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Hard-to-kill houseplants
14 plants. These shrug off neglect: low water needs, easygoing temperaments, and no fuss about light. If you travel, forget to water, or just want a plant that survives you, start here.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is an easy, drought-tolerant succulent that wants bright light and very little water. Note it is toxic to cats and dogs if chewed, despite the gel’s use on human skin.
Bunny Ear Cactus
The bunny ear cactus is a spineless-looking Opuntia whose flat pads sprout in pairs like ears. It is not chemically poisonous, but its dense tufts of tiny barbed glochids detach at a touch and lodge painfully in skin — a poor choice around curious pets or small children.
Dragon Tree (Dracaena Marginata)
The dragon tree is a tough, upright foliage plant with thin spiky leaves on slender canes. It is toxic to cats and dogs if chewed.
Golden Barrel Cactus
The golden barrel is a classic round, ribbed cactus that asks for bright light and almost no water. It is not chemically toxic, but its stiff spines can injure pets and people.
Hens and Chicks
Hens and chicks is a hardy rosette succulent that clusters into a "hen" surrounded by offset "chicks." It is generally considered pet-safe and tolerates a lot of neglect.
Hoya (Wax Plant)
The wax plant is an easy, long-lived trailing vine with thick waxy leaves and clusters of star-shaped scented flowers. It is generally considered pet-safe.
Jade Plant
The jade plant is a long-lived, tree-like succulent that stores water in its plump leaves and needs little fuss. It is toxic to pets if chewed.
Kalanchoe (Florist Kalanchoe)
Florist kalanchoe is an easy succulent grown for its long-lasting clusters of small bright flowers. It is toxic to cats and dogs if chewed.
Panda Plant
The panda plant is a fuzzy succulent with felted silver leaves edged in brown "stitches." As a Kalanchoe, it is toxic to cats and dogs if chewed.
Peperomia (Baby Rubber Plant)
Peperomia is a compact, pet-safe foliage plant with thick, semi-succulent leaves that store water, so it forgives the occasional missed watering. A good low-fuss choice for small spaces.
Snake Plant
The snake plant is one of the hardest houseplants to kill and tolerates low light and neglect. It is toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of chewers.
String of Hearts
String of hearts is a delicate trailing succulent with heart-shaped, marbled leaves on thin purple stems. It is generally considered pet-safe and is one of the easier trailing succulents.
Zebra Plant (Haworthia)
The zebra plant is a small, slow-growing succulent with stiff dark leaves banded in white, and it is generally considered pet-safe. It is well suited to small pots and bright windowsills.
ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant thrives on neglect, low light, and infrequent watering, making it a solid choice for forgetful or low-light growers. It is toxic to pets if chewed.
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