When we think of houseplants, we often think of plants that need high levels of humidity to survive. It is not uncommon for people to buy humidifiers specifically for keeping their houseplants happy. We have a couple of humidifiers that we run for the houseplants that need it the most. In the dry winter months, we also prefer a little boost of humidity to keep things comfortable for ourselves.
There are plenty of options for low-maintenance houseplants that do not require you to run out and buy a humidifier – because they store water in their leaves! (These plants are succulents.)
When we think of succulents, we often imagine tiny plants in adorable planters on the windowsill. However, lots of plants you wouldn’t imagine are considered succulents. From the aloe vera plant to the popular money tree, these are all great low-humidity houseplant options.
1. Aloe Vera
Despite there being hundreds of different species of aloe, aloe vera (A. barbadensis) is undoubtably the most common. Aloe vera is a succulent plant best known for its ornamental and medicinal value.
Because they store water in their leaves, these house plants are easy to grow and happily thrive in dry conditions. Keep in mind, these plants are not pet friendly. If you have furry friends at home, you may want to choose a different houseplant, or keep them out of reach from pets and animals.
Light: All aloes prefer bright light. If your aloe plant does not have enough light, it will become weak and leggy with floppy leaves.
Watering: During active growth, water as often as needed to keep the potting mixture moist. During the rest period (winter), water less frequently. You do not want the mixture becoming bone dry, but you do not want there to be any pooling of water either. Watering will depend on the size of your plant, the soil you are using, as well as the conditions of your home.
2. Jade Plant (money tree)
Crassula ovata, also known as the jade plant or lucky money tree, is another succulent houseplant that does just fine with low humidity. These plants are great for beginners as they are easy to care for and typically do well in normal home conditions.
The leaves of the jade plant are thick, smooth and have a waxy coating that protects them from the sun. As time passes by, you may notice the plant becoming top-heavy with the weight of the leaves. Unfortunately, this plant is also toxic to pets.
While jade plants can grow to be very large outdoors, you won’t see extremely tall ones being sold in the store. It’s true that jade plants can grow to be 6 feet tall, but by growing 2-4 inches per year, it will take quite a bit of time to reach this height. Sometimes, jade plants are passed down through generations as they can live over 50 years!
Light: Jade plants are not suited for low-light conditions and prefer at least 6 hours of sun daily.
Watering: You’ll want to water your jade houseplant once every 2 weeks or so in the warmer months. The easiest rule to follow is to water your jade plant as soon as the first inch or two of soil is dry. Every plant is different and watering frequency depends on many factors.
Tip: If you are looking for the perfect ready-made soil for your houseplants, keep it simple and check out our favorite Chunky Houseplant Mix from Sol Soils. And, use code “GEEKY” for 10% off!
3. Snake Plants
The snake plant (also known as the Mother In Laws Tongue) is one of the easiest houseplants to care for. It can survive a wide range of lighting conditions and it does not require high humidity to survive. In fact, many people joke about their snake plants thriving the more they are neglected.
When properly cared for, these plants can grow to be several feet high. They make a great addition to the indoor garden, especially in corner-spaces that require greenery where light may not be abundant. Unfortunately, snake plants are toxic to pets.
Light: Snake plants will do just fine with indirect light such as in a low-light corner. Strong, direct light may burn the leaves.
Watering: Watering your snake plant too much can result in root rot. If you notice the leaves on your snake plant drooping, you may want to cut back on the amount of water you are giving it. Only water your snake plant when the soil is dried out. Depending on the conditions of your indoor space, this could be every week to every couple of weeks.
4. Cactus
There are many cactus varieties you can keep and grow indoors. They come in several sizes and shapes, many of which are incredibly distinctive and unique! Cacti are easy to care for as houseplants, as they typically do not require frequent watering.
They also thrive in dry climates, making them the perfect low-humidity houseplant. We keep our cacti on the windowsill where they receive plenty of natural light. Cacti are nontoxic to pets, but some varieties can be very sharp, so you should take caution when deciding where to keep them.
Light: Cacti love the sun – they are desert plants after all. Some cacti require ample light, such as the Cholla Cactus. However, some varieties do just fine with less light. Schlumbergera (also known as the Christmas Cactus) will survive with bright, indirect light.
Watering: Some cacti require more watering than others. You’ll want to research the variety you choose to determine the proper watering needs for your plant.
5. Haworthia
We consider Haworthia to be one of the most ideal houseplants. This succulent can tolerate lower light conditions, does not require high humidity, and they are safe for pets! They are easy to care for and make a great houseplant gift for a beginner.
Our cat gets curious and will sniff our Haworthia, but she does not take any interest in nibbling it. Even if she did, we feel better knowing it would be safe for her.
Light: Haworthia will survive in bright sun, but they are also adapted to survive in lower light conditions.
Water: Water your Haworthia when the soil is completely dried out. You can even wait a couple days after the soil has been dried out before watering again.
6. Pothos
Pothos are a simple houseplant that can add a splash of greenery to your home while also improving the air quality. They’re also part of the easy to care for club. Similar to the snake plant, they do not need bright light or high humidity to survive.
They are adaptable to the environment they’re in. This makes them a popular choice as a starter houseplant or a plant for the office. Due to their trailing nature, they look great on bookshelves or hanging in baskets. Unfortunately, this plant is toxic to both cats and dogs.
Light: Pothos will survive just fine in low light conditions. Do not place pothos in direct sunlight as it can burn the leaves.
Water: You’ll want to water your plant every 1-2 weeks depending on how much light it is getting. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
7. Spider Plant
Chlorophytum comosum, also known as the spider plant or spider ivy, is another great houseplant perfect for beginners. This plant is also nontoxic for our furry friends, which is great for our curious kitty. While spider plants do prefer higher humidity levels, they will survive and adapt to dry conditions as well.
If you notice the tips on the leaves of your spider plant turning brown, it may be unhappy with the current humidity levels in your home. You can mist your spider plant to keep it healthy.
Light: Spider plants love bright light where they will grow best. However, they will also survive in lower light conditions – they just won’t grow as much. If you notice the leaves of your spider plant turning pale, it may need to be placed in a sunnier location.
Water: Determining when to water your spider plant depends on the condition of your home, as well as the size of the pot and placement of the plant. Typically, they do not need to be watered too frequently. Only water your spider plant after the soil has dried out.
8. ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant is a unique houseplant that is incredibly easy to care for. It’s a great first plant for many new homeowners, and can survive the neglect of even the most inexperienced plant parent. These plants are very adaptable and will do okay in a home with lower humidity levels.
Light: ZZ plants thrive in bright, indirect light. However, they will do fine in lower light conditions, which makes them a popular choice for a houseplant. Some people even joke that they’re indestructible (similar to the snake plant).
Water: ZZ plants like to dry out between waterings. Do not water your plant if there is any sign of dampness, even several inches deep in the soil.
Hopefully this article gave you some ideas for great houseplants that don’t require high levels of humidity. Some plants are more finicky than others. All of these houseplants are relatively easy to care for and should do just fine in your home, even if conditions are more on the dry side.