Our Top 5 Hard-To-Kill Indoor Plants

Plants do more than just add a splash of green to your home. They’re also good for you, as plants both purify the air and lift your spirits.

Here are five tough-as-nails indoor plants that prove that you don’t need a green thumb to add a little life to your interiors.

Perhaps the most common indoor plant because of its ability to thrive on neglect, the Snake Plant is sometimes called Mother-in-Law’s Tongue. This plant’s upright, sword-like leaves add a lovely architectural form to a room. Native to tropical West Africa, the Snake Plant likes to dry out a little between waterings and, although able to survive almost anywhere, prefers bright light and warm conditions away from cold draughts.

The Rubber Plant’s large glossy leaves make it another popular indoor plant. A very low maintenance plant, it requires water just once a week, as well as an occasional wipe of the leaves to keep them dust free. Place your Rubber Plant in a spot with lots of natural light. If it gets too big, don’t be tempted to plant it in the garden though. Like most ficus, the Rubber Plant has invasive roots which will damage foundations, paths and pipes.

Another brilliant indoor plant for beginners is Devil’s Ivy. A fast grower, this plant has a climbing or trailing habit, and looks great in a hanging basket or with its long stems cascading down a bookshelf or tall cabinet. Any brightly lit indoor spot away from direct sunlight is perfect for Devil’s Ivy, even though it will also do just fine in more dimly lit areas. It also enjoys humid areas like bathrooms and laundries. Water your Devil’s Ivy only when the top couple of centimetres of soil feels dry.

Monstera has been a popular indoor plant for many years because the large glossy leaves give almost any room a real lush, tropical feel. A native of Central American rainforests, Monsteras are fast growers, but it’s easy to keep them in check with regular pruning. Sometimes called the Swiss Cheese Plant because of the holes in the leaves, the Monstera likes humid locations with bright but indirect light. Keep the soil moist but be careful not to overwater.

Also called the Zanzibar Gem, this striking plant has dark glossy leaves in pairs along upright stems. Like all of the plants mentioned here, the ZZ Plant offers maximum reward with minimum care. Its thick roots are designed to store water, so you’re more likely to kill it with kindness than neglect. ZZ Plants prefer good light, so don’t keep yours in a dark corner or it will grow long and lanky. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth every now and then to keep them shiny and healthy.