17 Houseplants That Can Live for Decades

Some houseplants are known for their long-lasting beauty and their ability to adapt to different indoor environments. 

But did you know that there are plants that can thrive for decades? These hardy plants are appreciated for their flexibility, which helps them live a long time.

They usually need very little care and can handle various light conditions, making them great additions to any indoor space. Here’s a list of the top 17 longest-living houseplants.

1. Monstera (Monstera deliciosa)

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  • Size: Can grow up to 10 feet indoors.
  • Growing Conditions: Thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light levels. Prefers well-draining soil with regular watering, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. It enjoys higher humidity but can adapt to standard household levels.
  • Longevity: Monstera plants are robust and adaptable. Their large, glossy leaves and aerial roots make them resilient to varying indoor conditions. With proper care, they can grow for decades, continuously adding lush greenery to your space.

2. Begonia (Begonia spp.)

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Image Credit: Noppharat_th/Deposit Photos
  • Size: Varies widely; can range from 6 inches to 3 feet, depending on the variety.
  • Growing Conditions: Prefers bright, indirect light. Needs well-draining, slightly acidic soil and regular watering, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. Begonias thrive in higher humidity environments.
  • Longevity: Begonias are versatile and can last for many years with proper care. They are known for their attractive foliage and flowers, and their ability to adapt to various indoor conditions helps them endure for decades.

3. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera spp.)

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Image Credit: Gheorghe Mindru/Shutterstock
  • Size: Typically grows 1 to 3 feet in height and width.
  • Growing Conditions: Prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and reduce watering during the winter dormancy period. Enjoys higher humidity and cooler temperatures during its resting phase.
  • Longevity: Known for its longevity and ease of care, the Christmas Cactus can thrive for decades if given the right conditions. Its ability to bloom annually adds to its appeal, making it a cherished plant in many households.

4. Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata, formerly Sansevieria trifasciata)

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Image Credit: serezniy/Deposit Photos
  • Size: Grows up to 3 to 4 feet tall.
  • Growing Conditions: Extremely adaptable; can thrive in low to bright indirect light. Prefers well-draining soil and infrequent watering, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Tolerates a range of humidity levels.
  • Longevity: Snake Plants are nearly indestructible and can thrive for decades with minimal care. Their tolerance for neglect and various light conditions makes them a popular choice for long-term indoor gardening.

5. Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica)

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Image Credit: Marina Meshcherskaia/Shutterstock
  • Size: Can grow up to 6 to 10 feet indoors.
  • Growing Conditions: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions. Requires well-draining soil and regular watering, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Enjoys moderate humidity.
  • Longevity: Rubber Trees are known for their resilience and long life. They grow relatively quickly and can thrive for many years with proper care, making them a lasting addition to indoor spaces.

6. Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)

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Image Credit: isvadby@gmail.com/Deposit Photos
  • Size: Can grow up to 3 to 6 feet indoors, depending on the variety.
  • Growing Conditions: Thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light levels. Prefers well-draining soil and regular watering, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. It enjoys higher humidity but can adapt to average household conditions.
  • Longevity: Philodendrons are known for their adaptability and ease of care. Their ability to thrive in various light conditions and their resistance to common indoor pests contribute to their longevity. With proper care, they can live for decades and continue to grow and thrive.

7. Dwarf Umbrella Tree (Schefflera arboricola)

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Image Credit: czuber/Deposit Photos
  • Size: Typically grows 3 to 4 feet indoors but can reach up to 6 feet with ideal conditions.
  • Growing Conditions: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light. Requires well-draining soil and regular watering, allowing the top layer of soil to dry out between waterings. It prefers moderate to high humidity.
  • Longevity: The Dwarf Umbrella Tree is a resilient plant that can thrive for many years with proper care. Its adaptability to varying light conditions and its ability to recover from occasional neglect make it a long-lasting choice for indoor spaces.

8. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)

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Image Credit: Aisyaqilumar/Deposit Photos
  • Size: Grows up to 3 to 4 feet tall.
  • Growing Conditions: Prefers bright, direct light but can tolerate lower light levels. Requires well-draining soil and infrequent watering, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. It thrives in dry conditions and can handle lower humidity.
  • Longevity: Jade Plants are known for their longevity and are often passed down through generations. Their ability to store water in their leaves allows them to withstand periods of neglect, making them a durable and long-lasting houseplant.

9. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)

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Image Credit: The Handyman/Shutterstock
  • Size: Typically grows 3 to 6 feet indoors.
  • Growing Conditions: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct sunlight. Requires well-draining soil and infrequent watering, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. It thrives in dry conditions and low humidity.
  • Longevity: The Ponytail Palm is a hardy and long-lived plant due to its unique water-storing trunk and low maintenance needs. Its resilience to varying light conditions and infrequent watering requirements make it a lasting addition to indoor environments.

10. Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta)

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Image Credit: Kulbir G/Shutterstock
  • Size: Typically grows 3 to 5 feet indoors.
  • Growing Conditions: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct sunlight. Requires well-draining soil and infrequent watering, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. It thrives in moderate to low humidity.
  • Longevity: Sago Palms are known for their longevity and can live for many decades with proper care. Their slow growth rate and ability to adapt to various indoor conditions contribute to their long lifespan.

11. Scindapsus (Scindapsus spp.)

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  • Size: Typically grows 2 to 4 feet long in a hanging or trailing arrangement.
  • Growing Conditions: Thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions. Prefers well-draining soil and regular watering, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. It enjoys moderate to high humidity but can adapt to average household levels.
  • Longevity: Scindapsus plants are known for their resilience and ability to thrive in a range of conditions. Their low-maintenance nature, adaptability to different light levels, and tolerance for occasional neglect contribute to their long lifespan. With proper care, they can live and grow for many years.

12. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

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  • Size: Typically grows 1 to 2 feet in height and width.
  • Growing Conditions: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light. Requires well-draining soil and regular watering, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. It thrives in average humidity but can adapt to varying levels.
  • Longevity: The Spider Plant is known for its ability to produce new offshoots or “babies” regularly, which contributes to its longevity and ease of propagation. Its adaptability to different light conditions and minimal care requirements make it a long-lasting and popular houseplant.

13. Wax Plant (Hoya spp.)

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  • Size: Can grow up to 4 to 6 feet long as a trailing plant.
  • Growing Conditions: Thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light levels. Prefers well-draining soil and infrequent watering, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Enjoys higher humidity but can tolerate average household conditions.
  • Longevity: Wax Plants are known for their longevity and resilience. Their waxy, thick leaves and ability to tolerate periods of neglect make them a long-lasting choice for indoor spaces. With proper care, including occasional feeding and proper watering, they can thrive for many years and produce fragrant flowers.

14. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)

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Image Credit: Endah Kurnia P/Shutterstock
  • Size: Typically grows 2 to 3 feet tall.
  • Growing Conditions: Thrives in low to bright, indirect light but can tolerate very low light conditions. Requires well-draining soil and infrequent watering, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. It prefers average humidity but can adapt to lower levels.
  • Longevity: True to its name, the Cast Iron Plant is incredibly durable and can thrive in challenging conditions. Its ability to withstand low light, neglect, and varying humidity levels contributes to its longevity. With minimal care, it can live for many decades. 

15. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema spp.)

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  • Size: Typically grows 1 to 3 feet tall and wide.
  • Growing Conditions: Prefers low to bright, indirect light. Thrives in well-draining soil and regular watering, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. It enjoys average to high humidity but can adapt to average household levels.
  • Longevity: The Chinese Evergreen is renowned for its adaptability and resilience. It can tolerate low light conditions and varying humidity levels, making it a long-lasting plant that thrives with minimal care. Its ability to survive in less-than-ideal conditions contributes to its longevity, and with proper care, it can live for many years.

16. Mistletoe Cactus (Rhipsalis spp.)

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Image Credit: Danny Hummel/Shutterstock
  • Size: Typically grows 1 to 3 feet long as a trailing or hanging plant.
  • Growing Conditions: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light conditions. Requires well-draining soil and infrequent watering, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. It enjoys higher humidity but can tolerate average household conditions.
  • Longevity: Mistletoe Cactus is known for its unique appearance and resilience. Its ability to tolerate varying light levels and occasional neglect, combined with its adaptability to different humidity levels, helps it thrive for many years. Regular care, including occasional watering and feeding, ensures its longevity and continued growth.

17. Raven ZZ (Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Raven’)

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  • Size: Typically grows 2 to 3 feet tall.
  • Growing Conditions: Thrives in low to bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light conditions. Prefers well-draining soil and infrequent watering, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. It can handle low humidity levels and occasional neglect.
  • Longevity: The Raven ZZ is known for its striking, dark foliage and durability. Its ability to thrive in low light, minimal water, and low humidity conditions makes it an excellent choice for long-term indoor environments. 

Proper care, such as appropriate watering, suitable lighting, and occasional repotting, helps ensure that these plants continue to thrive and bring beauty to your home for many years.

nancy
Author & Editor | + posts

Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.