7 Plants That Don't Require Pruning
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Many shrubs and plants require regular pruning to keep them looking their best. Pruning removes dead or diseased branches, can improve flower or fruit production, and can improve the overall aesthetics of the plant. However, pruning can be a time-consuming process. And, if you don't know what you're doing, you could actually end up damaging the plant, stunting its growth, or interfering with the flowering process. Whether you're looking for a plant that is easy to care for or just want to avoid doing more harm than good, selecting something that doesn't require pruning can be a good choice. Read on to learn about some of the best plants to add to your outdoor landscaping that will not require much or any pruning.
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1. Creeping JuniperWhen you're looking for a low-maintenance plant, creeping juniper is an excellent option to consider. It is a low-growing ground cover that is very adaptable, thriving in zones 3 through 9. Pruning is not needed, but you can cut it back some if it grows too large for the space you're trying to cover. In addition to the lack of necessary pruning, creeping juniper doesn't require much attention in other areas, either. It can grow in several types of soil—including poor soil—without the need for any fertilizer. It is drought-tolerant and does well in a wide temperature range.
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2. Gold Mop CypressAs you may guess from its name, the gold mop cypress has golden yellow leaves. The brightness of the leaves can change based on the amount of sunlight the plant receives, with the leaves being more vibrant when the plant is grown in full sun. The shrub grows slowly, eventually becoming about 3 feet wide and 4 feet tall, requiring no pruning as it grows into its final form, which resembles an upside-down mop head. If you can't help yourself, pruning won't hurt the shrub and may be employed if you want to give your landscaping a more polished appearance.
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3. Spotted LaurelSpotted laurel is a type of shrub that grows in zones 7 to 10. The evergreen shrub does best in shaded or partly shaded areas and grows very slowly, making pruning a rare event. In fact, you don't have to prune spotted laurel at all if you've planted it as a standalone plant. If, however, you're using spotted laurels as a hedge, you will likely want to do some light pruning to provide a more streamlined appearance. Just take note: if you are going to prune a spotted laurel plant, you should do so in the spring after it has finished blooming. Pruning this plant in the fall could reduce the number of pretty red berries that typically cover the plant in winter.
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4. Blue Chip Butterfly BushWhile you can prune a Blue Chip butterfly bush, doing so is not required. The plant grows spikes of purple-blue flowers that emerge in midsummer and last into October. Unlike other butterfly bushes, the Blue Chip is not an invasive species. Butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds will all be drawn to your garden if you plant it. These bushes are relatively compact, making pruning even less of a necessity. However, if you notice that your bush isn't yielding as many flowers as you would like, a quick pruning may help the situation. The best time of the year to complete this task is in the spring, just after the first leaf buds have emerged. Use your pruning shears to trim the branches that are above the new buds.
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5. Snake PlantSnake plants are known for a few things, one of which is their distinct appearance. The plant features long, skinny leaves that grow straight up. The leaves are green, but can have some cream, white, or yellow edging or variegation. Another thing that snake plants are known for is being easy to care for. They grow well in indirect sunlight, don't require too much attention when it comes to watering, and do not require regular pruning. While pruning isn't always necessary for a snake plant, it is still a good idea to check over the plant periodically and trim away any damaged or dead leaves to keep it healthy and attractive.
6. Bog RosemaryAs bog rosemary grows, it becomes denser and fills in the ground it covers. It features thin and pointy bluish-green leaves, which are accompanied by small pink flowers in the spring. Bog rosemary plants do not need to be pruned. However, they do have high water needs as they are native to wetlands. For this reason, if you're looking for a low-maintenance plant, bog rosemary would only be a good choice if you have soil that remains moist most of the time. Bog rosemary plants are poisonous to people and animals, so keep this in mind when deciding if one will be the right fit for your yard.
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7. Yuki Cherry Blossom DeutziaYuki cherry blossom deutzia plants grow well in partial shade and full sun in zones 5 through 8. The shrubs — which are deer resistant — bloom with pretty pink flowers in the spring. In the fall, the leaves change to burgundy, allowing the plant to continue to add color to your landscaping. Pruning is not necessary with Yuki cherry blossom deutzia plants; they are compact and only grow to 2 feet tall. You may want to prune them from time to time to reshape or remove dead branches, but just make sure to wait until after the plant has finished blooming.
Looking For A Low Maintenance Houseplant To Liven Up Your Space? Here Are A Few Options
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Even A Plant Serial Killer Can Keep This Low-Maintenance Plant Alive
30 Low-Light Indoor Plants Even You Can Keep AliveDuKai photographer - Getty Images
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Anyone who has killed a popular houseplant can admit that keeping greenery alive is not easy. We fellow plant killers tend to agree, which is why we opt for low-light indoor plants. Low light doesn't always translate to low maintenance because, let's face it, there are a lot of other factors that go into plant survival, but sunlight is a biggie. So if you want to stock your space with houseplants but don't know where to start, let us help.
The best low-light plants can thrive on little to no direct sunlight and can even survive in the dark long term (like throughout the entire winter). Snake plants and ZZ plants are known for being two of the best houseplants for low light. If you want to make even more of statement, parlor palms and Madagascar dragon trees are great for large plant lovers whose spaces aren't exactly greenhouses when it comes to letting in the sun. Combining low light and low maintenance is the best course of action for new plant parents or those who are greenery adverse. We recommend starting with an especially easy one, like a spider plant or pothos, to get the hang of it and expanding your collection from there.
Still unsure which low-light houseplant is right for you and your home? Below, we're highlighting 30 of the best low-light indoor plants along with their care needs, pros, and cons, to assist in your decision making. Happy potting!
Large Snake Black CoralWater: Every two to three weeks, allowing soil to dry out between waterings
Associate Editor Jessica Cherner got herself The Sill's snake plant back in July 2020, and it is still thriving—even in its original upcycled planter. "I got a plant because I wanted to add a little bit of color and life to my apartment, but I didn't want to spend more than a few minutes here and there taking care of it," she says. "I literally water it every six to eight weeks, and that's more than enough." If you have pets, you may want to keep them away from your snake plant because, although they're not fatally poisonous, your cats and dogs will likely get sick if they ingest a few bites.
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Large Snake Black Coral
thesill.Com
$268.00
The Sill Rabbit Foot FernWater: Once a week
With fronds that resemble the shape of a rabbit's foot (a well-known good luck charm), the Rabbit Foot Fern thrives in indirect light with plenty of humidity. If you have a window in your bathroom, that's the ideal spot for this fast-growing plant. But be sure to keep it off the windowsill as direct sun will scald the leaves.
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Rabbit Foot Fern
heyrooted.Com
$22.00
Rooted 30" Live Prayer Plant Plant in PotWater: Every two weeks
Available in a variety of sizes, the Prayer Plant is named for its leaves that open and close as the sun rises and sets. While the changing leaves may seem finicky, this resilient plant is surprisingly easy to care for. Plus, it acts as a natural air purifier! Water when the top quarter of the soil is dry.
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30" Live Prayer Plant Plant in Pot
wayfair.Com
$39.99
Wayfair Parlor PalmWater: Every one to two weeks
This plant, also known as the Victorian parlor palm, is famously resilient. Plus, who wouldn't love those pretty feathery leaves that liven up any bland corner of your home? It does well in medium light but can survive in lower light areas as well. Though this palm does well in humidity and extra moisture, you can water it sparingly. At least every two weeks is more than enough. It's also non-toxic for your cats and dogs.
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Parlor Palm
heyrooted.Com
$32.00
Rooted Aglaonema Chinese EvergreenWater: Once every seven to 10 days
Since this is one of the most durable indoor plants on offer (it does quite well in low light) and only needs to be fertilized once or twice a year, it's ideal for beginner gardeners. In fact, these plants don't even need natural light to grow. They'll survive just as well in artificial light. They also do best in dry air, so this is one plant you may not want to display in your bathroom. Sadly, the aglaonema Chinese evergreen is toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, so keep it away from your beloved pets.
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Aglaonema Chinese Evergreen
amazon.Com
$16.99
Amazon Lucky BambooWater: Once a week, enough to cover roots
Said to bring good luck and fortune, the lucky bamboo craves some light but can fully thrive in shady areas. Its best feature, however, is its ability to remove benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde from the air while also acting as a natural humidifier. It is toxic to cats and dogs, so keep them safe by keeping your lucky bamboo out of reach.
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Lucky Bamboo
walmart.Com
$9.99
Walmart Benjamina Ficus TreeWater: Regularly, two to three times a week
This quick-growing tree can add life to any room in the house. Just make sure you're giving it enough water. Place it in a deep planter filled with well-draining soil and give it a big drink of water when the top several inches of soil are dry. It does well in indirect light, so instead of placing it by a window, opt for a corner that gets plenty of diffused light. The ficus tree is toxic to cats and dogs.
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Benjamina Ficus Tree
amazon.Com
99.99
Getty Images Bromeliad PlantWater: When soil is dry, about once a week
Didn't expect to find a tropical plant on this list? This houseplant can actually survive on fluorescent light alone and thrives in humid conditions like bathrooms. That's not why we love them, though. They can grow on the ground, on rocks, or on other plants and trees. How cool is that? They're also non-toxic to cats and dogs, making them one of our favorite plants on the market.
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Bromeliad Plant
amazon.Com
$23.74
Daniela Duncan Devil's Ivy Golden PothosWater: One cup of water per week
The devil's ivy golden pothos plant (also known as pothos, which is Greek for "longing") gets its name from this plant's unique ability to grow vines in even the worst conditions. Because of its superpower, we'd suggest keeping this plant on its own inside rather than amongst other plants outdoors, where the pothos can basically strangle the rest of your greenery. Keep it in bright, indirect sunlight and away from your cats and dogs because it can be fatal if ingested.
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Devil's Ivy Golden Pothos
amazon.Com
$22.82
Jatuphot Phuatawee Nerve PlantWater: Once a week
Nerve plants, or fittonia, prefer brighter light, but they can handle low light just as well. The only downside to minimal light is lackluster leaves, which isn't indicative of any issues; it's just a side effect of low-light conditions. Nerve plants are a bit on the temperamental side because they require a lot of humidity to thrive. They're also non-toxic to cats and dogs, so feel free to leave your nerve plant on the floor.
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Nerve Plant
amazon.Com
$19.99
Getty Images Madagascar Dragon TreeWater: Once a week
Spiky leaves that grow upward and have prominent red outlines make these plants pretty striking, but too much direct sunlight can damage them. Keep your leaves safe with plenty of bright but indirect sunlight by placing it far from the window that gets the most sun. Though Madagascar dragon trees aren't known to cause any issues in dogs, they can induce drooling, vomiting, weakness, incoordination, and dilated pupils in cats.
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Madagascar Dragon Tree
amazon.Com
$12.99
Studio Light and Shade 6" Live Spider House PlantWater: Once a week
This plant's adaptability makes it super easy to grow and, therefore, one of the most popular. As far as care goes, it's pretty easy. Just place your spider plant in bright to moderate light in a room that's a comfortable temperature for everyone, including you. Any temperature that feels too hot or cold could lead to an early death for your spider plant. One more thing: Be sure to keep the soil slightly moist at all times. (You may want to invest in a spray bottle.) Lastly, these plants are not toxic to cats and dogs, so nothing will happen to your pets if they chomp on some leaves every now and then.
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6" Live Spider House Plant
williams-sonoma.Com
$44.95
Williams Sonoma Wax PlantWater: Once a week
Hoyas, or wax plants, are not picky houseplants. They'll thrive in bright light but will do just fine in lower light conditions. They're also super low maintenance and can bounce back if you forget to water them for a little while. One word of advice: Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings because soil that's too wet will cause the leaves to drop. If they do fall and your pets eat them, they'll live to tell the tale because wax plants aren't toxic to cats or dogs.
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Wax Plant
wayfair.Com
$39.99
Wayfair Monstera PlantWater: Moderate watering; every one to two weeks
You might not think the tropical monstera plant can handle anything less than bright, direct sunlight, but these beauties can actually tolerate even the lowest light conditions. They just won't grow as fast or as dramatically as they would in a brighter space. They're also equally as toxic to humans as they are to cats and dogs, so this isn't a green you'd want to mix into your salads.
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Monstera Plant
amazon.Com
$27.39
The Bouqs Co. Sago PalmWater: One cup of water every two weeks
If you've ever dreamed of having a palm tree as part of your indoor jungle, now is your chance. It might not be quite as tall as the ones in you've seen on the beach, but it's just as beautiful. Like most tropical plants, they grow best in bright, direct light, but can certainly survive in darker nooks of the home. It's a bit pickier about water, though. Only give your sago palm a drink when the top inch of soil dries out. The easiest way to kill your plant is to overwater it. Unfortunately, every bit of this plant is toxic to cats and dogs, including the leaves and trunk.
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Sago Palm
walmart.Com
$22.99
Walmart Staghorn FernWater: Once a week, less during colder months
The staghorn fern thrives in high-humidity environments with indirect light. They're not quite as low-maintenance as some of their tropical counterparts on this list, but they're still worth the investment. To keep yours healthy and fresh, be sure to offer good air circulation, warm temperatures, lots of humidity, and consistent moisture. Not only are they pretty, but they can also purify the air, so they're ideal for bedrooms and bathrooms. Feel free to put them anywhere, though, because they're not toxic to cats and dogs.
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Staghorn Fern
amazon.Com
$28.99
The Sill Heartleaf PhilodendronWater: Every one to two weeks
The sweetheart plant (a nickname it's earned because of the shape of its glossy leaves) can handle dim rooms but requires pinching to prevent it from growing in long, single stems. To keep yours healthy, prune it regularly, moisten the soil everyday, and repot every few years. Don't be fooled by the name, though. These plants are highly toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
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Heartleaf Philodendron
thesill.Com
$78.00
The Sill Dieffenbachia PlantWater: Once every two weeks
Filtered light is ideal for dieffenbachias, so try using a curtain as a barrier between your lush leaves and the sun's sometimes harsh rays—especially during the spring and summer. Avoid watering it until the top two inches of soil are completely try, then pour enough water into the pot to soak the soil. You'll need to do this about every two weeks. Just like the last few plants on our list, this one is also toxic to cats and dogs, so keep it somewhere your pets won't get into it.
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Dieffenbachia Plant
wayfair.Com
$22.00
Wayfair Calathea PeacockWater: Every two to three days
With pink and red flecks, the colorful calathea adds an extra punch to your indoor plant lineup. It likes bright light so much that it could spend up to eight hours in the sun daily. That said, they're perfectly happy in the shade. Not to mention, the plant is non-toxic and pet-safe.
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Calathea Peacock
perigold.Com
$38.00
Perigold Variegated ScheffleraWater: Once every 10 days
Variegated Arboricola plants, which are native to Taiwan and South China, are a great low-light choice because they grow slowly, so you don't have to worry about them overpowering a small space. The only problem? They're not pet-friendly, so if you have cats and dogs, this may not be the best plant for you because you can't really put it anywhere other than the ground.
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Variegated Schefflera
bloomscape.Com
$99.00
Bloomscape Peperomia Green GoldWater: Every one to two weeks
This cute little plant, with its thick, spoon-shaped leaves, is both pet-friendly and low-light tolerant. In fact, too much intense sunlight can hurt the waxy leaves.
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Peperomia Green Gold
thesill.Com
$68.00
The Sill Bird's Nest FernWater: Every one to two weeks; more if in brighter light
Rippled edges give the bird's nest fern a unique, fun look. The bird's nest fern is also a pet-friendly plant that thrives in medium, indirect light but can also usually tolerate low indirect light. As is the case with similar plants, it won't grow nearly as fast, but it won't be any less healthy in low-light environments—especially if it's getting the right amount of water. Lastly, it's not toxic to humans or pets.
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Bird's Nest Fern
wayfair.Com
$31.06
Wayfair Ponytail PalmWater: Once every two weeks
This whimsical plant, which is also called the Dr. Seuss tree, can grow to fit perfectly on a tabletop or into a full-on tree. Plus, it's adaptable enough to survive in just about any light level. These palms grow best in fairly dry soil. They're also non-toxic to your cats and dogs, making them an easy choice for anyone looking to add a touch of greenery to their space.
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Ponytail Palm
bloomscape.Com
$79.00
Bloomscape Money TreeWater: Six to eight ounces every three weeks
If you want a larger indoor plant that can handle medium, indirect light, opt for the money tree, which is non-toxic to cats and dogs. Its cool braided trunk is an instant eye-catcher. Plus, it's pretty easy to care for. Just be sure to plant it in a well-draining potting mix and place it a few feet away from a window that gets a lot of light.
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Money Tree
bloomscape.Com
$169.00
Bloomscape Red AnthuriumWater: Every two to three days
If you're looking for a dash of color in your home, this red Anthurium from The Sill is the perfect choice! The flamingo flower, as it's sometimes called, can last up to eight weeks.
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Red Anthurium
thesill.Com
$78.00
The Sill Philodendron BrasilWater: Once a week
This Philodendron Brasil can grow between three and six inches tall from the soil line to the top of the foliage, so if you're looking to infuse an empty wall or windowsill with a pop of bright color, this will get the job done. It thrives in bright, indirect light, but can certainly handle medium to low indirect light. Just keep it out of reach from your pets because the philodendron Brasil is quite toxic to cats and dogs.
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Philodendron Brasil
thesill.Com
$78.00
The Sill ZZ PlantWater: Every two to three weeks
Unlike most plants, The Sill's ZZ plant requires water every few weeks, making it an ideal get for new plant parents. They do best in medium to bright indirect light, but can tolerate low indirect light perfectly well. If you're keeping it in bright light, however, just be sure to water it when you notice the soil has completely dried out. Most importantly, keep these highly poisonous plants away from your cats and dogs.
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ZZ Plant
thesill.Com
$68.00
The Sill What is the best indoor plant for low light?From the snake plant to the staghorn fern, there are plenty of plants that do best in low-light. We'd start with easy plants like lucky bamboo or pothos and go from there.
House Beautiful
Which indoor plant does not need light?The ZZ Plant, which many call the eternity plant, is actually happier away from sunlight. In fact, bright light will end up burning the leaves and keep the plant from growing. Don't worry; this doesn't mean you have to shower it with water as the plant is drought resistant and, according to The Sill, it actually doesn't need much watering as it absorbs water in its leaves allowing it to stay hydrated for longer.
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Why trust us?House Beautiful has always prioritized its gardening coverage. The team compiled this list with extensive research of reviews and expert tips to deliver all the low-light indoor plants you should have in your home.
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