Looking for houseplants that won't demand daily watering? Not everyone has time for high-maintenance greenery. Plants that need watering just once a week fit perfectly into busy schedules while still bringing natural beauty into your home.
These low-maintenance options thrive with minimal attention, making them ideal for beginners, frequent travelers, or anyone who appreciates a more hands-off approach to plant parenthood. From elegant succulents to dramatic statement plants, there's a weekly-watered variety for every space and style.
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
Snake plants stand among the most forgiving houseplants you'll ever find. Their striking sword-shaped leaves grow upright, adding architectural interest to any room. The distinctive yellow leaf margins on many varieties add an extra decorative touch.
These tough plants store water efficiently in their thick, fleshy leaves, allowing them to thrive with just weekly watering. They actually prefer their soil to dry out completely between waterings, making them perfect for forgetful plant parents. Snake plants also purify indoor air by removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene.
2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ plant features glossy, dark green leaves that instantly elevate any interior space. Its sophisticated appearance belies its incredibly low-maintenance nature. The plant's underground rhizomes store water, enabling it to withstand extended periods without moisture.
Weekly watering works perfectly for ZZ plants, which actually suffer more from overwatering than underwatering. These plants grow slowly and steadily, requiring minimal intervention to maintain their elegant appearance. They tolerate low light conditions remarkably well, making them versatile for various home environments.
3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos plants offer cascading vines with heart-shaped leaves that effortlessly create a lush, tropical feel. Available in varieties like golden pothos, marble queen, and neon pothos, these plants add vibrant color to shelves, mantels, or hanging baskets.
Their water needs align perfectly with a weekly schedule, as they prefer soil that dries out between waterings. Pothos plants communicate clearly when thirsty - their leaves will slightly droop but quickly perk up after a drink. Their forgiving nature makes them ideal for beginners still learning proper watering techniques.
4. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
Rubber plants command attention with their large, glossy leaves in deep green, burgundy, or variegated patterns. These statement plants grow tall with proper care, potentially reaching ceiling height over time. Their thick, leathery leaves retain moisture effectively.
The weekly watering schedule suits rubber plants perfectly, especially during fall and winter when their growth naturally slows. During active growing seasons, they might occasionally signal for an extra drink by slightly drooping their leaves. Their dramatic appearance belies their relatively simple care requirements.
5. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants feature arching, striped foliage that creates a dramatic cascading effect. They earn their name from the small plantlets they produce on long stems, resembling spiders dangling from webs. These "babies" can be propagated to create new plants.
Watering once weekly keeps spider plants thriving without risking root rot. They store water in their slightly tuberous roots, helping them withstand occasional drought. Spider plants adapt well to various light conditions, though they produce more offspring in brighter spots.
6. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Jade plants bring a touch of sculptural beauty with their thick, woody stems and plump, oval leaves. Often considered symbols of good fortune, these miniature tree-like succulents develop a distinctive bonsai quality over time. Their fleshy green leaves sometimes develop attractive red edges in bright light.
These succulents have evolved to survive drought conditions, making weekly watering ideal. Their water storage capabilities allow them to thrive with minimal attention. Jade plants live for decades when properly cared for, becoming family heirlooms passed between generations.
7. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace lilies balance elegant white blooms with glossy green foliage. Their distinctive hooded flowers rise gracefully above the leaves, creating a sophisticated botanical display. Unlike many flowering houseplants, they bloom reliably even in lower light conditions.
While peace lilies appreciate consistent moisture, they can easily adapt to weekly watering. They communicate their thirst dramatically by drooping their leaves, but quickly recover once watered. This clear communication makes them perfect for those still learning plant care basics.
8. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chinese evergreens offer spectacular foliage with patterns ranging from silver speckles to pink and red variegation. These colorful plants bring visual interest to spaces with minimal light. Their compact growth habit fits perfectly on desks, shelves, or side tables.
Their tropical origins might suggest high water needs, but Chinese evergreens have adapted well to indoor conditions. Weekly watering provides the perfect balance they need. Their thick stems store some moisture, helping them withstand occasional neglect without suffering damage.
9. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera combines striking rosette form with practical benefits. The thick, serrated leaves contain the famous cooling gel used for minor burns and skin irritations. This dual-purpose plant serves as both decoration and a living first-aid kit.
As a succulent, aloe vera thrives with weekly watering that allows the soil to dry completely between drinks. Overwatering poses the greatest threat to these plants, making them perfect for those who tend to forget rather than fuss over their greenery. Bright indirect light maximizes their health and gel production.
10. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
Cast iron plants earn their name through remarkable resilience. Their broad, leathery leaves grow in an elegant arching pattern from the soil, creating a fountain-like display. The deep green foliage maintains its color regardless of light conditions.
These plants adapt perfectly to weekly watering schedules, having evolved to survive with minimal care. Originally from forest floors in Japan and Taiwan, they naturally endure inconsistent moisture conditions. Their slow growth means they rarely outgrow their containers, requiring minimal maintenance over years.
11. Dracaena
Dracaena plants offer dramatic, often variegated foliage atop woody stems. Popular varieties include Madagascar dragon tree (D. marginata) with narrow, arching leaves and corn plant (D. fragrans) with broader, tropical foliage. Many develop attractive trunk formations as they mature.
Their moderate water needs align well with weekly watering routines. Dracaenas store some moisture in their thick stems, helping them withstand occasional dry periods. Brown leaf tips often signal either underwatering or sensitivity to fluoride in tap water, easily remedied by using filtered water.
12. Philodendron
Philodendrons captivate with their heart-shaped or dramatically lobed leaves. Available in climbing or upright varieties, they adapt to various display options. Some varieties, like Pink Princess or Birkin, feature stunning variegation patterns that make them highly sought after.
These tropical plants have adapted remarkably well to indoor conditions, including weekly watering schedules. Their slightly succulent stems store enough moisture to withstand the occasional missed watering. Philodendrons communicate their needs clearly, drooping when thirsty but quickly recovering once watered.
13. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
Ponytail palms feature a distinctive bulbous base topped with cascading, ribbon-like leaves. Despite their name, they're not actually palms but members of the Asparagaceae family. Their whimsical appearance adds character to any room.
The swollen trunk base stores water efficiently, making weekly watering perfect for these drought-tolerant plants. They've evolved to withstand long dry periods in their native Mexican habitats. Ponytail palms grow slowly but can live for decades, becoming increasingly sculptural with age.
14. Yucca
Yucca plants bring bold, architectural presence with their stiff, sword-shaped leaves radiating from thick, woody trunks. Their dramatic silhouette adds a modern, slightly desert-inspired aesthetic to interiors. Some varieties produce spectacular white flower spikes when mature.
These plants evolved in arid environments, developing excellent drought tolerance that makes weekly watering ideal. Their thick trunks and leathery leaves store moisture effectively. Yuccas actually suffer more from overwatering than underwatering, preferring to dry out completely between drinks.
15. Air Plants (Tillandsia)
Air plants grow without soil, absorbing moisture and nutrients directly through specialized scales on their leaves. Their otherworldly forms range from silvery tendrils to rosette shapes. These botanical curiosities can be displayed in glass globes, on decorative rocks, or even mounted on wood.
While most houseplants are watered at the roots, air plants receive moisture through weekly misting or brief soaking sessions. This unique watering method perfectly suits busy schedules. After their weekly bath, simply shake off excess moisture and return them to their display spots.
16. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
Parlor palms bring delicate, feathery fronds that create a tropical vibe without overwhelming smaller spaces. Their slender stems support graceful foliage that moves gently with air currents. Despite their refined appearance, they're surprisingly resilient.
These understory tropical plants naturally grow in areas with inconsistent rainfall, making them well-adapted to weekly watering routines. They prefer soil that dries slightly between waterings rather than constant moisture. Parlor palms can thrive for years in the same pot, requiring minimal intervention.
17. Haworthia
Haworthia succulents feature rosettes of thick leaves, often with translucent "windows" or striking white markings. Their compact size makes them perfect for desks, windowsills, or small decorative containers. Their architectural form adds modern sophistication to any space.
These succulents store water efficiently in their fleshy leaves, making once-weekly watering ideal. Native to South Africa, they've evolved to withstand extended dry periods. Haworthias prefer bright indirect light rather than harsh direct sun, making them more versatile for indoor placement than many other succulents.
18. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera)
Christmas cacti display arching stems composed of flat, segmented pads that produce spectacular blooms in winter. Available in colors ranging from magenta to white, their flowers bring welcome color during darker months. Despite the name "cactus," they're actually tropical plants.
Unlike desert cacti, Christmas cacti come from Brazilian rainforests where they grow as epiphytes. They prefer slightly more frequent watering than desert varieties but still thrive with weekly attention. Their pendulous growth habit makes them perfect for hanging baskets or elevated displays.
19. Peperomia
Peperomia plants offer incredible diversity in leaf shapes, textures, and colors. From the rippled leaves of P. caperata to the watermelon-striped P. argyreia, these compact plants pack major visual interest. Their small size makes them perfect for terrariums or desk gardens.
These tropical plants have semi-succulent qualities that allow them to store water in their thick leaves. Weekly watering provides the perfect balance they need. Peperomias actually prefer to dry out slightly between waterings, making them forgiving of occasional neglect.
20. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
Fiddle leaf figs make bold statements with their oversized, violin-shaped leaves. These Instagram favorites create dramatic focal points in any room. Their vertical growth habit draws the eye upward, creating the illusion of higher ceilings.
While they have a reputation for being finicky, established fiddle leaf figs adapt well to weekly watering schedules. They prefer consistent care rather than frequent changes to their routine. Rotating the plant quarterly ensures even growth as they naturally reach toward light sources.
Finding Your Perfect Low-Maintenance Match
These 20 plants prove that beautiful indoor greenery doesn't require daily attention. By selecting plants naturally adapted to weekly watering, you can enjoy all the benefits of houseplants without the constant maintenance. Their varied forms, textures, and growth habits offer options for every taste and space.
Consider your specific environment when selecting from this list. Factors like natural light levels, humidity, and temperature fluctuations influence which plants will thrive in your unique space. Start with one or two varieties that particularly appeal to you, then gradually expand your collection as your confidence grows.