Designers Reveal Their Favorite Low-Maintenance Houseplants

Interior designers are masters of creating beauty with ease — and when it comes to houseplants, they know exactly which ones deliver maximum impact with minimal effort. Whether you’re styling a modern apartment, a cozy nook, or a minimalist loft, these expert-approved plants add life and personality without demanding constant attention.

We’ve gathered the go-to low-maintenance houseplants that professional designers swear by — and why they’re perfect for your space too.

1. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

The ZZ Plant is a designer favorite for its bold, upright posture and nearly indestructible nature.

Its glossy, dark green leaves add instant polish to any space, and it thrives on neglect.

“ZZ Plants are practically indestructible. I use them in rooms that get almost no light and where clients want zero fuss.”
— Ellen Hartley, Interior Stylist at The Minimal Nest

A profile by Lula’s Garden reinforces this view, highlighting the ZZ Plant’s ability to reduce stress and elevate mood, especially in offices and homes with little natural light.
Source: Lula’s Garden

Why designers love it:

• Ideal for dark corners or shaded entryways

• Minimal water needs (once every 2–3 weeks)

• Aesthetically sleek and modern

2. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

If you’re looking for trailing greenery that softens a room’s edges, Pothos is your best friend.

It’s adaptable to most lighting and water conditions and grows quickly without becoming high-maintenance.

“The trailing quality of Pothos adds softness to modern interiors, especially when styled on open shelving.”
— Jordan Li, Design Consultant at Studio Noma

According to The Sill, Pothos is one of the easiest houseplants to care for and thrives even in environments that fluctuate in light or routine.
Source: The Sill – Pothos Care

Why designers love it:

• Works with rustic, boho, and Scandinavian interiors

• Easy to propagate and fill multiple rooms

• Adds organic flow to rigid layouts

3. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

Tall, architectural, and drought-resistant, Snake Plants are often used in design to create vertical interest.

They’re ideal for minimalist or modern spaces.

“Its vertical growth draws the eye upward, which is great for making ceilings feel taller.”
— Lena Rios, Architect & Interior Designer, Atelier Verde

The NASA Clean Air Study notes that Snake Plants also purify indoor air by absorbing toxins — adding a wellness element to their sleek form.
Source: NASA Clean Air Study

Why designers love it:

• Survives on biweekly watering or less

• Needs little light but handles brightness well

• Visually striking with minimal upkeep

4. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

Rubber Plants add bold greenery and presence without demanding a lot of care.

Their thick leaves and deep colors make them a favorite for creating statement corners.

“Rubber plants add bold greenery without taking over. I use them to anchor corners or fill visual gaps.”
— Ben Tanaka, Designer at GreenForm Interiors

The Spruce outlines its preference for indirect light and light watering schedules, emphasizing its suitability for busy homes.
Source: The Spruce – Rubber Plant Care

Why designers love it:

• Adds architectural weight to rooms

• Looks dramatic without being fussy

• Cleans the air while looking luxe

5. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

With soft, elegant blooms and low-light tolerance, the Peace Lily is perfect for calming interiors.

It communicates clearly by drooping when it needs water — making care intuitive.

“I love Peace Lilies in bedrooms and bathrooms — they offer tranquility and require so little.”
— Carmen Alvarez, Designer at Calm & Co.

Real Simple highlights Peace Lily’s ability to reduce indoor toxins and thrive even in dim corners — ideal for stress-free styling.
Source: Real Simple – Peace Lily Care

Why designers love it:

• Elegant white blooms soften harsh lines

• Perfect for moody or shaded rooms

• Offers calm, spa-like vibes

6. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

The Chinese Evergreen combines beauty with resilience.

Available in a range of leaf colors, it blends seamlessly into almost any interior scheme while requiring very little care.

“I use Chinese Evergreens in rooms where color is subtle — they add pattern without clashing.”
— Sophie Lin, Color Consultant & Decorator

According to The Good Earth Garden Center, these plants tolerate low light, infrequent watering, and are slow growers, making them perfect for designers working with smaller or high-traffic spaces.
Source: The Good Earth Garden

Why designers love it:

• Great for both classic and eclectic interiors

• Doesn’t mind skipped waterings

• Colorful yet understated

7. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)

This plant lives up to its name.

It’s incredibly tolerant of abuse and neglect, thriving in environments where others would fail — and still manages to look composed.

“The name says it all — this plant can take a beating and still look dignified.”
— Richard Vance, Garden Room Specialist

Gardening Know How lists this plant among the toughest of houseplants, requiring little light and tolerating dry air and irregular watering.
Source: Gardening Know How

Why designers love it:

• Long-lasting foliage

• Great for hallways and guest rooms

• A reliable background green for styling

8. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)

Jade Plants offer sculptural beauty and are often associated with good luck.

Their thick, shiny leaves and slow growth make them ideal for shelves, mantels, and ledges.

“Jade plants bring sculptural presence to tabletops and ledges, especially in sunny rooms.”
— Tina Osei, Designer & Wellness Coach

The Old Farmer’s Almanac recommends them for their hardiness and notes that they require little more than bright light and well-draining soil.
Source: Almanac – Jade Plant Care

Why designers love it:

• Easy to grow and hard to kill

• Beautiful in ceramic or stone pots

• Doubles as a mood-boosting lucky charm

🌿 Why Designers Choose Low-Maintenance Plants

Designers often manage homes where plant owners travel frequently or don’t want extra work.

The best low-maintenance plants:

• Thrive in variable lighting

• Don’t need constant repotting or pruning

• Bounce back from neglect

• Contribute to interior aesthetics effortlessly

🛒 Favorite Styling Accessories

• Mid-Century Plant Stands – Elevate Snake Plants or ZZs

• Woven Hanging Baskets – For Pothos and trailing vines

• Self-Watering Pots – Ideal for clients who forget to water

• Matte Ceramic Planters – Pairs perfectly with minimalist décor

🔗 Related Reading

→ How to Keep Plants Happy When You’re Busy
→ String of Pearls – Trailing Beauty in the Kitchen: Why String of Pearls Belongs Near Your Spices
→ Peace Lily – The Calm Presence Every Bedroom Deserves: Peace Lily
→ ZZ Plant – Why the ZZ Plant Is the Low-Key Focal Point Your Living Room Needs
→ House Plant Hacks Every Indoor Gardener Should Know