Whether you are the one who forgets they even have plants or one that literally loves them to death, these black thumb houseplants can tolerate whatever.
Whether you are the one who forgets they even have plants or one that literally loves them to death, these black thumb houseplants can tolerate whatever you throw at them. We have chosen the best plants that love the extra moisture or can go weeks without water. If your environment is to blame, we even have plants that tolerate low and artificial light well. If all else fails, check out the Indestructible list. You can’t kill these plants if you try!
For those who tend to overwater:
- The Chinese Evergreen: This black thumb houseplant loves water. It’s can’t get enough and really doesn’t care if you overdo it. It also comes in a wide selection of varieties to choose from. (Please Keep away from Pets)
- Fiddle Leaf Fig: These are incredibly popular right now and have beautiful foliage. They love any well-lit area, but no direct sunlight. It loves tons of water in the warmer months, though you may want to hold off a bit in the colder ones. (Please Keep away from Pets)
- African Violets: These are one of the most popular houseplants in the world. You can check out our post HERE on how to best take care of them, but no worries. They love to be watered so long as their soil is well-draining. (Pet Safe)
- Asparagus Fern: Technically it’s not even a fern, so it tolerates a lot more abuse than a typical fern. It loves bright or dark spots so long as you keep its soil moist. (Please Keep away from Pets)
- Guiana Chestnut: This plant’s native habitat is a swamp. Do we need to say anything more? It loves water and bright, indirect light. (Please Keep away from Pets)
- Peace Lily: Because these are actually in the evergreen family, these are more pet-safe than the true Lily. Plus it is said they can grow in almost nothing but water. They clean your air too, so that’s a big plus! (Please Keep away from Pets)
For those who forget to water:
- Yucca: This desert native loves the sun and has no need for frequent watering. It can get topheavy though, so plant it in a deep and heavy pot to prevent it toppling over. (Please Keep away from Pets)
- Air Plants: Popular and great decor, air plants only need to be soaked in water every 10 days or so. So basically the next time you remember to. Plus you can put them anywhere! (Safe for Pets) however… your plant is not safe from your pet : )
- Jade Plant: Another popular black thumb houseplant that naturally retains its water in its leaves. They are in the succulent family so if you completely forget to water them they only go dormant until their next watering. Just be aware that their shallow roots are prone to rot. (Please Keep away from Pets)
- Kalanchoe: This is another succulent that has beautiful flowers. It doesn’t care about wide temperature swings and like the Jade plant, will simply go dormant until you water it again. (Please Keep away from Pets)
- Ponytail Palm: Another desert dweller, it stores it’s water in its stems, so it doesn’t need much water. It does love the sun though, so find a sunny window for it. (Safe for Pets)
I Think I Can Water Once Per Week:
- Spider Plant: Extremely popular and prolific, this fast-growing plant produces lots of little baby plants you can repot or gift to friends. Water once per week and find a well-lit spot. (Even though the Spider Plant is listed to be safe for pets… it is suggested strongly to keep it away from Cats)
- Begonia: You may be familiar with this plant and its many showy blooms. There are so many colors and patterns to choose from giving you a great variety. They only need watering once per week or so, but even less than that in winter. (Please Keep away from Pets… this is a plant you NEVER want a pet to go near)
- Aloe: Grow your own skincare! These are great black thumb houseplants of many uses. They do well in any indirect light and with just a good soaking every week or two. (Please Keep away from Pets)
- Philodendron: There are hundreds of different species of philodendron, giving you lots of choices. They also like low-light, making them a great indoor plant. They do like to be on the dry side, so don’t water more often than once per week. (Please Keep away from Pets)
Flourishes in Artificial Light:
- Peperomia: While these black thumb houseplants do prefer humid conditions, they do store up some of their water. The plus side is that they love and flourish under fluorescent lighting. Great for the office! (COMPLETELY SAFE FOR PETS… this one wins the BEST Plant for Pets Award : )
- Bamboo: Get a stalk and stick it in water. It will eventually fade without being planted in soil, but that can take years. They also do not need any sunlight to grow. Just be careful if you toss it out. Once rooted it can quickly take over a yard! (Pet Safe)
- Prayer Plants: These plants have gorgeous foliage in pinks and purples and greens. They dislike bright light and like to stay moist. (Pet Safe)
- Golden Pothos: You’ve probably seen this plant everywhere and didn’t have a name for it. This plant is practically impossible to kill. It can quickly take over space even in the darkest of cubicles or rooms if it’s not regularly trimmed.(Please Keep away from Pets)
The Completely Indestructible Ones:
- Cast-Iron Plant: This ultimate black thumb houseplant lives up to its name. It doesn’t care about bad soil, low light, infrequent watering or wide temperature swings. It can grow up to 2 feet tall, so find an appropriate space for it. This plant actually likes it best when you just leave it alone. It’s the most perfect of black thumb houseplants. (Pet Safe)
- ZZ Plant: Called the ZZ Plant because its official name is Zamioculcas zamiifolia. It has been dubbed “the king of indestructible plants” because it can easily survive not being watered, little to no light, and no humidity. (Please Keep away from Pets)
- Snake Plant: Also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, not to be too tongue in cheek, it is incredibly tough to kill. They can easily go a month with no water, as it stores some reserves within its leaves. It also thrives in low light and is a popular office plant. (Please Keep away from Pets)
- Christmas Cactus: You may see this plant being sold everywhere come Thanksgiving time. It features pretty flowers in a variety of colors and segmented leaves. As it is truly in the cactus family, it is another of the “just leave it alone” type of plants. (Please Keep away from Pets)
- Hoya: The wax plant has beautiful green leaves and after a while will produce pretty pink flowers. It can take a long time to flower, but persistence pays off, and it’s quite easy to wait it out with how little care it needs. It only needs watering every few weeks so you can place it in a hanging basket in an indirectly sunny spot and tend to it when you remember. (Please Keep away from Pets)
There you have it! A Great list to check when choosing a plant that is right for you! If by chance you pet ingests any of the toxic plants… contact:
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Phone Number: (888) 426-4435
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) is your best resource for any animal poison-related emergency, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you think your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, call (888) 426-4435.
Want some more Plant Info? Check out Plant Gallery!
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