Unkillable Exterior and Interior Plants

I was asked if there is such a plant that is unkillable? Well, Yes and No, some will die with extended neglect others will still thrive. If you are looking for resilient, hard-to-kill plants, here are some of the best options that can tolerate a variety of conditions and are tough to kill Interior and Exterior.

EXTERIOR

WHAT IS THE BEST UNKILLABLE EXTERIOR PLANTS FOR GARDENS

These plants are not only hardy but also low maintenance, making them perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to spend too much time caring for their garden. If you are looking for tough, low-maintenance, and almost “unkillable” exterior plants, here are some great options:

1. Succulents (e.g., Aloe Vera, Sedum, and Agave)
   • These plants are known for their drought tolerance and ability to survive in tough conditions. They thrive with minimal water and can handle full sun exposure. The plant cuttings have been used for roof gardens, with minimal care.
2. Lavender
   • Not only does lavender look and smell great, but it is also hardy in many climates. It prefers well-drained soil and does not require much watering once established.
3. Daylilies
   • Daylilies are extremely resilient and can tolerate a wide range of conditions, from drought to heavy rainfall. They bloom profusely in full sun and are maintenance-free.
4. Hosta’s
   • Perfect for shaded areas, Hosta’s are low-maintenance plants that thrive in partial to full shade. They can handle drought but prefer moist, well-drained soil.
5. Coneflower (Echinacea)
   • This native perennial is drought-tolerant, attracts pollinators, and comes in a variety of colors. It is highly resistant to pests and diseases.
6. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)
   • Known for its bright yellow flowers, this plant is extremely tough. It thrives in full sun, tolerates drought, and resists pests and diseases. I have found these plants a little aggressive when planted with other plants and spreads through out the garden.
7. Yucca

A spiky, architectural plant that requires minimal water and thrives in full sun. Yucca is perfect for hot, dry climates and can handle poor soil conditions.  This plant survives along railroad tracks. So, make sure you want this plant. I know people trying to remove this plant from the landscape and dug down six feet and found viable roots still existed.

8. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
   • A hardy perennial that thrives in full sun, this plant tolerates drought and poor soil. It produces beautiful, aromatic blue flowers and attracts pollinators. Easy maintenance
9. Sedum (Autumn Joy)
   • A popular succulent that tolerates poor soil, drought, and full sun. It is especially tough in the late summer and fall when its flowers bloom.
10. Boxwood
    • If you are looking for a tough, evergreen shrub that can handle pruning and shaping, boxwood is a great choice. It is resilient to both heat and cold and can adapt to different soil conditions. The problem with this plant is its bronzing in winter months and some blights. Some say when brushed against you get a cat pee smell, yes you do.

INTERIOR These plants are forgiving, so if you tend to forget about your houseplants or do not have the most ideal conditions, these are great choices!

1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

• Care level: Very low maintenance
• Light: Tolerates low light but grows better with indirect light
• Watering: Can go for weeks without water; very drought-tolerant
• Why it is unkillable: Can survive in almost any conditions, from dry air to low light, and it is nearly impossible to overwater.

2. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

• Care level: Easy
• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can survive in low light
• Watering: Regular watering but does not mind drying out between waterings
• Why it is unkillable: Very adaptable to different light and water conditions, and it produces “babies” (plantlets) even when neglected.

3. Aloe Vera

• Care level: Low maintenance
• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight
• Watering: Prefers dry soil; can tolerate drought
• Why it is unkillable: Aloe vera is very drought-tolerant and can thrive even when not watered regularly. It is also pest resistant.

4. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

• Care level: Extremely low maintenance
• Light: Low light to moderate light
• Watering: Can go weeks without water, drought-tolerant
• Why it is unkillable: Its thick, waxy leaves help retain moisture, and it can tolerate neglect, including low light and inconsistent watering.

5. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

• Care level: Low maintenance
• Light: Tolerates low to bright indirect light
• Watering: Does not need frequent watering and can survive drought
• Why it is unkillable: Pothos is highly adaptable and thrives even if you forget to water it for a while. It can grow in various lighting conditions.

6. Cactus

• Care level: Very easy, especially for beginners
• Light: Full sun (most varieties)
• Watering: Very little water needed; only water when the soil is completely dry
• Why it is unkillable: Cacti are perfect for people who often forget to water plants. They can thrive on neglect and love dry, hot conditions.

7. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

• Care level: Easy to moderate.
• Light: Low to moderate indirect light
• Watering: Prefers moist soil but can tolerate some drought
• Why it is unkillable: Peace lilies are extremely tolerant of low light, and they will often bounce back if you forget to water them. They are also known for purifying the air.

8. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)

• Care level: Very low maintenance
• Light: Low light
• Watering: Tolerates dry soil
• Why it is unkillable: As the name suggests, this plant is tough! It thrives in low light and is forgiving about inconsistent watering.

9. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

• Care level: Easy to moderate.
• Light: Low to moderate light
• Watering: Can tolerate infrequent watering and dry conditions
• Why it’s unkillable: It adapts to low light and is resistant to pests, making it perfect for a neglectful plant parent.

10. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)

• Care level: Easy
• Light: Bright light
• Watering: Needs very little water; drought-tolerant
• Why it is unkillable: Jade plants are succulents that thrive on minimal care and can go long periods without watering.