With summer gatherings and holiday trips in full swing, many people might find themselves neglecting their houseplants. Tom Cook, houseplant buyer at British Garden Centres, has recommended several low-maintenance houseplants for busy individuals or those new to plant care.

  1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria): This plant is easy to care for, tolerating low light and infrequent watering. It also has air-purifying properties, filtering out toxins like formaldehyde and benzene.

  2. Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera Deliciosa): Known for its large split leaves, this tropical plant is resilient, requiring bright, indirect light and minimal watering.

  3. Pothos Plant (Epipremnum Aureum): Also called Devil's Ivy, this fast-growing vine is perfect for hanging baskets and tolerates low light and infrequent watering.

  4. Cacti: Adapted to harsh environments, cacti need minimal watering and nutrients, making them ideal for forgetful caretakers.

  5. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas Zamiifolia): This plant stores water in underground tubers and thrives in various light conditions, making it very low-maintenance.

  6. Dragon Tree (Dracaena fragrans): Featuring slow growth and high resilience, this tree is forgiving of inconsistent watering.

  7. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): Known for its white flowers and air-purifying properties, the Peace Lily thrives in bright, indirect light and indicates when it needs water through drooping leaves.

Cook advises using a well-draining potting mix and watering when the top inch of soil feels dry to keep houseplants healthy.