The PILF-opedia

Hard-to-kill: the ones that survive with a smile

Ranked by Ease, how easy it is to care for: built from light, water, air, pests, and upkeep. Every one here scores 3.8 or higher out of 5.

  1. 1

    ZZ Plant

    Ease 5.0 of 5. A deep drink about monthly; it shrugs off a missed one.
  2. 2

    Snake Plant

    Ease 4.9 of 5. The soil dries between drinks; every 1-2 months in winter.
  3. 3

    Raven ZZ Plant

    Ease 4.8 of 5. Twice a month in summer, monthly in winter; skips are fine.
  4. 4

    Cast Iron Plant

    Ease 4.7 of 5. Lives up to its name: a forgotten week barely dents it.
  5. 5

    Cylindrical Snake Plant

    Ease 4.7 of 5. About every 2 weeks in summer, monthly in winter.
  6. 6

    Golden Pothos

    Ease 4.1 of 5. Thirsty every 7-10 days, but forgives if you forget.
  7. 7

    Peperomia

    Ease 4.0 of 5. Every 10-14 days in summer; wet soil is its downfall.
  8. 8

    Aloe Vera

    Ease 3.9 of 5. Shrugs off drought; soggy soil is what does it in.
  9. 9

    Heartleaf Philodendron

    Ease 3.9 of 5. Keep it slightly moist, every 7-10 days; less in winter.
  10. 10

    Sweetheart Hoya

    Ease 3.9 of 5. Fleshy hearts hold water; let it dry somewhat between.
  11. 11

    Zebra Haworthia

    Ease 3.9 of 5. About a drink a month, sooner in summer; it hardly minds.
  12. 12

    Fairy Castle Cactus

    Ease 3.8 of 5. Pleated ribs bank water; long droughts don’t bother it.
  13. 13

    Philodendron Brasil

    Ease 3.8 of 5. Slightly damp soil; every 7-10 days, less in winter.
  14. 14

    Ripple Peperomia

    Ease 3.8 of 5. Dry between drinks, not bone-dry; no wet soil or drafts.
Other lists
Soilmates →Best fronds →Ferns with benefits →Trophy plants →Pet-safe →Low lights →Pocket plants →See all 100 in the PILF-⁠opedia →