Not every plant needs daily care to look lush and healthy. In fact, some houseplants actually prefer to be left alone. If you’re someone who forgets to water or travels often, there are hardy houseplants that can survive and even thrive on minimal moisture.
These low-maintenance green friends, like spider plants, succulents, cacti, string of pearls, and lithops, don’t just survive on neglect; they flourish. And beyond their easygoing nature, they bring beauty, clean air, and sometimes even good luck into your home.
So if you’re new to plant parenting or just want a fuss-free indoor jungle, this list is your perfect starting point. Keep reading to discover 14 houseplants you only need to water once a month!
#1 Spider Plant
Image Credits: Thespruce
When the face of soil dry, you should water it. On wet days, you just need to water your Spider Plant once a month. It prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.
Overwatering can lead to root rot, so wait until the soil feels dry before the next drink. Bonus: it purifies the air and grows baby spiderettes you can repot.
#2 Succulents and Cactii
Image Credits: Gardeningknowhow
Both types are drought-tolerant and need minimal watering, typically once every 3–4 weeks. Make sure the soil is fully dry before watering again.
Place them in a bright, sunny spot and use a pot with drainage holes to avoid root rot.
#3 String of Pearls
Image Credits: Wayfair
This String of Pearls is sensitive to overwatering, so you just water it when the soil appears dry.
Bright, indirect light and a well-draining potting mix are key to keeping it healthy. Too much water will cause its pearl-like leaves to rot.
#4 Lithops
Image Credits: Flickr
Known as living stones, lithops only need watering once every 4–6 weeks, especially during dormancy.
These plants thrive in direct sunlight and dry conditions. Overwatering is the most common way to kill them, so less is more.
#5 Snake Plant
Image Credits: Balconygardenweb
This low-light plant only needs water once a month. It stores moisture in its thick leaves, making it perfect for busy or forgetful plant owners.
Avoid overwatering, as it causes root rot. Always check for dry soil first.
#6 Aloe
Image Credits: Wikihow
Aloe has fat leaves that are able to store water, so they can grow well for 2-3 weeks without water. Water it when the top layer of soil is completely dry.
Too much moisture can cause root rot, especially in low light. Place it in a sunny spot for best growth.
#7 Zebra Cactus
Image Credits: Ourhouseplants
Zebra cactus is one of the succulents, so it can store water and go on for days in dry soil. Water every 3–4 weeks or when the soil is fully dry.
It thrives with plenty of sunlight and proper drainage.
#8 Ponytail Palm
Image Credits: Bhg
This plant stores water in its bulbous base, so you only need to water it once every 3–4 weeks.
Bright light is preferred, and the soil should dry out completely before watering again. Overwatering can cause root rot.
#9 Devil’s Backbone
Image Credits: Mygardenlife
The plant is native to arid regions, so it is able to survive well without water. Water once every 4 weeks or when the topsoil is dry.
It prefers indirect light and doesn’t tolerate soggy soil. Its thick stems retain moisture, so occasional watering is more than enough.
#10 Cast Iron Plant
Image Credits: Thespruce
Tolerant of dry conditions, Cast Iron Plant needs water just once every 3–4 weeks. Ideal for low-light spots, it thrives on neglect. Let the soil dry out completely to avoid root issues.
#11 Sago Palm
This slow-growing plant needs water only once every 4–5 weeks. It prefers bright light and well-draining soil.
Avoid watering too often, as the roots are prone to rot in moist conditions.
#12 Rubber Plant
Image Credits: Fastgrowingtrees
The rubber Plant just needs to be watered once a month on winter days with wet weather. Let the top few inches of soil dry completely before watering, which usually means once every 15 days for optimum growth.
Overwatering leads to leaf drop. It grows best in bright, indirect light.
#13 Umbrella Plant
Image Credits: Desertcart
Umbrella plants tolerate underwatering and prefer watering about once every 3–4 weeks.
They adapt well to different lighting, but prefer indirect sunlight. Make sure the pot has proper drainage.
#14 ZZ Plant
Image Credits: Fastgrowingtrees
ZZ Plant just needs water once a time in 20-30 days. Its rhizomes store moisture, so too much watering will lead to rot.
This plant tolerates low light and dry air, ideal for beginners or busy plant owners.
