20 Hard To Kill Indoor Plants For Beginners

If you are new to gardening or always forget to water your indoor plants, hard-to-kill houseplants are ideal for you. In this article, I have mentioned some indoor plants that not only look beautiful but are sturdy and can survive periods of negligence.

Pothos, spider plants, ZZ plants, aloe vera, philodendrons, and Chinese evergreens are a few hard-to-kill indoor plants that are perfect for beginners. These plants prefer indirect light and average room temperatures. Some plants may require more pampering, but maintaining them won’t be hard.

If you can’t follow a regular care routine for your plant and don’t want to kill yet another houseplant, then you should try any of these 20 houseplants that are hard to kill. Keep reading this article for a clear understanding. 

What are the characteristics of hard-to-kill indoor plants?

If you are looking for houseplants that are easy to care for and hard to kill, look for these features:

• The plant can thrive in low light or indirect, bright light.
• The plant can grow well in a succulent or typical potting mix.
• The plant can grow in standard humidity levels and temperatures.
• The plant can tolerate diverse growing conditions for a certain period.
• The plant can survive without irregular watering.

20 hard-to-kill indoor plants

Here are 20 houseplants you can take care of easily and are hard to kill.

1. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Pothos is considered the easiest of all indoor plants to care for.

They are one of the best houseplants for air purification.

They are tailing spices with heart-shaped leaves.

Many pothos plants come with variegated leaves that are green and white. 

They are the most undemanding plants and the easiest to grow and maintain.

• Pothos prefer to grow in indirect light and can also thrive in dim light or artificial light. They grow well in normal room temperatures and can even withstand high temperatures.
• When it comes to watering, allow the soil to dry out completely before the next watering. Any ordinary potting mix will suit pothos requirements.
• These vine plants can grow up to 30 feet tall, and you can prune them to get the desired length. 
• The cutting after pruning can be used to create more pothos plants.
• However, one problem with pothos is that they are toxic to dogs and cats. If you are a pet owner, consider hanging them.  

2. Spider plant (Chlorophytum)

Spider plants are highly adaptable and can survive different atmospheric conditions.

The leaves of spider plants are like thin wires, typically light green, variegated green, and white.

They grow little clumps of small spider plants at the ends of their runners.  

You can use these clumps for propagating new plants.

They are easy to care for and don’t require much attention. 

• The plant likes to stay potbound, so you don’t need to repot it frequently.
• They prefer bright, indirect light, so you can place them near any east- or west-facing window. They can also grow outdoors in the summer months.
• Spider plants do not require frequent watering, so you should water them only when the soil is slightly dry. The plant will thrive if you don’t make the soil soggy.
• Spider plants are less attacked by pests or diseases, making them suitable houseplants.

3. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema sp.)

When we talk about hardy plants, we can’t forget about Chinese evergreens.

They are the most suitable plant for a haphazard plant lover.

Chinese evergreens are pretty and sturdy, loved for their dazzling green leaves mottled with silver.

You can keep a small Chinese evergreen on your desk, but when they are large, they will make a beautiful corner piece in your room.

• They are slow-growing plants, so you don’t need to repot them frequently.
• The plant likes to grow in bright light but can also thrive well in low light or fluorescent light.
• They do not require regular watering, so you should wait a week or two before you water the soil again. Ensure the soil is dry before you water the plant again to prevent the chances of overwatering. 
• The plant won’t need fertilizers to thrive. However, little fertilization won’t cause any harm.

If you find trouble maintaining a care routine for your plants, it is the perfect plant for you.

4. Rubber plant (Ficus elastica)

Rubber plants are one of the hard-to-kill plants that you can check out.

They are labeled as trees in the wild as they can grow up to 80 feet tall.  

When grown as houseplants, under ideal conditions, they can grow very fast and about 4 inches every season.

There are various rubber plants, from dark green rubbery leaves to pale variegated leaves.

• The plant needs little light to grow but can adapt to different lighting conditions.
• The soil for rubber plants should be slightly moist but never soggy. Water the plant 1-2 times every week during summers and once 1 every month during winters.
• When the leaves get dusty, clean them with a soft wet cloth. The plant grows very quickly, so it will require frequent repotting. Always select a heavy pot with well-drained potting soil for repotting it.
• When the plant becomes tall, prune back the unwanted branches to maintain a fuller shape.

5. Jade plant (Crassula ovata)

Jade plants are long-lived succulents that require very little attention to thrive.

They are recognized by their thick woody stem with oval-shaped green leaves.

• The plant can survive a prolonged period of underwatering conditions. The leaves will shrink when the plant craves watering. In such conditions, you can make it a slow drink of water and allow the excess moisture to drain completely from the soil. Before the next watering, ensure the topsoil has completely dried out.
• During the wintertime, reduce watering as the plant goes dormant.
• The plant will require a few hours of direct sunlight daily. However, the variegated varieties can thrive in low light. It prefers to be root bound, so you don’t need to replant it often.

6. ZZ plant (Zamioculcas Zamiifolia)

ZZ plants are another hard-to-kill plants that can thrive under the most serious neglect.

They are shrubby plants with bright green leaves that can grow up to 3 feet tall.

They are not so demanding and can thrive under various growing conditions.

• ZZ plants can grow well in low light as well as bright, indirect light. They can easily adapt to their surroundings and do fine under artificial lights.
• You can use any regular potting mix for growing this plant. Consider watering it only when the soil is dry. Don’t get stressed if you forget to water the plant for a few days, as it can survive an underwatering phase.
• If the plant gets too big, prune them to maintain its shape.
• If you are a pet owner, don’t let your pet go near the plant. ZZ plants are toxic, and their sap can cause serious health problems.

7. Umbrella plant (Schefflera)

The umbrella plant will lighten up your living space with its beauty in less time.

Schefflera, known as the umbrella plant, has its name because of its umbrella-shaped leaves.

The umbrella plant are of two types, Schefflera actinophylla and Schefflera arboricola.

Both of the varieties are almost the same and have similar growing conditions. 

• These plants thrive well in indirect or filtered light. Exposure to low light can reduce their growth and cause them to become leggy.
• They will do fine at normal room temperature and are ideal for a homely environment.
• Choose a pot with drainage holes and a well-drained potting mix for growing this plant.
• Give your Schefflera a good drink of water whenever the topsoil dries.
• Schefflera are highly toxic, so keep the plant away from your pets and children.

8. Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera)

Christmas cacti are gorgeous flowering plants that people widely use as a gifting option to their friends.

They are hardy and easy-to-grow plants.

This houseplant loves to thrive in medium to bright indirect light.

It likes warm temperatures during the daytime (around 70°F) and cool temperatures during the nighttime (around 65°F).

Grow your Christmas cactus in a pot with well-drained potting soil.

Always provide the plant with a long, thorough soaking until the excess water drains from the pot. 

9. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum sp.)

Peace lilies are one of the sturdy, low-maintenance, and easy-to-grow houseplants, most suitable for beginners.

The plant comes in various sizes; some are very small, and some can easily dominate a room.

They are marked for their dark green leaves with striking white flowers resembling a peace flag.

• The plant is happiest when it receives bright, indirect light. It can also grow in low light. However, the flowers may not bloom.
• Choose a well-drained potting mix and keep it evenly moist. This plant prefers humidity around it, so you can use a humidifier device or pebble tray filled with water to raise the moisture level.
• Peace lilies don’t do well in fluctuating temperatures. However, the warmth in your home will suit them. The leaves often get dusty, and you can use a damp cloth to clean them.

10. Cactus (Cactaceae)

Cactus is considered the easiest of all houseplants.

They are available in different sizes, colors, and shapes, giving many choices to a plant owner.

Some cactus varieties like Bishop and old lady cacti have interesting shapes and produce blooms.

The required care for this plant is very basic.

They like to grow in warm, dry conditions and need very little watering.  

Water the plant twice a month, provide it with bright, indirect light, and see how it flourishes. 

11. Philodendrons (Philodendron sp.)

Philodendrons are houseplants that are highly adaptable to their surrounding conditions and are very easy to care for.

Philodendrons are of two types- vining and non-climbing.

The care for philodendrons is basic.

• You can keep the plant in any location that will provide it with bright, indirect light. Never expose the plant to direct sunlight. Otherwise, the leaves will get sunburned. On the other hand, low light is not a problem for them, and they can tolerate it pretty well. 
• Water the plant only if the top few inches of the soil get dry. It will suffer if you underwater it sometimes; however, never overwater it.
• To enhance the plant’s growth, fertilize the soil with a commercial fertilizer every month during the spring and summer. 

12. Rope plant (Hoya carnosa compacta)

Rope plants are unique houseplants due to their twisting rope-like vines flaunting over the pot.

These are sturdy, adaptable, and easy to care for plants.

They can survive long periods of negligence and still do well if underwatered a few times.

• They are flowering plants, and you can make them bloom by placing them near a window that will provide them with bright, indirect light.
• They will grow happily in well-drained soil and with little fertilization. Rope plants can tolerate dry soil, but you should give the plant long, deep watering during the summertime.
• During the winter, they become dormant and don’t require much watering. 

13. Flamingo Flower (Anthurium sp.)

Flamingo flower plants are known for their beautiful leaves with heart-shaped red flowers.

Caring for this hard-to-kill plant is easy, and with very little effort, you will be rewarded with pretty, vibrant flowers.

• Any potting mix that can support both moisture retention and drainage can be used for growing Anthurium.
• Water your Anthurium only when the soil becomes dry. 
• Provide the plant with medium to bright light and keep it away from direct sun. 
• The plant grows well in normal room temperatures and can tolerate fluctuating temperatures making it a hard-to-kill plant.

14. Cast Iron plant (Aspidistra elatior)

Cast iron plants are tough and hardy, recognized for their lush, long green leaves.

The plant grows tiny purple flowers that are hidden in its leaves.

They can survive under the worst environmental conditions, even the outdoors. 

• Like other indoor plants, it loves growing in a well-drained potting mix. The plant can thrive in low and bright indirect light but keep it away from direct sunlight. 
• The soil of Cast iron plants should be evenly moist and never soggy. 
• During winters, the plant’s growth slows down, so water it less. They are non-toxic plants and are safe for your pets. 
• They are low-maintenance, hard-to-kill plants highly recommended for a beginner in gardening. 

15. Flaming Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata)

Dracaena marginata are striking plants with sword-like leaves that look attractive.

They are easy for new plant owners to grow and enjoy.

In their natural habitat, they can grow up to 20 feet tall, whereas in the indoor environment, they grow up to 6 feet tall.

These plants are highly adaptable to a wide range of conditions.

• Dragon trees thrive best when they receive bright, indirect light. However, they can tolerate low light levels but may lose some of their colors. 
• Grow your dracaenas in rich, well-drained potting soil and water them only when half of the soil dries out. They are fast-growing plants, so you should repot the plant every couple of years. 
• These plants do not require much humidity or fertilization.

16. Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis)

Aloe vera is a succulent houseplant that is extremely easy to grow and care for.

The plant has a unique appearance due to its tall stiff leaves filled with a thick gel.

The plant is not only attractive, but it is also very useful.

The gel of this plant has several health benefits and is useful for treating various skin problems, insomnia, and air purification.

• You can use any succulent potting mix or a rich potting soil with vermiculite for growing Aloe Vera. These plants like to grow in dry soil, so watering once a week is enough for them.  
• When you water, give the plant a long, deep drink and wait until the excess water drains completely from the soil. 
• Do the next watering water only when the soil has turned dry. Aloe vera can easily die if it sits in water for too long, so make sure never to overwater it. 
• However, if you are underwater, the plant will still thrive. Provide your Aloe vera with bright, indirect light by keeping them near a sunny place.

17. Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis spp.)

Phalaenopsis, commonly known as Moth Orchid, are hardy houseplants that are extremely easy to care for than you would think.

These astonishing indoor plants will gift you with beautiful orchids with very little care.

• This orchid plant prefers to grow in bright, indirect light. But keep it away from direct sunlight to protect the leaves from sunburns.
• Use a bark potting mix for growing the plant. 
• Occasionally, prune the leaves, so the top doesn’t become too heavy. The plant prefers to stay in dry soil, so water it only when more than 50% of the soil is dry. 
• To avoid stem and root rot, never let the plant sit in water for too long. Reduce watering during the winter season. 
• Moth orchids like humidity, so you can keep the plant on pebble trays to add moisture. 

18. Purple Shamrock (Oxalis triangularis)

Purple shamrocks are known for their pretty deep purpled three-clover leaves with white flowers resembling a shamrock.

This plant looks delicate but is sturdy. 

The leaves and flowers open and close in response to light and darkness, making a fun plant to enjoy. 

• Use a well-drained standard rich potting mix for growing this plant.
• Keep your shamrock near any window that provides it with bright, indoor light.
• The plant will thrive well if you can maintain temperatures between (60-75°F).
• You can give it a good drink of water when the top soil becomes dry and water it until the excess moisture starts draining out.
• During winters, the plant goes dormant and doesn’t show growth; therefore, you only have to water it twice or thrice a month. 

19. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvate)

The Ponytail palm is an interesting-looking houseplant that can thrive under tremendous growing conditions.

It is not a palm but grows a bulky base with long leafy streamers at the top. 

In their native place, they can grow up to 30 feet tall, but indoors, they hardly grow up to 4 feet tall.

• You can use a cactus or any succulent potting mix for growing your ponytail palm.
• Do not use a small pot. Otherwise, the plant’s roots will not grow properly.
• Use a large size with proper drainage holes.
• Keep the potting soil partly dry and drain off the excess water while watering the plant. During the winter months, reduce watering. 
• Fertilize the plant once a year to keep it healthy and happy. 

20. Bromeliads (Bromeliaceae)

Bromeliads are beautiful houseplants that come in a wide range of colors.

They are sturdy and can easily incorporate into your house, making them one of the most loved houseplants. 

• These plants can survive under a wide range of temperatures, so you shouldn’t worry about the temperatures in your home when you have this plant. But if the temperature rises too much, you need to increase the humidity around the plant so it won’t get dry. Although they are hardy plants, you shouldn’t expose them to stay in temperatures below 55°F.
• You can raise the humidity level around the plant by using a pebble tray or a humidifier device.
• Different species of bromeliads have different light requirements, so it’s important to know what type of Bromeliads you have. Indirect bright light with moderate shade will keep your Bromeliads cheerful.
• Soil and water is the most critical part of their care requirement. Consider using fast-draining soil and provide the plant with deep, thorough watering until the excess water drains out.

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