For many new plant parents, the plants labeled as "hard to kill" feel like the safest bet, which is why we've compiled a list of the heartiest plants for you to choose from. The only thing you'll need to know going forward is why you've struggled with other plants in the past. Do you tend to station your plants in a nice corner and then forget they exist? Or do you shower your plants with attention and continuously yield negative results? The different is whether your plants are dying from neglect or from overwatering. Those are the two most common issues with beginner plant parents, and knowing where you stand now will help you choose the best plants for yourself moving forward.
Hard to Kill by Neglect
If your plants are dying because you forget to tend to them, you might have more success with a:
- Snake Plant
- ZZ Plant
- Cast Iron Plant
- Jade Plant
Hard to Kill by Overwatering
If your plants are dying because their soil is oversaturated, you might appreciate a:
- Pothos
- Chinese Evergreen
- Peace Lily
It's important to keep in mind that while these plants are more tolerant to extremes, they are not invincible, and understanding the unique needs of your plants will help you achieve the greatest success!
Snake Plant
Water: Water when the leaves are soft and easily bent.
Light: Low to bright indirect light.
Humidity/Temp: This plant enjoys a drier climate and is tolerant to the fluctuations of normal household temperatures.
ZZ Plant
Water: Water when the plant has dried out completely.
Light: Low to bright indirect light.
Humidity/Temp: This plant enjoys a drier climate and should be protected against temperatures below 70 degrees.
Cast Iron Plant
Water: Water when the plant has dried out completely.
Light: Low to bright indirect light.
Humidity/Temp: This plant is tolerant to the fluctuations of normal household temperature and humidity.
Jade Plant
Water: Water when the leaves have become soft.
Light: Bright, indirect light.
Humidity/Temp: This plant enjoys a drier climate and is tolerant to the fluctuations of normal household temperatures.
Pothos
Water: Water when the top 2" are dry.
Light: Medium to bright indirect light.
Humidity/Temp: This plant enjoys medium to high humidity (but does not require it), and is tolerant to the fluctuations of normal household temperatures.
Chinese Evergreen
Water: Water when the soil has dried out 3/4 of the way to the bottom.
Light: Low to bright indirect light.
Humidity/Temp: This plant enjoys medium to high humidity (but does not require it), and is tolerant to the fluctuations of normal household temperatures.
Peace Lily
Water: Water when the surface of the soil is dry.
Light: Low to bright indirect light.
Humidity/Temp: This plant enjoys medium to high humidity (but does not require it), and is tolerant to the fluctuations of normal household temperatures.
