Whether your thumb is green, brown, or somewhere in between, these houseplants are practically foolproof and perfect for anyone looking to bring a little life indoors without too much stress. Most of the plants listed thrive on neglect, forgive missed waterings, and can handle less ideal lighting conditions, making them ideal for beginners, busy students, or anyone who’s accidentally murdered a fern or two. With sturdy leaves, low water needs, and an ability to adapt to average home environments, these plants are more like laid back roommates than needy houseguests. If you’ve ever thought houseplants weren’t for you, think again…

1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

First and foremost, the snake plant is the iconic poster child for low maintenance greenery. It can survive in low light, dry air, and long stretches without water. Water it only when the soil is completely dry which is usually every 2 or so weeks.
It grows best in bright, indirect light but will tolerate shady spots and average room temperatures between 60–80°F.

2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

With its glossy, deep green leaves, the ZZ plant looks high end but asks for almost nothing in return. It thrives in low light and only needs water once the soil is bone dry which is typically every 2–4 weeks. It's also pest-resistant and nearly impossible to kill (unless you overwater; it’s best to leave this plant alone and water very sparingly)
ZZs prefer indirect light and warm, dry conditions around 65–75°F.

3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Pothos is a trailing plant that’s perfect for shelves, hanging baskets, or even neglected corners. It grows fast, tolerates low to bright indirect light, and forgives missed waterings. Water when the top inch of soil is dry, and it’ll keep producing lovely vines. Most of the time if it starts looking droopy it just needs some water to perk right back up to its full potential.
Pothos thrives in medium to bright indirect light, and it prefers temps between 65–85°F.

4. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

This retro favorite is known for its arching leaves and adorable baby “spiderettes.” It’s incredibly adaptable, surviving in a variety of light conditions and bouncing back even if you forget to water it for a while. Water once the top half of the soil feels dry.
Spider plants love bright, indirect light and moderate humidity but will tolerate lower light and drier air.

5. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

The rubber plant adds a bold, structured look to any room with its thick, glossy leaves. It prefers bright, indirect light but will tolerate moderate shade, and it doesn’t like to be overwatered. It really only needs water once every 1–2 weeks. Let the top inch of soil dry out before watering.
It grows best in bright, filtered light with temperatures between 65–80°F and enjoys occasional misting.

6. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)

Jade plants are compact, easygoing succulents with plump leaves that store water. They prefer bright light but can adapt to medium levels, and they only need watering every 2–3 weeks. Let the soil dry thoroughly before watering again.
They do best in bright, direct light with dry conditions and temps around 65–75°F.

7. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Peace lilies are dramatic in the best way. They’ll droop when thirsty, then perk right back up after a drink. They prefer medium to low light and like to stay slightly moist, but they’ll forgive you if you forget now and then. Water once the top inch of soil is dry.
They flourish in low to medium light with higher humidity and temperatures between 65–85°F.

8. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)

Despite its name, lucky bamboo is not a true bamboo, but it’s just as lucky and even easier to care for. It can grow in soil or water and adapts well to low light. If grown in water, just change the water every couple of weeks.
It grows best in low to moderate light, with warm temps (65–90°F) and clean water or well-drained soil.

9. Air Plants (Tillandsia)

Air plants don’t need soil and can live in just about any container or hanging setup. Just soak them in water for 20–30 minutes once a week, shake off excess water, and let them dry upside down. They prefer bright, indirect light and good air circulation.
They thrive in warm, humid environments with bright, filtered light and excellent airflow.

10. Burro’s Tail (Sedum morganianum)

Burro’s Tail is a trailing succulent that looks like a cascade of chubby green beads. It loves bright light and sparse watering—every few weeks is plenty. Be gentle when handling it, though; its delicate leaves fall off easily.
Place it in bright, indirect light or morning sun, with dry air and temps above 65°F.

We hope this list inspires you to branch out and bring a plant into your home! That’s how most plant lovers’ journeys start & yours could too! Give it a shot & let us know how it goes!

With love,
Zoé & The Greenhaus Team

10 Houseplants You (Probably) Can’t Kill: Greens for Any Thumb