The Best Indoor Plants for Every Home

Introduction

Indoor plants are more than just decorative; they offer a range of benefits that enhance both your home and well-being. From purifying the air to increasing humidity and creating pet-safe environments, the right plants can transform any space. Whether you’re a seasoned plant owner or just getting started, choosing the best indoor plants can feel overwhelming. In this guide, we’ll explore the top options for air-purifying, low-maintenance, and hanging plants, as well as the best places to buy them online. No matter your lifestyle or living conditions, there’s a perfect plant to suit your needs.

Best Indoor Plants for Air Purification

Indoor plants do more than beautify your home. They also clean the air by removing harmful toxins. Below, we explore some of the top low-maintenance indoor plants known for their air-purifying abilities.

Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

The Snake Plant, also called Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, is one of the best air-purifying indoor plants. It’s incredibly hardy, making it a top choice for beginners. This plant absorbs toxins like formaldehyde and nitrogen oxides, which are commonly found in indoor spaces. Plus, it thrives with minimal care, needing only occasional watering and indirect sunlight.

To learn more about the benefits of air-purifying plants and other options, explore the Royal Horticultural Society’s guide to air-purifying houseplants.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

The Peace Lily is a low-maintenance houseplant that effectively cleans the air by removing mold spores and increasing humidity. It’s perfect for bedrooms or bathrooms, where moisture is higher. It also absorbs common indoor pollutants like benzene and formaldehyde. Keep it in low to medium light, and it will thrive with just weekly watering.

Aloe Vera

Known for its healing properties, Aloe Vera is also an air purifier. It helps remove harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and benzene from the air. This plant is an ideal addition to sunny spots, making it a perfect choice for those looking for minimal care indoor plants that offer health benefits.

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

The Spider Plant is one of the most popular indoor plants for beginners. It’s resilient, easy to care for, and great for improving indoor air quality. This plant absorbs carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and other pollutants, making it ideal for homes and offices. Keep it in indirect light, and water it weekly.

Indoor Plant Air Purification Guide

Best Indoor Plants for Pet Owners

For pet owners, choosing the right indoor plants is essential to ensure the safety of your furry friends. Many common houseplants can be toxic to pets, but there are plenty of safe, non-toxic options that add beauty to your home without posing a risk.

Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

The Areca Palm is a fantastic choice for pet owners. It’s completely non-toxic to both dogs and cats, making it a safe and stylish addition to any home. This plant is known for its tall, feathery fronds that add a tropical touch to your space. It thrives in indirect light and requires moderate watering, ensuring it’s easy to care for.

Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

The Boston Fern is another pet-safe option. This plant not only enhances your home with its lush, green fronds but also helps improve humidity in dry indoor spaces. It’s non-toxic and perfectly safe for curious pets. To keep it thriving, place it in indirect light and keep the soil consistently moist.

Calathea (Calathea spp.)

Calathea plants are not only safe for pets but also highly decorative, known for their stunning patterned leaves. They are a perfect indoor addition if you want to add some striking visual appeal while ensuring pet safety. Calatheas prefer low to medium light and need frequent watering to maintain their vibrant leaves.

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

The Spider Plant makes another appearance, this time for its pet-friendliness. It’s non-toxic, so your cats or dogs can safely nibble on its long, arching leaves without any risk. This plant thrives in indirect light and requires minimal care, making it a perfect option for pet owners with a busy schedule.

Pet-Safe Indoor Plant Guide

Best Indoor Hanging Plants

If you’re short on floor space or simply want to add a unique design element to your home, indoor hanging plants are the perfect solution. These plants not only enhance your interior design but also improve air quality and bring a touch of nature indoors.

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

The Pothos is a top choice for indoor hanging plants. It’s incredibly hardy and thrives in low light, making it perfect for various rooms. Its trailing vines grow quickly and can be styled to cascade down from hanging baskets or shelves. It’s low-maintenance, requiring minimal watering and care, making it ideal for beginners.

String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)

For a more distinctive look, the String of Pearls is an eye-catching plant with its unique, bead-like leaves that spill over the edges of a hanging pot. This plant thrives in bright, indirect light and needs watering only when the soil is dry. Its striking appearance makes it perfect for modern or minimalist decor.

English Ivy (Hedera helix)

English Ivy is a classic indoor hanging plant known for its elegant, trailing vines. It’s highly adaptable and can grow in a range of light conditions, from low to bright indirect light. English Ivy also helps improve air quality, making it both decorative and functional. Water it when the top inch of soil feels dry to keep it thriving.

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Once again, the Spider Plant proves to be a versatile houseplant. Its long, arching leaves make it perfect for hanging baskets, where its “baby” offshoots can trail down beautifully. Spider Plants thrive in indirect light and require minimal maintenance, making them one of the best choices for hanging plants.

Indoor Hanging Plant Guide

Best Indoor Plants for Low-Light Conditions

Not all homes get abundant sunlight, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the beauty of indoor plants. The following plants thrive in low-light environments, making them perfect for apartments, offices, or any space with limited natural light.

ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

The ZZ Plant is a nearly indestructible houseplant, known for its ability to thrive in low-light conditions. Its glossy, dark green leaves make it an attractive choice for dim corners or windowless rooms. This plant is incredibly low-maintenance, requiring very little water and thriving on neglect. Water it sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)

The Philodendron is a classic houseplant that adapts well to low light. Its heart-shaped leaves and climbing nature make it a versatile plant for both pots and hanging baskets. This plant prefers low to medium light and should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry. It’s an excellent choice for beginners due to its forgiving nature.

Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)

As its name suggests, the Cast Iron Plant is one of the toughest indoor plants available. It’s extremely tolerant of low light and neglect, making it perfect for those with busy lifestyles. Its long, dark green leaves add a touch of elegance to low-light areas. Water it sparingly, as it can handle dry conditions very well.

Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

The Snake Plant makes another appearance, this time for its ability to thrive in low light. It’s well-suited to spaces with little natural sunlight and requires very little care. Water it only when the soil is dry, and enjoy its air-purifying benefits. Its stiff, upright leaves make it a stylish choice for modern interiors.

Low-Light Indoor Plant Guide

Best Indoor Plants for Busy People (Low Maintenance)

If you’re constantly on the go or simply forgetful when it comes to plant care, low-maintenance plants are the perfect solution. These plants can thrive with minimal attention, making them ideal for busy individuals or frequent travelers.

Succulents (Various species)

Succulents are one of the best choices for low-maintenance indoor plants. They store water in their thick leaves, meaning they can go for long periods without watering. Simply place them in bright, indirect sunlight, and water sparingly when the soil is completely dry. Popular varieties include Aloe Vera, Echeveria, and Jade Plant.

Cactus (Cactaceae)

Cacti are virtually indestructible indoor plants that thrive on neglect. These plants require very little water, making them perfect for busy people. They do best in bright sunlight, so place them near a window and water sparingly. Cacti come in a variety of shapes and sizes, adding a fun, unique look to your home.

Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

The Chinese Evergreen is a stylish, hardy plant that requires minimal care. It tolerates low light and only needs to be watered when the soil feels dry. Known for its beautiful, patterned leaves, the Chinese Evergreen is an excellent choice for those who want a plant that requires little attention while still providing aesthetic appeal.

ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

Once again, the ZZ Plant earns its place in the low-maintenance category. Its ability to thrive in low light and tolerate infrequent watering makes it a top choice for anyone with a busy lifestyle. This plant can handle neglect, needing only occasional watering when the soil is dry.

Low-Maintenance Indoor Plant Guide

Best Indoor Plants for Improving Humidity

If you live in a dry environment or during winter months, indoor plants can help improve humidity levels. Certain plants release moisture into the air, making them great for maintaining a comfortable atmosphere at home.

Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

The Boston Fern is one of the best indoor plants for adding moisture to the air. Its lush, feathery fronds absorb water through the roots and release it into the atmosphere. Place it in indirect light and keep the soil consistently moist to maximize its humidity-boosting potential. This plant is especially effective in bathrooms or areas with higher humidity.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

The Peace Lily not only purifies the air but also improves indoor humidity levels. It’s ideal for dry rooms, as it adds moisture while removing harmful pollutants. Place it in low to medium light and water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist.

Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

The Areca Palm is another excellent option for improving humidity indoors. Its large fronds release moisture into the air, making it a natural humidifier. This tropical plant thrives in indirect light and requires regular watering to keep the soil evenly moist. It’s also pet-friendly, making it a great choice for homes with animals.

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

The Spider Plant once again proves its versatility. It’s known for releasing moisture into the air, making it a good choice for increasing humidity. Keep it in indirect light and water it weekly to help it thrive while maintaining a more comfortable humidity level.

Indoor Plants for Humidity Guide

Where to Buy the Best Indoor Plants Online

Finding the perfect indoor plants is easier than ever, thanks to the variety of online stores that specialize in delivering healthy, beautiful plants directly to your door. Whether you’re looking for pet-friendly plants, air-purifying options, or easy-care plants, these stores have you covered.

Amazon

Amazon offers a wide range of indoor plants, from succulents to larger tropical varieties. With customer reviews, you can easily determine which plants are best for your needs. Amazon also sells plant care products like pots, soil, and fertilizers, making it a one-stop shop for plant enthusiasts. Plus, with fast delivery, you can get your plants quickly and conveniently.

Etsy

Etsy is a great platform for finding unique and rare indoor plants. Many independent sellers offer handcrafted pots and planters alongside their plant collections. If you’re looking for something special, like a rare succulent or a tropical indoor plant, Etsy is the place to explore. It’s also a fantastic option for supporting small businesses while adding a personal touch to your home decor.

Patch Plants (UK)

For UK-based buyers, Patch Plants offers a curated selection of easy-to-care-for indoor plants, perfect for beginners and seasoned plant owners alike. Their user-friendly website allows you to shop by plant type, care level, and even room size. Patch Plants provides detailed care instructions for each plant, ensuring that your new greenery thrives.

The Sill

If you’re looking for beautifully styled, easy-to-care-for plants, The Sill is a great option. They offer a wide range of plants that are categorized by size, light requirements, and difficulty level. The Sill is known for its educational content, helping customers learn how to care for their plants. They also provide stylish planters to complete the look of your indoor garden.

Indoor Plant Store Comparison Guide

Conclusion

Indoor plants do much more than beautify your space. They improve air quality, boost humidity, and even provide pet-safe options for animal lovers. Whether you’re a busy individual seeking low-maintenance indoor plants or want to enhance your home’s aesthetic with hanging plants, there’s an indoor plant for every need.

To make your home greener, consider the following:

• Choose air-purifying plants like Snake Plants or Peace Lilies to keep your air clean.
• Opt for pet-safe plants like Areca Palms or Spider Plants to keep your furry friends safe.
• If you’re short on space, hanging plants like Pothos or String of Pearls add greenery without taking up floor space.
• Busy lifestyle? Go for low-maintenance plants like ZZ Plants or Succulents that thrive with minimal care.

If you’re interested in growing more than just decorative plants indoors, check out our guide on the best indoor vegetable soil for 2024, which provides top tips and product recommendations.

No matter your living situation, there’s a perfect plant waiting for you. Shop online at trusted stores like Amazon, Etsy, or Patch Plants to find the best indoor plants for your needs.