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Leave Me Alone!

  • Dana Owen
  • Oct 3, 2023
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jan 13

The easiest houseplants for passive plant parents.



Lush green foliage fills Painters Greenhouse in Old Fort, NC with hanging plants above. Sunlight filters through the roof, creating a vibrant, serene atmosphere.


Ficus Audrey (Banyan Fig)

Ficus benghalensis 'Audrey'

  • Bright indirect light (not tolerant of low light conditions), reaches 6-8' tall when grown indoors

  • Prefers soil evenly, lightly moist - allow the top 2-3" to dry between watering

  • National tree of India, considered to be less fussy than the Fiddle Leaf Fig (though we don't think the Fiddle Leaf is fussy!)

Close-up of vibrant green leaves of the Ficus 'Audrey' with prominent veins under sunlight. Blurred greenhouse background adds a sense of lush growth and tranquility.


Fiddle Leaf Fig

Ficus lyrata

  • Bright indirect light, height only limited by pot size (Little Sunshine matures at 3')

  • Huge, glossy, prominently veined leaves; dramatic structural form

  • Highly effective statement plant for that classic 1970s dream lounge vibe

  • Water deeply once every ~10 days, allow to dry between waterings (most failures with this plant are due to too much watering, moving them too frequently, or placing them in an area where they receive continuous drafts of cool air)

  • Painters also frequently carries cultivars such as 'Little Sunshine'

Close-up of lush green fiddle leaf fig leaves with prominent veins, overlapping in a dense cluster. The background is softly blurred, enhancing focus on the leaves.


Monstera deliciosa

  • Bright indirect light, 4-6' tall and wide

  • Time-honored classic for instant jungle atmosphere; aka Swiss cheese plant or split-leaf philodendron

  • When in a tropical setting, produces fruit that is, indeed, deliciosa (and also a laxative)

  • Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings

Close-up of a vibrant green monstera leaf with distinctive holes and a textured surface, set against a blurred natural background.


-- TRIED & TRUE --


Cast Iron Plant

Aspidistra elatior

  • Low light, 10-20" tall/wide

  • One of the toughest, easiest houseplants in the history of the world

  • Can handle lower light than most

  • Can go without water for record periods, but would prefer a deep watering every 2-3 weeks

  • Pet safe

Close-up of the cast iron plant's green leaves with white speckles, clustered together. The leaves are long, smooth, and create a dense, lush appearance.


Snake Plant

Sansevieria trifasciata

  • Low to bright indirect light, 8"-4' tall, 1-2' wide (depends on cultivar)

  • Easy care, great for beginners; brings air purification and striking color to your home

  • Allow soil to dry completely between waterings

  • Aka mother-in-law's tongue (ouch)

Several snake plants in pots display green and yellow striped leaves. The background shows a concrete surface. Vibrant and lush scene.


Hoya (Wax Plant)

H. krohniana, carnosa, pubicalyx, curtisii, shepherdii, crassiopetiolata...

  • Bright indirect light, climbing or trailing

  • Waxy, glossy foliage; fragrant red-purple flowers bloom when conditions are ideal

  • Appreciates warmth and humidity; allow soil to dry between waterings

  • Pet safe

Close-up of a pink and green variegated hoya plant with broad leaves, set against lush greenery. The setting is outdoors and vibrant.


Silver Squill

Ledebouria socialis

  • Part shade, 6-10" tall/wide

  • Delicate pinkish white flower stalks are sporadic, resemble tiny orchids

  • A unique and contrasting foliage that takes mid-light levels

  • Allow top inch of soil to dry between waterings

Silver squill houseplant with elongated leaves covered in dark green spots resembling a speckled pattern. Background features textured stone.


Angelwing Begonia

  • Bright indirect light, 2-4' tall and wide depending on variety

  • Easy care; allow soil to dry between waterings

  • Loves humidity

  • Toxic to pets so keep it away from those who love to munch!


Angelwing 'Looking Glass'

Close-up of large leaves with green and silver patterns of the Looking Glass Angelwing begonia, hints of red edges. Background is blurred greenery, creating a natural, fresh mood.

Angelwing 'Sophia'

Close-up of large, green, serrated leaves with white spots. Angelwing 'Sophia' has red-edged tips add contrast. Background includes blurred plants.

Angelwing 'Polka Dot'

White flowers with yellow centers in focus, surrounded by green polka-dotted leaves. Blurred green foliage in the background. Bright setting. Angelwing 'Polka Dot'

Angelwing 'Torch Pink'

Pink and white flowers with red and green leaves in a greenhouse setting, creating a lush, vibrant atmosphere. Angelwing 'Torch Pink'


Blue Star Fern

Phlebodium aureum

  • Medium to bright indirect light, 2-3' tall and wide

  • Epiphyte (grows on tree trunks) native to tropical rainforests; appreciates humidity and evenly moist (not wet) soil; can be drought tolerant, especially in larger pots

  • Benefits from bottom-watering, as surface rhizomes like to stay dry (aka prefers not to be watered excessively from above)

  • Pet safe

Close-up of lush, green, serrated leaves of Blue Star Fern in a garden setting, showcasing vibrant patterns and natural textures. No text visible.


Arrowhead Plant

Syngonium podophyllum ('Milk Confetti' is pictured)

  • Medium to bright indirect light, climbing to 6'

  • Responds well to pruning for a bushier habit; if not pruned, will trail out of hanging baskets or climb up supports

  • Easy care, great for beginners; allow soil to partially dry between waterings

  • Aka Arrowhead Vine

Green and pink speckled leaves of Arrowhead Plant 'Milk Confetti' with water droplets are held by a hand, set against a background of similar foliage.


Grey Star

Ctenanthe setosa

  • Bright indirect light

  • Appreciates warmth and humidity; allow top 2'' of soil to dry between waterings

  • Aka Calathea setosa or 'Never Never plant'

  • Just as beautiful but not as fussy as many calathea; very tolerant of missed waterings

Close-up of green and burgundy leaves of the Ctenanthe setosa 'Grey Star' with prominent veins, creating a vibrant, natural pattern. The background is blurred and leafy.


Peperomia 'Red Edge'

  • Medium to bright indirect light, 6-12'' tall and wide

  • Easy care, low maintenance; can thrive in fluorescent lighting

  • Allow soil to dry between waterings; very tolerant of missed waterings

  • Pet safe

Close-up of Peperomia 'Red Edge'. The vibrant green leaves with dark red edges, showing water droplets. The background features blurred greenery, creating a fresh mood.


Peperomia 'Felted'

  • Bright, direct sunlight (south or west-facing window ideal), 6-12'' tall, 12-15'' wide

  • Heart-shaped leaves are covered in white fuzzy hairs

  • Allow soil to dry out between waterings

  • Also known as 'Amazon Fuzz'

  • Pet safe

Close-up of fuzzy green leaves clustered together from a Felted Peperomia plant. The leaves have a smooth, velvety texture, and the background is blurred.


Peperomia 'Raindrop'

  • Bright, indirect light, 8-12'' tall and wide

  • Glossy, droplet-shaped leaves are elegantly poised

  • Likes humidity; allow soil to dry between waterings

  • Pet safe

Close-up of green heart-shaped leaves of a Peperomia 'Raindrop' . The background shows wooden slats, conveying a calm, natural setting.


These are by no means the only plants that thrive on neglect, but based on the experience of several Painters team members who have a 'live and let live' approach, we chose these as our strongest survivors! If you've grown some of these and have had trouble, or have heard rumors of them being challenging (such as the Fiddle Leaf Fig being a challenge), it's likely because you watered or moved them around too frequently. Give them space and let them do their thing!

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