Do You Underwater Houseplants? Top 5 Plants That Thrive on Benign Neglect

Let’s face it: life can get busy. Not every person is available to water and dote on their plants all day long. And that’s okay! Plants are here for everyone to enjoy, even if we tend to underwater houseplants. The majority of people consider less watering care needs a very desirable factor that makes an “easy” houseplant. So you are not alone!

Or maybe you already have a full jungle of Calathea or aroids and you’d like to add more plants to your collection, but just need a more low-key addition, because your plate is already full enough.

For those of you who simply have things to do…here is a list of 5 houseplants who don’t need to be watered very often!

**DISCLAIMER**

There are a couple of general things to consider to ensure that your plant requires less watering.

• Thick stems, leaves, and/or a trunk that will retain water.
• A general caveat to this is that many drought tolerant plants are used to drought conditions (drier climates) and will therefore need adequate light conditions.
• Some plants may require more frequent watering during the growing season (in the northern hemisphere typically from April until October)
• Soil density and pot choices can also be a factor in how often your plant needs water.

Okay, onto the list!

1. Zamioculcas zamiifolia (ZZ Plant)

You really can’t go wrong with these plants. It’s classic, fashionable, and thrives happily on benign neglect, Underwaterers rejoice! In fact, you can go right ahead and underwater this houseplant for weeks on end and it will forgive you. It is often hailed as the E-Z ZZ because it would in fact rather not see water for long periods of time and enjoys just being left alone most of the time. This is because it stores much of its water in the thick stalky stems and succulent-like leaves. What’s even more exciting is that they are also pretty pest resistant too, and there are a few different varieties that you can collect.

2. Jade Plant

Another plump, juicy, beautiful plant that is very drought tolerant. A friend of mine who is a self-proclaimed plant killer insists that this is the only variety that is thriving in her home. If you underwater your houseplants, this is the one you want to pick up. As long as it get sufficient light, it will be happy in drought conditions and, like succulents, will start to wrinkle or pucker when it is thirsty. It’s also very easy to propagate and share with your friends.

3. Ponytail Palm

Another fun and unique light loving houseplant, and a personal favourite of mine. This palm will store water reserves in its large, thick trunk so it is very content to go through longer periods of drought and remains very happy! This palm is also pet friendly, which is great news for plant and pet lovers, but beware because they will also be your cat’s favourite houseplant too! I’ve heard many tales of cats devouring ponytail palms (and have even experienced it first hand myself!)

I have a full deep dive on Ponytail Palm care coming soon!

4. Sansevieria

It would be difficult to have a list of houseplants that enjoy benign neglect and leave out the classic snake plant. Thick, magnificent, succulent leaves retain water for these beauties, and their delicate root systems prefer not to stay too wet. You can underwater your houseplants guilt-free with this plant in your collection!

And the best part about snake plants is that there are many different varieties to choose from, such as whale fin, cylindrica, and moonlight.

5. Hawarthia

Sometimes referred to as the zebra plant, this succulent has aloe-like characteristics and is easily the most neglected (and happy about it!) plant in my household. It’s dark green leaves are succulent-like, making it very drought tolerant. You can underwater these houseplants and they will forgive you. It also happens to be low light tolerant. And best of all, unlike the aloe plant, hawarthia are considered pet friendly by the ASPCA website.

Did We Miss Any?

Whatever your plant “parenting” style might be, there are many options to choose from! Whether you are new to houseplants and don’t want to commit to a moisture loving plant, have a sizeable jungle already, or just have too much to do (even busy bodies can enjoy houseplants!) there is surely a plant that would be happy in your home that will fit your lifestyle. Be sure to comment your favourite drought tolerant houseplant and follow me on Instagram for more on my plant journey @plantyquirkyblogger !