No plant is truly unkillable
“Unkillable” is a nickname, not a promise. Plants in this list tolerate a lot: missed waterings, dim light, dry air and the occasional draft. They can still die, and the most common cause is the same for nearly all of them: too much water, especially in a pot without drainage.
The plants below are the ones most often recommended for beginners. They are chosen for tolerance, not because they will thrive in any condition.
The toughest houseplants for beginners
ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Thick rhizomes store water, so it can go a long time between drinks. It copes with low to bright indirect light and grows slowly. Toxic if eaten, so keep it away from children and pets, and wash your hands after handling.
Snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata)
Stiff, upright leaves that store water. It tolerates dim light and infrequent watering, and is easier to kill with too much water than too little. Toxic to cats and dogs if eaten.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
A fast-growing vine (more in indoor plants that grow downwards) that adapts to many light levels and shows clear signs (limp leaves) when thirsty. It tolerates a range of conditions but dislikes harsh direct sun. Toxic to cats, dogs and people if chewed, because of calcium oxalate crystals. Trailing vines can reach the floor, so place it high.
Cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior)
Earned its name by tolerating shade, cool rooms and irregular care. It grows slowly. Generally listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Adaptable, and easy to propagate from the baby plantlets. Brown leaf tips are common and are often linked to dry air, water minerals or uneven watering. Generally listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs, though chewing may upset a pet’s stomach.
Jade plant (Crassula ovata)
A succulent that wants bright light. It is forgiving about drought but unhappy in dim rooms, where it becomes leggy. It is also a plant of folklore; see does a jade plant bring good luck. Toxic to cats and dogs if eaten.
Ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
A succulent-like plant with a swollen base that stores water. It prefers bright light. Generally listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera)
Fairly easy and generally listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs. It likes bright, indirect light and is often grown for its winter flowers (see flowering cactus houseplants).
Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema)
Tolerates lower light and indoor conditions. It dislikes cold drafts and soggy soil. Toxic if eaten.
Peace lily (Spathiphyllum)
Wilts dramatically when thirsty and recovers after watering. Tolerates lower light but may flower less. Toxic if eaten; it is not a true lily, but it is still a concern around pets and children.
Match the plant to your habits
| If you… | Consider |
|---|---|
| Forget to water for weeks | ZZ plant, snake plant, jade, ponytail palm |
| Tend to overwater | Snake plant, ZZ plant, cast iron plant (let soil dry out first) |
| Have very little light | Cast iron plant, ZZ plant, snake plant, pothos |
| Have a bright window | Jade, ponytail palm, snake plant, Christmas cactus |
| Have cats, dogs or toddlers | Cast iron plant, spider plant, ponytail palm, Christmas cactus (generally non-toxic) |
The mistakes that still kill tough plants
- Overwatering. Water only when the soil has dried to the depth the plant prefers. Snake and ZZ plants can wait until it is mostly dry. Always use a pot with drainage holes.
- Wrong light for the plant. Succulents like jade and ponytail palm will stretch in dim rooms; shade plants such as pothos can scorch in hot direct sun. For dim spots, read our guide to easy low-light houseplants.
- Cold or draughty spots. Many “tough” plants are tropical. A cold windowsill or a draft from a door can damage them. See plants near a cold window for more detail.
- Frequent repotting or overfeeding. Slow growers like ZZ plants and cast iron plants rarely need either.
- Neglecting pests. Check the undersides of leaves from time to time for webbing, sticky residue or small insects.
Common questions
What are the hardiest houseplants?
ZZ plants, snake plants, cast iron plants and pothos are the names that come up most often. All tolerate some neglect, but none tolerate constantly wet soil.
What is a good plant that does not need much sunlight?
Cast iron plant, ZZ plant, snake plant and pothos are commonly suggested for lower light. They survive in dim rooms but grow slowly. Anywhere with no daylight needs a grow light.
Which plants cope with drafts?
Few houseplants enjoy a draft, since most are tropical. Cast iron plants and snake plants are generally considered more forgiving of cooler air than many others, but cold, drying air from a vent or door can still damage them. Keep plants out of direct drafts where you can.
If I can only pick one?
A ZZ plant or snake plant is a common first choice. If you have pets or young children, a cast iron plant or spider plant is a more cautious pick.