From cleaner air to creative decor – there are so many benefits of having indoor plants around your house. However, it can be hard to know which varieties of plants are suitable for indoor conditions and how to properly care for them.
So, we have rounded up 15 of the best indoor plants you can choose for your home, based on how well they grow inside, the way they look and any other benefits.
The best indoor plants
1. Monstera deliciosa or “Swiss cheese plant”
There’s no doubt you’ve seen the “swiss cheese plant” all over Instagram, Pinterest and even in peoples homes – they’re one of the most popular indoor plants around. Their lush green leaves with distinctive holes make a stunning statement in any room and they can grow to fit any space.
Monstera is like Goldilocks, preferring to be not too dry, and not too moist. It’s an understorey tropical plant, so water is less crucial than shade. Check the soil down to 5cm and if it’s dry, water.
2. Cyclamen
Cyclamen brightens up winter with its pretty flowers in shades of red, pink and white. Put it in a cool, draught-free spot with morning sun. Water when the soil is almost dry, or when the leaves or flowers start to droop (a great visual cue that it’s thirsty). You could also stand the pot in water for 30 minutes when it’s in need of watering, and remove flowers when they start to brown.
3. Dracaena Massangeana or Mass Cane
Dracaena adds spike and drama to any space. This plant is popular amongst beginner green thumbs and is a popular office plant thanks to its hardy nature. Mass cane often grows between 1.2 to 1.8 metres tall with stalky stems and long, green leaves featuring light yellow and green stripes running through them. So it’s a great option if you’re looking for a large plant.
This indoor plant is best placed in indirect bright light but it can tolerate low light. Let the soil become dry to the touch between waterings – perhaps monthly. A soggy mix can become fatal. You’ll only need to water it once a week. However, it’s important to note that Dracaena plants can also be toxic to cats and dogs, so it’s best to place them out of reach of pets.
4. Calathea
Calathea is a tropical plant with a vibrant pattern on its leaves that can liven up your interiors. It adores humidity and moisture, and grows well in pots. Just check the potting mix to 5cm before you water. If dry, give it a soak in a tub.
5. Moth orchids
Moth orchids, like many other orchids, have beautiful flowers and structured, green leaves. They typically need to be watered every 2-4 weeks. Misting the surrounding air is also a great way to regulate humidity for them.
6. Maidenhair fern
If you’re prepared to give a maidenhair fern the TLC it needs, then it can make a beautiful addition to your home. They have feathery, light green leaves with soft shiny stems and make great indoor hanging plants.
Maidenhair ferns love moisture, preferably in the air. Keep it out of strong light, keep the air around it moist by misting and water it weekly.
You could also create a rainforest environment by filling a saucer or tray with pebbles and placing it beneath the potted plant. Fill the saucer with water to just below the top of the pebbles, and as the water evaporates, it creates a humid microclimate around the plant.
7. Zanzibar Gem
This stunning plant not only looks great, but has been hailed as being ‘almost indestructible’. Native to Africa, it has deep, green glossy leaves and is able to survive a long period without water. The reason the Zanzibar gem is so hardy is due to its ability to store water in its potato-like tuber.
This makes the Zanzibar gem perfect for people who tend to neglect indoor plants or want a low-maintenance option. Just water when the soil dries out completely – about every two weeks. But don’t worry if you’re not following a schedule – it can survive for months without water. It’s best placed in a bright to light shaded area and can tolerate a shady spot, but will just take longer to grow. Keep it out of direct sunlight as the plant can burn. You can add a slow-release fertiliser in spring and re-pot if you notice the root starting to bulge.
8. Anthurium Andraeanum
Also known as flamingo flower or painters palette, these popular indoor plants are originally from Columbia and feature long, dark-green leathery leaves and produce beautiful, red, pink and white heart-shaped ‘flowers’ that can last for weeks. The ‘flowers’ are actually spathes, which are a leaf-like bract that surrounds a cylindrical spike.
In order for the plant to bloom, it requires bright light (but not direct sun). It can grow up to 45cm high and soil needs to be kept evenly moist from spring to autumn and slightly drier in winter. It also benefits from being fertilised every two weeks in spring and summer with a high-phosphorus liquid fertiliser. Anthurium is tropical and thrives in high humidity, but its water needs are light because it’s prone to root rot. Allow the soil to dry out, then give it a soak in a tub.
9. Peperomia
Peperomia looks great as an indoor hanging plant, or in a pot on a high stand or stool so the vibrant leaves can cascade down. It thrives on humidity, indirect light and low to medium amounts of water. If in doubt, lean on the side of underwatering it to prevent root rot.
10. Succulents
Succulents are a lazy gardener’s pal, and come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. They’re great indoor plants for adding greenery to a table, desk or windowsill, or planted in a larger, feature pot.
While most succulents are hardy, they will die if they’re neglected for too long. Water them when soil is dry, because indoors they can’t catch the early morning dew they’d get outdoors.
11. Devil’s ivy
As well as being easy to grow and looking great, devil’s ivy is know to have air purifying qualities, making it a popular indoor plant.
Also known as pothos or golden pothos, devil’s ivy can grow in a variety of conditions. Light is a factor in watering and care for it. So, make sure you check the potting mix to 5cm. If dry, water.
12. Aglaonema
Aglaonema comes in a wonderful range of colours and patterns that will add fresh vibrance to your indoor spaces. It’s ideal to keep the mix moist, although you can let it almost dry out in between waterings since it’s prone to fungus gnats.
13. Fiddle leaf fig
Fiddle leaf fig is a popular indoor plant thanks to is beautiful, glossy green leaves and elegant structure. It comes from rainforests so needs lots of water, but also good drainage so water doesn’t linger about its roots. Water weekly but don’t let it sit in too much of it.
14. Peace lily
Peace lilies are popular indoor plants that look great and have air-purifying qualities. They have elegant, white flowers and abundant green leaves that look great indoors. They’re also good at absorbing moisture and can tolerate low or moderate levels of light, making them a great choice for bathrooms – or anywhere else you want to place them.
15. Dracaena deremensis
Also known as ‘Lemon and Lime’ or ‘White Striped Dracaena’ for it’s striped leaves, Dracaena deremensis earns its spot as one of the best indoor plants because of its striking appearance and ability to survive in most indoor spaces.
Keep in mind that it comes from Africa originally and is a tropical plant, so putting it somewhere it will get sunlight can help it thrive. Water once a week, or when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry.
