Not everyone’s a perfect plant parent, and that’s okay.
Life gets hectic, we all get a bit forgetful (or lazy), and sometimes the last thing on our minds is keeping our plants alive. If you’re the type to forget to water your greenery until it’s nearly begging for help, these plants won’t judge. In fact, they’ll barely notice you’ve been gone.
1. Snake plant
Also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, the snake plant is practically invincible. Its upright, sword-like leaves hold onto moisture for weeks, making it one of the best options for anyone who’s a bit forgetful. It doesn’t need daily care or attention—just the occasional drink and a bit of light.
It can handle low light, bright light, and everything in between. You can stick it in a corner and almost forget it’s there. When you do finally remember to water it, it’ll still be standing tall, unfazed and thriving like you never left it out to dry.
2. ZZ plant
The ZZ plant is a true survivor. With its thick, waxy leaves and underground rhizomes, it stores water like a camel. Even if you forget to water it for a month, it won’t hold a grudge, or drop its leaves in protest. It’s also great at tolerating low light, so you can keep it in darker rooms or corners without it fading. This plant is all about patience. It grows slowly, doesn’t complain, and looks effortlessly glossy with almost no work from you.
3. Aloe vera
Aloe vera isn’t just useful for soothing sunburns—it’s also one of the lowest-maintenance plants you can own. As a succulent, it stores water in its thick, fleshy leaves and thrives in dry conditions. Forget to water it for weeks? It’ll still be fine. Just give it a bright windowsill and let the soil dry out completely between waterings. It actually prefers being ignored to being overwatered. As long as you don’t drown it, it’ll be your loyal, spiky little friend for years.
4. Pothos
Pothos is one of the most forgiving houseplants around. With its trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves, it’s both pretty and tough. It doesn’t need constant attention or a strict watering schedule—it’ll bounce back quickly even if you forget for a while.
It prefers moderate light but can tolerate darker spaces. You’ll know it’s thirsty when its leaves droop slightly—but even then, it can survive for weeks without a proper watering. It’s like the chill friend of the plant world who never makes you feel bad for forgetting to text back.
5. Jade plant
This chubby-leaved succulent is built for survival. Jade plants thrive on neglect and love a dry spell now and then. You can leave it alone for weeks, and it’ll still look just as cheerful as the day you bought it. It needs a sunny spot and well-draining soil, but once it’s settled, it’s extremely low-effort. In fact, too much watering is usually worse than too little. If you’re looking for a plant that forgives and forgets, jade’s your go-to.
6. Cast iron plant
It’s called the cast iron plant for a reason—it’s tough as nails. This leafy, dark green beauty doesn’t mind low light, inconsistent watering, or even a bit of dust. It was practically designed for people who don’t think about plants every day. While it won’t grow particularly fast, it will remain steady and strong without much help. You can forget it for a while, come back, and it’ll look like nothing ever happened. It’s the definition of a set-it-and-forget-it houseplant.
7. Rubber plant
Rubber plants look fancy but are secretly low-maintenance. They’ve got thick, glossy leaves that can hold onto moisture for longer than you’d expect. Give them bright, indirect light, and you won’t need to think about watering very often. They do well with a good soak followed by weeks of dry soil. If you forget to water, they might drop a leaf or two as a gentle reminder, but they won’t throw a fit. With just a bit of occasional care, they’ll stay bold and beautiful.
8. Spider plant
Spider plants are known for being beginner-friendly and resilient. They’ll forgive you for a forgotten watering or two and will bounce right back once you do give them a drink. Plus, they throw out little “babies” you can propagate easily if you’re feeling ambitious.
They prefer indirect light and slightly moist soil, but they’re not fussy. Leave them dry for a week or two and they’ll keep on going, putting out fresh growth and staying green. Even if you neglect them, they’re more likely to thrive than sulk.
9. Cactus
It’s no surprise that cacti are built for drought. These desert dwellers are experts at surviving in dry conditions, which makes them perfect for anyone who forgets to water. They’ll sit happily on a windowsill, soaking up the sun and not needing much else.
Overwatering is actually the main danger with cacti—less is more. Leave them alone for a few weeks, and they won’t even flinch. As long as they’re in well-draining soil and get some sunlight, they’ll carry on completely unbothered.
10. Ponytail palm
Don’t let the name fool you—it’s not really a palm, but it does have that tropical look. The ponytail palm stores water in its thick, bulb-like trunk and thrives in dry, warm conditions. Forget to water it for a month? It probably won’t notice. This slow-growing plant doesn’t ask for much—just sunlight and a light touch with the watering can. It’s quirky, tough, and perfect for people who want something striking that doesn’t need a strict care routine.