The best low‑maintenance houseplants for busy lifestyles

Not everyone has the time or memory to regularly water and care for houseplants. Fortunately, there are many species that thrive even without special attention. In this article, we present the five best plants for the forgetful, making a great addition to any interior.

The Zanzibar gem is known for its remarkable durability. It features thick, fleshy leaves that store water, allowing it to survive for several weeks without watering. This makes it an ideal plant for the forgetful.

Caring for it is simple. Just place it in a spot with diffused light and water it only when the potting soil is completely dry. Avoid overwatering, as the Zanzibar gem is more sensitive to too much water than a lack of it.

The Zanzibar gem is also very resistant to pests and diseases. It can be placed at both home and office, where it adds an excellent decorative touch. If you're looking for a plant that is nearly impossible to neglect, the Zanzibar gem is the perfect choice.

Another plant worth noting is the snake plant, also known as Sansevieria. This plant is very hardy and thrives with minimal attention. It features long, sword-like leaves that grow vertically, creating an attractive interior decoration.

The snake plant is not only easy to care for but also purifies the air. It effectively removes toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air.

Caring for it is as simple as for the Zanzibar gem. Place the snake plant in a spot with bright, diffused light or partial shade, and let the soil dry out completely between waterings. This plant withstands drought exceptionally well and will thrive even if forgotten for a few weeks.

Cacti are among the most resilient plants, requiring practically no attention. They thrive in dry and hot conditions, with care limited to occasional watering.

Cacti come in many species and varieties, allowing for the creation of interesting and diverse arrangements. It's important to remember that they dislike excess water. It's best to water them every few weeks, being careful not to soak the stems and leaves. Watering should be done carefully, ideally using soft water.

Cacti are perfect for sunny spots. At home, place them on a windowsill where they can receive sunlight for most of the day. These plants also don't require special fertilizers—permeable soil. Ideally, a special cactus mix available in garden stores is sufficient.

Aloe is known for its medicinal properties and also serves as a beautiful interior decoration. It's one of the easiest plants to care for, requiring minimal attention.

Aloe thrives in bright, sunny spots with direct light. It requires watering only when the soil is dry—usually every few weeks. Avoid overwatering, as aloe is prone to root rot.

This plant is also resistant to pests and diseases, making it great for the forgetful. Moreover, aloe has many home uses—the gel from its leaves can be used for burns, cuts, and as a natural cosmetic for skin and hair.

Pothos performs excellently in homes and offices. It's exceptionally easy to grow and can help cleanse the air of toxins. With its rapid growth, pothos can quickly become a green highlight in any space.

This plant grows best in semi-shaded areas, avoiding direct sunlight, which can scorch leaves. It requires watering when the top soil layer is dry. Pothos tolerates pruning well, allowing you to control its growth and shape.

Placing pothos in a hanging pot is a great idea, allowing its long stems to hang freely, creating an impressive cascade of greenery. This plant is recommended for both the forgetful and beginner gardeners.

Choosing the right plants for a home or office can significantly improve air quality and interior aesthetics. Plants such as the Zanzibar gem, snake plant, cacti, aloe, and pothos withstand occasional neglect and enhance rooms with their greenery for a long time. Just remember a few basic care principles to enjoy beautiful and healthy plants.