What Are The 10 Best Houseplants?

Somehow, gardening skills and indoor plants do not always seem to go together. A gardener may carefully maintain outdoor plants with excellent techniques, yet indoor greenery is often expected to survive with very little attention. Perhaps the reason is simply that our priorities change over time.

When I was younger, I was fascinated by houseplants. My rubber plant, specifically the Ficus elastica ‘Decora’, was my favorite. I kept its large, thick, glossy leaves spotless and carefully removed every trace of dust.

Whenever a new leaf emerged, the thin red protective sheath that dropped away was saved and pressed as a little record of the plant’s growth. Later, I discovered the Swiss cheese plant, and my enthusiasm grew even further, especially after creating a homemade moss pole to help it climb.

Today, if you look around my home, you will find a collection of neglected orchids, thirsty cacti, and various forgotten plants that somehow survived my less-than-perfect indoor gardening habits.

After years of experience living in student accommodations and developing a deeper passion for gardening, I feel qualified to share my list of the top ten toughest and most reliable houseplants.

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

The spider plant deserves the first place on this list because it has introduced countless people to gardening. Its narrow, arching green leaves decorated with white stripes produce delicate stems that carry small baby plants, creating a charming cascading effect.

A healthy spider plant can be surprisingly attractive, and it has survived in homes long before modern conveniences like central heating and double-glazed windows existed. Today, it may not always appear in garden centers, but school fairs and community plant sales are often great places to find one.

Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)

Also known as the friendship plant, money plant, or jade tree, this is a plant that many people may have inherited from their parents or received as a cutting from an older plant.

Its woody, trunk-like stems support compact branches covered with thick, fleshy green leaves. Occasionally, it produces clusters of small white star-shaped flowers.

Often covered with dust and forgotten for weeks or even months without water, the jade plant remains remarkably durable. Even broken pieces can often develop into new plants. It is truly one of the most resilient houseplants.

Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)

The cast iron plant is famous for its toughness. It produces long, broad, upright or slightly curved green leaves and occasionally forms small, unnoticed flowers near the soil surface.

This plant can tolerate some of the darkest and most neglected corners of a home. Victorian gardeners valued it highly, and some original specimens from that era may still be alive today.

Now widely used in floral arrangements and modern interior design, the cast iron plant has gained a reputation as both stylish and nearly impossible to kill.

Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa)

The Swiss cheese plant is instantly recognizable with its enormous glossy green leaves filled with natural holes. Growing on thick stems with strong aerial roots, it brings a tropical jungle atmosphere into indoor spaces.

At one time, almost every home seemed to have one. Some grew so large that they overwhelmed their surroundings, and they were even common decorations in car showrooms.

Like many hardy houseplants, the Swiss cheese plant can survive considerable neglect, including in student rooms where curtains stayed closed and care was minimal.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii)

The peace lily is a classic houseplant that has remained popular for decades. Several plants can survive even in challenging household conditions.

They may droop dramatically when they need water, but after being watered they quickly recover and continue growing. Although plants that have been deprived of nutrients for years may produce fewer flowers, their green foliage often remains attractive.

Peace lilies perform well in low light, cooler areas, and warm rooms with limited airflow. Their drooping leaves make it easy to recognize when they need water. They are a reliable choice for beginners.

African Hemp (Sparrmannia africana)

Although not commonly seen as an indoor plant today, African hemp deserves more attention. It features large, soft, hairy leaves that provide a unique texture compared with many other houseplants.

Its white flowers with golden-brown centers appear occasionally whenever the plant chooses. It can survive in a wide range of indoor conditions.

The late Sir Harold Hillier praised this plant’s remarkable toughness, noting that it could tolerate even the challenging environments of old European cafés. For anyone searching for a plant that can handle changing temperatures in a conservatory, this is an excellent choice.

Wax Flower (Hoya carnosa ‘Variegata’)

The wax flower is another plant that has proven its ability to withstand difficult conditions. In my conservatory, it experiences extreme heat in summer, freezing temperatures in winter, occasional heavy watering, and long dry periods.

Despite this, it continues to grow and flower while maintaining its attractive appearance.

Its thick, waxy leaves are sage green with creamy edges and sometimes develop pink tones. Clusters of fragrant flowers appear in a wax-like texture, usually white with dark red centers and a sweet spicy scent.

It can be trained around hoops, grown on supports, spread across trellises, or allowed to trail naturally.

Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans ‘Lemon Lime’)

The corn plant is a long-lasting favorite that combines an exotic appearance with easy care. Its bright lime-green and dark green striped leaves feature delicate white lines, creating a cheerful look.

Tall cane-like stems support dense clusters of foliage, giving it a tropical appearance. It has survived in darker areas of the home and requires very little water.

This is an excellent choice for spaces such as dim hallways where many other plants would struggle.

Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia amoena)

The dumb cane almost did not make the list, but seeing one survive in a cold and drafty apartment entrance convinced me of its durability.

Its attractive green-and-white patterned leaves grow on sturdy stems and provide brighter colors than many other tough houseplants.

The plant gets its common name from the irritating sap it contains, which can cause problems if it comes into contact with the mouth. It should always be kept away from children and pets, and it should never be eaten.

Parlour Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)

The parlour palm, also called the dwarf mountain palm, is a small palm with classic palm-shaped leaves and a naturally compact growth habit.

Although it may not be the most dramatic houseplant, it has proven itself as a dependable survivor. It was especially popular in Victorian homes and continues to perform well today.

It can tolerate darker areas and even some direct sunlight. The leaves may become dusty and dull over time, so regular cleaning is helpful, but leaf-shine products should be avoided.

Final Thoughts on Hardy Houseplants

These are my top ten choices for tough and dependable indoor plants. The next challenge is hearing which hardy houseplants have survived in your own home.

One important lesson remains: many houseplants are not killed by neglect but by excessive care. Overwatering is one of the most common causes of plant failure. Keeping plants slightly on the dry side and resisting the urge to water too often can help even delicate varieties become long-lasting survivors.