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The Easiest Houseplants for People Who Always Forget to Water

A distressed hippie man wearing a tie-dye shirt and headband, surrounded by wilted, dried houseplants in terracotta pots, representing forgotten plant care.

Let’s be honest: not everyone is cut out for plant parenthood. Some of us start with the best intentions, only to realise we’ve left our poor fern parched for weeks while we were busy... living. But good news: your forgetfulness doesn’t mean you’re doomed to a life without houseplants. You just need the right green companions.

As a lifelong plantaholic (and full-time enabler), I’ve curated a list of low-maintenance legends that don’t need daily check-ins or emotional support. These are the plants for the busy, the distracted, the well-meaning-but-chaotic souls who still want jungle vibes without jungle-level effort.


Here are 5 tried-and-tested beauties from my own collection that thrive on neglect, survive in dodgy lighting, and still look like they’ve just walked off a botanical catwalk.


1. Zamioculcas zamiifolia (ZZ Plant-the easiest houseplant)

Zamioculcas zamiifolia (ZZ Plant) in a terracotta pot, featuring glossy dark green leaves, known for its drought-tolerant nature and low-maintenance care.

Tougher than a two-day-old Greggs sausage roll and almost as iconic, the ZZ plant is an unkillable houseplant hero. With waxy, architectural leaves that catch the light like polished jade, it adds instant structure to any room.

  • Watering needs: Once every 2–4 weeks (if that).

  • Light: Low to bright, indirect light.

  • Vibe: Low effort, high impact.

It basically thrives on your indifference. Just don’t water it too much—it’s more offended by soggy roots than by your forgetfulness.


2. Sansevieria trifasciata (Snake Plant)

Sansevieria trifasciata, or Snake Plant, in a terracotta pot with tall, upright leaves edged in yellow, ideal for low-light rooms and infrequent watering.

Also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue (don’t shoot the messenger), this sculptural stunner is one of the best air-purifying plants out there—and it won’t throw a tantrum if you forget about it.

  • Watering needs: Every 3–4 weeks. It stores water like a camel.

  • Light: Flexible—does well in shade or sun.

  • Vibe: Sleek, sturdy, and stylish.

If you want something that looks clean and modern but requires less maintenance than a pet rock, this is your girl.


3. Scindapsus pictus (Satin Pothos)

Scindapsus pictus, commonly called Satin Pothos, in a terracotta pot with trailing heart-shaped green leaves and silver variegation, suited for beginners.

Now we’re getting into the sexy stuff. This one trails. It shimmers. It sparkles. The silver variegation on deep green leaves catches the light in a way that’s borderline flirtatious.

  • Watering needs: When the top 2 inches of soil are dry. Every 10–14 days usually works.

  • Light: Bright, indirect is best, but it’ll cope with lower light.

  • Vibe: Cascading glamour.

And the best part? It tells you when it needs water—its leaves slightly curl. Communication? In this economy?


4. Philodendron 'Green Wonder'

Philodendron ‘Green Wonder’ in a simple clay pot, featuring wide, glossy green leaves, a resilient and fast-growing indoor plant perfect for jungle vibes.

This plant is criminally underrated. Lush, leafy, and resilient as hell. Its foliage has the drama of an Anthurium but with the care level of a pothos.

  • Watering needs: Every 2–3 weeks.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light preferred.

  • Vibe: Effortless jungle.

If you want something that grows into a beast without acting like one, this one’s for you. Bonus: it pairs beautifully with any room, from boho to brutalist.

5. Pilea peperomioides (Chinese Money Plant)

It’s cute, it’s quirky, and it throws out babies like it’s in a Netflix sitcom. Round, coin-shaped leaves give it a cartoonish charm—and it’s far easier to look after than its Instagram fame suggests.

  • Watering needs: Roughly every 10 days.

  • Light: Bright, indirect is best.

  • Vibe: Playful + sculptural.

This is the plant that’ll win over even the most sceptical non-plant people. And when it pups, you’ve got instant gifts—or more plants for your growing gang.


Final Thoughts (And a Subtle Nudge):

Final Thoughts graphic text over a lush jungle leaf background, including Monstera and palm foliage, used as a visual break at the end of the article

There’s no shame in choosing low-maintenance plants. Life’s chaotic enough. You don’t need a needy ficus crying in the corner of your living room. You need plants that vibe with your reality.


Every one of these beauties is available in my shop—some as rooted babies in our famous Baby Boxes, others as more mature plants for instant impact. Either way, you’re one click away from greener, calmer, happier vibes at home.

So go on. Build your jungle. One nearly-indestructible plant at a time.


Want to see over 2,000 plants for yourself?


Why not book a free slot and step into the Bearded Plantaholic haven – it’s a collector’s dream and a jungle like no other.



Prefer a full-on plant party? Grab your tickets for Plantstock on the 29th of this month – plants, people, and chaos in the best way possible.



Or if you’re more of a couch collector, head to the online shop and have leafy joy delivered straight to your door. Either way, the jungle’s calling.



One love, tiny phone people.



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