Hardiest Indoor Plants

Low-Light Plants

• The cast iron plant (Aspidistra elation) is one plant that can survive in a low-light situation. These plants, with spearlike leaves, survive for 50 years or more with minimal attention, fluctuating temperatures and little water. The corn plant (Dracaena fragrans) is another indoor plant that tolerates neglect. It is a long-lived house plant with long green leaves and a central yellow or cream-colored stripe. These hardy plants tolerate bright light but perform well in low-light conditions too. Direct sunlight will scorch the leaves. These plants like to dry out between waterings and should not be overwatered or -fertilized for best results.

Drought-Tolerant Plants

• If you forget to water your plants, choose plants that can tolerate droughtlike conditions. Although these plants need water, occasional neglect doesn’t deter them. The heartleaf philodendren (Philodendren scandrens) is an easy-going drought-tolerant plant that is easy to grow. It will thrive in a small pot for years with little care.

Easy Care Plants

• There are a few plants that seem to thrive on neglect. Mother-in-law’s tongue, or snake plant (Sansevieria,has dramatic sword-shaped leaves. The plant tolerates light conditions from full sun to partial shade. It survives in dry air and soil and seldom needs repotting. The ZZ plant (Zamioculcas Zamiifolia) is a slow-growing plant that rarely needs fertilizing or repotting. It is a poisonous plant, however, making it inappropriate for homes with small children and pets.

Trailing Plants

• Pothosi or devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum aureum), is a vigorous, easy-care plant that has long, trailing stems. If you cut the stems back, the plant will be fuller. This plant tolerates low light but does best in moderate to bright light. Pothos is a good office plant, as it grows well under fluorescent lighting. It can be grown in a hanging basket or trailing down over shelves. The spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is a good plant for beginners. It is a dependable plant that has long, narrow, green and white-striped leaves. Small baby plantlets develop on the ends of long runners that fall over the sides of hanging baskets.These plantlets develop into new plants if placed in another pot. The plant needs bright, indirect light and ample watering in spring and summer months. Wandering Jew (Zebrina pendula) is a low-maintenance plant with fast-growing stems that can grow to 3 feet in length if left untrimmed. The plant prefers moist soil and ample indirect light.