Drought Tolerant Plants

Whether you have a busy schedule or simply tend to forget about your plants once they’re in place, it’s always helpful to have a few that can handle a bit of neglect.

I’ve tried to include plants that aren’t on every list out there, sharing ones from my own collection that have put up with me over the years. I’ve divided them into two categories: those that can handle occasional neglect (but still need semi-regular watering) and those that can survive serious forgetfulness.

Minor Neglect:

These are ones that have lived successfully in our living room which is the least humid spot in the house as we have the dehumidifier. They probably get watered the most often as we see them more and because we have a peace lily so we water the living room plants based on when the peace lily decides it wants to be dramatic.

Hoya Carnosa:

This plant can dry out between waterings and has probably been the most neglected plant in my collection. It even bloomed last year so it can definitely handle whatever is thrown at it! It prefers higher humidity, and it might get that from being near the window and away from the dehumidifier, but it’s still a hardy plant and a great, easy going one to add to your collection.

Coleus:

The Coleus does a great job at telling you when it needs watering without it being detrimental to the plant. Its leaves may crisp up and drop off, but don’t worry, the stems won’t be bare for long! New growth will quickly fill in, looking better than ever. Though often seen as an outdoor plant, I LOVE having the Coleus indoors. It grows quickly and is so easy to propagate making it easy to fill out the pot.

Alocasia Red Secret:

I know, every time we’re told about alocasias we’re told to keep their soil moist, and that’s not wrong! However, I’ve found that the thicker leaf alocasias like the red secret or dragon scale are very tolerant when left to dry out. My Alocasia Red Secret has always been left to dry out and it is HUGE! It flowers regularly… We’ll just ignore the fact that it can also flower due to stress - It’s a happy flower, I promise!!

Pachira Aquatica:

Our Pachira Aquatica is the most neglected next to the hoya (literally too, they sit next to each other!) and we rarely water it as we’ve not found a big pot we like so to water it we have to take it to the shower - otherwise the water drains out all over the desk.
We let the soil completely dry out every time and it has still been thriving. A very easy plant to look after!

Asparagus Fern:

A fern??? I hear you say, yes you heard right! Mainly because an Asparagus Fern is not actually a fern, but is in fact part of the Lily Family. These plants have such delicate and fluffy looking leaves, you can’t help but feel the need to touch them (best not to though as it will contribute to the leaves turning brown) The Asparagus Fern can handle a bit of drought but will need that higher humidity spot so it can thrive.

Spider Plant & Pothos:

I will put these together as they are on every easy-care and drought tolerant list, but they are some of the easiest to look after and will bounce back even if you think they’ve been neglected a bit too much! Also, both are very easy to propagate so you can always grow yourself some backups if needed.

Philodendron Brasil:

Similar to pothos, the Philodendron Brasil is also resilient, but it may need slightly more regular watering. Its leaves may curl up or even drop off, but since this is also easy to propagate it’s not the end of the world if you need to chop bits off to cover some bald spots.

Major Neglect:

These plants are either in our bedroom or in my office and will get watered if I notice one of them looking sad before they completely keel over.

Monstera Deliciosa:

A staple in any plant collection, it can handle being completely forgotten about. This is actually my husband’s plant so he waters it maybe once a month. It does well at showing you you’ve left it too long between waterings by its leaves curling but will bounce back if you catch it in time.

Succulents - Sedum Burrito & Haworthia:

Most succulents are drought tolerant but I still have managed to kill many!
The Sedum Burrito and Haworthia have been indestructible for me though and are thriving; my burrito is hanging in my window and is so long now. I will let the soil completely dry out, but their ‘leaves’ will start going wrinkly if it’s been a bit too long, they normally bounce back from this easily though.

Sansevieria / Snake Plant / Mother-in-law’s Tongue:

This plant has won office plant of the year multiple times because of how much it can handle being left alone!
I have never seen this plant die from underwatering, just going mushy from overwatering, and since it can handle lower light conditions, it’s great for those more shaded spots in the house where you might forget about it.

What do you recommend?

The list could go on and on, so we’ll definitely be doing a part two.
What are your favourite low-maintenance plants? Let me know which ones should be on the next list!