Best Low-Maintenance Plants for Indoor and Outdoor Gardens

Gardening doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Whether you’re decorating a cozy apartment or sprucing up a spacious backyard, choosing low-maintenance plants can help you enjoy greenery without the stress. These plants thrive with minimal care, making them perfect for beginners, busy individuals, or those with less-than-green thumbs. Below is a curated list of the best low-maintenance plants for both indoor and outdoor gardens, along with tips to help them thrive with little effort.

Best Low-Maintenance Indoor Plants

Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

One of the most forgiving houseplants, the snake plant survives in low light and infrequent watering.

Care Tips:

• Water every 2–3 weeks

• Tolerates low to bright indirect light

• Purifies indoor air

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

This vine is perfect for hanging baskets or trailing over shelves and grows rapidly with little care.

Care Tips:

• Water when soil is dry

• Thrives in indirect light

• Trim vines to control growth

ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

ZZ plants are nearly indestructible and grow slowly, requiring almost no attention.

Care Tips:

• Water every 2–4 weeks

• Tolerates low light and drought

• Wipe leaves to remove dust

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Ideal for hanging baskets or tabletop containers, spider plants adapt easily and produce baby plants.

Care Tips:

• Water weekly

• Prefers bright, indirect light

• Easy to propagate

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Known for its elegant white flowers and air-purifying properties, the peace lily is beautiful and easy to grow.

Care Tips:

• Water when leaves start to droop

• Enjoys low to medium light

• Mist occasionally to boost humidity

Aloe Vera

Not only a hardy plant, but aloe vera also has soothing medicinal gel in its leaves.

Care Tips:

• Needs bright, indirect sunlight

• Water every 3 weeks or when soil is dry

• Use cactus soil mix for better drainage

Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

This colorful foliage plant is one of the easiest houseplants to grow and adds bold color to your home.

Care Tips:

• Low light tolerant

• Water when topsoil dries

• Avoid direct sun

Best Low-Maintenance Outdoor Plants

Lavender

Beautiful and fragrant, lavender thrives in sun and poor soil, making it a low-fuss outdoor plant.

Care Tips:

• Needs full sun

• Drought-tolerant

• Prune once a year

Sedum (Stonecrop)

This succulent thrives in dry soil and sun. Perfect for rock gardens or borders.

Care Tips:

• Requires well-drained soil

• Minimal watering

• Tolerates heat and drought

Hostas

Great for shady spots, hostas require little care once established and come in many sizes and colors.

Care Tips:

• Prefers shade

• Keep soil moist but not soggy

• Slugs may be a concern—use mulch

Coneflower (Echinacea)

A hardy perennial that blooms all summer long and attracts pollinators.

Care Tips:

• Full sun to partial shade

• Water during dry spells

• Cut back in fall

Daylilies

These cheerful flowers are practically indestructible and bloom season after season.

Care Tips:

• Full sun preferred

• Water during drought

• Divide every few years

Ornamental Grasses

Low-maintenance and beautiful, ornamental grasses add texture and movement to your garden.

Care Tips:

• Very drought-tolerant

• Needs full sun

• Cut back in late winter

Boxwood

Boxwoods are low-maintenance shrubs that can be shaped or left to grow naturally.

Care Tips:

• Full sun to part shade

• Prune once a year

• Water in extreme heat

Combination Plants for Indoors & Outdoors

Succulents

Succulents like echeveria and haworthia thrive with minimal water and can be grown indoors or out.

Care Tips:

• Bright light

• Water once every 2–3 weeks

• Avoid overwatering

Ferns (like Boston Fern)

Grow ferns indoors in bathrooms or outside in shaded patios.

Care Tips:

• Like humidity and indirect light

• Keep soil moist

• Mist leaves regularly

Herbs (like Mint, Basil, Rosemary)

Grow herbs on a sunny windowsill or outdoor containers for easy access to fresh flavor.

Care Tips:

• Needs 4–6 hours of sun

• Water regularly

• Prune often to encourage growth

Tips for Keeping Low-Maintenance Plants Healthy

• Use the right soil: Well-draining soil is key for most low-maintenance plants.

• Don’t overwater: This is the #1 mistake. Let the soil dry between watering, especially for succulents.

• Check light conditions: Know whether your plant needs full sun, part shade, or low light.

• Use containers with drainage holes: Prevents root rot and keeps roots healthy.

• Group plants by care type: Makes maintenance easier and more consistent.

• Fertilize occasionally: Even low-care plants benefit from feeding during their growing season.

Budget Tips for Starting Your Garden

• Propagate from existing plants: Many indoor plants like pothos and spider plant grow easily from cuttings.

• Buy small plants: They’re cheaper and grow quickly.

• Use recycled containers: Old mugs, jars, and baskets make great pots.

• Join plant swaps: Trade with neighbors or online groups to grow your collection for free.

• Start from seeds: Especially for herbs and flowers—much more affordable than nursery plants.

Conclusion

You don’t need to be a plant expert—or spend a lot of money—to enjoy a vibrant home or garden. With the right low-maintenance indoor and outdoor plants, you can cultivate a peaceful, green environment without daily upkeep. Choose a few favorites from this list and start slow. With just a bit of care and attention, your space can thrive with life, color, and fresh air all year round.

FAQs

What indoor plants are best for low light?

ZZ Plant, Snake Plant, and Chinese Evergreen all tolerate low-light conditions well.

Which outdoor plants require the least watering?

Succulents, lavender, sedum, and ornamental grasses are all drought-tolerant options.

How often should I water low-maintenance plants?

Generally, every 1–3 weeks depending on plant type, pot size, and environment. Always check soil first.

Can I keep outdoor plants indoors?

Some, like herbs, ferns, and succulents, can be moved inside if given enough light and proper care.

What’s the easiest plant to care for overall?

The Snake Plant tops the list—it thrives on neglect and is very hard to kill.

Let me know if you’d like a printable plant care guide, a monthly watering chart, or a starter kit checklist—I’d be happy to make one for you!