Top 10 Low-Maintenance Houseplants Suitable for Infrequent Watering
Houseplants are a fantastic way to add some green and life to your living space, even if you're not the most skilled gardener or have a busy schedule. When it comes to choosing low-maintenance plants, you can't go wrong with those that require minimal watering. Here are ten such picks, according to experts in the field.
1. Snake Plant
Often referred to as Sansevieria trifasciata, this plant is known for its ability to thrive in low light and low water conditions. Its thick, sword-like leaves make it highly drought-tolerant. While you can let the potting soil almost completely dry out between waterings, Justin Hancock, horticulturist for Costa Farms, suggests watering upon feeling the top 25 to 50 percent of soil dry. The snake plant grows between 12 to 36 inches tall and 6 to 36 inches wide.
2. Raven ZZ
This plant, also known as Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Raven,’ is equipped to survive in dry conditions, which it sometimes experiences in its native habitat of Africa. Its thick leaves store water, as do the rhizomes located underground. You can water it as infrequently as once a month or so, according to Hancock, or give it a drink when the top 25 to 50 percent of soil feels dry for a happier plant. Raven ZZ grows 12 inches tall and 8 inches wide.
3. Ponytail Palm
Native to the deserts of Mexico and Central America, the ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata) has evolved to thrive in drought conditions. Its thick trunk allows it to store water. Hancock recommends watering it as the top 25 to 50 percent of potting mix dries, but it can survive almost completely drying out, making it a versatile plant for busy homeowners. The ponytail palm grows between 6 to 8 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide.
4. Chinese Evergreen
This plant, Aglaonema, is known for its extreme resilience and ability to survive almost completely drying out. Hancock advises taking care to avoid overwatering. This plant features green leaves variegated in a variety of colors, from white and silver to red, pink, and orange. The Chinese evergreen grows between 2 to 3 feet tall and wide.
5. Spider Plant
Spider plant, a popular choice among gardening experts, is known for its thick, fleshy roots that store water and the plant's resilience in low light conditions. According to Hancock, the spider plant can go a couple of weeks without water. Just be sure to water it more frequently in brighter light settings.
6. Yucca
Yucca, like ponytail palm, is a desert plant that has evolved to thrive in drought conditions. Allow the top 50 to 75 percent of the potting mix to dry between waterings, as recommended by Hancock. Yucca can grow quite tall indoors but keeps a narrow profile, making it a great indoor tree for small spaces with lots of light.
7. Jade Plant
Known as Crassula ovata, this succulent is popular for its low water needs and ability to survive for weeks without water. Hancock suggests watering it by sticking a wood toothpick in the bottom drainage hole of the pot. If the toothpick comes out dry, use this as a cue to water. The jade plant can grow up to 5 feet tall and wide.
8. Rex Begonia
These plants require care much like succulents, with fleshy stems and petioles that store water. Thus, they should not be kept too wet. Let the soil dry between waterings, as suggested by Lisa Eldred Steinkopf, founder of the Houseplant Guru and author of Houseplants.
9. Goldfish Plant
Native to Africa, the goldfish plant (Nematanthus gregarious) is commonly grown in a hanging basket. Give it adequate light, and it will almost continuously bloom. Permit the soil to dry mostly between waterings for optimal growth.
10. Bromeliads
If you’re looking for a unique, low-maintenance plant, consider tank bromeliads such as gazania, aechmea, and vriesia. They have leaf-formed vases or cups that hold water in their centers. Keep these plants in bright light and just ensure the tanks are filled with fresh water. The size of bromeliads depends on the variety.
In summary, these ten low-water houseplants are not only beautiful but also highly adaptable to minimally watered conditions. While all plants eventually need moisture, some will thrive with minimal watering. Being a responsible plant owner means knowing the specific care requirements of each plant species to ensure healthy growth.
Martha Stewart strongly advocates for the proper care of houseplants, advising to avoid overwatering many low-maintenance varieties as they require minimal moisture. For instance, when storing the Snake Plant, it's essential to allow the top 25 to 50 percent of soil to dry out between waterings to maintain its health. Similarly, the Raven ZZ can go a month with infrequent watering, or when the top soil layer feels dry. When it comes to the ponytail palm, this desert plant can survive almost completely dried out soil due to its thick trunk, making it a versatile choice for busy homeowners.
