Not all of us are born with green thumbs. Sometimes houseplants just seem to die even after we take great care of them. This is usually because most plants are incredibly easy to overwater. However, just because some plants are fussy about how often they need watering, doesn’t mean that we should lose out on the joy of owning them. Thankfully, there are plenty of plants out there that love water and thrive in damp environments.
Baby’s tears
From just appearances, you would probably assume that the Baby’s Tears plant is a sensitive and delicate herb. It has small, bean-shaped leaves and thin, fragile stems. However, despite needing a decent amount of care, it can survive even in marshy environments. The chances of you killing this plant through overwatering are extremely low. It works great in terrariums, as a table plant, or as a hanging plant. Mossy-green is the most popular variety, but it also has gold, white, and yellow breeds.
Cyperus
Rather than a specific plant, consider buying any one of the 700 available species of Cyperus plants. These are mostly aquatic plants that can grow in still or slow-moving water up to 1.6-feet deep. Because there are so many species, you’ll definitely find one that suits your needs. Some are only a few inches tall, while others can reach well over seven feet. Umbrella Grass is the most popular Cyperus for homes because it is easy to care for and grows beautiful, long umbrella-like stems. While you may not want to water them as much in lower temperatures, they’re basically impossible to kill through overwatering throughout most of the year.
Selaginella
If you like variety, you might also look at the Selaginella plants. These cute, tiny herbs grow in many different regions, including tropical jungles and arid deserts. They are diverse both in size and how they grow. Because many of the species grow in tropical locales, they have adapted to wet environments. Even the desert varieties respond well to lots of water and are notoriously hard to kill. When you forget to water them, they simply ball up and go dormant. Once you water them, they miraculously revive themselves and begin growing again.
Pitcher plant
It may seem a bit strange to keep a carnivorous plant in the house, but they are quite beautiful. Pitcher plant leaves form long tubes that can trap insects. Normally, pitcher plants grow in swamps and other wet environments, so they’re pretty resilient. Not only can they handle excessive water, but they can also survive even in nutrient-poor soils. Simply place the plant in a tray with a little bit of water and occasionally top it off.
Boston fern
Chances are, you’re familiar with the Boston ferns. Even if you don’t recognize the name, you have probably seen them in a gardening store or an office lobby. They have long, graceful shamrock-green fronds and thrive in damp environments. As long as you never let the roots dry up, these plants are very easy to grow. They’re quite sensitive to a room’s humidity, so you might need to mist the leaves regularly if you live in a dry area.
Bamboo
When looking for plants that are majestic, easy to care for, and resistant to overwatering, you shouldn’t overlook bamboo. It can survive in locations with very little light, making it the perfect indoor plant. All you have to do is place it in water, and the plant will thrive. Every once in awhile, make sure to replace the dirty water with a clean source, and you’ll be able to keep your bamboo for a very long time.
Air plant
Some of us love plants but alternate between overwatering or forgetting to water them. Thankfully, there are entire species of plants that will grow regardless of what you do. Air plants, or Tillandsia, don’t need any soil. Instead, you simply soak them in water once every couple of weeks, dry them upside down, and then return them to its home. Some of the smaller varieties don’t even need soaking and are happy with a regular misting.
Fiber optic plant
If you’re looking for a fun-looking plant that’s still easy to care for, make sure to consider fiber optic plants. They’re a distant relative of Cyperus plants, so you know they’re easygoing. Usually, these unusual-looking tufts grow in wet locations near sandy beaches. Some varieties even grow flowers and have earned other names such as “Live Wire” or “Fairy Lights.” These plants require a surprising amount of water. While you probably won’t overwater them, they’re not ideal for forgetful individuals, either.
Philodendron
For basically, as long as houseplants have been popular, people have been growing philodendrons in their homes. These adorable little plants thrive indoors and can acclimate to basically any environment. While they’re not necessarily resistant to overwatering, they’re not sensitive either. But an interesting thing to note is that the leaves will warn you when the plant is receiving too much water. If your leaves droop, cut back on your watering a bit. Before long, the plant will teach you exactly what it likes.
Begonia
Normally, flowering plants are delicate, sensitive, and hard to care for. Begonias are the exception. Not only do they grow in tropical and subtropical climates, but they also come in many shapes, sizes, and colors. They adore lots of water, but they do require a pot with adequate drainage. Beyond that, simply pop them in an area with lots of light and watch your gorgeous plant grow and grow.