Best indoor plants that are hard to kill

Pick a plant

There are certain indoor plants that sit permanently at the top of the charts, perennially popular with indoor gardeners for their vibrant colours, distinctive shapes or easy-grow natures. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing statement plant or just something you won’t easily kill, check out this list for inspiration.

Read to the end for our fool-proof guide to keeping your indoor plants healthy, plus three beautiful indoor varieties that are worth a little extra effort.

1. Sansevieria

Snake plant is a long-lived evergreen that needs minimal maintenance and is virtually indestructible. The spear-like, stiff leaves in dark greens, some with yellow strips on the edge, can be sharp, so keep out of reach of young hands! Use it as an architectural statement in your home; it is also a fantastic air purifier, absorbing toxins.

2. Syngonium

This bushy and versatile plant, called arrowhead vine, is easy to care for and ranges in colour from strawberry-pink to green to variegated white-and-green. It starts off compact, but grows and spreads out quickly. Don’t be afraid to prune, as the leaves will grow back fuller, creating a lush look perfect for a bookcase or side table.

3. Devil’s ivy

Give minimal care to this tenacious tropical vine and watch it flourish! Best in a warm spot with filtered light, its leaves are a glossy green or variegated with glints of gold. Let the soil surface dry out before watering. Prune to control shape and size (then propagate the stems). It’s poisonous to cats and dogs (and humans, if ingested) so place up high. Considering this low-light variety? For more information, read our full guide on how to grow and prune devil’s ivy.

4. Spathiphyllum

The peace lily is a popular indoor plant, with emerald foliage crowned by oval white flowers. Varieties include variegated and large foliaged forms. A natural air-purifier, it’s beautiful and hardy, but avoid direct sunlight and keep up the water to avoid drooping. All parts of it are mildly poisonous, and it can be particularly toxic to cats.

5. Zanzibar gem

Also known as ZZ plant, Zanzibar gem is a slow-growing, low-maintenance lovely. Its long stems are lush with shiny, waxy, oval-shaped leaves, giving the plant an exotic air, and it’s guaranteed to brighten any corner. But note, Zanzibar gem prefers indirect light. This is a perfect option if you want a hardy plant that is a little different.

6. Dieffenbachia

Another low-light-loving indoor plant, this showy, sturdy variety is a highly prized addition to homes and offices. Its large, ornate leaves in greens, whites and creams provide a lush vibe. Dieffenbachia is fast-growing, reaching heights of 60cm within about a year of planting, and commonly grows to 1.5 metres. Position in indirect light, rotate it occasionally and avoid overwatering.

Top tips for happy plants

• Perfect the position: Plants can take a while to adjust to a location, so check their growing needs on the label or online. Most indoor plants prefer a well-lit spot out of direct sunlight.
• Pick your products: Use a quality potting mix and fertiliser specifically for indoor plants – and make sure they’re the right ones for the type of plant.
• Leave some room: Choose a pot big enough for the plant – one to two sizes up from the nursery pot is about right. Check for signs the plant needs repotting, like roots growing out of drainage holes.
• Water seasonally: Be aware of your plants’ watering needs as the weather changes. They will dry out faster in summer, while overwatering is a greater danger in winter, resulting in waterlogged roots and potentially attracting fungus gnats.
• Dust them off: Giving leaves a wipe with a damp cloth makes them look nicer, and also allows more light to hit the leaves for photosynthesis – clean leaves equal a healthy plant.

Three beautiful indoor plants that require a little more attention

Take special care of these beauties, and they’ll reward you with lush growth.

1. Phalaenopsis orchid

The moth orchid is popular due to its colourful blooms, which range from shell-pink to cerise to speckled yellow, and can last for up to three months from the bud. It may appear delicate, but can be easy to grow in the right conditions: indirect but bright light, high humidity, specialist potting mix and careful watering.

2. Calathea

This tropical stunner, also called peacock or zebra plant, is mesmerising, with foliage in a range of eye-popping patterns and colours. Even the undersides of the leaves are works of art, and they open and close at different times of the day. It prefers indirect light and, being non-toxic, is suitable for homes with children or pets.

3. Fiddle leaf fig

A favourite with interior designers, the statuesque fiddle leaf fig has lustrous, wide, violin-shaped leaves in a verdant green, ideal for creating a fresh foliage backdrop indoors. Provide a large pot, bright, indirect light, even temperatures, and jungle-like humidity, and it should thrive. Beware, this one grows into a large tree and may hit the ceiling!

Keep in mind:

• Always read the plant’s label to make sure it’s safe for a home with children or pets, as some plants, or plant parts, can be toxic if ingested.
• Wear gloves and a mask when handling potting mix.
• Store all gardening chemicals and products out of the reach of children and pets.

For more indoor plant tips…

Watch our rundown on how to grow and care for indoor plants.

Photo Credit: Brigid Arnott, Getty Images and Anna Robinson