Plants That Require Little Water: 20 Best Drought-Tolerant Plants
Creating a green and inviting home doesn’t always require constant attention or daily watering. Many people struggle to keep their plants alive due to busy schedules, forgetfulness, or simply a preference for low-maintenance greenery. Luckily, plants that require little water are a perfect solution, letting you enjoy the beauty of nature indoors without the stress of constant care. These resilient, drought-tolerant plants thrive even when watering is infrequent, making them ideal for apartments, offices, or any space where convenience matters — and if you’re specifically hunting for plants that need little water but still want serious visual impact, this list has something for every style of home.
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From striking succulents to hardy indoor foliage, there are countless options that combine beauty with ease of care. In this guide, we’ll explore 20 of the best Plants That Require Little Water for your home, highlighting their unique features and care tips. If you already keep succulents, our guide on Haworthia fasciata care is a great next read once you’ve picked your favorites below.
Plants That Require Little Water
20 Best Plants That Require Little Water
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria Trifasciata)
The snake plant, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, is a champion of low-maintenance houseplants. Its striking, sword-like leaves are not only visually appealing but also possess excellent air-purifying properties. These plants are incredibly resilient and can tolerate low light and infrequent watering. Simply place them in well-draining soil, water them occasionally, and they will reward you with their stunning presence.
2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas Zamiifolia)
The ZZ plant is another excellent choice for low-care plant enthusiasts. With its glossy, dark green leaves, this plant brings an elegant touch to any room. ZZ plants are known for their ability to thrive in low-light conditions and can go without water for extended periods. They’re perfect for forgetful waterers and those who prefer a plant that can withstand neglect.
3. Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum)
Pothos, also called Devil’s Ivy, is a popular choice for both beginners and experienced plant lovers. Its heart-shaped, variegated leaves add a touch of vibrancy to any space. Pothos can grow well in various light conditions, from low light to bright, indirect light. It’s forgiving when it comes to watering, too, as it prefers slightly dry soil between watering sessions.
4. Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis Miller)
Known for its healing properties, Aloe Vera is a practical and attractive addition to any home. This succulent requires minimal care, preferring well-draining soil and bright, indirect sunlight. Aloe Vera is perfect for those who occasionally forget to water their plants, as it is highly drought-resistant.
5. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)
The spider plant is a classic houseplant that’s loved for its arching, green, and white-striped leaves. This plant is highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of conditions, making it suitable for most homes. Spider plants are known for their air-purifying qualities and can withstand occasional neglect when watered.
6. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The peace lily is a stunning flowering plant that can add a touch of elegance to any living space. It thrives in low to moderate light and prefers slightly moist soil. While it requires a bit more attention than some other plants on this list, it rewards you with beautiful white blooms that can enhance the aesthetics of your home.
7. Rubber Plant (Ficus Elastica)
The rubber plant is a popular choice for indoor gardening enthusiasts due to its attractive, glossy, dark green leaves. This plant is relatively low-maintenance and can tolerate a range of light conditions, from moderate to bright indirect light. Use only a small amount of water, letting the soil mostly dry out in between applications. With its air-purifying qualities and stunning foliage, the rubber plant adds a touch of sophistication to any room.
8. Haworthia
Haworthias are delightful little succulents that come in a variety of shapes and sizes. These small, rosette-forming plants are perfect for adorning shelves, desks, or windowsills. They prefer bright, indirect light and only need occasional watering. Like most succulents, they store water in their leaves, making them incredibly drought-resistant. Want a deeper dive on this one? See our full Haworthia fasciata care guide for 20 detailed tips.
9. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
If you’re searching for an easy-going plant with striking foliage, the Chinese Evergreen is an excellent choice. This plant boasts beautiful, variegated leaves in shades of green, silver, pink, or red. Chinese Evergreens can tolerate low light conditions, making them ideal for offices or rooms with minimal natural light. They only need to be watered when the top inch of soil becomes dry, making them suitable for those who tend to forget about plant care.
10. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea Recurvata)
Despite its name, the Ponytail Palm is not a true palm but rather a unique succulent tree. This plant is highly resilient and can thrive in bright indirect light or even in direct sunlight. It stores water in its swollen base, allowing it to withstand periods of drought. The Ponytail Palm is an intriguing addition to any space, as its long, cascading, ribbon-like leaves create a dramatic effect.
11. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra Elatior)
As the name suggests, the Cast Iron Plant is virtually indestructible. This rugged houseplant can endure neglect, low light conditions, and even temperature fluctuations. Its dark green, lance-shaped leaves add a touch of elegance to any room, and it requires minimal watering. If you’re looking for a resilient and low-maintenance plant that can handle almost any conditions, the Cast Iron Plant is an excellent choice.
12. Jade Plant (Crassula Ovata)
The Jade Plant is a popular succulent with thick, fleshy leaves that store water, allowing it to survive in dry conditions. It prefers bright, indirect light and should be watered sparingly, as it is susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Known as a symbol of good luck and prosperity, the Jade Plant adds a touch of positive energy to your living space.
13. Burro’s Tail (Sedum Morganianum)
Burro’s Tail, also called Donkey’s Tail, is a trailing succulent with long stems densely covered in plump, blue-green leaves that resemble beads or grains of rice. It’s a showstopper in a hanging basket, where its cascading stems can spill over the edge. Water only when the soil is fully dry, and handle it gently — the leaves are delicate and drop easily if bumped or over-handled.
14. Agave
Agave is a striking, architectural succulent with thick, spiky leaves arranged in a dramatic rosette. Native to hot, arid regions, agave stores water in its leaves and can go long stretches without irrigation. It needs full sun and extremely well-draining soil — a gritty cactus mix works best — and is far more likely to suffer from overwatering than underwatering.
15. Cactus
Cacti are the undisputed champions of drought tolerance, with specialized tissue that stores water for months at a time. They need bright, direct light and a sandy, fast-draining soil mix. Watering once every few weeks — and even less in winter — is usually plenty. Their low care needs make cacti a favorite for sunny windowsills and busy households alike.
16. Echeveria
Echeveria is prized for its symmetrical rosettes of thick, pastel-toned leaves, ranging from powdery blue-green to soft pink. Like most succulents, it needs bright light and minimal water — soak the soil thoroughly, then let it dry out completely before watering again. Good air circulation and a shallow, wide pot help prevent rot at the base of the rosette.
17. Lavender
Lavender brings fragrance, color, and pollinator appeal while asking for very little water once established. Its silvery, needle-like foliage is adapted to hot, dry, Mediterranean-style conditions, so it thrives in full sun and lean, well-drained soil. Overwatering — not underwatering — is the biggest threat to lavender, making it a natural fit for low-maintenance gardens.
18. Yucca
Yucca is a bold, sculptural plant with stiff, sword-shaped leaves that store water efficiently, letting it shrug off long dry spells. It does best in full sun with sandy or gravelly, fast-draining soil. Indoors or out, yucca only needs watering once the soil has dried out completely, making it one of the most forgiving plants on this list.
19. Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia Milii)
Crown of Thorns is a spiny, semi-succulent shrub that produces small but vivid red, pink, or yellow bracts almost year-round. Its thick stems store water, so it tolerates missed waterings far better than overwatering. Give it as much bright light as possible and let the soil dry out between waterings — and handle it carefully, since both the thorns and the milky sap can irritate skin.
20. Elephant Bush (Portulacaria Afra)
Elephant Bush is a compact, jade-like succulent with small, round leaves on reddish stems, often grown as a bonsai. It’s remarkably drought-tolerant thanks to water-storing leaves and stems, and prefers bright light with soil that’s allowed to dry out fully between waterings. Its dense, shrubby growth also makes it easy to shape and prune.
FAQs
What are some Plants That Require Little Water suitable for my home?
There are several low-maintenance plants that can thrive with minimal care. Some options include the Snake Plant, known for its air-purifying qualities and resilience; the ZZ Plant, well-known for tolerating neglect and low light; the Peace Lily, which tolerates low light but does need regular watering; and the Spider Plant, which is hardy and forgiving if you occasionally forget to water it. Many of these double as classic plants that require little water once they’re established.
How often should I water my low-maintenance plants?
While Plants That Require Little Water still benefit from some attention, it’s essential to find the right balance. As a general guideline, water only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch — overwatering can lead to root rot. Check the specific care requirements for each species, since needs vary, and expect to water less often in winter when growth and evaporation slow down.
Can I place low-care plants in areas with low natural light?
Yes, many low-maintenance plants adapt well to low-light conditions, making them perfect for indoor spaces with limited sunlight. Snake plants and ZZ plants both tolerate dim rooms well, several Dracaena varieties manage fine in low light, and Pothos grows happily in low to moderate light — making it a great pick for beginners.
How can I ensure the health of my low-maintenance plants?
Avoid leaving plants sitting in water-filled saucers, and use a well-draining pot, watering only when the soil is dry. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth occasionally so they can photosynthesize efficiently. Feed sparingly with a balanced houseplant fertilizer, and prune away dead or yellowing leaves to redirect the plant’s energy toward new growth.
Whether you gravitate toward architectural succulents or trailing vines, there’s a drought-tolerant option here for nearly any room and light condition. Start with one or two Plants That Require Little Water, get a feel for their rhythm, and you’ll likely find yourself adding more of these easygoing, drought-tolerant plants to your collection over time. This list of Plants That Require Little Water should give you a solid starting point no matter your space or experience level.
Want to learn more about caring for drought-tolerant plants? These authoritative resources are worth a read: University of Illinois Extension: Grow a showy garden with less water and Oregon State University Extension: Drought-tolerant landscape plants.
Hi, I’m Steve, an orchid grower with 30+ years of hands-on experience caring for indoor and outdoor plants. I share practical, tested tips and beginner-friendly guides to help plant enthusiasts nurture healthy, thriving plants.
