Nurturing plant life can be a highly fulfilling activity, no matter where you choose to garden. Through indoor gardening, you can maintain more delicate or climate-sensitive plants, including succulents and herbs, while also filling your home with vivacious greenery.
Whether you're just getting started with indoor gardening or you're an old pro, it's helpful to know some of the best indoor houseplants. In this article, you'll find a guide to some of the top flora for indoor gardening enthusiasts.
How to Choose the Best Houseplants
When it comes to selecting the right houseplants, there are a number of factors you'll want to keep in mind. Here are some of the considerations we made in creating our list.
- Light conditions. It's important to know whether a plant needs bright light, medium light, indirect light, or low light to flourish. Can your plant thrive with indirect sunlight or does it need a lot of direct sunlight? Will you need to invest in a particular kind of indoor grow light?
- The size of the plant. Indoor plants range from tiny little things that you can keep on your desk, to more substantial plants that need to be potted on the floor. Naturally, in selecting indoor houseplants, you'll want to think about the space available to you.
- Level of care. Some plants need a lot of TLC. Others can essentially be left on their own most of the time. Think about the level of involvement you wish to have in your indoor plant's life and development.
- Pet-friendliness. Sometimes, houseplants and pets don't mix. Be sure you don't invest in flora that could tempt your dog or cat into nibbling, or that could actually be toxic if ingested.
- Functionality. Some people want indoor houseplants just to look pretty. That's totally fine! Others actually want their houseplants to help clean the air inside their home. If that's what you're looking for, you'll want to be diligent in selecting the right species.
- The style of plant. Do you prefer a potted plant? A hanging basket? A blooming, vertical, or cascade style? Take some time to think about your aesthetic preferences before you invest in houseplants of any kind.
With these criteria in mind, we're now ready to take a closer look at the best houseplants to buy for your indoor garden.
The Best Indoor Plants
Here are our picks for the 12 best indoor plants.
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Pothos
9greenbox.com
The pothos is sometimes known as the "cubicle plant," a reference to its relatively small size. That nickname may be a little misleading, however; the pothos can actually develop long, trailing vines that stretch out for 10 feet or more!
There are plenty of reasons why the pothos ranks so highly on our list. One is that the pothos is one of the best plants for purifying the air in your home. The pothos is also an ideal choice for so-called "black thumbs," surviving with minimal care. If you're after an indoor plant that's relatively forgiving, pothos is a good one to keep in mind.
Succulents
costafarms.com
Succulents actually refer to a family of plants, which tend to be very hardy and thrive in warmer temperatures. They're popular among indoor gardeners for a number of reasons, not least their vibrant, fleshy leaves and beautiful color.
Also note that succulents propagate easily; with some varieties, you can literally grow a whole new plant just by tending to one of the leaves from an existing succulent. With so many varieties of succulents to choose from, this is almost a world unto itself, and a great path for any indoor gardener to follow.
Aloe Vera
costafarms.com
If you're looking for plants that are highly functional, one of the best choices is the aloe vera plant. As you're probably aware, this plant has amazing anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial products. Its healing properties make it useful anytime you have a little scrape or burn.
There are plenty of other reasons to consider adding aloe to your indoor garden, including the fact that it's one of the best bets for purifying the air in your home. And while aloe is fairly easy to care for, it is not a pet-friendly plant, and should definitely be kept out of reach from your four-legged family members.
Peace Lily
JM BAMBOO
The Peace Lily is an outstanding pick for indoor gardeners who already have some experience keeping their flora alive. That's because it does require a higher level of care. You'll need to provide moist soil without overwatering, and you'll need to ensure it has a good mix of shade and indirect sunlight. If you're up for that challenge, though, a Peace Lily can be a great way to develop your green thumb.
Also note that the Peace Lily is not pet-friendly, but does help purify the air in your home.
Philodendron
hirts.com
Like the pothos, the philodendron is a houseplant that may surprise you: Though it seems compact, it can grow long, trailing vines that span 10 feet or more. Because of this, it's really great for anyone who wants a hanging plant, or something they can put on a high shelf.
There are other benefits to this plant as well. It's easy to nurture, easy to prune, and it's easy to propagate, if growing more philodendron is something you're interested in. Altogether, this is one of the best indoor plants for those who are new to gardening, or who don't fancy themselves as being especially plant-savvy.
Snake Plant
costafarms.com
No, this plant is not going to attract snakes to your home, so don't worry. It gets its name due to the green leaves with irregular banding, which can sometimes resemble the patterns you see on snakeskins.
Beyond the unique aesthetics, the snake plant is fantastic because it's extremely low-maintenance. Actually, snake plants are well-known for surviving periods of extended drought! Plus, they can filter a lot of chemicals out of the air, significantly improving the indoor air quality in your home. This is definitely an indoor plant that should be on any short list.
Monstera
americanplantexchange.com
Here's another lovely indoor plant that happens to have a scary-sounding name. Rest assured that there is nothing "monstrous" about this particular houseplant, beyond the astonishing rate with which it grows and propagates. While we wouldn't say it's zero-maintenance, it's still a fairly easygoing plant.
Even if you have a mixed track record of keeping your plants alive, this one will probably be just fine. Actually, you only need to water your monstera every week or two, and make certain it gets indirect sunlight to see it thrive.
Money Tree
justaddiceorchids.com
The money tree has long been a symbol of wealth and good fortune, hence its name. Even if you don't place any stock in that, money trees can be excellent additions to any indoor garden. They are relatively easy to maintain, they live for a long time, and they look amazing once they really start to grow.
If you choose a money tree, just be sure to provide some direct sunlight, keep the temperature reasonably warm, and water your plant once a week or so. That's about all it takes for your money tree to grow.
Anthurium
costafarms.com
The anthurium is actually an entire genus of plants, with more than 1,000 species in total. No matter which one you get, though, you should find that it's incredibly resilient and easy to keep alive. Its bright colors can add a big splash of character to your home garden or living room.
This is another one of the best houseplants for those who are brand new to indoor gardening, or who worry that they don't have the highest-level skills when it comes to nurturing plants.
ZZ Plant
costafarms.com
The ZZ plant, or zamioculcas zamiifolia, sports large, almost potato-like rhizomes; that is, it features thick, tall stalks that grow vertically. It also happens to be a really hardy plant that's ideally suited for low-light environments. Note that the rhizomes are so thick because they are used to store water, which allows this plant to survive for a really long time even with inconsistent upkeep.
The ZZ plant is no good if you have pets. However, because it has long symbolized friendship, it can make for a sweet and thoughtful housewarming gift.
Bird's Nest Fern
wekiwagardens.com
Looking for a plant that offers not just a cool name, but also an utterly unique appearance? Look no further than the bird's nest fern, with its oddly-rippled fronds. It's sure to be an instant conversation-starter if you bring it into your home garden.
Note that the bird's nest fern fares best in indirect sunlight, as well as in areas that get a lot of humidity. Because of this, many indoor gardeners choose this one to add greenery to their bathroom.
Fiddle-leaf fig
thorsensgreenhouse.com
Last but not least, the fiddle-leaf fig (ficus lyrata) is a perfect plant for any indoor gardener who can offer access to some decent sunlight. Looking for a plant to set in the windowsill? This is one of your best bets! It boasts a lovely appearance, though it does require a more experienced gardener.
Unfortunately, the fiddle-leaf fig is more susceptible to pests and plant diseases than some other plants, and it can also be sensitive to swings in temperature or humidity. That said, it is a gorgeous plant that will definitely reward you for your attentive care.
What You'll Need to Grow Houseplants
Choosing the right kinds of plants is a critical first step toward developing a vibrant indoor garden. But of course, there's some additional equipment you'll want to invest in to make sure you're able to tend to your plants as needed.
A few of the basic tools to have handy include:
- Watering can
- Hand trowel
- Pruning scissors
- Potting soil*
- Fertilizer*
* Note that different plants may require different kinds of soil or fertilizer, so make sure you select the materials best suited to your specific indoor plant life.
What are the Benefits of Indoor Plants?
No matter which specific houseplants you invest in, your home will benefit from them. Indeed, the benefits of keeping indoor plants are numerous.
- They can clean contaminants out of your air.
- They can help you achieve a cozy, welcoming vibe in any room.
- Indoor plant life has also been linked with improved mental health.
- Caring for plant life can provide a sense of accomplishment.
- Some plants, such as aloe vera, also come with unique healing effects.
These are just a few of the reasons to continue opening your home to some low-maintenance flora.
What are the Easiest Plants to Grow Indoors?
While some indoor gardeners want a challenge, many of us are simply interested in something we can enjoy with relatively low maintenance; or, at least, something that will prove fairly resilient, should we accidentally forget to water it as promptly as we should.
Some of the easiest indoor plant options include:
If you're looking for something that's truly beginner-friendly, put these plants at the top of your shopping list.
Where Can You Find the Best Houseplants?
As for indoor plant shopping, there are certainly plenty of options. You can actually have indoor plants shipped to you directly from Amazon, or from more garden-specific e-retailers such as Cellar Door Plants, The Sill, and Bloomscape.
Alternatively, we recommend spending some time at a local lawn and garden center. There, you can actually see some plants up close and get a good idea of the space they will take up. Plus, you can ask the local pros for any tips, stock up on tools, etc.
Big-box home improvement stores can also be good places to try as you seek indoor plants and equipment.
Turn Your Home Into an Indoor Garden
One of the great things about indoor gardening is that there's a relatively low threshold for entry. Even if you've never considered it before, you can stock up on a few low-maintenance plants and be well on your way. Why not start with just a single succulent or a couple of pothos plants, and see where things go from there?
Whatever direction you decide to go in, we wish you the best as you reap all the benefits of indoor gardening. Start with any of the plants on this list and you'll be in good shape!
Josh Hurst is a journalist, critic, and essayist. He lives in Knoxville, TN, with his wife and three sons. He covers natural health, nutrition, supplements, and clean energy. His writing has appeared in Health, Shape, and Remedy Review.
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Here are three new films to watch this Earth Week that will transport you from pole to pole and introduce you to the scientists and activists working to save our shared home.
1. The Year Earth Changed
Where to Watch: Apple TV+
When to Watch: From April 16
The coronavirus pandemic has brought home the stakes of humanity's impact on the environment. But the lockdowns also proved how quickly nature can recover when humans give it the space. Birds sang in empty cities, whales surfaced in Glacier Bay and capybara roamed the South American suburbs.
The Year Earth Changed captures this unique year with footage from more than 30 lockdowned cities between May 2020 to January 2021. Narrated by renowned wildlife broadcaster David Attenborough, the film explores what positive lessons we can take from the experience of a quieter, less trafficked world.
"What the film shows is that the natural world can bounce back remarkably quickly when we take a step back and reduce our impact as we did during lockdown," executive producer Alice Keens-Soper of BBC Studios Natural History Unit told EcoWatch. "If we are willing to make even small changes to our habits, the natural world can flourish. We need to learn how to co-exist with nature and understand that we are not separate from it- for example if we closed some of our beaches at for a few weeks during the turtle breeding we see that it can make a huge difference to their success. There are many ways that we can adapt our behavior to allow the natural world to thrive as it did in lockdown."
2. After Antarctica
Where to Watch: San Francisco International Film Festival
When to Watch: 12 a.m. PST April 9 to 11:59 p.m. April 18
In 1989, Will Steger led an international team of six scientists and explorers to be the first humans to cross Antarctica by dogsled. Steger and his team weren't just in it for the adventure. They also wanted to draw attention to the ways in which the climate crisis was already transforming the icy continent and to rally support for the renewal of the Antarctic Treaty, which would keep the continent safe from extractive industries.
In After Antarctica, award-winning filmmaker Tasha Van Zandt follows Steger 30 years later as he travels the Arctic this time, reflecting on his original journey and once again bringing awareness to changes in a polar landscape. The film intersperses this contemporary journey with footage from the original expedition, some of which has never been seen before.
"Will's life journey as an explorer and climate activist has led him not only to see more of the polar world than anyone else alive today, but to being an eyewitness to the changes occurring across both poles," Van Zandt told EcoWatch. "But now, these changes are happening in all of our own backyards and we have all become eyewitnesses. Through my journey with Will, I have learned that although we cannot always control change, we can change our response. I feel strongly that this is a message that resonates when we look at the current state of the world, as we each have power and control over how we choose to respond to hardships, and we all have the power to unite with others through collective action around a common goal."
After Antarctica is available to stream once you purchase a ticket to the San Francisco International Film Festival. If you miss it this weekend, it will screen again at the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival from May 13 to May 23.
Tasha Van Zandt
3. The Race to Save the World
Where to Watch: Virtual Cinema
When to Watch: From Earth Day, April 22
While many films about the climate crisis seek to raise awareness about the extent of the problem, The Race to Save the World focuses on the people who are trying to stop it. The film tells the story of climate activists ranging from 15-year-old Aji to 72-year-old Miriam who are working to create a sustainable future. It follows them from the streets to the courtroom to their homes, and explores the impact of their advocacy on their personal lives and relationships.
Emmy award-winning documentary filmmaker Joe Gantz told EcoWatch that he wanted to make a film about climate change, but did not want to depress viewers with overwhelming statistics. Instead, he chose to inspire them by sharing the stories of people trying to make a difference.
"Unless millions of people take to the streets and make their voices heard for a livable future, the politicians are not going to get on board to help make the changes needed for a sustainable future," Gantz told Ecowatch. "I think that The Race To Save The World will energize and inspire people to take action so that future generations, as well as the plants, animals and ecosystems, can survive and thrive on this planet."
Check back with EcoWatch on the morning of Earth Day for a special preview of this inspiring film!