Best low-maintenance indoor plants for apartments under $15

[Jeffrey_L]

I’ve been living in my apartment for about a year now, and while I love the natural light in the living room, I keep killing every plant I bring home. I’m looking for the best low-maintenance indoor plants for apartments that can survive a beginner who forgets to water for a week straight. My main constraint is that I’m on a tight budget and don’t have any special equipment—just a few basic pots and standard potting soil.

I started with a small snake plant from a local nursery, which cost me twelve dollars, and it did okay for two months before the leaves started drooping and turning yellow—I think I overwatered it, or maybe the pot was too big. Then I tried a pothos cutting from a friend’s plant, but it got leggy and stopped growing after a few weeks. That one might have needed more light than my apartment gets, although I’m not sure. I also bought a cheap succulent set from a big-box store, but three of the five rotted within a month, probably because I kept them in the original tiny pots with no drainage.

Given that I have a north-facing window and a pretty dry apartment in winter, what specific plant species or even specific cultivars have you found to be genuinely impossible to kill for someone who has a tendency to underwater (or occasionally overwater) and doesn’t want to spend more than fifteen dollars per plant?

[Avery66]

A good choice for your situation would be ZZ plants or snake plants again, but you might want to get a smaller one that fits snugly in the pot you have. ZZ plants thrive in low light, and they can withstand drought, making them perfect for beginners who forget to water. Another option is the peace lily; it's forgiving and indicates when it needs water by drooping, so you won’t have to guess. Just be cautious of overwatering since it can lead to root rot, but they should do well in your apartment’s conditions.

[Logan45]

Consider getting a pothos again, but make sure you give it enough light! If it's leggy, it might need more light or pruning. Try to rotate the plant so all sides receive equal light. While succulents can be tricky in low light—especially in those small pots—look at a jade plant; they tend to be hardier and can tolerate some neglect. They also grow pretty well indoors without needing too much light.

[BrandonM]

I’ve had a spider plant that’s survived through thick and thin—definitely a low-maintenance option. It does well in indirect light, and if you forget to water it, it will still manage to bounce back. Also, it's cheap, usually under ten dollars, and even if you get one with brown tips, it can still thrive! The only catch is to make sure it's not getting too much direct sunlight since that can scorch the leaves.

[LoganZW]

I’m not so sure about the snake plant being easy for everyone. It can be fussy if the drainage isn’t good. You might want to try a cast iron plant; they’re almost indestructible and can handle neglect. They also tolerate low light well. Just keep an eye on the moisture and not let it sit in soggy soil. They shouldn’t cost you much either, usually around ten bucks.

[Violet54]

What about a philodendron? They’re quite forgiving and adapt well to various conditions. They still need some light but can cope with lower levels and don’t mind forgetting about watering once in a while. You could also keep them small and manageable with pruning; they’re easy to find on a budget too. Plus, they’re just so lovely adding greens to your space.