Best Indoor Plants to Grow at Home – Which Houseplants Thrive Inside

The Best Plants to Grow Indoors

If you’re looking to brighten up your home with some green, indoor plants are a great option. But with so many varieties to choose from, it can be tough to know where to start. In this article, I’ll discuss some of the top plants that thrive when grown inside and provide answers to all the questions a new indoor gardener may have.

Low-Maintenance Plants

For beginners, low-maintenance plants that tolerate a wide range of care are ideal. Some great options include:

1. Pothos – Known for being virtually indestructible, pothos are very hardy. They’re happy with low to medium light and don’t need frequent watering. Just water when the top inch of soil is dry.
2. Snake Plant – Snake plants are super tough and forgiving. They can go a long time between waterings and don’t mind low light conditions. I’ve had mine for years with little effort.
3. Zanziberella – This attractive plant has grass-like foliage. It grows well in low or bright light and only needs water every couple weeks. It’s practically impossible to overwater.

The above plants are very resilient and hard to kill. They’re perfect for helping a novice gardener gain confidence.

Plants for Low Light

If you have a shady spot indoors, don’t fret—there are still options. Plants adapted to low light environments include:

1. Chinese Evergreens – These foliage plants thrive in low or medium light. They come in various colors and leaf patterns for visual interest.
2. Peace Lily – With its beautiful white blooms, peace lilies not only tolerate low light but can indicate watering needs with drooping leaves.
3. Cast Iron Plant – As the name suggests, cast iron plants are extremely durable. They do well in very shady conditions with infrequent watering.

The above can add green to even the darkest of rooms. Just be sure not to overwater low-light plants.

Easy Flowering Houseplants

For a pop of color, consider easy-blooming indoor plants:

1. African Violets – These cute violets flower continuously with the right care. Provide medium to bright filtered light and keep soil slightly moist.
2. Geraniums – Geraniums come in many varieties for windowsills. They thrive in medium light and prefer to stay slightly on the dry side between waterings.
3. Impatiens – Impatiens have colorful hanging blooms that light up any room. Keep soil moist in a bright spot for flowers all year.

The cheerful blooms of African violets, geraniums, and impatiens are sure to brighten your decor. With proper watering, they reward you with continuous flowers.

Plants for Various Light Needs

For maximum plant selection, choose plants accommodating a range of light intensities:

1. Dieffenbachia – Known for its sculptural leaves, dieffenbachia tolerates light conditions from low to medium-bright. Avoid overwatering.
2. ZZ Plant – Another very hardy choice, ZZ plants not only adapt to varying light levels but are also drought-tolerant. Water whenever the top inch of soil is dry.
3. Spider Plant – Spider plants produce cute plantlets from long hanging leaves. They perform well in low to bright light and like to dry out between waterings.

The above crushing plants welcome flexibility in their care. They make wonderful choices for positioning in variably lit areas of your home.

Plants for Pet Owners

If you have furry friends, opt for pet-safe greenery:

1. English Ivy – This trailing vine is non-toxic and looks elegant trailing over an elevated pot. It tolerates low to medium light.
2. Palm – There are many ornamental palm varieties that pose no risk to pets. Choose according to your space and light conditions.
3. Ponytail Palm – With its whimsical name and unique fishtail-like leaves, ponytail palm continues to fascinate people and pets alike. It does well in average home light levels.

The above plants pose no danger to curious cats and dogs yet still provide visual interest. Their low-risk profile makes them excellent picks for pet parents.

Edible Plants for the Kitchen

Spice up your space with delicious, edible indoor plants:

1. Bay Laurel – Use the aromatic bay leaves in cooking. Position in bright light for best flavor.
2. Basil – Fresh basil brightens any dish. Provide several hours of direct sun daily for ample leaves.
3. Mint – Mint spreads quickly, so put it in a pot. Use leaves in drinks and enjoy the fragrance. Keep soil moist in sun or shade.

Homegrown herbs are incredibly satisfying. Snip leaves as needed from your kitchen windowsill plants. Just be sure to maintain consistent moisture and light for your edible greenery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common indoor plant queries:

What is the best soil for indoor plants?

Most indoor plants thrive in a well-draining potting mix. I recommend a general potting soil formulated for houseplants. It retains moisture well while allowing excess water to move through the drainage holes.

How often should I water indoor plants?

Watering varies greatly depending on the plant and conditions. As a general rule, wait until the top inch of soil is dry before watering again. Stick your finger in to check the moisture level. Snake plants and zz plants only need water every couple weeks.

How can I get rid of spider mites on plants?

Spider mites are a common indoor plant pest. Isolate the infested plant and wash leaves with a mixture of water and a few drops of dish soap. Repeat after a week if needed. You can also try neem oil or insecticide sprays designed for mites.

What if my plant gets leggy?

If a plant grows tall and lanky due to low light, try pruning or cutting it back. This induces bushier growth. You can also move it to a brighter spot or supplement with grow lights during winter months. Proper light is key for compact, healthy structure.

I hope this detailed guide has helped answer any indoor plant questions you may have! Let me know if other topics need clarifying. Growing houseplants is a fun and rewarding way to liven up your living space.

Best Plants To Grow Indoors

FAQ

1. What kinds of plants are good for growing indoors?

   Some popular indoor plants that are basically easy to care for include pothos, snake plants, zz plants, peace lilies, Chinese evergreens and spider plants. These plants can handle low light and don’t need a ton of water.

2. Is it hard to take care of indoor plants?

   Taking care of indoor plants sort of depends on the types of plants. Some indoor plants like the ones I mentioned before are pretty simple to care for and don’t require a lot of work. However, other plants may need more light, nutrients or attention. Still, most indoor plants are pretty tough and can forgive occasional mistakes.

   

3. How often do I need to water indoor plants?

   The frequency of watering indoor plants depends mainly on the soil type and light conditions. As a general rule, check the soil before watering and only water when the top inch or two becomes dry. Some plants like snake plants may only need water once every few weeks, whereas others in bright sunlight may need water once a week. It’s best not to have a fixed schedule and go by the plant’s individual needs.

4. What are some low maintenance indoor plants?

   If you want indoor plants that require minimal effort, some good choices would be pothos, snake plant, zz plant or succulents. These plants are quite forgiving and can go longer without water when you’re busy. Spider plants and peace lilies are also relatively low maintenance as they’ll let you know when they need a drink by dropping their leaves. Succulents are especially amazing because they can survive long periods without water.

5. Is growing plants indoors good for cleaning the air?

   Apparently some research shows that certain plants can help clean toxins from the air in your home. English ivy, bamboo palm, and peace lily are supposedly outstanding air purifiers. However, NASA studies also found other common houseplants like spider plants, fig ivy, dracaena and gerbera daisies to be equally effective at absorbing chemicals like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. Whether homegrown plants make a huge impact is debatable. But it seems they couldn’t hurt and are nice to look at!

6. What growing conditions do indoor plants need?

   Most houseplants need:

   • Bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sun may damage some plants.
   • Temperatures between 65-80°F.
   • Well-draining soil. Packed soil can lead to root rot.
   • Proper watering and care as per their needs. Overwatering is as bad as underwatering.
   • Fertilizer during the growing season can further aid growth.

   Meeting these conditions and requirements basically ensures your indoor plants remain healthy.

7. Are indoor plants good for mental health?

   While there’s no strong scientific evidence, some experts suggest indoor plants may lower stress and boost mood. Looking at or caring for plants could offer a calming effect through their attractive foliage and blooms. Having plants around may also improve air quality within homes. At the very least, tending to greenery seems to be a soothing pastime for many people. So in that sense, surrounding yourself with indoor plants may perhaps aid psychological well-being.

In summary, growing a variety of low-maintenance houseplants can be an enjoyable and potentially beneficial hobby. While it’s not 100% necessary, indoor greenery certainly can’t hurt and often makes living spaces more appealing. Just choose adaptable plants that suit your conditions and care needs.