Studies have shown that cultivating these long-living plants can add a touch of timeless beauty to your living space and provide numerous health benefits, such as improved air quality and reduced stress levels.1
With so many incredible advantages, it’s no wonder these houseplants have been thriving in homes for years.
These are the 12 long-living houseplants you can grow at home, and learn how you can become a part of this enduring tradition of indoor gardening.
1. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
Originating from the prehistoric forests of West Africa, the fiddle leaf fig is a true living fossil. With its striking violin-shaped leaves and towering stature, this plant has been a beloved houseplant for decades. (ref)
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To keep your fiddle leaf fig thriving, provide it with bright, indirect light and water it when the top inch of soil feels dry.
These plants are known for their air-purifying qualities, removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from your home.
With proper care, your fiddle leaf fig can be a lifelong companion, adding a touch of prehistoric charm to your living space.
2. Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)
The snake plant, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, is a true survivor. Native to West Africa, this hardy plant has been cultivated for decades, with some specimens believed to be over 100 years old. (ref)
Its long, sword-like leaves and striking patterns have made it a popular choice for indoor gardens since the Victorian era.
Snake plants are incredibly low-maintenance, thriving in a wide range of conditions. They can tolerate low light and infrequent watering, making them perfect for even the most forgetful plant parents.
They add a sculptural element to your décor and act as natural air purifiers, removing toxins like xylene and toluene from your home.
3. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
With cascading foliage and delicate white flowers, the spider plant has been a household favorite for generations. Some spider plants have been passed down through families for over a century. (ref)
These resilient plants are native to tropical and southern Africa and have adapted to survive in harsh conditions.
Spider plants are easy to care for, thriving in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. They are also known for their ability to remove indoor air pollutants like carbon monoxide and xylene.
As a bonus, spider plants produce tiny “spiderettes” that can be easily propagated, allowing you to share this timeless beauty with friends and family.
4. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera spp.)
The Christmas cactus has been a holiday staple since the 1800s, with its vibrant, pendulous flowers. Native to the coastal mountains of southeastern Brazil, these plants have adapted to grow on trees or rocks in shaded, humid environments. (ref)
To keep your Christmas cactus blooming year after year, provide it with bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.
They prefer cooler temperatures and require a period of darkness to initiate flowering.
With proper care, your Christmas cactus can be a cherished holiday tradition for decades.
5. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema spp.)
With its lush, variegated foliage, the Chinese evergreen has been cultivated in Asia for centuries. These plants are native to the tropical forests of Asia, where they thrive in low-light conditions. (ref)
Chinese evergreens are incredibly adaptable, tolerating a wide range of light levels and humidity.
They are also known for their air-purifying qualities, removing toxins like benzene and formaldehyde from your home.
With their stunning foliage and easy care requirements, Chinese evergreens are a timeless addition to any indoor garden.
6. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
The Boston fern has been a popular houseplant since the Victorian era with its lush, arching fronds. Native to tropical regions worldwide, these plants have adapted to thrive in humid, shaded environments. (ref)
To keep your Boston fern looking its best, provide it with high humidity and indirect light. They prefer consistently moist soil and benefit from regular misting.
Boston ferns are also known for their air-purifying abilities, removing pollutants like xylene and formaldehyde from your home.
With their timeless beauty and easy care requirements, Boston ferns are a classic choice for any indoor garden.
7. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
The ponytail palm, with its distinctive swollen base and cascading leaves, is a living fossil that has been around for millions of years.
Native to the semi-desert regions of Mexico, these plants have adapted to store water in their bulbous trunks, allowing them to survive prolonged periods of drought. (ref)
Ponytail palms are incredibly low-maintenance, thriving in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.
They tolerate neglect and can go weeks without water, making them perfect for forgetful plant parents.
Ponytail palms are a conversation starter in any home with their unique appearance and easy care requirements.
8. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
The pothos has been a beloved houseplant for generations with its trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves. Native to the Solomon Islands, these plants have adapted to thrive in various conditions. (ref)
Some pothos plants have been reported to live for over 30 years, with cuttings from older plants living even longer.
Pothos plants are straightforward, tolerating low light and infrequent watering. They are also known for their air-purifying qualities, removing toxins like benzene and formaldehyde from your home.
With their versatility and hardy nature, pothos plants are a timeless addition to any indoor garden.
9. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
With its thick, glossy leaves and tree-like appearance, the jade plant has been a symbol of good luck and prosperity for decades. Native to South Africa, these plants have adapted to store water in their fleshy leaves, allowing them to survive periods of drought. (ref)
Jade plants thrive in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. They tolerate neglect and can go weeks without water, making them perfect for busy plant parents.
With their stunning foliage and easy care requirements, jade plants are a timeless addition to any home.
10. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)
Aloe vera has been cultivated thousands of years for its thick, succulent leaves and medicinal properties. Native to the Arabian Peninsula, these plants have adapted to thrive in hot, dry conditions. (ref)
Aloe vera plants thrive in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. They tolerate neglect and can go weeks without water, making them perfect for forgetful plant parents.
Not only do they add a sculptural element to your décor, but they also provide a natural remedy for minor burns and cuts.
11. Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)
Philodendrons, with their lush, heart-shaped leaves and trailing vines, have been popular houseplants since the 1940s. Native to the tropical regions of the Americas, these plants have adapted to thrive in low light conditions. (ref)
Philodendrons are easy to care for, tolerating a wide range of light levels and humidity.
They are also known for their air-purifying qualities, removing toxins like formaldehyde and xylene from your home.
With their stunning foliage and hardy nature, philodendrons are a timeless addition to any indoor garden.
12. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
With its trailing vines and lobed leaves, English ivy has been a symbol of fidelity and eternal life for decades. Native to Europe and Western Asia, these plants have adapted to thrive in various conditions. (ref)
English ivy thrives in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. They tolerate neglect and survive in low light conditions, making them perfect for dimly lit rooms.
They add a classic touch to your décor and act as natural air purifiers, removing toxins like benzene and formaldehyde from your home.
Their timeless beauty and easy care requirements make them perfect for anyone looking to add a touch of living history to their home.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.