that are nearly impossible to kill, complete with valuable information to help you choose the perfect one for your home.

#1. Peace Lily

Peace Lily

The peace lily is a beautiful plant with glossy green leaves and iconic white flowers that resemble a flag of peace. It thrives in low to medium light, making it perfect for shaded corners of your home.

One remarkable feature is its ability to remove toxins like benzene and carbon monoxide from the air.

Water it when the top inch of soil feels dry, and mist its leaves occasionally for humidity. Its forgiving nature makes it a great choice for beginners.

#2. Rubber Plant

Rubber Plant

Rubber plants are known for their thick, glossy leaves that come in deep green, burgundy, and variegated varieties. They prefer bright, indirect light but can adapt to lower light conditions.

Water sparingly and ensure well-draining soil to avoid root rot. Their bold appearance makes them a focal point in any room, and they’re great at removing toxins from the air.

#3. Parlor Palm

Parlor Palm

The parlor palm adds a tropical feel to your home with its feathery, arching fronds. It’s one of the easiest palms to care for, thriving in indirect light and tolerating low light as well.

Water it when the soil is dry to the touch. It’s perfect for adding a soft, elegant touch to living rooms and offices.

#4. Swiss Cheese Plant

Swiss Cheese Plant

The monstera is famous for its large, split leaves, giving it a unique and tropical appearance. It thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light levels.

Water when the soil is dry, and provide a moss pole for climbing if you want it to grow taller. Its striking leaves make it a great conversation starter.

#5. Philodendron Brasil

Philodendron Brasil

This vibrant plant has heart-shaped leaves with stunning green and yellow variegation. It’s easy to care for and grows quickly in medium to bright indirect light.

Water when the soil dries out, and let its trailing vines cascade for a beautiful indoor display.

#6. Chinese Evergreen

Chinese Evergreen

With its variegated leaves in shades of green, silver, and even pink, the Chinese evergreen is a show-stopper.

It’s one of the easiest houseplants to grow, thriving in low to medium light and requiring minimal care.

#7. Ponytail Palm

Ponytail Palm

With its bulbous trunk and long, flowing leaves, the ponytail palm is both quirky and elegant. It’s drought-tolerant and thrives in bright light.

This plant is perfect for those who want something unique and low-maintenance.

#8. Peace Ivy

Peace Ivy

Peace ivy is a trailing plant with delicate, variegated leaves. It’s perfect for hanging baskets or letting it cascade from shelves.

It’s easy to care for, thriving in medium light and requiring only occasional watering.

#9. String of Pearls

String of Pearls

This whimsical succulent features bead-like leaves that trail beautifully. It thrives in bright, indirect light and only needs occasional watering. Its unique appearance makes it a conversation piece.

#10. Calathea

Calathea

The calathea, often referred to as a “prayer plant,” boasts stunningly patterned leaves in vibrant shades of green, purple, and pink.

These plants are a feast for the eyes, with their foliage appearing almost hand-painted. Calatheas thrive in medium to bright indirect light, but they can adapt to lower light conditions.

#11. Pothos

Pothos

Pothos is a trailing vine with heart-shaped leaves that come in a variety of colors, including golden, neon green, and variegated patterns. Known for its fast growth, it’s ideal for hanging baskets or cascading over shelves.

Pothos is incredibly forgiving, just water it when the soil feels dry. It’s also excellent at removing indoor air pollutants.

#12. Boston Fern

Boston Fern

The Boston fern is loved for its dense, arching fronds that add lush greenery to any space. It thrives in high humidity, making it ideal for bathrooms.

Keep the soil moist and provide indirect light. Its vibrant leaves help improve air quality and bring a calming vibe to your home.

#13. Golden Barrel Cactus

Golden Barrel Cactus

This striking cactus has a spherical shape and golden spines, making it a standout in any modern home. It thrives in bright light and requires very little water, perfect for busy individuals.

#14. Fiddle Leaf Fig

Fiddle Leaf Fig

Known for its large, violin-shaped leaves, the fiddle leaf fig is a dramatic addition to any home. While it prefers bright, indirect light, it can adapt to lower light levels.

Water when the soil is dry, and watch it become a stunning focal point.

#15. Dumb Cane

Dumb Cane

Dumb cane has large, patterned leaves in shades of green, cream, and yellow. It’s forgiving of low light and infrequent watering, making it perfect for beginners.Place it in a bright spot, but avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn.

#16. Areca Palm

Areca Palm

The areca palm, also called the butterfly palm, features delicate, arching fronds. It prefers bright, indirect light and requires watering when the soil is slightly dry. It’s excellent for larger spaces, adding a tropical flair to your home.

#17. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is not only attractive with its spiky, fleshy leaves but also practical. Its gel can be used to soothe burns and skin irritations.

Aloe thrives in bright, indirect light and requires minimal watering, making it a great choice for sunny windowsills.

#18. Jade Plant

Jade Plant

The jade plant, a symbol of good luck, features thick, fleshy leaves that store water. It’s a slow grower, making it perfect for small spaces.

Place it in bright light and water sparingly. Over time, it can grow into a small, tree-like plant, adding character to your home.

#19. Cast Iron Plant

Cast Iron Plant

As its name suggests, the cast iron plant is nearly indestructible. Its dark green, lance-shaped leaves grow well in low light and can tolerate neglect.

It’s ideal for hallways, bedrooms, and other low-light areas. Water it sparingly and enjoy its unfussy nature.

#20. ZZ Plant

ZZ Plant

The ZZ plant is almost indestructible, with its waxy, dark green leaves that can survive in low light and dry conditions.

Its rhizomes store water, allowing it to thrive even if you forget to water it for weeks. It’s perfect for those dark corners in your home where other plants struggle to survive.

#21. Spider Plant

Spider Plant

The spider plant features arching green leaves with white stripes and produces baby “spiderettes” that dangle from the mother plant. These offshoots make it easy to propagate and expand your collection.

It thrives in indirect light and only needs occasional watering. It’s also one of the best plants for improving indoor air quality.

#22. Snake Plant

Snake Plant

The snake plant, with its tall, sword-like leaves, is a true survivor. It can tolerate neglect, low light, and even irregular watering. It’s scientifically proven to improve air quality by filtering out toxins like formaldehyde.

Place it in bright, indirect light for faster growth, but it will happily survive in dimly lit spaces. This low-maintenance plant is perfect for bedrooms as it releases oxygen at night.

Written by Nhu Vu