The Best Indoor Plants to Brighten Up Your Home
Whether you’re looking to add some greenery to your living space or want plants that thrive without a lot of sunlight, indoor plants are a great option. As someone who has struggled to keep plants alive in the past, I’ve learned a lot over the years about which species adapt best to living indoors. In this article, I’ll cover some of the easiest and most charming indoor plants to consider.
Pothos
Pothos, or devil’s ivy, is famously low-maintenance. It thrives in low to medium light conditions and doesn’t require much water. Pothos comes in various leaf color combinations like green with yellow variegation. Its trailing vines make it a great choice for hanging baskets or as a tabletop plant. From my experience, pothos is nearly impossible to kill – even when I’ve forgotten to water it for weeks! It’s an excellent option for busy gardeners or those new to plant care.
Snake Plant
Another nearly unkillable plant is the snake plant. With its tall, upright leaves striped in yellow or white, it adds an exotic touch to any room. I have a snake plant that’s survived multiple office moves over the years with barely any care from me. It tolerates very low light and should be watered just once every couple weeks. The snake plant also produces oxygen at night, making it a great natural air purifier.
ZZ Plant
Similar to snake plants in terms of low maintenance, ZZ plants thrive in low light and like to dry out between waterings. Their broad, deep green leaves look lush and full. ZZ plants are well-suited for living rooms, bedrooms, or any spot that doesn’t receive much direct sunlight. I keep one in my kitchen window since it’s very shade tolerant. Just be sure not to overwater it by checking the soil regularly.
Peperomia
With their colorful, succulent-like leaves, peperomias add a unique aesthetic to any space. Varieties like peperomia caperata ‘Rosso’ have deep red foliage while peperomiaobtusifolia ‘Variegata’ boasts green leaves rimmed in creamy white. Peperomias tolerate medium to low light and should be watered whenever the top soil becomes dry. They’re low maintenance and make excellent tabletop plants or bathroom companions.
Chinese Evergreen
If you want a lush, tropical-looking plant for medium light spots, consider a Chinese evergreen. Its thick, waxy heart-shaped leaves come in shades of green with colorful patterns and variegation. Chinese evergreens thrive in humidity, so they work well in bathrooms. From my experience, they prefer to dry out slightly between waterings but like consistent moisture. Their waxy leaves make them resistant to occasional dry spells as well.
Spider Plant
Spider plants are excellent air-purifying plants thanks to their ability to remove chemicals like formaldehyde and benzene from indoor environments. With their long green leaves and dangling spiderlets, they add visual interest too. Spider plants tolerate low light and actually appreciate periods of dry soil between waterings. They’re very prolific propagators; I often get plant babies sprouting from the soil that I can share with friends.
Philodendron
For a tropical accent that thrives in medium to low light, philodendrons are a top pick. Varieties like philodendron ‘Brasil’ have heart-shaped leaves in vibrant shades of green with yellow stripes. They come in climbing or bushier forms. In my experience, philodendrons enjoy damp but well-draining soil and humusy potting mixes. Be wary of overwatering, as their roots are prone to rot. These beauties add drama to any space.
Cast Iron Plant
If you want a nearly indestructible plant that can even tolerate low direct sunlight, consider the cast iron plant. Its thick, dark green leaves resemble tongues and are very firm and wrinkly – almost as if they’re made of metal! I keep one in a north-facing window and it seems perfectly content. Cast iron plants like occasional water and prefer average indoor humidity levels. Their longevity makes them a great choice for forgetful plant parents.
Peace Lily
For a gorgeous white-blooming plant, peace lilies are hard to beat. Their fragrant flowers appear periodically throughout the year. These beauties flourish in medium to low light and prefer consistent moisture in their soil. Whenever the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water. Peace lilies are very sensitive indicators of their needs; their leaves will droop noticeably if thirsty. I keep one in my kitchen sink window and enjoy its blooms.
Chinese Money Plant
With its long, arched leaves reminiscent of cascading coins or shells, the Chinese money plant brings a mystical feel. It tolerates low light and actually appreciates drying out slightly between waterings. Money plants are good air purifiers and increase bathroom humidity with their foliage. The trailing stems look great hanging or trained up a moss pole. I find that they reward occasional fertilizer with lush growth. Overall, they’re a really fun and affordable houseplant pick.
In summary, by choosing plants like pothos, snake plants, zz plants, peperomias, or cast iron plants, you can be assured of getting easy-care, long-living greenery for your home. Going the low-maintenance route saves time and reduces stress of meticulous care. But at the same time, plants like peace lilies or Chinese evergreens that prefer higher humidity offer gorgeous blooms or foliage. With a little research to match plant needs to your conditions, anyone can develop a thriving indoor jungle. I hope this overview gave you some ideas of awesome indoor plants to brighten your space. Please let me know if you need any other plant suggestions!
Top Indoor Plant Picks for Any Space
| Plant | Sunlight | Water | Size | Care Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spider Plant | Low | Allow soil to dry between waterings | Small to Medium | Easy |
| Snake Plant | Low to Medium | Water every 2-4 weeks | Medium to Large | Very Easy |
| Pothos | Low to Bright Indirect | Water when top inch of soil is dry | Small to Large | Easy |
| Peace Lily | Medium to Bright Indirect | Water when soil is dry | Medium | Easy |
| Chinese Evergreen | Low to Medium | Water when top inch of soil is dry | Medium to Large | Easy |
FAQ
What kinds of plants grow well indoors?
Plants like pothos, snake plant, zz plant, and peace lily basically need very little care and can grow inside fairly easily. These plants are pretty tough and don’t need much sunlight. Peace lilies are actually quite stunning and can make a room look amazing even with just a few hours of light each day. Spider plants also do well indoors and can even clean the air!
How often should indoor plants be watered?
Most indoor plants need water around once a week, but it sort of depends on the plant type and Conditions. Pothos and snake plants can go longer between waterings—perhaps every 10-14 days. Peace lilies and spider plants usually need water when the top inch of soil becomes dry. A good rule of thumb is to check the soil by sticking your finger in—if it’s dry, it’s time to water! Some plants like philodendrons can even go 2 weeks between waterings.
What kind of light do indoor plants need?
While some plants such as pothos and snake plants can survive in low light, most indoor plants need at least some direct sunlight each day to thrive. Southeast windows typically provide the brightest light. Plants placed farther from windows may only need indirect light. Spider plants, peace lilies, and philodendrons do well with just a few hours of sunlight daily. You can use a light meter app to check light levels in different areas of your home. Maybe grow lights could help provide light for plants in dim rooms?
How can I tell if a plant is getting too much or too little water?
Some signs a plant is getting too much water include droopy or yellowed leaves, brown spotted leaves, and soggy soil that stays wet for long periods. Too little water causes leaves to look wilted or curled. The soil may also appear dry and the plant rather limp. You can check soil moisture by sticking your finger in. Overwatered plants are often difficult to save, but under-watered plants can usually perk back up after a good drink. It takes some experience to get the watering just right for different plant types.
What are some low-maintenance indoor plants?
Some of the easiest indoor plants to care for include pothos, snake plant, zz plant, spider plant, and peace lily. These plants are quite tough and can withstand some neglect. Pothos and snake plants can even go quite a while without water. Spider plants are simply amazing at filtering toxins from the air. Though peace lilies might require a bit more water, their stunning blooms make them worth the effort. Succulents and cacti also need very infrequent watering—about once every 2-3 weeks. These are great options for people with brown thumbs!
How can I know if my indoorplant is unhealthy?
There are several signs that could mean your indoor plant is suffering: yellowed or browning leaves, curled/wilted leaves, spots/holes on leaves, mushy/hollow stems, droopy plant overall, or soil that stays continually wet. Pests like spider mites or mealybugs are another warning sign. However, shedding a few bottom leaves is natural for some plants. Getting the watering, light conditions, and fertilizing schedule right takes some trial and error. A plant that’s stalled or declining may need better care. But with some TLC, many sick plants can recover.
What are some common problems for indoor plants?
Some frequent issues indoor plants encounter are overwatering, underwatering, too much or too little sunlight, and pests like spider mites or mealybugs. Overwatered plants may develop yellow leaves and soggy soil, while underwatered plants look wilted. Too much direct sun can scorch leaves, whereas too little and plants may struggle. Pests can cause leaf spots and damage. Improving conditions, waiting longer between waterings, using fertilizer, or treating with neem oil can help sick plants. But sometimes plants are just difficult—some folks have amazing luck with peace lilies while others kill them! Growing plants may take practice.
How do I know if my plant needs fertilizer?
There are a few signs that could mean your indoor plant is hungry for nutrients: stunted or slow growth, pale yellowish leaves, drooping or wilted appearance. Most plants do well with a diluted liquid fertilizer every few months during the spring and summer when they’re actively growing. But be careful not to over fertilize either—too many chemicals can actually harm the plant. It’s best to check package instructions and only feed when foliage looks weak. A balanced fertilizer labeled for houseplants should do the trick. With enough light, water, and occasional feeding—your plant buddies should thrive!