12 houseplants that are hard to kill
Serial plant killer? These 12 tough houseplants survive low light, missed waterings and dry air — plus the one mistake that still kills them.
Indoor Plants
Peace Lily
White blooms in low light and a built-in "water me" signal. Great for people who need reminders.
Spathiphyllum spp.
A peace lily flower among its leaves. Photo: mujuonly, CC0, via WordPress Photo Directory.
Light
Peace Lily tolerates: low light, medium / indirect. It is one of the few plants that copes with a dim room — growth just slows down.
Watering
Keep lightly moist. It dramatically droops when thirsty and perks up within hours of a drink.
Is peace lily safe for cats and dogs?
Toxic to cats and dogs (calcium oxalates) — but it is NOT a true lily and does not cause kidney failure in cats. Keep it on a high shelf or in a room pets can’t reach — or pick a pet-safe plant instead. Source: ASPCA — Peace Lily.
Size and humidity
Typical size indoors: 1–3 ft (30–90 cm). Humidity: normal household humidity is fine; avoid heater vents.
Top tips
- Do not let it collapse often — repeated wilting browns the leaves.
- More light = more flowers.
- Brown leaf tips: low humidity or salty water.
Guides that mention the peace lily
Plants that are toxic to cats
Lilies can kill a cat; a poinsettia mostly causes drooling. Here's which houseplants and flowers are truly dangerous for cats, and what to grow instead.
Pets & Plants
How often to water houseplants
Watering on a schedule kills more houseplants than anything else. Learn the 10-second finger test, how much water to give and how seasons change it.
Plant Care Basics
Overwatered or underwatered?
Both make leaves droop and turn yellow. Check the soil, the leaf texture and the roots to tell overwatering from underwatering — and fix each one.
Plant Problems
Similar plants you might like
Pothos
The classic "can’t kill it" vine. Grows in almost any light, tells you when it is thirsty, and roots in a glass of water.
Snake Plant
Thrives on neglect. The number-one way to kill it is love — meaning too much water.
ZZ Plant
Glossy, almost plastic-looking leaves that tolerate dark offices, dry air and forgetful owners.