Gardeners urged to keep 7 houseplants that survive without water for weeks
If you love having houseplants but don't have the time to tend to them regularly - here are seven plants that don't mind if you forget about them.
Houseplants can bring happiness to a home as well as making it look pretty, but they do require some looking after every now and then. Even going on holiday can cause havoc to your potted greens if they aren't able to be watered as much as they need.
The good news is there are a few that will let you off with not watering for a few weeks and the experts at Beards & Daisies have revealed the ultimate summer guide to plants that won't mind being left behind.
Snake Plant
Also known as "Mother-in-Law's Tongue," this architectural plant is practically indestructible, which is perfect for those who aren't great at keeping plants alive. Snake plants store water in their thick, upright leaves, making them drought-resistant and it means they can go two to three weeks without water and tolerate low light. They are ideal for apartments or offices and an added bonus is that they help purify indoor air.
ZZ Plant
The ZZ Plant is a favourite among frequent travellers due to being such low maintenance. Its waxy, oval-shaped leaves store moisture, and it thrives in low-light environments, and you only have to water it once a month for it to still look healthy and full. This plan seriously tolerates neglect like a champion.
Pothos
Pothos is not only a pretty looking plant, it's also very forgiving too. With cascading vines and heart-shaped leaves, this plant is extremely adaptable and can survive with inconsistent watering and can thrive in bright and low light. It's fast growing and easy to maintain, but if you are going away - just give it a good soak beforehand.
Spider Plant
Spider plants are renowned for being resilient with it's long arching leaves and baby 'spiderettes.' It can handle short periods of drought and bounces back quickly from neglect. It needs watering every one to two weeks and can grow in bright indirect light as well as low light.
Cast Iron Plant
It's called cast iron for a name - as it's nearly unkillable. This plant is native to the forest floors of Japan and Taiwan, it thrives in low light and poor soil, and it's not fussy about watering. It's great for dim corners and needs a watering every two to three weeks.
Succulents and Cacti
One of the most obvious and popular low maintenance plants are succulents and cacti. They're nature's desert dwellers and store water in their leaves or stems and can go weeks without a drink. Just be sure they're in well-draining soil and placed near a bright window.
Peace Lily
Peace Lily's are very forgiving if you forget every so often to water, but they do appreciate regular hydrating. You will know when it's thirsty as it will dramatically droop - making it easy to read, and will perk up again once watered. They have beautiful white blooms and have good air-purifying qualities.
While it appreciates regular watering, the Peace Lily is forgiving if you forget now and then. It droops dramatically when thirsty, making it easy to read, and perks back up after a drink.
Pro plant parent tips before you travel according to the experts:
Hydrate Before You Go: Water your plants thoroughly a day before departure.
Use Self-Watering Systems: Options range from DIY bottle spikes to stylish ceramic globes.
Group for Humidity: Cluster plants together to create a micro-humidity zone.
Mulch the Soil: A layer of pebbles or moss helps retain moisture.
Move Them Out of Direct Sunlight: Reduces the water evaporation rate.
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