Hardy and resilient, here’s a step up from your usual plants. Check out the succulents that can survive a whole month without water!
Succulents are hands down the best low-maintenance alternative when it comes to building a plant collection for busy plant lovers. But if your work is extra demanding and doesn’t leave you with enough time to tend to your green beauties, you need these succulents that can survive a whole month without water!
Succulents that can survive a whole month without water
1. ZZ Plant
Botanical Name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia
Ever noticed how the ZZ plant leaves are always the shiniest in the room? In fact, they almost look fake because of how stiff and glossy they are! But these leathery leaves are why they hardly need water—just a bit more than a plastic version would.
If you live in an apartment where your ZZ plant isn’t under the brightest light, it can easily go for several weeks without water. These drought-resistant plants might be slow growers, but they also won’t ask for much.
2. Zebra Plant
Botanical Name: Haworthia fasciata
Aptly named because of the horizontal white stripes on the spiky green leaves, Haworthia belongs on a sunny windowsill. That’s where it’s happiest—and quite frankly, one of the easiest plants to grow.
It actually likes to be ignored—just let the soil dry out completely before watering again. Indoors or in dimmer light, it can easily last a month without a drink, especially in the winter when it goes dormant.
Bonus: They rarely outgrow their pot, so they’re perfect for small spaces.
3. Jade Plant
Botanical Name: Crassula ovata
The succulent lover community is pretty much obsessed with the gorgeous jade plant, thanks to its tree-like look with plump leaves and thick stems. If you are a beginner, this might just be your first choice of succulent to add to your collection.
So, the rule of thumb is not just to water it after letting the soil dry out, but also to feel its leaves. The plump leaves hold water, and unless they feel squishy, rest assured your plant is not thirsty.
And if you keep it in a bright spot, the leaf edges might even blush red—an extra reward for less water!
4. Snake Plant
Botanical Name: Sansevieria trifasciata
For a bold succulent that makes its presence known, choose the snake plant! You can even go for the variegated varieties that showcase sword-like dark green leaves enhanced with cream, white, silver, or yellow variegations.
But most importantly, these plants do not need even a drop of moisture for several weeks! Whether you are forgetful or just too busy, snake plants will tolerate neglect and even thank you for it, as they are quite susceptible to root rot.
5. Burro’s Tail
Botanical Name: Sedum morganianum
One look at the Burro’s Tail and you will instantly see why it has the most appropriate name. This gray-green succulent with small, jelly-bean-shaped leaves overlaps on the trailing stems and makes the perfect spilling succulent.
Just like every other succulent, here too, the soil needs to dry out completely before you reach for the watering can. Though you do need to water it more if kept in bright light, it can still go a month without water in fall and winter.
6. Aloe Vera
Botanical Name: Aloe barbadensis Miller
A succulent that barely needs an introduction, you will know how low-maintenance the aloe vera is if you have ever grown it before! From having spiky, plump leaves to even the pulp having healing properties for cuts and burns, this plant is a gold mine!
Under the right conditions, aloe can reach up to three feet tall. Of course, you must give it bright light and minimal watering, yes, we are talking once a month, especially in low-light conditions.
Pro tip: Do not place your aloe vera in direct sunlight as it can burn the leaves.
7. Ox Tongue
Botanical Name: Gasteria bicolor
A unique name for a unique plant, you will love having the rough-textured Ox Tongue in your home with its gray-green leaves. This is not just because it produces spikes of pinkish-red flowers in the spring but also for its resilience and drought-tolerance.
Though this plant does not need much water to survive and can easily go for a month without it, it does need bright, indirect sunlight.
8. Panda Plant
Botanical Name: Kalanchoe tomentosa
You don’t just get a panda plant to enjoy its cute appearance and to feel its soft, furry leaves. In addition, its felt-like silver leaves also hold moisture just like the jade plant or aloe vera.
Feel them—if they’re still firm, skip watering. It’s perfectly fine to let it go dry for weeks at a time.
It’s sweet to display, but not for munching—keep it away from pets.
9. Living Stone
Botanical Name: Lithops spp.
Just by looking at this succulent, you’d know it hardly needs water. After all, it looks like literal rocks!
One of the most unique succulents to grow, they hardly ask for more attention than actual pebbles. Give them a drink every few weeks or once a month from spring to summer and they will be quite happy. In winter, you can basically forget about these plants!
Note: Even though they stay small, they have deep roots, so choose a pot that gives them room to stretch out.
10. Jelly Bean Plant
Botanical Name: Sedum rubrotinctum
Ending with an adorable succulent that boasts colorful, chubby little red-tipped leaves, the Jelly Bean plant lives up to its name perfectly! Moreover, this plant is perfect for any dish garden, thanks to its interesting shape and color. But it also looks great trailing in hanging baskets too!
If you are looking for a succulent that is both easy and fun and grows perfectly even with water just once a month then Sedum Jelly Bean is the one for you!
Plus, its colors get more vibrant with sun exposure—less water, more color!
As you can see, these succulents don’t need babysitting—they actually prefer you forget them for a bit. Just give them sunlight, well-draining soil, and space to grow, and they’ll thrive.
