15 Cool Plants That Do Not Require a Lot of Water

Whether you live in a region prone to drought or simply want to reduce your water bill, you will appreciate the low maintenance requirements of these lovely plants. Spend more time appreciating your garden and less time caring for it by selecting plants that require little water, even during the hottest months of the year.

In arid regions, such as the southwestern United States, it may appear difficult to choose landscape plants. There are, however, a number of shrubs, trees, vines, and flowers that will continue to thrive and look beautiful even if your region experiences a dry spell. These plants will reduce the amount of time and money spent watering your garden. And some of them even prefer to grow in poor soil, which typically eliminates the need for fertilizer.

Bougainvillea

Bougainvillea

This plant is at its most attractive when it does not receive a lot of water or fertilizer. It grows well in the ground or in containers and is an excellent option if you live near the water. It smiles only at the salty air.

Oleander

This sun-loving plant can be seen all over the highways in Florida and the deep south because it is so resilient. It blooms throughout the year and comes in a variety of hues. However, I had to remove this plant from my yard because it had grown so large. Plant this where it will have ample room to grow and forget about it. A disadvantage of this plant is that it is toxic to humans and animals if ingested. Wear gloves when trimming the plant to avoid getting the milky white sap on your skin. It can be annoying.

String of Pearls

String of Pearls

If you tend to forget about your green friends for longer than you’d like, these bead-like plants should be an immediate yes. Originating in South Africa, they are not only tolerant of arid conditions but also require very little water. In addition, if you are fortunate enough to find it in bloom, you will notice that its white flowers smell exactly like cinnamon.

Begonia

Begonia

Begonias are renowned for their large, exquisite leaves, which create a striking contrast in any room. However, they are sensitive to overwatering, so wait until the leaves droop before watering once more.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera

Aloe may be my favorite plant due to its continued affection despite my forgetfulness. Aloe is ideal if you cannot recall the last time you watered your plants.

While it would be a stretch to call anything indestructible, an aloe plant is more likely to perish from too much attention than from too little.

ZZ plant

ZZ Plant

ZZ plants are the optimal beginning plants. If you forget to water even yourself, then the ZZ is most likely ideal for you. I’ve never been concerned that something was wrong with it.

It is simply here, unwinding in the corner. Sometimes I water it and sometimes I don’t; we coexist in perfect harmony. The ZZ receives bonus points for its beauty. If you desire something even rarer, seek out a raven ZZ — a magnificent black variant.

Spider plant

Spider Plant

Extremely resilient, spider plants are one of the best starter plants. They remind me of an indoor version of the plant commonly referred to as monkey grass. The optimal environment for spider plants is a hanging basket in front of a window, but they will thrive in most conditions.

Pothos

Pothos

This is one of the most forgiving houseplants due to its resistance to death, for which it is also known as devil’s ivy. Pothos plants can be neglecter for weeks upon weeks, all you needed to do was water them occasionally

Pothos are available in a wide range of attractive hues and varieties, including neon (a bright, almost yellowish green), marble queen (green and white patterned), and golden pothos (which has a yellow and green pattern).

Geranium

Geranium

Pelargonium geraniums are exceptionally hardy plants. The majority of species begin to bloom in late spring. Some, especially newer varieties such as the hybrid ‘Rozanne,’ continue to bloom until the first fall frost. In general, geraniums are low-growing, mound-forming plants that can resemble a small shrub. Additionally, they are a plant that can thrive for decades. In addition, they are among the easiest plants to propagate through cuttings.

The majority of species are resistant to heat and drought. And once established, they can survive long periods without water, but it’s best to water them during the growing season if it hasn’t rained for two weeks. Also, remove spent flowers by deadheading or pinching to encourage continued blooming throughout the season.

Lavender

Lavender

Throughout the growing season, lavender plants produce breathtaking spikes of bluish-purple flowers. The appearance of lavender plants within the genus varies. Some have simple, oval, narrow leaves, while others have more intricate foliage. And some are small plants while others can grow to be several feet tall shrubs. Lavender’s flowers and silvery-green foliage are commonly harvested for their oils or dried for use in potpourris and sachets, in addition to its calming aroma.

Lavender, which grows naturally in the dry, sandy soil of the Mediterranean, has adapted to require little water. Keep the soil evenly moist during the first year of your plant’s growth. After that, however, you typically only need to water if the top few inches of soil are dry. Additionally, prune or pinch off spent blooms on a regular basis to encourage continued flowering throughout the growing season.

Pencil Cactus

Pencil Cactus

This species of Euphorbia, also known as sticks on fire or Indian tree spurge, is a striking 20- to 30-foot-tall drought-tolerant shrub or tree. It has slender stems with small, oval leaves that can be green, red, orange, or yellow in color. If the plant receives full sun, the hues will be more vibrant.

This plant is native to semiarid tropical climates, making it drought-resistant. It prefers dry conditions and well-drained soil. It is essential to avoid overwatering your plant, as this can result in bacterial and fungal disease. 5 A new plant should be watered once per week, while established plants should be watered only during extended dry spells. Additionally, the plant prefers low-organic-matter soil, so you will likely not need to fertilize.

Wild Lilac

Wild Lilac

Species of wild lilac are fragrant and colorful shrubs. They are evergreen and drought tolerant, and can be used as screens, hedges, ground covers, and more in the landscape. While the majority of wild lilac species are indigenous to California, others can be found in the eastern United States, the Rocky Mountains, the Pacific Northwest, and Mexico. Some are upright, others are dense and bushy, while others are low-growing and spreading.

A new plant should be watered weekly to promote healthy growth. After that, your shrub will typically only need water during extended dry spells. Also, unless you have extremely poor soil, you typically won’t need fertilizer. Each year, prune no more than a third of the shrub to maintain its shape. A typical shrub can live between 10 and 25 years.

Moss Rose

Moss Rose

Moss rose is a drought-tolerant, poor-soil-thriving flowering plant. Due to its thick, succulent leaves, it can survive without water for an extended period of time. It cannot withstand frost and can only be grown as an annual outside of warm climates.

Blanket Flower

Blanket Flower

The blanket flower has no particular requirements. Anyone without a green thumb is able to make it flourish profusely. It only requires a sunny location and occasional watering.

Rock Daisy

Rock Daisy

It is ideal for use in rock gardens. These flowering plants thrive in the absence of care and water.

A few parting thoughts

All plants require water to survive, but some can thrive without regular watering! If you live in a region with unfavorable weather and a lack of water, planting drought-resistant plants is a great idea. They become less thirsty, maintain their resilience, and can endure in arid soil.