Always forgetting to water? These varieties are perfect matches for an absentminded owner.
Every
plant requires a certain amount of care — but some can put up with (or
even prefer) minimal tending. These options look lovely, and will fare
well even if watering is always the forgotten to-do item on your list.
1. Succulents
These
waxy, geometric beauties are certainly trendy, but not only because of
their interesting shapes and hues ranging from mint green to deep
violet. Their thick leaves store water, so they typically only require
weekly watering (wait until the soil is dry before dousing them again).
Succulents come in lots of varieties (like slender cacti, spiky sedum,
smooth Echeveri, or flowering Kalanchoe), but typically enjoy sunlight
and dry air.
2. ZZ plant
These
beauties, which grow in tall stalks of deep green, rubbery leaves,
actually like to be left alone. Though they prefer moderate levels of
sunlight, but can tolerate low light, too, so they're often go-to choice
for offices. "These plants prefer to stay on the dry side, and seem to
thrive on neglect," says Kathie Hayden, plant information service
manager at Chicago Botanic Garden.
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3. Pothos
This
leafy vine would have been voted "most popular" in high school. Since
its quite hardy (and quite pretty), people choose it often. It can deal
with low light, and won't be bothered if you let the soil dry out.
4. Ponytail palm
This Mexico native gets its name from its shape — its skinny leaves sprout from a thick stalk, where it stores water.
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5. Snake plant
Also
called mother-in-law's tongue (perhaps because its leaves come to a
sharp point), this easy-care plant is a popular choice for many homes.
"You might think they're kind of passé," says Tovah Martin, expert
gardener and author of the upcoming book, The Indestructible Houseplant. "But at a recent flower show, I saw a lot of interesting new varieties, like a silver-looking one."
6. Air plants
Much
like their name suggests, these spidery plants don't even need soil to
thrive; you can literally hang them in midair, place them in a
decorative vase, or prop them up on a shelf. And watering them is nearly
set-and-forget: "Just dunk them in water for about 2 or 3 hours every
10 days or so," says Martin.
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7. Begonias
These
crowd-pleasing spring and summer blooms need their soil to dry out
before they get another drink, and require even less watering in the
winter. "Plus they come in many different foliage colors and patterns,"
says Hayden.
8. Chinese evergreen
"This
is one rock solid plant," say Martin. "Of course, I don't think you
should torture any plant, but the Chinese evergreen can stand up to a
lot. And there are fun versions with speckles and stripes that look like
they belong at a carnival." Chinese evergreens can tolerate low to
medium light, and you can water when you notice the soil is dry.
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9. Cast-iron plant
Much
like its name suggests, this low-growing plant with wide flats leaves
can stand up to tough conditions (like an owner who often forgets to
pick up the watering can). You should water them when the soil is dry,
but they'll fare through a drought, too.
