Lifestyle 10 Low-Maintenance Houseplants for Your Indoor Oasis 12/10/2024 | By Lisa Oliver Monroe Indoor gardening can be a wonderful hobby, but it often requires dedication and attention. Fortunately, there are numerous low-maintenance houseplants that can bring joy and serenity to your living space without demanding extensive care. Research shows that having plants in our indoor living environments is therapeutic and can have a profound impact on our physical and mental well-being, including improving air quality, boosting mood, and reducing stress and anxiety. We’ve made a list of 10 remarkable low-maintenance houseplants that require minimal care and are easy to incorporate into your living space, no matter how big or small. 1. Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata) Also known as “Mother-in-Law’s Tongue,” this striking plant is known for its sword-shaped leaves and ability to purify the air with remarkable efficiency. With its low-maintenance requirements, it’s perfect for those who want to add a touch of greenery to their space without breaking a sweat. 2. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) Pothos is a versatile and adaptable plant that can thrive in a variety of lighting conditions. Its trailing vines make it an excellent choice for hanging baskets or topiaries, adding a lush touch to any room. Plus, its ability to remove toxins from the air makes it a valuable addition to your indoor space. 3. Dracaena (Dracaena spp.) With over 40 varieties to choose from, Dracaena is one of the most popular low-maintenance houseplants on the market. These stately plants prefer well-drained soil and indirect sunlight but can tolerate a range of lighting conditions, making them perfect for spaces with limited natural light. 4. Philodendron (Philodendron spp.) Philodendrons are known for their heart-shaped leaves and ability to thrive in a range of lighting conditions. Their trailing vines make them an excellent choice for hanging baskets, and they will add a touch of natural beauty to any room. Plus, they’re relatively pest-free. 5. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii) Peace lilies are renowned for their elegant white blooms and ability to purify the air with remarkable efficiency. These plants prefer well-drained soil and indirect sunlight but can also tolerate low-light conditions. 6. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) Spider plants are an excellent choice for indoor gardens with limited space. They’re easy to care for and prefer bright, indirect light and infrequent watering, making them a low-maintenance delight. They propagate frequently, producing new plants that you can move to new pots or share with friends and family. 7. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) The ZZ plant is a low-maintenance superstar that can tolerate neglect and infrequent watering. Its glossy leaves add a touch of sophistication to any room, and its ability to purify the air makes it a valuable addition to your indoor space. 8. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera spp.) A favorite during the holiday season, this festive plant is actually perfect for year-round enjoyment. The Christmas cactus prefers well-drained soil and indirect sunlight, making it an excellent choice for indoor spaces with limited natural light. Related: 8 pet-friendly, air-cleaning houseplants 9. Peperomia (Peperomia obtusifolia) Peperomias are compact, easy-care plants that thrive in low-light conditions. Their heart-shaped leaves add a touch of whimsy to any room, and their ability to tolerate a range of temperatures makes them perfect for spaces with temperature fluctuations. 10. Aloe Vera (Aloe spp.) Aloe vera is a versatile plant with numerous benefits, including its ability to purify the air and soothe skin irritations. Its thick leaves add a point of interest, making it a fun and unique addition to your indoor space. By introducing these low-maintenance houseplants to your home, you’ll not only enhance your living space but also reap the benefits of indoor gardening without a lot of hassle. Caring for your low-maintenance houseplants Water sparingly. Avoid overwatering your plants, as this can lead to root rot. Most of the plants on our list will thrive with infrequent watering. Use well-drained soil. Premixed potting soil is a good choice. You can add lava rocks, Styrofoam, even pieces of old broken pots to the bottom of the soil to improve drainage. This prevents the roots from staying too wet, which can affect your plant’s health. Fertilize occasionally. Feed your low-maintenance houseplants with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Plant fertilizer spikes, which can be purchased at any garden center, are a convenient option because they gradually release fertilizer into the soil over time. Read More Lisa Oliver Monroe Lisa Oliver Monroe, a native of Gloucester County, Virginia, has been a freelance writer for many years. She’s also worked full-time as a journalist, marketing writer, and technical writer. She is a regular contributing writer for Blue Zones and in 2010, she authored a travel book about America’s Historic Triangle.