Plants That Could Survive on Mars (And in Your Living Room)

NASA has been obsessed with growing plants in space for years, and for good reason—if we ever colonize Mars, we’re gonna need oxygen, food, and something green to keep us sane. But here’s the wild part: Some plants already have what it takes to survive in extreme Martian-like conditions.

So, which plants are tough enough for Mars (and resilient enough to thrive in your home)? Let’s take a look.

🌵 1. Cacti – The Masters of Drought

Mars is dry. Really dry. But cacti are pros at surviving with minimal water, making them perfect candidates for off-world gardening. If they can handle the desert, they can handle your occasional forgetfulness, too.

Best Home-Friendly Martian Cactus:

Golden Barrel Cactus – Low maintenance, cool spherical shape, and nearly indestructible.

🛑 2. Resurrection Plants – The Ultimate Survivors

These plants can “die” by drying out completely—then magically come back to life with a little water. That kind of adaptability could be a game-changer for space travel.

Best Home-Friendly Martian Resurrection Plant:

Selaginella lepidophylla (Rose of Jericho) – Looks like a dead tumbleweed when dry, then turns green and lush when watered. Basically, plant magic.

🌱 3. Algae – The Unsung Heroes of Space Farming

Algae can survive extreme radiation, grow with minimal resources, and even produce oxygen. Scientists are already testing algae farms for space missions. (Bonus: Some algae are edible. Martian smoothie, anyone?)

Best Home-Friendly Martian Algae:

Spirulina – You might already be drinking this in your green juice.

🏜️ 4. Air Plants – No Soil, No Problem

Mars has terrible soil for growing plants. But air plants don’t even need soil—they absorb nutrients from the air, making them perfect for low-gravity environments.

Best Home-Friendly Martian Air Plant:

Tillandsia – Just mist it with water every now and then, and it’s happy.

🏗 5. Potatoes – Yes, Just Like in The Martian

Matt Damon’s character in The Martian grew potatoes to survive, and NASA scientists say it’s actually possible. Potatoes are tough, adaptable, and packed with nutrients—ideal for space farming and lazy gardeners.

Best Home-Friendly Martian Potato:

Any potato. Just don’t forget the dirt.

🚀 The Future of Space Plants

NASA is actively experimenting with growing crops in space, and one day, we might see full-on Martian greenhouses. Until then, you can bring a little interplanetary resilience into your home by caring for these tough-as-space plants.

Who knows? Maybe your little cactus is already training for its future Mars mission.