From low-maintenance succulents to statement-making fiddle-leaf figs, these plants bring life, style, and cleaner air to any space.
With the variety of indoor plants available for purchase today, anyone can add beauty and freshness to their homes. From the fiddle-leaf figs that stand out in any room, to the easiest to care for succulents, indoor plants add life to every space. Plants can serve aesthetic purposes but many people don’t know that the right plan can greatly boost air quality, mood, and even work productivity. Factors like these are what plants aid which makes them important in every household. To help you choose, this is a list of the best types of indoor plants that everyone can take care of, along with practical gardening tips.
1. Snake Plant
There are not many plants that can survive neglect of water, light, and maintenance. One of the plant champions is the snake plant or “mother-in-law’s tongue”. As the name would suggest, it is known for its sharp and wide pleated leaves that grow vertically upright. This resilient and beautiful plant also grows perfectly in low-lit areas, making it ideal for a wide variety of indoor locations. Indirect but regular sunlight is to be given so as to not scorch its delicate leaves and it can be watered every 2-3 weeks. Aside from its beauty, the snake plant is a great air cleaner, removing harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde and benzene. With its modern architectural shape, the snake plant complements stylish interiors when placed on desks or used to fill dark and bare corners.
2. Fiddle-Leaf Fig
The beauty of Ficus Lyrata, commonly known as the fiddle-leaf fig speaks for itself, « no plant has dominated interior design trends quite like the fiddle-leaf fig. » This plant with its wide, violin-shaped leaves and stunningly sculptural silhouette adds drama to living rooms and sun-drenched corners. The fiddle-leaf fig is a stunning plant, but it can be difficult to care for. Without the proper amount of light and water it needs, the plant loses its sculptural silhouette. It demands bright, indirect light. The ideal natural light source would be a north-facing window or a couple of feet back from a sunny southern exposure. Water the plant when the top inch of soil dries out, but do not overwater. Soggy roots are prone to disaster, so less is always more with this plant. Dust those glossy leaves constantly with a damp cloth, and rotate the pot every few weeks to allow for even growth. While it may be difficult at times, the end result is a stunning Instagram feed that speaks for itself.
3. Pothos
Pothos is a great friend to anyone trying to step into the world of plants, and it’s sure to help you develop more confidence over time! Its lovely heart-shaped leaves are extremely photogenic; they dangle elegantly from shelves and spill out of hanging pots. Pothos can thrive in lower-light environments as well. Simply let the soil dry out fully before watering again – the only real challenge is not over-watering! There is also a family of pothos with different varieties; the golden pothos has striking yellow marbled with green leaves whilst the neon pothos is lime green! Aside from all its eye-catching looks, this wonderful plant helps purify the air, which makes it useful and truly special.
4. Monstera Deliciosa
The stunning Monstera with its split leaves and exotic touch is now synonymous with contemporary botanical design. It’s a true child of the rainforest, so like other plants in that category, it enjoys bright indirect light and a certain level of humidity (a little spray of water every week works wonders). Don’t forget to check whether the top layer of soil is dry because that will tell you when you should water it next. Once watered, you will marvel at the jaw-dropping foliage of its fenestrated leaves as they unfold. Starting as a modest tabletop plant, once matured, a monstera is capable of reaching impressive heights and becomes an ideal plant for any house that has empty corners or houses a distinct sofa.
5. ZZ Plant
The resilient ZZ plants can thrive under your infrequent watering and lighting bouts and are terribly forgiving to regular amenities. The elegant plant, with its glossy leaves that showcase a feather-like look, brings contemporary charm to any space. It only needs watering once every month, and soil has to be allowed to completely dry in between watering. ZZ plants are drought-resistant. The growth rate might seem slow, but over time these plants are a great addition to poorly lit work spaces or apartments. Caution should be taken with pets, however, as the ZZ plant is toxic to animals.
6. Spider Plant
The spider plant, a wonderful mix of retro and modern, is great for beginners. The greenish-white striped leaves will provide you with dangling pups that resemble a scattering of fireworks. Some pups can be trimmed off and placed in soil to propagate themselves. For most animals and pet-friendly houses, it’s a great addition. Because they are better suited for indirect lighting, they do well in hanging pots and high-placed shelves. Allow the soil to be damp, and the spider plant will clean the air effectively.
7. Peace Lily
The elegant white blooms and glossy leaves of the peace lily bring serenity to any room. This plant does well in low to medium light, making it ideal for north-facing bathrooms. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, and it will intermittently bloom year-round. Aside from its beauty, the peace lily serves as a natural humidifier and mold fighter, absorbing airborne spores and toxins. However, it’s important to note that its pollen can be irritating to pets, so be careful of where you put this plant.
8. Rubber Plant
The rubber plant instantly transforms a space’s ambiance with its bold architectural appeal. For a striking vertical accent, place this plant in a living room or entryway, as the deep green, leathery leaves grow upright. This plant thrives under bright, indirect light, as too much sun can scorch the leaves, and too little can hinder growth. Water whenever the top inch of soil dries out, and wipe the leaves occasionally to keep them dust-free. Over time, this plant can grow into a towering indoor tree, so it is a long-term investment in your home’s greenery.
9. Succulents and Cacti
For those who are short on time, and space or are simply busy, succulents and cacti are some of the most low-maintenance plants. From the rosette-shaped echeveria to the unusual spines of a bunny ear cactus, these plants thrive even when neglected. Just set them in a place with good light; a bright window is perfect as tools and water very little with the soil fully dried up between drinks. Their compact size makes them amazing for terrariums, desks, or mixed arrangements. Just avoid overwatering as their roots are prone to rotting in damp conditions.
10. Bird of Paradise
When talking about tropical plants, the Bird of Paradise is distinctive in many aspects. It might produce banana-shaped leaves that can spread wide with time and enough light, and might even produce orange and blue blooms. It’s one style of plant that loves bright direct light and craves good watering. While it may not grow fast, a mature Bird of Paradise can get 6 feet tall, turning your living room into a lush, jungle-inspired hideout.
Choosing the Right Plant for Your Space
Before getting a new plant, make sure that you are situated in the right environment. Examine the light amounts in your house – South side windows provide good light while the North side is suitable for low-light plants. As a beginner, you want to try out forgiving plants such as pothos or snake plants that are forgiving of neglect. For compact spaces, succulents or trailing vines such as philodendrons can be very effective, while more compact larger spaces, statement plants such as fiddle-leaf figs or monstera are more suited. If you have pets, remember to factor in safety by choosing non-toxic varieties such as spider plants or Boston ferns.
Indoor plants, in contrast to being simply decorative pieces, serve a deeper purpose. They help in cleansing the air, alleviate stress, and energize your home. If you appreciate a rubber plant’s sculptural elegance or the welcoming nature of pothos, there’s certainly a green friend that can accompany you in whatever decluttering you plan to do. So begin with one, make mistakes as you learn, and ultimately, you will be able to cultivate an indoor jungle that showcases your dynamic character and takes care of your health.
Note: Always cross-check care requirements with your plant’s specific needs, as variations exist even within species. Pet owners should consult the ASPCA’s list of non-toxic plants before purchasing them.
