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Guide

Best Indoor Plants For Any Space

This article explores the best indoor plants for any space, whether you’re looking for air purifiers, low-light plants, houseplants that bring good luck, or a plant that will challenge your green thumb.

Adding indoor plants to your living space brings life and vibrancy to your home while also improving air quality. However, not all plants are created equal when it comes to thriving indoors. Choose the best indoor plant for your space, lighting, and lifestyle to ensure your indoor garden is the best it can be.

What Should New Plant Parents Look For In Plants?

New plant parents should look for plants that are easy to care for and match their living environment, such as low-light levels or high humidity. Also consider the size of the plant and whether you have enough space to accommodate its growth.

Choose plants that fit your lifestyle, such as plants that require regular watering or are safe for pets. You also want to choose plants that complement your home decor. Monstera and Philodendron lend a tropical vibe, while Yucca, succulents, and cacti transport you to the desert.

Finally, research the plant’s care instructions and ensure you are willing and able to provide the necessary care to help the plant thrive. If you don’t have a green thumb, there are many low-maintenance plants to get started with.

What indoor plants are the most popular?

Some popular indoor plants include:

Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

This plant, also called mother-in-law’s tongue, is known for its long, upright leaves. It is perfect for low-light areas as it survives in almost any light condition. Snake plants are also great for air purification as they remove toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene.

Snake Plant
Photo: IndorrPlants.comSnake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) or mother-in-law’s tongue is a low-maintenance, low-light houseplant.

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Pothos is a trailing vine with heart-shaped leaves that grows in low to bright light conditions. It is also easy to propagate, making it a great plant for beginners. Golden pothos is also known for its air-purifying qualities and is listed by NASA as one of the top indoor plants for removing pollutants.

Monstera Deliciosa

This plant is commonly called the “Swiss Cheese Plant” due to its distinct heart-shaped leaves that can develop holes as the plant matures. Monstera is a popular choice for its tropical look and thrives in medium to bright indirect light. It’s considered moderately difficult to grow, but once you get into a consistent care routine, this fast-growing plant will reward you will gorgeous year round indoor tropical foliage.

Monstera deliciosa
Photo: IndoorPlants.comThe Monstera plant is known for its distinctive heart-shaped leaves.

What are the easiest indoor plants to grow?

Here are three examples of some of the easiest indoor plants to grow:

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Spider plants are great for beginners as they are hardy, adaptable, and thrive in a variety of natural light conditions. They are also easy to propagate, making them a great choice for anyone looking to expand their plant collection.

ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

ZZ plants are another great choice for beginners. They are drought-tolerant and survive in low to bright indirect light. ZZ plants are also resistant to pests and diseases.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Peace lilies are known for their elegant white flowers and are great for low to medium light conditions. These plants are easy to water, as they will wilt to let you know when they need it and then quickly recover once they receive it.

ZZ plant, peace lily, and spider plants are very easy to grow.

Which indoor plants purify the air the most?

Here are three examples of indoor plants that are known to purify the air the most:

Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

Snake plants are known for their air-purifying qualities as they remove toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and trichloroethylene from the air. They are also one of the few plants that continue to release oxygen at night, making them a great option for bedrooms.

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Spider plants are great at removing formaldehyde, benzene, carbon monoxide, and xylene from the air. They are also easy to care for and thrive in various light conditions, making them a popular choice for indoor gardens.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Peace lilies are beautiful and help remove harmful toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, and ammonia from the air. They are also known for their ability to increase humidity levels, which is beneficial for people with respiratory issues.

Spider plants are excellent air purifiers.

What are the best indoor plants if sunlight is not available?

Here are three examples of indoor plants that don’t mind low-light conditions:

ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

ZZ plants are one of the best options for low-light environments as they survive in almost any light condition, including fluorescent lighting. They are also drought-tolerant, making them a low-maintenance choice for busy plant parents.

Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

Chinese evergreens are known for their variegated leaves and ability to grow in low to medium light conditions. They are also easy to care for and tolerate dry indoor air, making them a great choice for people who live in colder climates.

Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)

Cast Iron plants are known for tolerating neglect and low light conditions. They also withstand a wide range of temperatures and are resistant to pests and diseases, making them a hardy addition to any indoor plant collection.

Chinese evergreens can survive in low-light conditions.

What are the best plants for people who are allergic to pollen?

Here are three examples of indoor plants considered hypoallergenic and ideal for people with asthma or allergies.

English ivy (Hedera helix)

Ivy is a hypoallergenic houseplant known for its air-purifying qualities and lush trailing vines. Grow it in a hanging basket or climbing up a trellis or moss pole.

Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

Areca palms are a popular indoor plant that purifies the air and removes harmful toxins.

Dracaena (Dracaena spp.)

Dracaenas are a group of plants with over 100 different species that have air-purifying qualities and remove toxins such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from the air.

Which indoor plants create the most oxygen?

Here are three examples of indoor plants that are known for their oxygen-producing abilities:

Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

Areca palms are one of the best indoor plants for oxygen production as they produce a significant amount of oxygen while also removing harmful toxins from the air.

Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

Snake plants are known for their oxygen-producing abilities, especially at night when most plants stop producing oxygen. They are also great for removing toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and trichloroethylene from the air.

Aloe Vera (Aloe vera)

Aloe vera plants not only provide soothing relief for sunburns and other skin irritations, but they are also great at producing oxygen. They are easy to care for and thrive in a variety of light conditions.

Aloe improves indoor air quality.

What houseplants bring good luck?

The idea of plants bringing luck is often associated with feng shui, the Chinese practice of arranging objects so they promote positive energy flow. Here are three examples of indoor plants believed to bring good luck and prosperity:

Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)

The money tree is a popular indoor plant with a braided trunk and leaves that resemble coins.

Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)

The jade plant, also known as the “friendship tree” or “money tree,” is another plant that is believed to bring financial luck and prosperity. It is said to promote good health and longevity.

Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)

Lucky bamboo is a popular indoor plant whose twisted stalks are said to resemble the Chinese character for “luck.” It is often gifted to friends and family for weddings, housewarmings, and other special occasions.

Which indoor plants are the hardest to grow?

Several indoor plants are quite challenging to grow, especially for those new to indoor gardening. Here are three examples of indoor plants that are notoriously difficult to develop:

Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum spp.)

Maidenhair ferns are known for their delicate, lacy fronds, but they are difficult to grow indoors. They require high humidity, regular misting, moist soil, and bright, indirect light. They are sensitive to changes in temperature and soil moisture, and their fronds quickly dry out and turn brown if they don’t receive enough water.

Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)

The fiddle leaf fig is a popular indoor plant known for its large, glossy leaves. However, it is a challenge to keep this plant healthy and thriving. Fiddle leaf figs require bright, indirect light and consistent moisture but are sensitive to overwatering and quickly develop root rot. They are also susceptible to pests like spider mites and mealybugs.

Calathea (Calathea spp.)

Calatheas, also called prayer plants, are a group of plants with strikingly patterned leaves. However, they are difficult to grow because they require high humidity and consistent moisture. They are sensitive to changes in temperature and moisture levels and quickly develop brown, crispy leaf edges if their surroundings are not humid enough. They also require filtered or low light conditions, which is challenging in some indoor environments.

While popular, fiddle leaf fig can be finicky to care for.

Which Indoor Plants Are Tropical?

Here are some examples of tropical plants:

Monstera deliciosa: Also called the “Swiss cheese plant,” this popular indoor plant has large, tropical leaves with distinctive holes and splits.

Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae): Large, bird-shaped flowers in shades of orange and blue.

Anthurium: Glossy, heart-shaped leaves and brightly colored flowers in shades of pink, red, and orange.

Bromeliads: Colorful, exotic-looking leaves and flowers that are often held in a central rosette.

Banana plant (Musa spp.): Large, lush leaves that add a touch of the jungle to your indoor space.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.): Glossy, dark green leaves and elegant white flowers.

Snake Plant (Sansevieria spp.): Tall, upright leaves are tough and resilient, making them a great choice for beginners.

ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia): Shiny, dark green leaves and are known for their ability to thrive in low light and dry conditions.

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