Indoor plants are an integral part of modern homes, they not only lighten up the mood and purify the air but also create an aesthetic appeal and ambience. There are plenty of places where these plants can be placed, from corners of your living room to bedside tables of your bedroom. Apart from these conventional places, nowadays plants are even placed in kitchen and bathrooms.
In the whirlwind of everyday life, dedicating time to plant care can be tough. Fortunately, there are some plants which are incredibly low maintenance and can thrive in low to medium sunlight. These hassle-free companions let you focus on your work without worry, as many can go up to a week without watering, making them ideal for those with a packed schedule.
You’ll be amazed to discover that a lot of these plants are not fully dependent on potting soil, they can be put directly into water, increasing the beauty and offering a modern and stylish look. Plants such as pothos and philodendron can be grown directly in water.
On this page, we’ve compiled a list of the best indoor plants which are easy to take care of, along with their maintenance tips. These indoor plants for home are perfect for adding greenery to your home without the hassle. To make it even easier for you, we’ve included direct links to purchase these plants, so you can start your indoor gardening journey right away!
SNAKE PLANT
This vertical grower adds a unique, modern and intriguing look. Renowned for its air purifying qualities and low maintenance nature, this small indoor plant exemplifies the aesthetic appeal of any room. It is considered one of the top indoor plants for oxygen, continuing to release oxygen even during the night.
Sunlight – Bright indirect sunlight
Watering – Twice a month
Pro Tip – Try placing them on your bedside table to improve air quality and promote better sleep
POTHOS
Also called Devil’s Ivy, Its ability to thrive under less-than-ideal circumstances has earned it this nickname. Pothos plants are incredibly versatile, You can train them to climb a moss pole, let them trail down from a hanging basket, or even propagate them in water to create stunning aquatic displays.
Sunlight – Bright Indirect light
Watering – Every one to two weeks
Pro Tip – Suitable as a trailing plant or a climbing vine. Let it hang from a wall-mounted container
HOYA PLANT
Also known as the wax plant, its thick leaves and clusters of star-shaped flowers adds an exotic, unique touch to any space. These stunning flowers emit a pleasant fragrance, making them a sensory delight. It thrives in bright, indirect light and flourishes with minimal attention, making it ideal for busy plant owners.
Sunlight – bright, filtered light (not direct)
Watering – When top layer feels crumby
Pro Tip – To trigger flowering give it a little more stress by reducing watering slightly during the winter months.
Monstera Deliciosa
Decorate your indoors with this One-of-a-kind houseplant. It’s split leaves or fenestrations have evolved to allow light to penetrate lower leaves even in low light conditions.
Sunlight – Bright indirect light. If possible place it in east facing room.
Watering – When top layer of soil feels crumby
Pro Tip – A monstera can grow up to 10 feet, so place it in spacious corners where its iconic leaves can take a large shape
Rubber Plant
This tropical marvel is revered for its large and glossy leaves. Historically the sap from this plant was used to make rubber, nowadays its use is mostly confined to increasing indoor aesthetic and beauty.
Sunlight – Bright, indirect sunlight
Watering – Every 1-2 weeks, avoid overwatering
Pro Tip – Pinch back your rubber plant to stimulate faster bushier growth
ZZ Plant
Zamioculcas zamiifolia or ZZ plant is a coveted choice among indoor plants for home. It’s the Zen master of low-maintenance plants, thriving in low light, draught, and low humidity. Apart from hardiness, zz plant is also renowned for its air purifying abilities. The only downside of this houseplant is that it’s toxic to cats and dogs.
Sunlight – Bright indirect light
Watering – Every 2-3 weeks
Pro Tip – Overwatering is the most common cause of its death, only water when the soil is completely dry.
Bird’s Nest Fern
Its unique fronds unfurl in an open, exposed manner, resembling a bird’s nest. This verdant marvel is renowned for improving air quality by sequestering toxins, making it both beautiful and practical. Its calming presence and ability to filter toxins make it one of the most recommended indoor plants for bedroom.
Sunlight – Bright, but not direct sunlight
Watering – When top inch of soil feels crumby
Pro Tip – It enjoys humidity, so place it on a tray of pebbles and water. Ensure the pot doesn’t touch water directly
Spider Plant
This botanical gem with its slender, arching leaves, striped in vibrant green and creamy white creates a visual delight wherever it is placed. Its air-purifying qualities further enhance its appeal.
Sunlight – Well-lit, filtered light
Watering – Once in a week
Pro Tip – Rotate it from time to time to get even growth on all sides.
String of Pearls
This ornamental wonder consists of bead like leaves that resemble a string of pearls. These beads store water and help the plant survive without regular watering. Couple it with human artifacts to create stunning visuals. Keep it away from pets as it can be toxic when consumed.
Sunlight – Bright, but not direct sunlight
Watering – When the soil feels crumby in nature
Pro Tip – To encourage a fuller, bushier String of Pearls, gently trim the long, leggy strands
Money Tree
A miniature tree like plant, it is the perfect addition to office desks and table tops. Apart from adding beauty and aesthetic it is also associated with luck and prosperity.
Sunlight – Soft, diffused sunlight
Watering – Every two weeks
Pro Tip – Place your Money Tree in the southeast corner of your home or office, as this area is traditionally associated with prosperity and abundance in Feng Shui
Chinese Evergreen
Also called Aglaonema this striking beauty comes in various varieties and colors. It’s the perfect indoor plant to liven up any room. In addition to its aesthetic charm, it also removes toxins from the air. But you’ll need to keep it away from cats and dogs as it’s mildly toxic.
Sunlight – Prefers bright indirect light
Watering – When the top 2 inches of soil feel dry and crumby in nature
Pro Tip – Aglaonema prefers humid air, using a room humidifier helps in proper growth
Also Read : The Ultimate Guide to Vertical Gardening – Palankhet
Dracaena
Native to tropical regions of Africa and Asia, Dracaena is an eye-catching, low maintenance plant. It’s favored for its easy care and ability to thrive in a variety of indoor conditions. The only downside of this plant, like of most houseplants is It is mildly toxic to cats and dogs.
Sunlight – Low to medium indirect light
Watering – Let the soil dry on the surface between waterings
Pro Tip – Dracaena is sensitive to fluoride, often found in tap water, use distilled or rainwater instead
Parlor Palm
This lush specimen is known for its elegant feathery fronds. Its slow growing nature and longer life means it’s ought to remain in your house for even decades. Suitable for desks and offices. Unlike many houseplants this one is safe for pets.
Sunlight – Low to Moderate indirect light
Watering – Once a week
Pro Tip – The parlor palm looks stunning in a golden metal pot, which complements its lush green fronds
Jade Plant
Believed to bring good luck and prosperity, this woody succulent with thick fleshy leaves is a popular choice for homes and offices. Jade plant requires minimal watering making them perfect for those with busy schedules. Jade plants can live up to 70 years, developing into small, tree-like structures with age.
Sunlight – Moderately Bright Light
Watering – Every 2 weeks
Pro Tip – To encourage star-shaped flowering, give it a period of drought in the fall by reducing watering.
Calathea
Another ornamental wonder calathea contains vibrant patterns on its leaves which add glamor and colors to any indoor space. Naturally growing under dense trees on the jungle floor, it requires dappled or shaded light to grow well.
Sunlight – Low to moderate indirect sunlight
Watering – When the top 2 inches of soil are dry and crumby
Pro Tip – To keep your calathea’s leaves vibrant, place them in a humid environment, such as a bathroom with a window or near a humidifier.
Lucky Bamboo
This plant features slender, upright stalks that can be shaped into various decorative forms, and it is believed to bring good fortune, prosperity, and positive energy. Unlike usual house-plants this one can be grown directly in water creating a unique eye-catching view!
Sunlight – Thrives in indirect light
Watering – When top 1-2 inch feels dry(if grown in soil)
Pro Tip – Keep your lucky bamboo in a container with water, ensuring the roots are submerged. Change the water every 1-2 weeks.
Also read: Essential Winter Care Tips For Plants – Palankhet
English Ivy
A vigorous and versatile houseplant, this evergreen climbing vine is often used as a decorative climber or ground cover due to its trailing vines and ability to adapt to different light conditions. English ivy thrives in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate lower light levels. It’s also toxic to pets if ingested so keep it away from their reach.
Sunlight – Moderate to bright light
Watering – Once a week
Pro Tip – To encourage fuller growth, provide a trellis or support structure for your English ivy to climb on.
Orchids
One of the best indoor flowering plants, orchids are known for their beautiful, long-lasting flowers in a wide variety of colors and patterns. While they may seem delicate, orchids are relatively easy to care for. They require weekly watering and slight humidity to grow and bloom perfectly.
Sunlight – Bright, Indirect light preferably from a south-facing window
Watering – Once a week
Pro Tip – Place the plant on a humidity tray filled with water and pebbles to maintain ideal humidity
Silver Satin Pothos
This Foliage masterpiece known for its striking heart-shaped leaves with silvery markings is a stunning, easy-to-care-for houseplant. It adapts very well to low light conditions and requires minimal watering to transform into a lush vine creating a visual delight.
Sunlight – Low to moderate bright light
Watering – When top inch of soil feels crumby ( Occasional)
Pro Tip – Provide a trellis or support for the vines to climb, adding a vertical dimension to your decor.
Aloe Vera
An incredibly popular succulent, Aloe Vera is a go-to plant among indoor plants for oxygen. In Addition to its low maintenance, drought tolerance nature, it also provides numerous health benefits. Its gel is frequently used for treating burns and skin irritations.
Sunlight – Moderate to bright sunlight ( Can tolerate direct light)
Watering – Only when the soil has completely dried out ( 2-3 Weeks)
Pro Tip – For a load of health benefits cut the leaf from the base, extract the gel, and apply it fresh.
Peperomia
With over 1,000 species, it offers a variety of leaf shapes, colors, and textures, making it a popular choice for adding visual interest to any indoor space. Due to its compact size, it is ideal for small spaces such as desks or table tops.
Sunlight – Moderate to bright sunlight
Watering – Once every 1-2 weeks
Pro Tip – Let the soil dry out between waterings, and avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Crown of thorns
This thorny blessing, with its vibrant blooms, is a true marvel in any indoor setting. The plant’s colorful flowers bloom year-round, and its resilience in dry conditions makes it a perfect combination of elegance and hardiness.
Sunlight – bright, diffused sunlight
Watering – When soil is crumby
Pro Tip – Place the plant in an area away from reach of children and pets to avoid contact with thorns
Boston fern
This fern is an easy-to-care-for indoor plant recognized for its feathery, arching fronds. Its love for humidity makes it an ideal plant for bathrooms and kitchens. While requiring consistent moisture, it should not be overwatered as it can cause root rot.
Sunlight – Bright, indirect light
Watering – Keep the soil moist but be careful from overwatering
Pro Tip – Use a humidity tray to maintain the necessary moisture levels
String of Dolphins
This unique and whimsical succulent creates a visual delight due to its dolphin-shaped leaves that resemble playful sea creatures leaping along the vines. Native to Namibia, this plant thrives in bright, indirect light and is perfect for hanging baskets or trailing arrangements.
Sunlight – bright, filtered light
Watering – every 2-3 weeks
Pro Tip – A spot with good airflow will also help prevent any issues with moisture buildup.
African Violet
Also called Saintpaulia, African violets are fascinating plants not only for their stunning flowers but also for their ability to bloom year-round under the right conditions. Easily grown from leaf cuttings these plants are known for thriving in lower light and are perfect for indoor spaces.
Sunlight – bright, indirect light
Watering – Water when the top inch of soil feels dry
Pro Tip – They are best watered from the bottom. Put it in a shallow dish filled with water. Remove it after 15 minutes.
Cast iron plant
Named for its exceptional resilience and ability to thrive in low-light conditions it has earned the reputation of hard-to-kill houseplant.
This plant is perfect for beginners, as it can survive neglect, including irregular watering.
Sunlight – low to moderate indirect light
Watering – Once a week
Pro Tip – Gently wipe their leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and allow them to absorb light more effectively.
Zebra Plant
Named for the striking patterns of its leaves, the zebra plant features bold green foliage embellished with white veins, resembling the stripes of a zebra. The plant’s yellow flowers, though short-lived, bring an exotic touch to any space.
Sunlight – Soft, diffused sunlight
Watering – Water when top inch of soil feels crumby
Pro Tip – Mist their leaves regularly or place them in a humid environment to mimic their tropical habitat.
FAQ
Which indoor plants produce the most oxygen?
All plants in general produce oxygen but some plants like Snake Plant, Areca Palm, and Peace Lily are excellent oxygen producers. They purify the air by sequestering toxins and improve indoor air quality significantly. These plants excel in removing toxins, such as benzene, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide commonly found in indoor environments, thereby creating a healthier living space.
Which indoor plants are low-maintenance?
Plant maintenance means watering and caring for them. Since most indoor plants are tropical and naturally grow under dense canopies of forests, they require minimal sunlight and watering. Plants such as Pothos, ZZ Plant, and Spider Plant are all considered low maintenance because they require minimal watering and can thrive in low light.
Which are the most common indoor plants which are easy to take care of?
Plants such as snake plant, ZZ plant, and English ivy are very popular and also very easy to take care of. They thrive in bright, indirect light and minimal watering. Although they can very well sustain low light conditions. Just place them in a good spot and water them weekly or bi-weekly and you can carry on with your life without worrying about them.
Which indoor plants are safe for pets?
Pet-safe indoor plants include Parlor Palm, Areca Palm, and Calathea. Avoid toxic plants like Peace Lily and Aloe Vera if you have pets.
How often should I water indoor plants?
Watering frequency depends on the plant type and environmental conditions. Most indoor plants prefer watering only when required. Usually when the top layer of soil is dry. Otherwise, a general rule of thumb is to water plants weekly which prevents them from drying and ensures consistent moisture.
Do indoor plants attract pests?
Some indoor plants can attract pests if overwatered or poorly maintained. Ensure proper care, such as removing dead leaves and avoiding waterlogging. Only water when required and have pots with drainage holes so excess water is drained out.
How do I prevent indoor plants from dying?
- Avoid overwatering.
- Use well-draining soil.
- Place plants in appropriate lighting.
- Regularly check for pests or diseases.