Top 10 Forgiving Plants for Forgetful Gardeners

January 2024

Gardening can be a joyful and rewarding experience, but for those who occasionally forget to water or miss a day of sunlight, it can also be a source of stress. Fortunately, there are plants that seem almost indestructible—forgiving, resilient, and able to withstand the occasional lapses in care. If you're a forgetful gardener, here are the top 12 "Unkillables" that will thrive despite your occasional forgetfulness.

1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata):

Resilience: Snake plants are champions of resilience. They tolerate low light, irregular watering, and can withstand a variety of indoor conditions.
Care Tips: Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, and place them in indirect sunlight. Snake plants are also excellent air purifiers.

Buy Snake plant

2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia):

Drought Tolerance: ZZ plants are extremely forgiving when it comes to water. They can go for weeks without watering and still maintain their lush appearance.
Care Tips: Keep them in low to bright indirect light, and water only when the top inch of soil is dry. ZZ plants are perfect for beginners.

Buy ZZ Plant plant

3. Succulents:

Water Efficiency: Succulents, including Echeveria, Aloe, and Jade plants, are water-efficient and can endure periods of neglect.
Care Tips: Plant them in well-draining soil, provide bright sunlight, and water sparingly. Succulents thrive in dry conditions.

4. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum):

Adaptability: Spider plants are adaptable and can thrive in a range of conditions. They produce "pups" or baby plants, ensuring a continuous display.
Care Tips: Keep the soil consistently moist, place them in indirect light, and watch them flourish with minimal effort.

Buy Spider plant

5. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum):

Versatility: Pothos, also known as Devil's Ivy, is known for its versatility and ability to withstand neglect.
Care Tips: Pothos can thrive in low to bright indirect light and prefer the soil to dry out between waterings. They are excellent for hanging baskets.

Buy Pothos plant

6. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum):

Adaptable: Peace lilies are adaptable and can recover well even if you forget to water them occasionally.
Care Tips: Keep the soil consistently moist, and place them in low to bright, indirect light. The Peace Lily also provides visual cues when it needs water, as its leaves will droop.

Buy Peace Lily plant

7. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller):

Succulent Endurance: Aloe vera, a succulent, is well-known for its resilience and ability to thrive in arid conditions.
Care Tips: Plant in well-draining soil, provide bright sunlight, and water sparingly. Aloe vera is also known for its medicinal properties.

Buy Aloe Vera plant

8. Philodendron (Various Types):

Hardy Foliage: Philodendrons, with their lush and trailing foliage, are forgiving and can adapt to various light conditions.
Care Tips: Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, and provide indirect to low light. Philodendrons are perfect for both indoor and outdoor spaces.

Buy Philodendron plant

9. Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya):

Colorful Foliage: The Polka Dot Plant adds a splash of color with its vibrant leaves and is forgiving in terms of light requirements.
Care Tips: Keep the soil consistently moist and provide bright, indirect light. Regular pruning can help maintain a bushy and compact shape.

10. Cacti (Various Types):

Desert Survivors: Cacti are true survivors, adapted to harsh desert environments with infrequent rainfall.
Care Tips: Plant in well-draining soil, provide bright sunlight, and water sparingly. Cacti thrive with minimal intervention.

Tips for Forgetful Gardeners:

Group Plants with Similar Needs: Cluster plants with similar light and water requirements together to simplify care routines.
Use Self-Watering Containers: Invest in self-watering containers to maintain consistent soil moisture levels.
Set Reminders: Set calendar reminders or use gardening apps to stay on top of watering schedules.
Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around plants to help retain soil moisture and reduce the frequency of watering.
Choose Forgiving Plants: Prioritize forgiving plants like the "Unkillables" listed above.

Remember, while these plants are forgiving, they still need some care. Regular observation, occasional watering, and providing suitable light conditions contribute to their well-being. With these "Unkillables" in your garden, you can enjoy the beauty of thriving plants, even if your green thumb occasionally takes a break.