Easy Houseplants That Thrive on Neglect

As a New England gardener, I grow houseplants because I need soil under my nails. In the winter, indoor plants satisfy my passion for gardening. But I only grow houseplants that can tolerate some neglect, because once spring comes, I’m frantically running for the door, and houseplants get a little, well, neglected! In my experience, the following plants survive and thrive despite the inevitable lack of attention

1. Pepperface (Peperomia incana)

Peperomia incana is a structural, shrub-like peperomia with beautifully scalloped leaves that beg to be petted. I consider its slow growth rate a bonus; I love a plant that doesn’t take up an entire windowsill in a year, when it first shares it so graciously.

This semi-succulent peperomia likes to dry out between waterings. It doesn’t demand full sun like other succulents, though it can take it if you have it. Bright, indirect light will also help. It thrives in hot, high-humidity conditions, but it won’t complain about low humidity. Simply put, if you’re comfortable in your home, then so will P. incana. It’s an honest grower, and if you can avoid overwatering it, it’ll be with you for a long time. I’ve had mine for years, and it seems like a steelhead. However, I do watch out for mealybugs, although they’re unlikely to occur.

2. Coffee Plant (Coffea arabica)

Coffea arabica is exactly what you might think—a coffee tree—and yes, you can harvest your own coffee beans at home. However, you’ll need patience: This plant won’t produce flowers or fruit until it reaches about three feet tall. Given its good looks, you won't be too concerned if it never bears its shiny, ruby red fruits (known as cherries). The dark green leaves have a nice sheen and wavy edges, creating an interesting texture. With its leaves alone, C. arabica makes a very pretty, pyramidal tree for indoors.

3. Wax Plants (Hoya)

Hoyas are so delightfully low-maintenance as a group that I have a hard time choosing just one to recommend. It's a slippery slope from getting one to collecting a bunch - I speak from experience.

Hoya carnosa 'Crimson Princess', with its white, green, and pink leaves, is a good place to start, both in terms of price and availability. It's a sister to 'Crimson Queen'. I've also seen two cultivars named 'Tricolor'. They share the same color, but in different textures. 'Crimson Queen' has green leaves with pink to white edges, while 'Crimson Princess' has the opposite.

4. Lipstick Vines (Aeschynanthus)

Aeschynanthus longicalis, also known as A. 'Black Pagoda', is a type of lipstick vine with beautiful dark maroon veins. I have no desire to argue against the classic A. 'Mona Lisa', which is probably the most common cultivar, with its lush foliage and large red flowers with black veins. But I like 'Black Pagoda' for its unusual leaves, and you'll definitely see it most of the year while you wait for it to bloom. Happily, it does so in cooler weather. This is the perfect time for the off-season gardener!