Plants That Thrive on Neglect (Like Your Social Life in Winter)
Let’s be honest: winter is the season of ignoring text messages, ghosting group chats, and pretending you didn’t see that calendar reminder for “drinks at 7.” And while your social life might wither slightly during the colder months, your plant game? It doesn't have to.
In fact, there are certain houseplants that thrive on the same low-effort energy you bring to putting on real pants between November and March. These leafy legends don’t demand attention, don’t judge your Netflix binges, and won’t die dramatically just because you forgot to water them for three weeks straight.
Here are our top picks for plants that are just as chill as your winter mood:
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
Nicknames: Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, Unkillable Queen
Snake plants are basically the introverts of the plant world: low-maintenance, stunning, and perfectly content to be left alone in a corner. They only need watering every 2–3 weeks in winter and actually prefer if you don’t get clingy with them.
Neglect Tolerance: 11/10
Vibe: Tall, mysterious, probably listens to lo-fi beats
Pets: Toxic to both cats and dogs
2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
If this plant were a person, it would be the one who RSVP’d “maybe” to your party and never showed up—but somehow you still love them. ZZ plants are drought-tolerant, low-light champs that look effortlessly good while doing the absolute least.
Neglect Tolerance: 10/10
Vibe: Doesn’t respond to texts but always shows up when it counts
Pets: Toxic to both cats and dogs.
3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos plants are like that one friend who doesn’t need constant attention but always brightens your day. They’re fast-growing, forgiving, and don’t hold grudges if you forget about them for a while (which is good, because you will).
Neglect Tolerance: 9/10
Vibe: Chill roommate who does all the dishes unprompted
Pets: Toxic to both cats and dogs.
4. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants don’t care if you’re going through it. They’re easygoing, hard to kill, and even throw out little plant babies like confetti when they’re happy. And yes, you can ignore them for weeks and they’ll still thrive—like the overachiever you secretly admire.
Neglect Tolerance: 9/10
Vibe: Quiet overachiever with no WiFi
Pets: Safe for both cats and dogs.
5. Aloe Vera
Aloe is a plant, a healer, and an icon. Forget to water it? It’ll survive. Need to soothe your dry, wind-whipped winter skin? It’s got you. Aloe is basically the plant version of that one friend who always has tissues, lip balm, and Advil in their bag.
Neglect Tolerance: 10/10
Vibe: Functional, fabulous, and deeply unbothered
Pets: Toxic to both cats and dogs
Final Thoughts (from under a blanket)
Winter is for resting, resetting, and refusing to go outside after 6 p.m. The last thing you need is a high-maintenance houseplant throwing shade from your windowsill.
So embrace the low-effort lifestyle, toss on your favorite hoodie (might we suggest our Just A Girl Who Has A Plant Addiction one?), and let these leafy pals thrive right alongside your semi-hibernation habits.
And remember: you're not neglecting your plants—you’re giving them the independence they deserve.
🌿 Your Turn!
Got a plant that’s surviving purely on vibes and dust? Or a pothos that’s basically raising itself? Tag us @whiskersprig with your favorite low-maintenance leafy legends—we want to see your thriving plant chaos!
And if you need the perfect hoodie for ignoring your responsibilities in style,
we've got you covered →