5 Low-Maintenance Houseplants Anyone Can Keep Alive

Plants do not have to be high-maintenance. If your life is busy (or you just do not want another “thing” to manage), there are plenty of low-maintenance indoor plants that still bring color, calm, and a little life to your home.

This list is for the person who wants greenery without the pressure. If you have ever said “I can’t keep plants alive,” this will change your mind, because these are some of the best houseplants for beginners.

1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria): The Nearly Indestructible Favorite

Snake plants are famous for being forgiving. They tolerate:

• Low light (though they grow faster with brighter, indirect light)
• Irregular watering
• Most normal indoor temperature swings

They also look great without trying—tall, clean, and architectural, which makes them a favorite for bedrooms, offices, and hallways.

Care tip: Water sparingly. Snake plants dislike sitting in wet soil, and the most common mistake is overwatering. Let the soil dry out between waterings. 

Ideal for: Anyone who wants a stylish plant that can handle missed waterings and still look put-together.

See more caretaking tips from The Spruce’s guide to Snake Plants. 

2. Pothos: Fast-Growing and Forgiving

If you want a plant that makes your space feel instantly “lived-in,” pothos is the answer. It has trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves, and it can grow in low, medium, or bright indirect light.

It is also one of the easiest plants to bounce back. Miss a watering? You can usually get it back on track quickly.

Care tip: Water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry. Instead of sticking to a strict schedule, check the soil first. 

Ideal for: Busy households, first-time plant owners, and anyone who wants lush greenery with minimal effort.

If you want pothos-style “easy wins” delivered locally, browse the Shop Plants section for plant options available through J. Morris Flowers and local delivery. 

3. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas): Thrives on Neglect

The ZZ plant is the ultimate “set it and forget it” houseplant. It is known for:

• Low-light tolerance
• Drought tolerance
• Thick, glossy leaves that stay handsome year-round

It is a great option for offices, shaded rooms, and spaces that do not get a lot of natural light (think: hallways, corners, and rooms with smaller windows).

Care tip: Too much water is the main issue. ZZ plants tolerate drought well, so keep watering light and let the pot dry out between drinks. University of Florida IFAS notes ZZ plants are valued for their ability to grow under low light and tolerate drought. 

Ideal for: Plant beginners who travel, people who forget watering, and anyone who wants a bold, sculptural look without constant care.

4. Peace Lily: Gentle Beauty with Strong Resilience

Peace lilies look like they should be fussy… but they are surprisingly beginner-friendly. They have lush green leaves and elegant white blooms, and they do a nice job of telling you what they need.

A peace lily will droop a bit when it is thirsty, which is a helpful cue if you are still learning plant routines.

Care tip: Peace lilies prefer medium, indirect light. Keep the soil lightly moist (not soggy), and do not let the pot sit in water.

Ideal for: Living rooms, bedrooms, and gift-giving; especially when you want something that feels soft and meaningful.

If you like the idea of gifting a plant (or building a simple plant “starter set” for your own home), it helps to talk with people who work with plants all day. You can learn more about the studio behind the designs on our About Us Page.

5. Succulents: Perfect for Forgetful Waterers

Succulents store water in their leaves, which makes them a great choice if you tend to overthink watering or forget it entirely.

They also come in endless shapes, colors, and textures. If you love a modern, clean look, succulents are an easy way to add something living to shelves, desks, or windowsills without committing to a big plant.

Care tip: Bright light + well-draining soil + light watering is the formula. Better Homes & Gardens recommends using pots with drainage holes, well-draining soil, and watering sparingly (often less in winter). 

Ideal for: Sunny spaces and anyone who prefers plants that feel neat, minimal, and easy.

Design Tips: How to Style Easy-Care Houseplants

Once you pick your plants, styling is what makes them feel intentional (not random).

A few easy ways to make even “basic” plants look elevated:

• Mix heights and shapes: Pair tall snake plants with trailing pothos and a compact succulent.
• Choose pots that match your space: Baskets warm up a room; ceramics look clean and modern; neutral pots make greenery pop.
• Group plants in threes: A small “cluster” on an entry table or kitchen counter looks curated fast.
• Think about light first, décor second: A plant that is happy will always look better than a plant in the perfect pot but with the wrong lighting.

If you want help picking plants that work in your actual home (your light, your schedule, your style), reach out by contacting us and ask our team for low-maintenance recommendations. 

FAQs: Choosing the Right Houseplants

What’s the easiest plant for total beginners?

Snake plants and pothos are two of the most forgiving options, especially if you are not consistent with watering. 

Do low-maintenance plants still need sunlight?

Yes, but many thrive in low or indirect light, which is why they work well in apartments, offices, and winter months.

Can I give houseplants as gifts?

Absolutely. A low-maintenance plant is one of the most thoughtful gifts because it lasts. A peace lily or pothos is a great “safe” choice for beginners.

Bring Life Indoors Without the Fuss

A few carefully chosen houseplants can brighten your home without adding extra work. Whether you want something tall, trailing, sculptural, or compact, there is a low-maintenance option that fits your space and your schedule.

If you are looking for easy houseplants in Leesburg, VA or want plant delivery in Loudoun County, browse J. Morris Flowers online and choose something that feels doable. Start with the Plants Shop or Contact Us so the team can point you toward the best beginner-friendly picks.