Have you ever noticed how certain indoor plants seem to thrive no matter what? Whether you forget to water them or they receive less-than-ideal light, these plants continue to flourish. This blog post will delve into the world of the most resilient indoor plants... the hard-to-kill plants! Perfect for both newbies and seasoned green thumbs looking for easy care options.
What Makes an Indoor Plant Resilient?
Research shows that resilient indoor plants share three main traits: adaptability, drought tolerance, and pest resistance. These qualities allow them to survive irregular care, low light, and fluctuating temperatures. Resilient houseplants can withstand variables in their environment, like changes in light, temperature, and water availability. In plain terms: they’re the plants that don’t throw a fit if you forget to water them for a week.
Here's a breakdown of the scientifically-backed definition of resilient plants:
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Adaptability: Some plants can adjust to different light levels and humidity conditions, making them more resilient than their more finicky counterparts.
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Drought tolerance: Plants with thick, waxy, or succulent leaves are often better at retaining moisture and can go longer without water.
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Pest resistance: Some plants have natural defenses against pests, like tough leaves or toxic substances.
Quick Tip: Look for plants with thick or waxy leaves, as they often retain water better and handle stress with ease. Basically, you can count on these plants to be more resilient.
Why Choose Resilient Indoor Plants?
Resilient houseplants are "ideal for beginners because they’re forgiving, require less precise care, and tend to live longer even under less-than-perfect conditions,” said best by the gardening experts at Epic Gardening.
Generally, resilient indoor plants are:
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Easy to care for: Less time worrying about watering schedules or perfect light conditions. According to Iowa State Extension, the very best easy-care indoor plants are those that "will tolerate a wide range of light levels, especially low light … can thrive despite inconsistent watering … remain healthy and attractive despite minimal care."
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Adaptable: They can thrive in a variety of indoor environments.
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Long-lasting: With proper care, these plants can be a part of your home for many years.
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Aesthetic appeal: Many resilient plants are also quite beautiful, adding a touch of greenery to your indoor spaces.
Pro tip: Pair hardy plants with a Soltech Vita Grow Light to keep them thriving in even the darkest corners of your home, and add a warm-white ambiance to your space.
What Are The Most Resilient Indoor Plants?
Let's dive into a list of some of the most resilient indoor plants that you can add to your home:
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
From my experience along with other plant-enthusiasts from UGA Extension, Snake Plants can survive in near-darkness for weeks. With upright, sword-like leaves, they store water in their thick foliage, making them highly drought-tolerant. NASA research shows that, Snake Plants also improve indoor air by filtering toxins. Also known as the "Mother-in-Law's Tongue," a Snake Plant is one of the most resilient indoor plants around.
2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ Plant is practically indestructible. It thrives in low light, resists pests, and tolerates long dry spells. Its glossy, feather-like leaves make it a stunning design piece. If you need more information on caring for ZZ Plants, check out our ZZ Plant Growing Guide!
3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos, or "Devil's Ivy," or "the cockroach of plants", (because it is so difficult to kill), is a hardy vine that can adapt to various light conditions and withstand neglect. Its trailing growth habit makes it perfect for hanging baskets or as a climbing plant.
4. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The Spider Plant is not only resilient but also a great air purifying plant. These plants are resilient, fast-growing, and even produce “pups” (baby plants) for easy propagation. If you didn't know, the Spider Plant was also cited in NASA's Clean Air Study having "demonstrated the potential for improving indoor air quality by removing trace organic pollutants from the air."
5. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Jade Plants are succulents, meaning they store water in their fleshy leaves and can handle periods of drought, making them perfect for forgetful waterers. They also tolerate a range of light conditions, though they prefer bright, indirect light. You can easily meet your Jade Plant's lighting needs with an Aspect™ Gen 2 Grow Light placed 12-24 inches above it.
Check out our succulent grow guide for more info on other cacti and succulents similar to the intriguing Jade Plant.
6. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The Peace Lily is a popular houseplant known for its beautiful white blooms and dark green foliage. It's very forgiving and can withstand occasional neglect.
The Peace Lily can adapt to lower light conditions, though it does prefer bright, indirect light especially if you want those beautiful white blooms. You can help your Peace Lily flower with the support of an indoor plant light.
Another cool thing about the Peace Lily? It signals when it needs water by drooping its leaves, making it easy even for beginners to understand its needs!
7. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
This climbing vine is a robust and adaptable plant that can thrive in a variety of indoor conditions. It prefers cooler temperatures and can handle both low and bright indirect light. English Ivy is also an excellent air purifier, making it a healthy addition to your indoor space.
Pro Tip: You can train English Ivy to climb up a trellis or shelf for a lush, cottage-core inspired look.
8. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
As the name suggests, the Cast Iron Plant is known for its toughness. It can survive in low light conditions and is highly tolerant of neglect, making it an excellent choice for those who may not have a lot of time for plant care. Its large, dark green leaves add a lush touch to any space.
How to Care for Resilient Indoor Plants
Despite their hardiness, resilient indoor plants will thrive best with some level of attention and care. But if you're a new plant-parent learning to care for your plants for the first time, keep in mind that resilient indoor plants don't require perfection. Just focus on the basics: watering, light, temperature, fertilizer, and soil.
If you ever need extra help or guidance in caring for your plants, check out our Plant Guide with specific care instructions for over 80 houseplants.
How Do You Know When to Water Resilient Indoor Plants?
Most resilient indoor plants are drought-tolerant, meaning they prefer to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, a common plant killer. A good rule of thumb is to stick your finger about an inch into the soil. If it's dry, it's time to water.
What are the Light Requirements for Resilient Houseplants?
While many resilient plants can tolerate low light, they'll usually do best in bright, indirect light. If your home doesn't get a lot of natural light, consider supplementing with a grow light. Our Vita grow light bulb is a great option. It can be attached to any lamp, offering flexibility in where you can place your plants.
What Temperature and Humidity do Resilient Indoor Plants Need?
Most indoor plants prefer temperatures between 60-75°F and humidity levels of 40-60%. While resilient plants can usually tolerate conditions outside these ranges, they'll be happiest within them.
Do Resilient Indoor Plants Need to be Fertilized?
Most indoor plants benefit from regular feeding during the growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, and follow the package instructions.
What Potting Mix and Pots Are Best for Resilient Plants?
A well-draining potting mix is crucial to prevent waterlogged roots. Many resilient plants also prefer to be somewhat root-bound and do well in smaller pots. It's important to understand the specific soil requirements of each plant you bring into your home.
Different plants have unique needs when it comes to soil composition. Therefore, we encourage you to investigate the ideal soil mix for each of your houseplants. If you're interested, try creating your own tailored soil mix for your indoor plants.
Do Resilient Plants Still Need Grow Lights?
Even the toughest plants need light for photosynthesis. If your space lacks windows, LED grow lights can make all the difference.
Myth-busting: Grow lights don’t need to be purple or bulky. Soltech’s grow lights provide warm, natural light that doubles as stylish home décor.
Can You Propagate Resilient Indoor Plants?
Yes, indeed! One of the many joys of resilient indoor plants is their ease of propagation. Not only can you expand your own plant collection, but these little cuttings make for excellent gifts.
Here's a simple propagation method that works for many resilient plants:
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Take a cutting from a healthy plant. For most resilient plants, a 4-6 inch stem cutting with a few leaves will do.
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Remove the bottom leaves, leaving a few at the top of the cutting.
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Place the cutting in a glass of water, ensuring the cut end is submerged but the remaining leaves are not.
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Place the glass in a bright, warm location and wait for roots to grow. This can take anywhere from a week to a few months, depending on the plant.
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Once roots are well-developed, plant your new baby plant in a pot with well-draining soil.
If you're interested in propagation, we recommend our blog post on how to grow plants with aeroponics. Aeroponics is a soil-less growing method that can be used for propagation. If you’d like to simply propagate your houseplants but would like a bit more direction, we recommend checking out this helpful blog post from ourhouseplants.com on How To Propagate Houseplants.
TL;DR: Scroll to the bottom of this blog for an easy-to-follow step-by-step!
How Do Resilient Indoor Plants Contribute to Your Well-being?
More than just adding a pretty face to your home, research shows there are a host of health benefits from indoor plants, including:
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Improved air quality: Plants absorb toxins from the air, improving its quality. NASA's Clean Air Study found that some resilient plants, like the Snake Plant, are particularly good at this. Researchers also found that houseplants can reduce VOCs in the air by 10% to 90% over 24 hours, depending on species and pollutant levels.
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Increased humidity: Plants release moisture into the air, which can be beneficial in dry climates or during winter when indoor air tends to be dry. In one office study, adding 5-18 potted plants shifted indoor relative humidity from about 29% up toward 50%, a much more comfortable range for both plants and people.
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Reduced stress: Being around plants has been shown to reduce stress and improve mood. A meta-analysis of 16 studies showed that having indoor plants is linked to lower diastolic blood pressure, which means calm-downs for your body too
Where Can I Buy Resilient Indoor Plants?
Resilient indoor plants are popular and widely available. You can find them at local nurseries, garden centers, and even some grocery stores.
Online shopping is also a convenient option. Websites like Etsy, The Sill, and Bloomscape offer a wide variety of indoor plants, delivered right to your doorstep.
What Should I Look for When Buying Indoor Plants?
When buying plants in-person at a plant shop, garden center, or nursery, look for signs of good health. Signs of good plant health include vibrant, blemish-free leaves, no visible plant pests, and a well-established root system (if you can see it).
Resilient indoor plants are a wonderful addition to any home. They bring a touch of nature indoors, improve air quality, and can even boost your mood. Plus, their hardiness makes them a joy to care for, whether you're a novice plant parent or a seasoned horticulturist.
Beyond Resilience: Other Factors to Consider
While resilience is a key factor to consider, especially if you're new to indoor gardening or have a busy schedule, it's not the only thing to keep in mind when choosing plants. Here are a few other considerations:
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Size: Make sure you have adequate space for the plant as it grows. Some plants, like the Monstera deliciosa, can get quite large.
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Pet Safety: Some plants can be toxic to pets. If you have furry friends at home, make sure to choose plants that are safe for them. We have a blog post on 20 pet-friendly plants for those that need it.
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Personal Preference: Choose plants that you love! Whether it's the shape of the leaves, the color of the flowers, or the overall vibe of the plant, make sure it's something that brings you joy.
The Impact of Light on Resilient Indoor Plants
Even the most resilient indoor plants need light to survive. However, not all homes or offices have ample natural light. This is where LED grow lights can come in handy. Grow lights can provide the necessary light for photosynthesis, helping your plants thrive.
There's a common misconception that grow lights have to be big, bulky, and purple. However, Soltech makes aesthetically pleasing grow lights that emit a warm light that complements any decor. This means you can place your plants anywhere in your home, regardless of natural light availability. They're especially useful for those darker corners where natural light is minimal.
Resilient Indoor Plants and Your Indoor Garden Oasis
Resilient indoor plants can form the backbone of your indoor garden. Their hardiness and adaptability mean you can enjoy a lush, green space in your home with less worry about plant casualties. They're a great starting point for beginners and a staple for experienced indoor gardeners.
As you curate your indoor garden, consider factors like light, watering needs, and the overall look you're aiming for. And remember, while plants have their preferences, they're also adaptable. Don't be afraid to experiment and learn as you go. That's part of the joy of gardening, after all!
