Let’s be honest, not everyone has a green thumb.
Maybe you forget to water. Maybe you overwater. Maybe plants just… don’t survive in your care.
The good news? Some plants are basically unkillable.
If you want a garden that looks good without daily attention, constant fertilising, or panic-Googling “why is my plant dying?”, start here.
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
AKA: The plant that thrives on neglect
Snake plants are famous for surviving almost anything. Low light, bright light, missed waterings, forgotten corners — they genuinely don’t mind. Their upright, architectural leaves also make them look far more high-maintenance than they are.
- Tolerates low light and full sun
- Needs very little water
- Happy indoors or outdoors in warm climates
If you’ve ever killed a plant before, start with this one.
2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Looks: Glossy, lush, designer-level
Reality: Basically immortal
The ZZ plant stores water in its roots, meaning it can handle weeks (even months) without watering. It’s slow-growing, resilient, and almost impossible to upset.
- Thrives in low light
- Drought-tolerant
- Rarely affected by pests
Perfect if you want something stylish with zero effort.
3. Lomandra
Looks: Soft, landscaped, perfectly intentional
Reality: Tough as anything
Lomandra is a go-to for landscapers for a reason. It handles heat, drought, wind, and poor soil — and still looks neat year-round. If you want a plant you can plant once and forget about, this is it.
- Extremely drought-tolerant
- Handles harsh conditions
- Minimal pruning required
Great for gardens, borders, and low-maintenance designs.
4. Aloe Vera
Looks: Sculptural, fresh, modern
Reality: Loves being left alone
Aloe Vera thrives on neglect. Overwatering is the only real way to harm it, so if you forget about it most of the time, you’re doing it a favour.
- Stores water in its leaves
- Loves sun and dry conditions
- Grows happily in pots or garden beds
Bonus: it’s useful and looks good.
5. Devil’s Ivy (Pothos)
Looks: Lush, trailing, Pinterest-perfect
Reality: Grows no matter what
Devil’s Ivy will grow in bright light, low light, hanging baskets, shelves, or even a jar of water. It bounces back quickly if neglected and lets you know when it needs water, without being dramatic.
- Extremely adaptable
- Easy to propagate
- Fast-growing and forgiving
If you want instant greenery with minimal effort, this is your plant.
Low Effort, Long-Lasting Plants
If plants have “died mysteriously” under your care before, you’re not alone. Starting with hardy, forgiving plants builds confidence and gives you a garden that actually lasts.
Low effort doesn’t mean low impact. Sometimes the toughest plants are the most beautiful.