Plants are the easiest way to inject a little bit of life into your home. The problem? They’re alive. As with all living things, some effort is needed to keep them that way. Still want one but not confident about keeping them alive? Luckily for you, someone has put together a list of 12 plants that’ll most likely survive despite your inexperience, neglect and/or abuse.

Snake Plant

This confident-looking plant (see how upright it stands!) is highly robust and requires very little horizontal space. To top it off, it’s an excellent natural air purifier too.

How to care for it:

•    Water when soil is dry, or leaves are wilting or yellowing.

•    Causes mild irritation if ingested. Toxic to pets.

African Spear Plant

While its leaves look pretty much like its namesake, you should have no fear of being impale by it.

How to care for it:

•    It isn’t bothered by how much light it gets as long as there’s some.

•    Water weekly. Allow soil to completely dry between waterings.

Aloe Vera

If you don’t already know, it’s pretty, fleshy leaves contain a natural wonder gel that’s is amazing for skin. Anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial, it’s teenagers’ best friend the world over.

How to care for it:

•    It loves bright and sunny spots.

•    Water when soil is thoroughly dry.

•    Causes diarrhoea in people and vomiting in pets if ingested in large quantities

Monstera Deliciosa

Also known as the Split-Leaf Philodendron or Swiss cheese plant, the Monstera Delicious just screams “Look at me!”. Surprisingly for such an attention-grabber, it requires very little attention.

How to care for it:

•    Give it moderate indirect light.

•    Water weekly or bi-weekly. Wait for soil to dry between waterings.

•    Generally, keep out of reach of pets and children.

Winterbourn

It’s also known as the Philodendron Xanadu. Think of this one as a mini Monstera. It’s petiteness gives you more options on where to put it.

How to care for it:

•    Bright indirect sunlight but will tolerate lower intensities.

•    Water weekly when soil is dry.

•    Snap off dead, yellow leaves.

•    It may be small, but still toxic. Keep out of reach of pets and children.

Golden Pothos or Money plant

This is one to get if you’re a self-proclaimed plant killer. It propagates easily in water and will happily live where there’s little light. Just don’t mind its tendency to climb up.

How to care for it:

•    Water weekly. Allow soil to completely dry between waterings.

•    If kept in water, change out the water weekly.

•    Once again, keep out of reach of pets and children.

Sweetheart Plant

Image source: Gardening Know How

Win brownie points with your significant other with this little darling. Just look at it – it’s all hearts!

How to care for it:

•    Water every three to four weeks (that’s not a typo).

•    Can be ignored, unlike healthy relationships.

•    Looks sweet but totally not edible. Keep out of reach from pets and kids.

Red Aglaonema

Its red-tinted leaves add a unique splash of colour that is the envy of its greener cousins. Despite its louder fashion sense, it’s highly accommodating – it’ll happily grow in low or bright light.

How to care for it:

•    It’s happy in either low or bright indirect light.

•    Water when soil is mostly dry. 

•    Don’t overwater!

•    (Sigh) Keep out of reach from pets and kids.

Spider Plant

A.K.A. Chlorophytum comosum. This little darling (despite the name) is a strong air purifier, easily multiplies, AND is child- and pet- friendly!

How to care for it:

•    Give it bright indirect light.

•    Water weekly but will survive longer watering intervals. Ensure soil is dry between waterings.

•    Child- and pet-friendly!

Spanish Moss Air Plant

Image Source: NC State University

It might look fragile with its long and wispy green strands, but it is exceedingly easy to grow. It doesn’t even need soil!

How to care for it:

•    Mist when leaves curl inwards.

•    Leave outside where there is airflow and light.

•    Another totally child- and pet-friendly plant!

Tillandsia Fuego Air Plant

Image Source: Air Plants

This of this as the low-light version of the Spanish Moss Air Plant. As an added bonus, every few years, it’ll bear flowers and the whole thing turns a bright cherry-red colour.

How to care for it:

•    Survives in moderate to low indirect light.

•    Mist when leaves curl inwards.

•    Leave where there is airflow.

Succulents

There are many kinds of succulents, but all these green babies are the kings of survival in this list.

How to care for it:

•    It’s cute fleshy leaves store water, so you only need to water them twice a month.

•    Does best when it’s left where there is bright indirect sunlight.

Time to go green

Now that you know what plants will most likely survive your onslaught of love (or lack thereof), it’s time to turn your home into a green paradise!

Posted on 25th January 2024

Written by Kenny Tan,

SIXIDES Editorial Team