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    Low-Maintenance Indoor Plants

    Hard to kill. Easy to enjoy.

    Best beginner plants

    • Snake plant (Sansevieria) — water once / 2-4 weeks. Tolerates neglect.
    • ZZ plant — basically indestructible.
    • Pothos — vining. Tolerates low light.
    • Spider plant — produces babies.
    • Cast iron plant (Aspidistra) — bombproof.
    • Christmas cactus — blooms once a year.
    • Philodendron — many varieties, all forgiving.
    • Aloe vera — succulent + useful for burns.

    Watering rule for forgetful

    Most senior plant deaths = OVER-watering. Stick finger 1" into soil. Dry? Water. Wet? Wait. Better to under-water than over-water.

    Air-purifying plants (NASA list)

    • Snake plant — releases oxygen at night.
    • Spider plant — removes formaldehyde.
    • Peace lily — removes ammonia + benzene.
    • Pothos — removes formaldehyde + xylene.
    • Bamboo palm — removes benzene + trichloroethylene.
    • Effects modest in real homes — but plants ARE psychologically beneficial.

    Pet-safe

    • Safe: spider plant, Christmas cactus, parlor palm, areca palm, Boston fern, prayer plant.
    • TOXIC to cats/dogs: pothos, peace lily, philodendron, snake plant, aloe vera.
    • If pet, check ASPCA toxic plant list before buying.

    Self-watering pots

    For forgetful seniors — self-watering pots ($15-50). Reservoir bottom keeps soil moist. Water every 2-3 weeks instead of weekly. Saves plants. Saves anxiety.