The houseplant craze is the most well-founded interior design trend, and some of the greatest indoor plants are also low maintenance, making them a win-win situation. There are many indoor plant ideas on The Spruce, and we’ll walk you through some of our top picks.
Perhaps you have a sizable collection of fuzzy ferns and tropical palms already, or perhaps you are just beginning to explore the world of plant parenting. Before you visit the greenhouse or place an online purchase for some new, well-liked houseplants, there are a few things to think about.
Twenty additions that are suitable for every house and need little upkeep are included in this list of indoor plant ideas.
Snake Plant
Snake plants, also called mother-in-law’s tongue, are some of the easiest and most popular houseplants. They bring striking greenery to any space and tolerate neglect well, making them ideal for beginners or busy plant owners.
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained, sandy soil with slightly alkaline or acidic pH
- Size: Around 2 ft. tall
- Helpful Tips: These plants are drought-tolerant, so avoid overwatering.
Pothos
Golden pothos are versatile, fast-growing, and virtually fuss-free. Perfect for hanging planters or trailing across shelves and cabinets, they’re ideal for beginners and experienced plant parents alike.
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained, moist soil with neutral to slightly acidic pH
- Size: Up to 40 ft. long
- Helpful Tips: Fertilize monthly during the growing season to help them thrive.
Heart-Leaf Philodendron
Heart-leaf philodendrons are great for hanging baskets or climbing setups. Their long tendrils are easy to propagate, making them perfect for expanding your indoor garden.
- Light: Partial sunlight
- Soil: Well-drained, neutral to acidic soil
- Size: 1–3 ft. wide, up to 13 ft. long
- Helpful Tips: Pinch off leaves occasionally to keep the plant full and bushy.
ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant features glossy, oblong leaves and adds a vibrant touch of green to any room. It’s very forgiving when it comes to light and water, making it ideal for low-light areas or forgetful plant owners.
- Light: Partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained, neutral to acidic soil
- Size: Up to 4 ft. tall and wide
- Helpful Tips: Avoid overwatering; allow the soil to dry fully between waterings.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a spiny succulent with tropical charm and useful gel-filled leaves. It thrives with minimal care and can handle poor soil conditions, making it perfect for indoor spaces.
- Light: Partial to full sunlight
- Soil: Sandy, acidic soil
- Size: Up to 3 ft. tall, 1 ft. wide
- Helpful Tips: Fertilization is optional; aloe is resilient to low-nutrient soils.
Jade Plant
Jade plants are hardy succulents with long lifespans, sometimes exceeding 70 years. They prefer bright light and occasional fertilization, making them a lasting indoor companion.
- Light: Full, indirect sunlight
- Soil: Well-drained, neutral to acidic soil
- Size: Up to 6 ft. tall and 3 ft. wide
- Helpful Tips: Keep away from vents and areas with extreme temperature changes.
Lucky Bamboo
Despite its name, lucky bamboo belongs to the dracaena family. Its stalks can grow in unique patterns and are often associated with love, balance, and growth.
- Light: Partial shade
- Soil: Moist but well-drained, acidic soil
- Size: 1–5 ft. tall, 1–2 ft. wide
- Helpful Tips: Use high-quality water for best results.
Corn Plant
Corn plants (dracaena fragrans) are low-maintenance tropical houseplants. They can grow tall but remain manageable, making them ideal for indoor spaces that need a tree-like plant.
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Soil: Moist, well-draining loamy soil, acidic
- Size: Up to 6 ft. tall
- Helpful Tips: Maintain humidity with a humidifier or a tray of water and pebbles.
Prayer Plant
The prayer plant adds color and interest with its striking green and pink-veined leaves. It’s perfect for indoor gardens that need a pop of vibrancy without extra effort.
- Light: Partial sun and shade
- Soil: Moist, well-draining soil
- Size: 6–12 in. tall and wide
- Helpful Tips: Remove dead leaves and be patient as the plant adjusts to new spaces.
Monstera Deliciosa
Known as the Swiss cheese plant, monstera deliciosa is tropical, fast-growing, and perfect for corners or medium-light indoor spaces.
- Light: Partial
- Soil: Acidic to neutral, well-draining soil
- Size: 3–15 ft. tall, 3–8 ft. wide
- Helpful Tips: Boost humidity with occasional misting for optimal growth.
Cast Iron Plant
The cast iron plant is hardy, mid-sized, and low-maintenance, making it a great addition for beginner plant parents.
- Light: Partial sun and shade
- Soil: Acidic to neutral, well-draining
- Size: 2–3 ft. tall, 1–2 ft. wide
- Helpful Tips: Repot in spring or summer for best adaptation.
Spider Plant
Spider plants are classic and easy to grow, featuring long, arching leaves that resemble spider legs.
- Light: Partial sun and shade
- Soil: Neutral, loamy, well-draining
- Size: 1–2 ft. tall and wide
- Helpful Tips: Give extra sunlight to encourage blooms and avoid frequent repotting.
Chinese Money Plant
Also called pancake or UFO plants, Chinese money plants have circular leaves and are highly adaptable to different light and water conditions.
- Light: Partial
- Soil: Acidic to neutral, well-draining
- Size: 12 in. tall, 8–12 in. wide
- Helpful Tips: Propagate easily from shoots to expand your collection.
Peace Lily
Peace lilies are flowering indoor plants with elegant white blooms. They thrive with basic care and add a touch of floral beauty indoors.
- Light: Partial
- Soil: Acidic, moist, well-draining
- Size: 1–4 ft. tall and wide
- Helpful Tips: Keep away from cold drafts and vents.
Rubber Tree
Rubber trees are visually striking with glossy leaves and can complement modern or earthy interiors. They’re forgiving plants but benefit from bright, indirect light.
- Light: Bright, indirect sunlight
- Soil: Well-drained mix (perlite, peat moss, coconut coir)
- Size: Up to 6 ft. tall, 3 ft. wide
- Helpful Tips: Ensure sufficient space as they can grow tall and wide.
Money Tree
Money trees can start small but may grow up to 8 ft. tall, often with braided trunks. They’re low-maintenance and symbolize good fortune.
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Soil: Acidic to neutral, moist, well-draining
- Size: Up to 6–8 ft. tall and wide
- Helpful Tips: Regular pruning helps control size and promote healthy growth.
Flapjack Succulent
Flapjack succulents have broad, flat leaves and are easy to propagate. They’re low-maintenance as long as you avoid overwatering.
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Loamy, sandy, well-draining
- Size: 1–2 ft. tall, 2–3 ft. wide
- Helpful Tips: Keep snug in pots; avoid oversized containers.
Donkey’s Tail
Donkey’s tail is a trailing succulent that looks great in hanging planters. Safe for pets, it thrives with a mix of sunlight and partial shade.
- Light: Warm, partial sunlight
- Soil: Neutral to alkaline, loamy, sandy
- Size: 1–4 ft. long, 1–2 ft. wide
- Helpful Tips: Provide a mix of light conditions for optimal growth.
String of Pearls
String of pearls has distinctive, pearl-like leaves that trail beautifully. Proper propagation ensures longevity and continuous growth.
- Light: Mix of full and partial light
- Soil: Neutral to acidic, sandy, well-draining
- Size: 1–2 ft. tall and long
- Helpful Tips: Ideal as a trailing plant or in a hanging planter.
Silver Sword Philodendron
Silver sword philodendrons have silvery, muted leaves that contrast with the classic heartleaf varieties, making them a unique addition to any indoor garden.
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Soil: Acidic, moist, well-draining
- Size: 10–15 ft. tall, 2 ft. wide
- Helpful Tips: Water only when the top inch of soil is dry to prevent overwatering.
