Indoor plants and indoor gardening are popular for many households these days. Houseplants can be a great addition to indoor spaces and can increase the overall appeal of many places. Apart from being a stylish addition to many homes and offices, indoor plants also offer many health benefits. They can reduce stress levels, clean air, and increase productivity.
However, with so many options available it can be tricky to choose which plant is best for you. To solve this confusion, we bring you a list of the top 15 low maintenance indoor plants that can help you select an ideal plant for your indoor spaces.
Why Indoor Plants
Indoor Plants are generally low-maintenance and are easy to grow and therefore are famous among beginners. In addition, they light up any area using very less space. Indoor plants also have numerous health benefits such as improving air quality which prevents many respiratory diseases.
They are also known to reduce stress and anxiety and create a calming environment that also helps in increasing productivity. Many indoor plants are also used as medicinal and edible plants for example – aloe vera is used to treat burns and mint is used in various food items.
Best Indoor Plants
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
ZZ plant is one of the most common indoor plants as it is found in many houses and offices. This low-maintenance indoor plant is very adaptable and can survive many conditions therefore it is a good choice for beginners or for someone with a busy lifestyle.
Tips on growing ZZ plants:
- Thrives in low-light conditions or indirect sunlight.
- Any well-draining soil can be used.
- Can survive drought conditions.
- Requires minimal pruning and fertilizing.
It should be noted that ZZ plants are toxic to both humans and are also not pet-friendly.
Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata
Snake plant is among the best low-maintenance indoor plants that are very hard to kill no matter how much you neglect their care. Snake plant is best known for its air purification quality and the ability to remove many tough toxins from the air. They also release oxygen at night which makes them a suitable choice for bedrooms.
Tips on growing Snake plants:
- They can survive in less or limited natural light.
- Snake plants are drought tolerant. However, let the soil dry out before watering again.
- They aren’t prone to common pests or plant diseases.
- Use well-draining soil.
Snake plants can be a very attractive addition to indoor spaces because of their sword-shaped leaves and vibrant colors. However, snake plants are toxic to both humans and pets so keep an eye out for them.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos aka Devil’s Ivy is a popular trailing indoor plant with attractive, heart-shaped leaves. Because of their trailing vines, Pothos is a great choice for hanging baskets. They have beautiful, big leaves with vibrant green and yellow patterns. Pothos is a versatile plant that can be grown in hanging baskets, or pots or can be trained to climb up moss poles.
Tips on growing Pothos:
- Pothos can be grown in clean water or in all-purpose soil.
- They can survive in low-light or bright indirect sunlight.
- Occasional droughts are tolerable but let the soil dry out between watering.
- Pruning is required to control over-spreading.
Pothos is a great low-maintenance indoor plant that can add greenery to any space with their attractive foliage but pothos are toxic to both humans and pets.
Aloe Vera (Aloe spp.)
Aloe vera is a great medicinal indoor plant that is known for its healing properties and is used to treat minor burns, skin cuts, and sunburns. Aloe vera is a part of the succulent family which makes it great in air purification. Its unique appearance makes it a great addition to your indoor plant collection.
Tips on growing Aloe Vera:
- Use sandy or any commercial soil with good drainage.
- Aloe vera does best with direct sunlight for 6 to 8 hours. But it can also survive in bright indirect sunlight.
- It is drought resistant but is susceptible to root rot so water only when the soil dries out.
Aloe vera is a very useful low-maintenance indoor plant because of its many medicinal uses. However, some species of aloe vera are toxic so do research before selecting the plant.
Peace lily
The peace lily is one of the most attractive indoor plants. It has beautiful white flowers with tear-shaped leaves. The blooms of this plant can last for weeks and can be enjoyed throughout the year. Peace lilies are easy to grow and are a great aesthetic addition to any indoor space.
Tips on growing Peace Lilies:
- These plants can adapt to varying low-light conditions.
- They require regular watering. Drooping leaves are a sign that the plant needs water.
Peace lilies are great ornamental and low-maintenance indoor plants that can be very appealing to many indoor spaces. Peace lilies toxic for humans and for pets if ingested.
The String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii)
This is another trailing plant that is famous for indoor growth. The string of hearts also known as the chain of hearts is a delicate yet beautiful trailing plant with long stems and heart-shaped leaves. The stems of this plant can reach up to 2m long which is why this plant is a great choice for shelves or hanging baskets.
Tips on growing the String of Hearts:
- This plant requires bright and indirect sunlight.
- Use any well-draining soil.
- Practice infrequent watering as it is prone to root rot.
- The plant is also drought-tolerant and can adapt to dry conditions.
The string of hearts is a non-toxic plant that is also very easy to propagate.
Phalaenopsis Orchids
Commonly known as the moth orchid these plants are very famous indoor plants because of their long-lasting, beautiful blooms. The flower of this plant are very showy with vibrant patterns and colors. The blooms can last for several weeks once you get to know how to care for an orchid plant.
Tips on growing Moth Orchids:
- Prefer bright and indirect sunlight.
- Requires regular and moderate watering.
- Maintain a proper humid environment with adequate air circulation.
Unlike other orchid species, Phalaenopsis are relatively low-maintenance and can be an ideal choice for beginners who are looking to grow orchid plants. This plant is also non-toxic.
Philodendrons
These upright climbers can be a perfect choice if you are looking for a plant that won’t take much space and at the same time is lush and greeny. Philodendrons come in a variety of species with the same characteristics such as climbing stems and heart-shaped leaves. These are great indoor plants with no extra care.
Tips on growing Philodendrons:
- Use well-draining soil.
- Practice regular watering.
- They can survive in various light conditions.
Philodendrons are famous because of their lush and green foliage but these plants contain calcium oxalate crystals that are toxic for both humans and pets.
Bromeliads
These plants are the most appealing and exotic looking of all indoor plants. Bromeliads contain a rosette of thick foliage and produce vibrantly coloured spikes such as orange, yellow, and red. Their appealing yet unusual leaf shape makes them an eye-catching addition to indoor plants.
Tips on growing Bromeliads:
- They thrive in bright indirect sunlight at average room temperature.
- They do love some moisture, especially in summer. So moistening them is a good idea.
In general, Bromeliads are a great attractive addition to your indoor garden. These low-maintenance indoor plants are non-toxic to humans and pets.
Spider Plants
Spider plants are perfect for someone with extra space in their indoor gardens as this plant has long, slender leaves with arching clumps that creates a cascading effect in any indoor space. On maturing the plant produces tiny platelets on its long stems that look like spiders hence the name.
Tips on growing Spider Plants:
- Use well-draining soil.
- Try to water regularly.
- These plants can survive in any light condition.
Spider plants can create a lush and green display for your indoor spaces. These plants also help in removing various toxins from the air. Spider plants are non-toxic.
Boston Fern
Boston Fern is a common indoor plant that features arching foliage with lush, delicate leaflets and can reach up to several feet in length. This plant has great air-purification properties and it also creates a calming environment with its beautiful foliage.
Tips on growing Boston Fern:
- These plants love high humidity levels which makes them a great choice for bathrooms or other places with high humidity.
- It prefers bright indirect sunlight but can also survive low-light conditions.
- Water consistently but avoid over-watering.
Overall boson fern is a beautiful green low-maintenance indoor plant that is non-toxic to humans and pets. However, some species can be toxic to humans.
Birds of Paradise
These plants are generally grown in outdoor gardens but they can also be cultivated indoors in areas with cooler temperatures. Birds of Paradise has one of the most unique and stunning flowers that are shaped like birds. The foliage of this plant is very vibrant and consists of eye-catching colors.
Tips on growing Birds of Paradise:
- Though they can tolerate low-light conditions, these plants should be kept under bright and indirect sunlight for 7 hours to ensure healthy blooms.
- Birds of paradise need consistent and moderate watering. They also love high humidity.
- These indoor plants are relatively large in size so they require big space.
Though indoor-grown Birds of Paradise may take several years to bloom it is certainly worth the wait. Even without any blooms its attractive foliage makes this plant a great indoor plant choice. These plants are considered minimal toxic to humans.
Dumb Cane
Dumb cane is a common indoor plant that is known for its striking pattern and vegetation. The plant is highly toxic and causes speechlessness if ingested hence the name “dumb cane”. But the plant does make it up with its attractive foliage and good air purification abilities.
Tips on growing Dumb Cane:
- They prefer bright and indirect sunlight, they can also tolerate low-light conditions.
- Keep the regularly yet moderately moist and avoid over-saturation.
Dumb cane is a low-maintenance indoor plant that can be versatile to display in different forms. Yet one should keep an eye on children and pets as this plant is toxic.
Succulents
Succulents are famous for their varying shapes, colors, and sizes. These little gems are very attractive and widely used as table plants because of their attractive appearance and small size.
They have thick and fleshy leaves that come in various shapes. Some species of succulents also produce beautiful flowers.
Tips on growing Succulents:
- These plants can store plenty of water in their leaves and therefore are drought-tolerant.
- Most succulents prefer bright and direct sunlight.
- Avoid humid areas as they prefer warm and dry conditions.
Succulents are low-maintenance indoor plants that can be a great addition to any small space and shelves. The majority of succulents are non-toxic.
Dracaena
Commonly known as the corn plant these plants are another low-maintenance indoor plant with lush and vibrant foliage that can create a beautiful appearance with their varying colors from dark green to purple. The foliage also consists of spots or stripes.
Tips on growing Dracaena:
- They prefer indirect and bright sunlight.
- Dracaena needs regular watering but does not mind occasional drought.
- Prune away any yellow or decaying foliage to ensure new and healthy growth.
While this plant is non-toxic to humans its ingestion can be poisonous to pets.
Conclusion
These were some of the most common and low maintenance indoor plants that you can grow easily in your home whether as a professional or as a beginner. Most of these plants are toxic and require general care so proper research before their cultivation is necessary. Furthermore, these plants are prone to many indoor plant problems that you should look out for.
For a complete list of indoor plants, their needs, toxicity, and care you can check out the Plantora app. This app provides you with all the required information for free and can help you begin this green journey.
Raghav is a talented content writer with a passion to create informative and interesting articles. With a degree in English Literature, Raghav possesses an inquisitive mind and a thirst for learning. Raghav is a fact enthusiast who loves to unearth fascinating facts from a wide range of subjects. He firmly believes that learning is a lifelong journey and he is constantly seeking opportunities to increase his knowledge and discover new facts. So make sure to check out Raghav’s work for a wonderful reading.