Plants that can withstand challenging conditions with minimal human intervention are often called “survivor plants.” These resilient varieties are well-suited for individuals seeking to cultivate greenery without extensive care routines. They are known for their hardiness and adaptability, offering beauty with reduced effort.
What Makes a Plant a Survivor?
Survivor plants possess characteristics and adaptations that enable them to endure environmental stressors. Many conserve water through adaptations like succulent leaves or stems that store moisture, or waxy coatings on foliage to reduce evaporation.
A strong root system is another common trait, allowing these plants to access water and nutrients from deeper soil layers or establish quickly. Resistance to common pests and diseases contributes to their resilience, as they require fewer interventions like pesticides.
Their ability to tolerate a wide range of light conditions, from low to bright indirect light, also makes them adaptable to diverse indoor and outdoor settings. Some also exhibit slower growth rates, requiring less energy and fewer nutrients, which supports their survival in less-than-ideal conditions.
Benefits of Growing Survivor Plants
Cultivating survivor plants offers several advantages, particularly for those with busy lifestyles or limited gardening experience. Their low-maintenance nature means less frequent watering, fertilizing, and pruning, freeing up time and effort. This reduced need for constant attention makes them an ideal choice for beginners, as they are forgiving of occasional neglect. These plants can also be more cost-effective over time due to their durability and resistance to common issues, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Beyond their practical benefits, survivor plants maintain their decorative appeal even with minimal care, contributing to the aesthetic of a space. Their hardiness and ability to thrive in various conditions provide a sense of success and enjoyment.
Top Survivor Plant Examples
Many popular houseplants exemplify the qualities of survivor plants, thriving in various indoor environments.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
The Snake Plant (Sansevieria) is highly tolerant of neglect and can endure low light conditions, though it flourishes in bright, indirect light. It requires infrequent watering, typically every two to six weeks, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings to prevent root rot.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is another robust option, known for its ability to tolerate very low light and extended periods without water. Its thick, bulbous stalks and rhizomes store water, making it extremely drought-tolerant, often needing water only every two to three weeks.
Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)
Pothos, also called Devil’s Ivy, is a versatile vining plant that adapts to various light levels, from low to bright indirect light, and prefers its soil to dry out between waterings. It is forgiving of forgetfulness and can even be grown in water.
Spider Plants
Spider Plants are classic easy-care houseplants that grow well in bright, indirect light and appreciate consistent, but not excessive, moisture. They are resilient to inconsistent watering and produce “spiderettes” or “pups” that are easy to propagate.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera, a succulent, stores water in its fleshy leaves, making it highly drought-tolerant and requiring infrequent watering, generally every two to four weeks. It needs ample bright, indirect sunlight to thrive.
Succulents
Succulents are excellent survivor plants due to their natural adaptations for arid environments. They store water in their leaves, stems, or roots and require well-draining soil and minimal watering. Overwatering is the most common issue for succulents, as they prefer their soil to dry out completely between waterings.
General Care Tips for Survivor Plants
While survivor plants are forgiving, a few general care principles help ensure their continued health.
For watering, “less is often more” applies; it is generally better to underwater than to overwater. Allowing the soil to dry out significantly between waterings helps prevent root rot, a common issue for many resilient varieties.
These plants do not require frequent fertilization. If fertilizing, it is best to do so sparingly, usually once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a diluted, all-purpose houseplant fertilizer.
Providing adequate, but not excessive, light is also beneficial; most survivor plants thrive in bright, indirect light, but can tolerate lower levels. Avoiding direct, harsh sunlight can prevent leaf scorching for many varieties.