5 houseplants with low-watering needs, perfect for busy lifestyles

Bringing a touch of greenery into your home is a wonderful way to enhance your living space. However, not everyone has the time or inclination to care for high-maintenance plants. Fortunately, many houseplants thrive on minimal watering, making them ideal for those with busy lifestyles or a tendency to forget about watering schedules: (Image: Canva)

Snake Plant: The Snake Plant, also known as Mother-in-Law's Tongue, is a popular choice for its striking appearance and resilience. Native to West Africa, this plant features long, sword-shaped leaves with green and yellow variegation.
Watering needs: Snake Plants are drought-tolerant and can go weeks without water. Water them thoroughly but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is the most common mistake with Snake Plants, as they are prone to root rot.
Light requirements: This versatile plant can thrive in a range of light conditions, from low to bright indirect light. However, it prefers indirect sunlight and will grow more quickly in brighter conditions.
Care tips: To keep your Snake Plant healthy, place it in well-draining soil and use a pot with drainage holes. This plant also benefits from occasional dusting to keep its leaves clean and free from pests (Image: Canva)

ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia): The ZZ Plant is renowned for its hardy nature and attractive, glossy leaves. Originating from East Africa, it is often recommended for novice plant owners or those seeking a low-maintenance option.
Watering needs: The ZZ Plant stores water in its rhizomes, which allows it to survive extended periods of drought. Water this plant sparingly, ensuring the soil is completely dry before watering again. Overwatering can lead to yellowing leaves and root rot.
Light requirements: ZZ Plants do well in low to bright indirect light, making them versatile for various indoor settings. They can even tolerate fluorescent lighting, which makes them ideal for offices.
Care tips: Use a well-draining potting mix and avoid placing the plant in direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. Dust the leaves occasionally to maintain their glossy appearance (Image: Canva)

Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera is a well-known succulent celebrated for its medicinal properties and ease of care. Its fleshy, spiky leaves store water, making it highly drought-tolerant.
Watering needs: Aloe Vera requires minimal watering. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. During the winter months, reduce watering even further.
Light requirements: Aloe Vera thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. While it can tolerate some direct sunlight, too much can cause the leaves to turn brown.
Care tips: Plant Aloe Vera in a cactus or succulent potting mix to ensure good drainage. If your plant is placed outdoors during the warmer months, bring it inside before the first frost (Image: Canva)

Pothos: Pothos, also known as Devil's Ivy, is a versatile and hardy plant known for its trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves. It is an excellent choice for those new to houseplants.
Watering needs: Pothos prefers to dry out between waterings. Water thoroughly, but allow the top inch of soil to dry out before the next watering. It is more tolerant of underwatering than overwatering.
Light requirements: Pothos can adapt to various light conditions, from low to bright indirect light. However, it thrives best in moderate, indirect light.
Care tips: Pothos is relatively low-maintenance but benefits from occasional pruning to encourage bushier growth. It can be propagated easily in water, making it a great plant for sharing with friends (Image: Canva)

Cast Iron Plant: True to its name, the Cast Iron Plant is nearly indestructible. With its broad, dark green leaves, it adds a touch of elegance to any room.
Watering needs: The Cast Iron Plant has low watering needs and can tolerate dry conditions. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry, and ensure it has good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Light requirements: This plant is very adaptable and can thrive in low light conditions, making it perfect for darker corners of your home. It can also tolerate brighter, indirect light.
Care tips: The Cast Iron Plant is very forgiving and requires minimal care. Dust its leaves occasionally to keep them looking their best and inspect for pests regularly (Image: Canva)