plantsforguys.com
Find a plant you "might" not kill
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Plants for Guys - A curated list of tough to kill plants matched with your persona
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​Care Instructions:​
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Light: Low to bright, indirect light; tolerates low light.
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Water: Every 2-4 weeks, allowing soil to dry out completely between waterings.
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Temperature: 60-85°F; avoid frost.
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Soil: Well-draining, cactus or succulent mix.
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Fertilizer: Once in spring or summer with a diluted general-purpose fertilizer.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
For the "Fitness Buff": He’s up at 5 a.m. for the gym and stays up till midnight bingeing documentaries on how to optimize his morning routine. It’s tough, resilient, and can take a beating, just like his workout routine. The Snake Plant can go weeks without water, which is great because he’s too busy perfecting his deadlift form to remember to water anything. Known for its air-purifying qualities, it’s like the plant equivalent of a post-gym protein shake: efficient and essential. Its tall, sturdy leaves mirror his strength and dedication to staying in shape - always standing tall and looking strong, just like him!​
PFG Tough Meter
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​Care Instructions:​
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Light: Bright, indirect light; tolerates low light.
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Water: Every 1-2 weeks, keeping soil slightly moist; let top inch dry out between waterings.
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Temperature: 65-75°F; avoid cold drafts.
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Soil: Well-draining, all-purpose potting mix.
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Fertilizer: Monthly during spring and summer.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
For the "Tired Dad": He’s the dad who’s mastered the art of multi-tasking and barely-slept functioning. His Spider Plant’s got babies growing off every stem - just like his own mini entourage climbing all over him at home. He keeps the plant alive on the same principle he keeps himself going: sporadic water, minimal light, and pure dad determination. When the kids are finally in bed, he gives the plant a tired nod like, "We’re in this together, buddy."
PFG Tough Meter
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​Care Instructions:​
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Light: Low to bright, indirect light; very tolerant of low light.
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Water: Every 2-3 weeks, allowing soil to dry out between waterings.
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Temperature: 65-75°F; avoid temperatures below 45°F.
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Soil: Well-draining, all-purpose potting mix.
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Fertilizer: Every 2-3 months in spring and summer with a balanced, diluted fertilizer.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
For the "Night Owl": This guy thrives in low light - just like his ZZ plant. He’s the last one up at night, tackling projects, getting inspired, and occasionally going down YouTube rabbit holes at 3 a.m. His motto: “Sleep is for the weak, but hydration? Optional.” His ZZ plant doesn’t need much water, which is perfect because he might forget to water it until it’s on life support.
PFG Tough Meter
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​Care Instructions:​
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Light: Low to bright, indirect light; tolerates low light.
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Water: Every 1-2 weeks, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
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Temperature: 65-85°F; avoid cold drafts.
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Soil: Well-draining, all-purpose potting mix.
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Fertilizer: Every 6-8 weeks in spring and summer.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
For "The Party Guy": This guy can thrive anywhere - a cramped apartment, his buddy’s couch, or even that one random friend’s beach house. Just like his Pothos, he’s adaptable, low-maintenance, and always down to bring the good vibes. Social to the core, he’s the guy who can rally a crowd with a single text. As long as there’s a bit of water and indirect sunlight (or a cold drink and a corner to crash in), he’s living his best life. The Pothos? It’s just along for the ride, sprawling across his shelves like a true wingman.
PFG Tough Meter
PFG Tough Meter
​Care Instructions:​
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Light: Bright, indirect light; tolerates some direct sunlight.
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Water: Every 2-3 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. In cooler months, you may only need to water once a month.
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Temperature: 55-80°F; protect from frost.
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Soil: Well-draining, cactus or succulent mix.
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Fertilizer: Once in spring with a diluted succulent fertilizer.
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
For the "Health Nut": He starts every morning with yoga and a green smoothie that probably tastes like grass, but hey, it’s all about that “wellness glow.” His fridge is stocked with kombucha, and he’s convinced coconut oil can fix anything - from dry skin to relationship problems. Raj's wardrobe consists of gym wear, even though you’ve never actually seen him at the gym. His aloe vera plant is his pride and joy, because, just like him, it’s all about healing vibes and self-care. He may have told you, more than once, that he’s “detoxing”...again.
PFG Tough Meter
​Care Instructions:​
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Light: Bright, indirect light; tolerates some direct sunlight.
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Water: Every 1-2 weeks, allowing the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. In winter, reduce watering to about once every 2-3 weeks as the plant's growth slows.
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Temperature: 60-75°F; avoid sudden temperature drops.
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Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix.
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Fertilizer: Monthly in spring and summer.
Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
For the "Commitment Issues" guy: He’s not ready for a dog, but he’s ready for something... maybe. Enter the rubber plant. It’s durable, low-maintenance, and can live forever - sort of like the guy’s commitment to “just seeing where things go.”
PFG Tough Meter
​Care Instructions:​
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Light: Bright, direct sunlight for 4–6 hours daily.
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Water: Every 2–3 weeks in spring/summer; allow soil to dry completely. Water monthly or less in winter.
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Temperature: 65–85°F; can tolerate down to 50°F, but avoid frost.
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Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix.
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Fertilizer: Monthly in spring and summer with a low-nitrogen cactus fertilizer.
Cactus (Cactaceae)
For the "Survivalist": This guy’s built to outlast the apocalypse - armed with a bowie knife, a canteen he’s refilled once in the last six months, a thousand-yard stare, and a supply of dry humor as sharp as his cactus buddy’s spines. He doesn’t need fancy amenities to thrive; just give him a desert, a wide-brimmed hat, and a steady supply of grit. Low-maintenance and high-stakes, he’s the friend who'll remind you not to complain about a little heat. Forget water—it’s mind over matter. This is a man who sees “survival of the fittest” and thinks, “Challenge accepted.”
PFG Tough Meter
​Care Instructions:​
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Light: Bright, indirect light.
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Water: Every 1-2 weeks, allowing the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. In cooler months, reduce watering slightly as the plant’s growth slows.
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Temperature: 65-80°F; keep away from cold drafts.
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Soil: Well-draining, peat-based mix.
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Fertilizer: Every 2-4 weeks in spring and summer.
Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)
For the "Financial Guru": He’s got a spreadsheet for everything and reads finance blogs like they’re novels. The money tree promises to "bring wealth," but let’s face it - he’s probably investing in index funds, too, just to be safe
PFG Tough Meter
​Care Instructions:​
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Light: Bright, indirect light; tolerates some direct sunlight.
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Water: Every 2-3 weeks, ensuring the soil is completely dry before watering again. In winter, water less frequently, about once a month or even less, depending on indoor humidity and light conditions.
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Temperature: 55-80°F; protect from frost.
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Soil: Well-draining, cactus or succulent mix.
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Fertilizer: Once in spring with a diluted succulent fertilizer.
Succulents (Aloe barbadensis miller)
For the "Broke Instagram Influencer": His aesthetic is on point, but his budget… not so much. Succulents are cheap, trendy, and need barely any water, which is great because his last paycheck went to avocado toast and concert tickets.
PFG Tough Meter
​Care Instructions:​
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Light: Low to medium indirect light; avoid direct sunlight.
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Water: Every 1-2 weeks, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
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Temperature: 65-80°F; protect from cold drafts.
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Soil: Well-draining, peat-based potting mix.
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Fertilizer: Every 6-8 weeks during spring and summer.
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonem)
For the "Laid-Back Optimist": He’s the guy who lets life happen and stays positive no matter what. The Chinese evergreen is perfect for him because it thrives in low light and minimal care - just like he thrives in life’s unpredictability.
PFG Tough Meter
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​Care Instructions:​
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Light: Low to medium indirect light; avoid direct sunlight.
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Water: once a week, keeping the soil slightly moist but not soggy. In lower light or cooler months, you may need to water less frequently.
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Temperature: 65-80°F; avoid drafts.
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Soil: Well-draining, all-purpose potting mix.
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Fertilizer: Every 6-8 weeks in spring and summer.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
For the "Therapist" guy: He's the guy everyone spills their secrets to, whether he’s asking for it or not. He’s mastered the art of the “I’m listening” nod and has an endless supply of comforting phrases like, “I hear you” and “That must be tough.” His Peace Lily is his perfect companion - calm, peaceful, and great at purifying the air (since he's constantly absorbing everyone else’s stress). His motto? “I don’t judge; I just listen.” And the Peace Lily? It’s nodding right along, just as silent and supportive as him.
PFG Tough Meter
​Care Instructions:
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Light: Low to medium indirect light.
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Water: Every 2-3 weeks, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. In winter, you may need to water less frequently as growth slows.
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Temperature: 60-75°F; avoid cold drafts.
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Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
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Fertilizer: Monthly in spring and summer.
Cast-Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
For the "Tough Guy with a Soft Spot": This dude has been through a lot and come out stronger. The cast-iron plant, like him, can take all kinds of abuse and neglect and still look strong and steady - just don’t water it too much, or you’ll “drown its spirit.”
PFG Tough Meter
​Care Instructions:​
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Light: Bright, indirect light; tolerates some direct sunlight and low light.
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Water: Every 2-3 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. In winter, water about once a month.
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Temperature: 65-80°F; avoid frost and cold drafts.
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Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix.
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Fertilizer: Every 4-6 weeks in spring and summer; no fertilizer in winter.
Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
For the "Financial Guru":
The Ponytail Palm thrives on neglect (ideal for someone who’s optimizing every minute). While this LinkedIn influencer is busy sharing his “5 Tips for Time Management” post and trying to sell his online course, this plant is chilling, living its best life on a once-a-month water cycle. It’s the ultimate productivity plant—and a perfect match for the guy who thinks even his greenery should be low-maintenance and high-impact.
PFG Tough Meter
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Tough Meter:
Ranks each plant’s toughness on a scale of 1 to 5, so you know how much—or how little—attention it needs. A “5” is for the toughest plants out there, able to thrive with minimal care, while a “1” might need a bit more of your time and attention. Whether you're looking for a plant that can handle being left alone or one that’s a little more high-maintenance, the Tough Meter helps you pick the perfect green companion.
Criteria:
Light Tolerance: Ability to survive in low-light conditions or adaptability to varying light levels.
Watering Needs: How infrequently it can be watered without showing stress.
Humidity Requirements: Resilience in both low and high-humidity environments.
Temperature Tolerance: Ability to handle temperature fluctuations or cooler indoor temperatures.
General Hardiness: Resistance to pests, disease, and environmental stressors.
Low Maintenance: Minimal trimming, pruning, or repotting required.
About Me
When it comes to plants am I just a murderer or am I actually a serial killer??
I've killed every houseplant I've owned. I've tried the Money Tree (cause of death - general neglect), Bamboo (cause of death - general neglect), and Succulents (cause of death - overwatering) and I still manage to murder these poor bastards. Maybe with this site and us working together, we can become better plant dads and prevent the senseless loss of so many plant lives!​