The Digester

9 Hardy Houseplants That Are Hard to Kill

Mar 20th 2026

Plant experts recommend drought tolerant, low-light friendly varieties and proper drainage or self-watering systems to avoid the most common causes of houseplant failure.

  • Overwatering is the leading cause of houseplant death.
  • Use pots with drainage and discard excess water to prevent root rot.
  • Many hardy species store water in stems or leaves and tolerate irregular watering.
  • Top low-maintenance picks include ZZ plant, snake plant, pothos, monstera, hoya, Chinese evergreen, parlor palm, baby rubber plant and philodendron Brasil.
  • Variegated plants need brighter indirect light to maintain their colors.
  • Self-watering pots or waiting until the top inch of soil is dry reduce the risk of overwatering.

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