Great outdoors is great indoors

Four low-maintenance plants that thrive on being kept indoors and are all easy to look after

1. ZZ PLANT (ZAMIOCULCAS ZAMIIFOLIA)

Variously known as the Zanzibar gem, zuzu plant, eternity plant and a whole host of other things, the ZZ plant is known for its smooth, shiny leaves and extremely easy care requirements.

Commonly grown in offices, this feisty foliage is as close as plants get to indestructible, and watering too often is a far more common problem than not watering enough.

A stalwart of the many houseplant collections on Instagram, the plant is highly tolerant of low light and most soil types, but is unfortunately also mildly toxic. Wash your hands after prolonged contact, and do not eat or cuddle.

2. BUSY LIZZIE (IMPATIENS WALLERIANA)

Though perhaps not the hardiest of houseplants, these floral favourites are fun for all the family because they’re beautifully bright and colourful.

You can take an eight to 12 centimetre cutting from a non-flowering stem at any time of year.

After pinching off any lower leaves, pop it into a new tray filled with potting soil and, with adequate sunlight and watering, you’ll soon have a second busy lizzie.

And a third, and a fourth should you wish – so they make very sustainable and beautiful gifts.

3. CACTUSES

You probably couldn’t fit one of those trident-shaped monsters from the Atacama Desert into your living room, but there is a whole host of alternatives, ranging from small, ball-shaped cactuses to mid-sized prickly pears, that make perfect housemates.

Contrary to their reputation, cactuses do still need a teensy bit of TLC – a light water here, the occasional repot there – but overall they’re low maintenance for owners low on time or energy.

4. ALOE VERA

A species that has long outgrown its status as simple houseplant, the gel extracted from aloe vera plants is widely used to soothe lesions, bites and burns, while the plant itself is known to purify the air of chemical pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene.

A succulent that enjoys relatively dry conditions, be sure not to overwater your aloe vera and place it in a sunny spot like a south-facing sill.