Below, we’re diving into 22 houseplants that are notoriously easy to kill. These fragile beauties may be breathtakingly gorgeous or uniquely shaped, but they come with all sorts of demands.
If you still want to give them a go, keep reading for tips on how to nurse them through life’s ups and downs. By the end, you’ll either be thrilled by the challenge or know exactly what to avoid bringing home!
Alright, let’s get to it!
1. Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum)
Why It’s Easy to Kill: If ever there was a plant that could sense your stress levels, it might be the maidenhair fern. Known for its delicate, lacy fronds and preference for exact humidity levels, this fern can go from lush to crispy in a blink.
Maidenhair ferns hate dry air, direct sunlight, and even the slightest forgetfulness in watering. They need consistently moist soil and high humidity—two things that aren’t always easy to provide in a typical home environment.
Tips to Keep It Alive:
- Humidity Is King: Place the pot on a tray of pebbles filled with water or consider a humidifier.
- Indirect Light Only: Keep it away from direct sunlight, which will scorch its leaves.
- Keep the Soil Damp: Water regularly but don’t let the roots sit in standing water.
2. Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides)
Why It’s Easy to Kill: Gardenias are absolutely gorgeous, with their creamy, fragrant blooms.
They’re also incredibly finicky when grown as houseplants. They want just the right pH in the soil, the perfect balance of light, and high humidity.
If the temperature drops or rises too far from their comfort zone, they’ll drop buds as a form of protest.
Tips to Keep It Alive:
- Bright, Indirect Light: They need several hours of good light, but intense midday rays can burn them.
- Acidic Soil: Gardenias prefer acidic conditions, so consider a specialized potting mix or supplements like coffee grounds.
- Moist, But Not Soggy Soil: Check moisture often. The second the soil gets too dry or too wet, gardenias complain by shedding leaves or buds.
3. String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)
Why It’s Easy to Kill: Who can resist a succulent that looks like a cluster of tiny green beads? But string of pearls is known for sudden collapse if watered incorrectly. Water it too little, and the pearls shrivel like raisins. Overwater it, and the entire string can rot in days. It’s quite the balancing act.
Tips to Keep It Alive:
- Bright Light Is Best: A spot with bright, indirect sunlight helps it thrive.
- Be Stingy With Water: Let the topsoil dry between waterings. This plant stores water in its “pearls,” so it’s better to underwater than overwater.
- Use a Well-Draining Soil Mix: A gritty succulent mix is crucial to avoid root rot.
4. Calathea (Various Species)
Why It’s Easy to Kill: Calatheas are prized for their stunning leaf patterns. The problem? They’re incredibly fussy about humidity, temperature, and water quality. They can’t stand hard water—fluoride or minerals can cause leaf edges to crisp. They also sulk if the air is too dry, leading to curled or yellowing leaves.
Tips to Keep It Alive:
- Use Filtered or Distilled Water: Tap water with high mineral content can damage their leaves.
- Maintain Humidity: A bathroom setting with good light can be perfect, or use a humidifier.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: They love bright, filtered light instead of harsh rays.
5. Alocasia (Elephant Ear Plant)
Why It’s Easy to Kill: Alocasias have dramatic, arrow-shaped leaves that can make any room feel like a tropical oasis. Yet these beauties hate being too cold or too hot.
They also go dormant when conditions aren’t ideal, dropping leaves and looking downright pitiful. And if you accidentally overwater them? Get ready for root rot.
Tips to Keep It Alive:
- Consistent Warmth: Keep temperatures above 60°F (15°C) to prevent dormancy.
- Moderate Watering: Let the top inch of soil dry before watering again.
- Bright, Indirect Light: They need enough sunlight to maintain those large leaves but don’t do well in direct rays.
6. African Violet (Saintpaulia ionantha)
Why It’s Easy to Kill: African violets are beloved for their compact form and bright blossoms. However, they demand very specific conditions. They don’t like water on their fuzzy leaves, so overhead watering can cause leaf spots and rot. They also require consistent temperatures and just the right levels of light to flower.
Tips to Keep It Alive:
- Water from the Bottom: Let them soak water through the drainage holes, avoiding the leaves.
- Use Violet-Specific Soil: This helps with aeration and nutrient needs.
- Bright, Indirect Light: Too little light, and they won’t bloom. Too much, and they’ll scorch.
7. Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula)
Why It’s Easy to Kill: The Venus flytrap is super cool, but it’s also tricky to maintain indoors. It needs a winter dormancy period, bog-like soil, and rainwater or distilled water only. Give it tap water, and the minerals can damage its roots. Forget that dormancy cycle, and it becomes a sad, droopy mess.
Tips to Keep It Alive:
- Use Only Distilled or Rainwater: Any other water can harm the plant.
- Provide Full Sun: At least 4-5 hours of direct sunlight a day helps them produce enough energy.
- Winter Dormancy: Let them rest in cool temps (around 35-50°F or 1-10°C) for a few months without too much water.
8. Indoor Azalea (Rhododendron simsii)
Why It’s Easy to Kill: Gorgeous blooms make indoor azaleas tempting, but they’re used to cooler, humid greenhouse conditions. In a typical home environment, they often drop flowers, wilt, or become leggy because they aren’t getting the cooler temps at night they crave.
Tips to Keep It Alive:
- Cooler Nights: If possible, put them somewhere with slightly lower nighttime temperatures.
- Bright Light, But Not Harsh: Early morning or late afternoon sun is ideal.
- Keep Soil Moist: Their roots should never dry out completely.
9. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
Why It’s Easy to Kill: One day it looks like a statement piece in your living room; the next day, it’s dropping leaves left and right. Fiddle leaf figs hate sudden changes—moving them from one spot to another can stress them out. They also need the perfect watering schedule and just the right amount of light.
Tips to Keep It Alive:
- Steady Environment: Choose one spot with bright, indirect light and avoid moving it around.
- Check Soil Moisture Carefully: Water only when the top inch feels dry, and ensure good drainage.
- Dust the Leaves: Clean leaves promote better photosynthesis and fewer pest issues.
10. Zebra Plant (Aphelandra squarrosa)
Why It’s Easy to Kill: Zebra plants feature bold, variegated foliage and bright yellow bracts.
They are also infamous for wilting dramatically if they don’t get enough humidity. Let the soil dry out a tad too much, and you’ll be greeted with limp leaves.
Tips to Keep It Alive:
- High Humidity: Mist frequently or keep it in a humid area.
- Evenly Moist Soil: Water just enough to keep the soil from drying but avoid waterlogging the roots.
- Moderate Light: Bright, indirect sunlight helps maintain leaf markings.
11. Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)
Why It’s Easy to Kill: With speckled leaves of pink, red, or white, polka dot plants are adorable. However, they can be drama queens about moisture.
Miss a single watering, and they droop. Overcompensate, and they can develop root rot. They also get leggy without enough light.
Tips to Keep It Alive:
- Pinch Back Growth: This keeps them bushy and prevents the plant from getting too tall and sparse.
- Moderate Watering: Aim for evenly moist soil. Let the top half-inch of soil dry before watering again.
- Bright, Indirect Light: Too little light and they fade; too much direct sun and they burn.
12. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Why It’s Easy to Kill: Boston ferns can bring instant charm to any space with their frilly fronds, but they crave high humidity.
In many homes, especially during winter when the heater is on, the air gets drier, and Boston ferns suffer. They’ll drop fronds left and right if they feel parched.
Tips to Keep It Alive:
- Frequent Mistings or Humidifier: This helps replicate its natural tropical environment.
- Bright, Indirect Light: Too little light encourages browning, while too much direct sun can scorch.
- Regular Watering Schedule: Don’t let the soil dry out completely, but also ensure proper drainage.
13. Croton (Codiaeum variegatum)
Why It’s Easy to Kill: Few houseplants boast colors as fiery as crotons. Yet they’re notorious leaf-droppers.
They prefer consistent warmth, bright light, and stable humidity. Move them, change their watering schedule, or give them a chilly draft, and they’ll start tossing leaves in protest.
Tips to Keep It Alive:
- Steady Temperatures: Avoid drafts from windows or AC units.
- Bright Light: They need good light to maintain that vivid color.
- Maintain Moisture: Water when the top of the soil feels dry, and keep humidity in mind.
14. Orchid (Phalaenopsis and Others)
Why It’s Easy to Kill: Orchids are sold everywhere nowadays, promising exotic elegance. They might look simple in stores, but at home, they need just the right watering schedule (typically once a week or so, often with specialized orchid bark).
Overwatering is the top killer. Also, they want bright, indirect light and stable temperatures. Suddenly, they’re not so easy!
Tips to Keep It Alive:
- Pot in a Bark Mix, Not Regular Soil: Orchids need proper airflow around the roots.
- Let the Roots Breathe: Check that the pot has good drainage holes.
- Indirect Sunlight: Strong, direct rays can burn the delicate leaves.
15. Nerve Plant (Fittonia albivenis)
Why It’s Easy to Kill: Nerve plants are known for those striking leaf veins in pink, red, or white. But they’re humidity hogs.
Let the soil dry out even briefly, and you’ll find the entire plant collapsed in a dramatic faint. Overwater it, and guess what? Root rot might set in.
Tips to Keep It Alive:
- Keep Soil Consistently Moist (But Not Soggy): Water little and often, or bottom water to control moisture.
- High Humidity: Terrariums are a great environment for nerve plants.
- Bright, Indirect Light: Direct sun will scorch the leaves.
16. Rex Begonia (Begonia rex-cultorum)
Why It’s Easy to Kill: Begonias, particularly Rex varieties, have mesmerizing leaf colors and textures. Unfortunately, they are prone to fungal diseases if overwatered, and they hate dry air.
They also go through growth and dormancy cycles, making them look less appealing if you’re not prepared.
Tips to Keep It Alive:
- Water Sparingly: Let the top inch of soil dry before watering.
- Avoid Wetting the Leaves: Wet leaves can lead to mildew or rot.
- Moderate to High Humidity: Bathrooms or kitchens can offer the environment they crave.
17. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
Why It’s Easy to Kill: Prayer plants fold their leaves upward at night in a charming display. Yet they require warmth, consistent moisture, and high humidity.
If they’re too cold, too dry, or watered with tap water high in minerals, they can develop brown, crispy leaf edges.
Tips to Keep It Alive:
- Keep It Warm: Temperatures below 60°F (15°C) can be a stress factor.
- Filtered Water: Like calatheas, they’re sensitive to chemicals in tap water.
- Frequent Mistings: Boosts humidity around those delicate leaves.
18. Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum)
Why It’s Easy to Kill: These winter bloomers boast beautifully patterned leaves and colorful flowers. Indoors, cyclamen demand cooler temperatures than most houseplants—ideally around 50-65°F (10-18°C). Provide average household warmth, and they’ll quickly go dormant or just die off.
Tips to Keep It Alive:
- Embrace the Chill: If you keep your home warm, cyclamen might struggle. A cool windowsill can help.
- Water from the Bottom: Avoid splashing water on the tuber and leaves.
- Allow a Dormancy Period: When the plant starts yellowing, it might be entering dormancy. Let it rest until it’s ready to grow again.
19. Polka Dot Begonia (Begonia maculata)
Why It’s Easy to Kill: This is a begonia with spotted leaves that’s extremely trendy right now. While gorgeous, it’s also quite temperamental.
Too much or too little water can quickly damage it. Temperature swings and low humidity also cause leaf drop.
Tips to Keep It Alive:
- Consistent Watering Schedule: Water just as the topsoil begins to dry.
- Bright, Indirect Light: Enough light is necessary for those spots to remain vivid.
- High Humidity: Regular misting can keep those patterned leaves looking pristine.
20. Purple Passion Plant (Gynura aurantiaca)
Why It’s Easy to Kill: The purple passion plant stands out for its fuzzy, purple-tinted leaves. Sadly, it can be short-lived indoors and prone to stem rot if overwatered.
It also grows quickly, then can become leggy or develop pests if not properly cared for.
Tips to Keep It Alive:
- Pinch and Prune: Encourages bushier growth and prevents legginess.
- Moderate Watering: Keep soil slightly moist but don’t soak it.
- Moderate Light: Enough brightness to maintain color, but avoid harsh midday sun.
21. Indoor Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)
Why It’s Easy to Kill: Indoor hibiscus can produce stunning, tropical blooms. However, these plants are sun and humidity lovers. Keep them in a dim corner, and they’ll sulk. Let the air get too dry, and buds can drop. They also prefer consistent, slightly warm conditions.
Tips to Keep It Alive:
- Plenty of Light: A sunny windowsill with a bit of shade protection during peak hours is great.
- Regular Watering: They’re thirsty, especially in warm weather. But be careful of waterlogged soil—good drainage is key.
- Frequent Fertilizing: This helps produce those vibrant blooms, though you should follow a balanced regimen to prevent root burn.
22. Bonsai Trees (Various Species)
Why They’re Easy to Kill: Bonsai are miniature works of art, carefully trained for aesthetic appeal. They’re also extremely dependent on consistent, attentive care. Water them too much or too little—disaster. Neglect pruning? They become leggy. Wrong light? Leaves drop. They’re basically a lifestyle commitment, not just a potted plant.
Tips to Keep Them Alive:
- Research the Specific Bonsai Type: Different species (ficus, juniper, maple) have varying care needs.
- Meticulous Water Monitoring: The small pot means the soil can dry quickly. Keep a close eye on moisture levels.
- Proper Pruning and Training: Trimming roots and branches is part of bonsai upkeep.
Why Grow These Tricksters at All?
After all these horror stories, you might wonder: Why would anyone willingly bring home such fragile plants? The short answer: They’re often drop-dead gorgeous or fascinatingly unique. A healthy maidenhair fern can look like a green lace fountain.
A gardenia in full bloom smells heavenly. A flowering hibiscus in your kitchen can make you feel like you’re on a tropical vacation. Sometimes, the joy of successfully nurturing these plants is worth the effort.
There’s also a sense of pride in owning a plant most people can’t keep alive. It’s like leveling up your plant-care game. If you’re someone who loves a good challenge and the thrill of seeing that first bud or vibrant leaf flourish under your care, these houseplants can be incredibly rewarding.
Of course, if you’re brand new to houseplants and want something that thrives on neglect, these probably aren’t the best options. But you never know—sometimes diving in headfirst teaches you the most.
Common Pitfalls and How to Dodge Them
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1. Inconsistent Watering
Fluctuations between bone-dry soil and waterlogged roots can kill these delicate houseplants swiftly. Set a schedule or use a moisture meter to avoid wild swings.
2. Low Humidity
Many of these plants hail from humid, tropical locales. Average home humidity often isn’t enough. Misting, placing bowls of water nearby, or using humidifiers can help.
3. Using the Wrong Water
Surprisingly, some houseplants despise tap water that’s heavy in chlorine, fluoride, or other minerals. If your plant’s leaves start browning at the edges, consider switching to filtered or distilled water.
4. Too Much or Too Little Light
Not all houseplants can adapt to dim corners or intense, direct sun. Research each plant’s lighting requirements. Bright, indirect sunlight is a common sweet spot.
5. Ignoring the Plant’s Natural Cycles
Plants like cyclamen and alocasias have dormancy periods. If you’re not aware, you might overwater a dormant plant or assume it’s dying and toss it. Understanding their growth cycles can be the difference between life and death.
Pro Tips to Extend Their Lifespan
- Group Plants Together: This helps create a microclimate with higher humidity.
- Rotate Your Plants: If one side faces the sun, rotating helps them grow evenly and prevents leaning or scorching.
- Clean the Leaves: Dusty leaves can’t photosynthesize as effectively. A quick wipe with a soft, damp cloth does wonders.
- Watch for Pests: Delicate plants can be magnets for spider mites, mealybugs, or aphids. Catch infestations early.
- Fertilize Wisely: But don’t overdo it. Too much can burn the roots, and too little can leave them malnourished. Aim for a gentle, balanced fertilizer suited to each species.
When All Else Fails…
If you’ve tried every trick in the book and still have a crispy calathea or a shriveled string of pearls, don’t lose heart. Sometimes, conditions in a particular home just aren’t right for a specific plant.
There’s no shame in re-homing a delicate plant to a greenhouse friend or plant-obsessed relative who might have a better setup. Alternatively, shift gears and embrace sturdier plants like snake plants, pothos, or ZZ plants for a while—there are plenty of nearly indestructible options if you’re tired of heartbreak.
Remember: caring for houseplants should be enjoyable and fulfilling, not just a constant source of stress.
If you love the look of these fragile plants and are ready to invest time, patience, and occasional heartbreak, go for it! But it’s also perfectly fine to stick to plants that thrive with less intervention. Houseplants are meant to enhance your life, not rule it.
Final Thoughts
These 22 high-maintenance houseplants aren’t exactly the easiest roommates. Some are quick to protest at the slightest change, while others demand near-expert skill to survive. But if you’re up for the challenge, they can reward you with some of the most enchanting blooms, striking leaf patterns, and satisfying success stories in the plant world.
Key takeaways:
- Research before you buy: Make sure you can provide the light, water, humidity, and temperature your chosen diva demands.
- Adjust your home environment: Humidifiers, special soil mixes, or grow lights might be necessary.
- Observe and adapt: Each plant has its own language of curling leaves, dropped buds, or color changes. Paying attention early often means the difference between saving and losing a plant.
- Don’t be discouraged by failure: Even seasoned plant lovers lose a delicate houseplant now and then. Consider it a learning experience and move on.
At the end of the day, it’s your home and your comfort level. There’s no single right way to build your indoor jungle. If you want to fill it with the drama queens of the plant world—go for it! Just be prepared for extra pampering and a lot of trial and error. If you’d rather not worry about daily misting schedules or specialized watering routines, focus on more robust plants that won’t wilt at the drop of a hat.
Whichever route you choose, there’s a perfect plant companion for you out there—even if it sometimes feels like the perfect one is the very plant that refuses to thrive. That’s the joy and occasional sorrow of plant parenthood. Keep learning, keep experimenting, and remember: the journey is as rewarding as the final look.
Happy (and hopefully less stressful) planting!