What are the Best House Plants?
The best house plants include the Snake Plant, Pothos, Monster Deliciosa, Peace Lily, and more. House plants bring life, colour, and freshness into any home. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, they also improve air quality, boost mood, and create a relaxing environment. However, with so many plant varieties available, choosing the right one for your home can be overwhelming.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up the ten best houseplants that are easy to care for, adaptable to different indoor conditions, and perfect for both beginners and experienced plant lovers. For each plant, we’ll cover essential care tips, seasonal adjustments, growth expectations, light requirements, and even how to propagate them so you can expand your collection or share them with friends.
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Best House Plants
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
Why It Made the Top 10 List
The snake plant is renowned for its resilience and low-maintenance care, making it an excellent choice for both novice plant owners and those with a busy lifestyle. This hardy plant boasts striking upright leaves that come in various shades of green, often with contrasting patterns, adding architectural beauty to any space.
Its air-purifying qualities are impressive—snake plants remove harmful toxins like formaldehyde and benzene, improving the air quality in your home. Additionally, snake plants are extremely adaptable, thriving in a wide range of conditions, from low light to periods of neglect, making them an ideal, stress-free plant for almost any environment.
How to Take Care of It
Snake plants are incredibly drought-tolerant and require minimal care, making them ideal for those who often forget to water their plants. Water once every two to three weeks, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. During the colder months, when the plant’s growth slows, reduce watering even further to avoid overwatering.
Well-draining soil and a pot with drainage holes are crucial to preventing root rot, as snake plants do not like to sit in water. If your plant’s leaves start to yellow or appear limp, it may be a sign of overwatering. Snake plants are also low-maintenance in terms of feeding; they don’t require frequent fertilizing, but you can feed them with a balanced fertilizer once or twice a year during the growing season (spring and summer) to encourage healthy growth.
Growth Rate & Size
Snake plants are slow-growing, but they can still reach heights of 2-4 feet indoors under the right conditions. Some taller varieties, such as Sansevieria trifasciata 'Laurentii', can grow even taller, making them great statement plants that add height and visual interest to your space.
They’re often used as focal points in interior designs due to their bold vertical growth. Despite their slow growth, snake plants can thrive for many years and remain a consistent feature in your home.
Light Requirements & Placement
One of the reasons snake plants are so popular is their ability to thrive in a variety of lighting conditions. They do well in low to bright, indirect light, making them versatile for almost any room in the house. While they can tolerate low light, they will grow faster and stronger with more exposure to indirect sunlight.
It’s important to avoid placing them in direct sunlight, as the harsh rays can scorch their leaves, causing them to become discoloured or damaged. Snake plants are well-suited to bedrooms, living rooms, or offices, where they can receive moderate light and contribute to the room’s ambiance.
How to Propagate It
Snake plants are easy to propagate, either through leaf cuttings or by dividing the plant at the roots. To propagate using leaf cuttings, snip a healthy leaf into sections and place them in water or directly in moist soil. Once the cuttings develop roots, they can be planted in their own pots.
Alternatively, during repotting, you can divide the rhizomes of the plant (the underground stems) into smaller sections, each with roots attached, and replant them separately. This method allows you to expand your collection or share plants with friends.
2. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Why It Made the Top 10 List
Pothos is a low-maintenance plant that thrives on minimal attention.
Pothos, also known as Devil’s Ivy or Golden Pothos, is a fast-growing vine celebrated for its lush, trailing leaves that bring life and greenery to any space. Its ability to thrive in almost any lighting condition makes it incredibly versatile, making it a go-to plant for both beginners and seasoned plant owners alike. Pothos is incredibly forgiving, tolerating a variety of environmental factors that might cause other plants to struggle.
Additionally, it is an excellent air purifier, known for improving indoor air quality by filtering out harmful chemicals like formaldehyde. With its easy care and quick growth, Pothos also stands out for being very easy to propagate, making it a favourite among plant enthusiasts who enjoy expanding their collections.
How to Take Care of It
Pothos is a low-maintenance plant that thrives on minimal attention. Water your pothos when the top inch of soil is dry, which is typically once a week or every 10 days. Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. Pothos prefers well-draining soil and should be planted in a container with drainage holes to prevent water from collecting at the bottom.
During the winter months when the plant’s growth slows, reduce watering slightly to avoid excess moisture. To encourage a fuller, bushier appearance, regularly trim leggy vines. Pruning will help promote branching, making your plant look more vibrant and dense. Pothos is also a resilient plant, bouncing back quickly even if you forget to water it for a while!
Growth Rate & Size
Pothos is known for its rapid growth, with vines that can extend up to 10 feet or more indoors. The plant’s trailing nature makes it perfect for hanging baskets or for cascading down shelves, creating a stunning, lush effect.
If you prefer a more compact or manageable size, regular trimming will keep the vines in check and encourage fuller growth at the base. Given its ability to grow long and fast, Pothos is ideal for spaces where it can be displayed hanging or allowed to trail down from a high spot.
Light Requirements & Placement
One of the reasons Pothos is so popular is its ability to adapt to a wide range of lighting conditions. It thrives in low, medium, and bright indirect light, making it perfect for various spots in the home. While it grows best in bright, indirect light, it can tolerate lower light and still thrive, although its growth might slow down, and its variegation may become less pronounced.
Pothos is a great choice for shelves, hanging baskets, or spots high up like the top of a bookshelf, where its vines can cascade and create a visually appealing effect. Be cautious with direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves, especially in hot or midday sun.
How to Propagate It
Pothos is one of the easiest plants to propagate. To propagate, simply snip a vine just below a node (the small bump where leaves and roots emerge), and place it in water. In a few weeks, you’ll see roots begin to form. Once the roots are several inches long, transfer the cutting to the soil for continued growth.
You can propagate Pothos in water or soil, but water propagation is particularly rewarding, as it allows you to watch the roots develop before planting. With this simple technique, you can easily grow multiple plants or share them with friends and family.
3. Monstera Deliciosa
Why It Made the Top 10 List
Monstera’s ability to grow quickly and its low-maintenance make it an excellent choice. - *Image by hartono subagio from Pixabay
Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss cheese plant, is a striking houseplant recognized for its large, split leaves that create a bold, tropical aesthetic in any room. With its distinctive foliage and rapid growth, it's a favourite among plant enthusiasts looking to make a statement. This plant is incredibly adaptable, and thriving in various environments, which makes it suitable for both beginners and seasoned gardeners. Monstera’s ability to grow quickly and its low-maintenance care needs make it an excellent choice for those looking to add a lush, green presence to their space.
How to Take Care of It
Monstera plants are relatively easy to care for, but they do have some specific needs. Water monstera when the top two inches of soil dry out, typically every 1-2 weeks. It is important not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot, so always check the moisture level before watering.
Monstera prefers humidity, and regular misting or placing it near a humidifier can help mimic its tropical origins. During the growing season (spring and summer), fertilize monthly with a balanced houseplant fertilizer to promote healthy, vigorous growth. In winter, when growth slows, you can reduce feeding to allow the plant to rest.
Growth Rate & Size
Monstera deliciosa is known for its fast growth, especially during the warmer months. With the right conditions, it can easily reach up to 10 feet in height indoors. The plant’s vigorous vines can spread wide, so providing a moss pole or stake for vertical support will encourage the plant to grow upwards, giving it a more structured appearance. Regular pruning helps maintain its shape and encourages even more growth.
Light Requirements & Placement
Monstera thrives in bright, indirect light, making it perfect for placing near an east- or west-facing window where it can receive plenty of natural light without being exposed to harsh direct sun. While it grows best with moderate to bright light, Monstera can tolerate lower light conditions, although this may slow growth and result in fewer splits in the leaves. Avoid placing the plant in full, direct sunlight for long periods, as it can scorch the leaves.
How to Propagate It
Propagating Monstera deliciosa is easy and can be done by taking a cutting with at least one node (a small bump where leaves and roots emerge). Place the cutting in water to allow roots to form, which typically takes a few weeks. Once the roots are long enough, you can transfer the cutting to the soil for continued growth.
For quicker results, you can also propagate by placing cuttings directly into moist, well-draining soil. Over time, the new plant will grow into a full Monstera deliciosa, complete with its signature split leaves.
4. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Why It Made the Top 10 List
The ZZ plant is one of the best house plants because it thrives even with minimal attention.
The ZZ plant is one of the most nearly indestructible houseplants, making it an excellent choice for busy or forgetful plant owners. Known for its tolerance to neglect and resilience, it thrives even with minimal attention.
Its glossy, dark green leaves and elegant, upright growth habit add a sleek and modern touch to any space, whether in homes or offices. It’s not just a pretty plant; the ZZ plant is also known for its air-purifying qualities, filtering toxins from the air and improving indoor air quality.
How to Take Care of It
ZZ plants are incredibly drought-tolerant and require minimal care. Water them sparingly—only when the soil is completely dry. Overwatering can cause root rot, so it's important to wait until the soil is thoroughly dry before watering again. ZZ plants store water in their rhizomes, which allows them to survive long periods without water.
They thrive in well-draining soil and prefer to be slightly root-bound, meaning they don’t need frequent repotting. In fact, they can stay in the same pot for several years. ZZ plants also appreciate the occasional wiping of their glossy leaves to remove dust, which helps them maintain their striking appearance.
Growth Rate & Size
ZZ plants are slow-growing, reaching up to 3-4 feet in height indoors, depending on the growing conditions. They have a compact growth habit with glossy, thick, leathery leaves that grow on long, sturdy stems. The plant’s ability to adapt to different environments, paired with its slow growth, makes it a great choice for those who want a long-lasting, low-maintenance plant.
Light Requirements & Placement
ZZ plants are extremely adaptable and can thrive in a variety of light conditions. They do best in low to bright, indirect light, but they can also tolerate low light and periods of darkness. However, too much direct sunlight can scorch their leaves.
They are perfect for offices, bathrooms, or any low-light rooms where other plants may struggle. Though they will grow faster with more light, ZZ plants are great for areas with less natural sunlight, making them a versatile choice for almost any indoor setting.
How to Propagate It
There are two main ways to propagate ZZ plants: leaf cuttings or by dividing the rhizomes during repotting. To propagate via cuttings, simply cut a healthy leaf or stem, allow it to callus over for a day or two, then place it in water until roots develop. Alternatively, when repotting, you can carefully divide the plant by separating the rhizomes into smaller sections, each with its own root system. After dividing, plant the sections in fresh soil and treat them like a new ZZ plant.
5. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Why It Made the Top 10 List
A spider plant is one of the best house plants for propagating by producing baby plants.
Spider plants are not only visually appealing but also highly functional. Known for their air-purifying qualities, they help filter out harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, nitrogen dioxide, carbon oxide, ozone, benzene, toluene, cigarette smoke, and ammonia from indoor air, making them excellent for creating a healthier environment.
Another standout feature is their ability to produce numerous baby plants, or “pups,” that can be easily propagated to grow new plants. This makes spider plants a perfect option for plant enthusiasts who enjoy sharing or expanding their plant collection. Additionally, they are non-toxic to pets, making them safe for homes with cats or dogs.
How to Take Care of It
Spider plants are relatively low-maintenance, making them an excellent choice for beginners. Water them when the top inch of soil dries out, typically once a week. Be sure to avoid overwatering, as they are susceptible to root rot in soggy soil. Spider plants prefer well-draining soil and benefit from occasional misting to maintain humidity, especially in dry environments.
They are sensitive to fluoride in tap water, so using filtered or non-fluoridated water is a good idea to keep their leaves healthy. Additionally, it's important to avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause leaf scorch.
Growth Rate & Size
Spider plants are fast-growing, especially during the growing season (spring and summer). They can reach up to 1-2 feet wide and tall, with their long, arching leaves creating a dense, lush appearance. The plant's unique shape and growth habit make it a great statement piece.
Spider plants also produce pups (small offshoots) that grow from the mother plant and can be left to dangle from the main plant or clipped off and rooted to create new plants.
Light Requirements & Placement
Spider plants prefer bright, indirect light but are adaptable and can tolerate low light conditions, making them great for a variety of spaces. While they will thrive in brighter light, they do not do well in direct sunlight, which can cause their leaves to burn.
They are ideal for hanging baskets near windows or on shelves where their long, cascading leaves can be displayed. Placing them in rooms with moderate light—such as living rooms, kitchens, or offices—is ideal for optimal growth.
How to Propagate It
Propagating spider plants is incredibly easy. When the plant produces pups (small baby plants), you can either let them grow attached to the mother plant or cut them off and place them in a separate pot to root. Simply trim the pup with a bit of stem attached and plant it in moist soil or a small container of water until roots develop. Once rooted, they can be potted and cared for as independent plants.
6. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Why It Made the Top 10 List
Peace lilies are one of the best house plants because they are visually striking and are also a powerful air purifier.
The peace lily is a classic houseplant known for its elegant, glossy green leaves and graceful white blooms that resemble calla lilies.
It is not only visually striking but also a powerful air purifier, helping to remove toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide from indoor spaces. With its low-maintenance nature and ability to thrive in lower light conditions, the Peace Lily is a perfect choice for homes and offices.
How to Take Care of It
Peace lilies prefer consistently moist soil but should never sit in standing water, as this can lead to root rot. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically once a week. They thrive in high humidity, so misting the leaves occasionally or placing a humidifier nearby can help keep them healthy.
Drooping leaves are a sign that they need water, but they quickly recover once hydrated. Feeding them with a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) encourages healthy growth and flowering.
Growth Rate & Size
Peace lilies have a moderate growth rate and can reach between 1-4 feet in height indoors, depending on the variety. Their bushy, upright growth habit makes them excellent for filling empty spaces in a room, whether placed on a tabletop or as a floor plant.
Light Requirements & Placement
These plants prefer low to medium indirect light, making them ideal for offices, bedrooms, and shaded corners of living rooms. While they can survive in lower light conditions, they will produce more flowers when given brighter, indirect light. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, as this can scorch their delicate leaves.
How to Propagate It
The easiest way to propagate peace lilies is through division. When the plant becomes large and dense, carefully remove it from the pot and separate smaller sections at the roots, ensuring each section has healthy leaves and a root system. Replant these divisions in fresh soil, water them thoroughly, and keep them in a warm, humid environment to encourage growth.
7. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
Why It Made the Top 10 List
The rubber plant is a striking indoor plant known for its bold, glossy leaves that range from deep green to burgundy. Its dramatic foliage adds a modern, sophisticated touch to any space.
Beyond its beauty, the rubber plant is also a resilient and low-maintenance houseplant, making it a great choice for beginners. It is known for improving indoor air quality by filtering out toxins, further enhancing its appeal.
How to Take Care of It
Rubber plants prefer a consistent watering routine—water when the top inch of soil is dry, typically once a week. Be cautious not to overwater, as they are susceptible to root rot.
These plants thrive in well-draining soil and benefit from occasional leaf wiping to remove dust, which helps maintain their glossy appearance and allows for better photosynthesis. During the growing season (spring and summer), you can feed them with a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month to encourage healthy growth.
Growth Rate & Size
Rubber plants have a fast growth rate and can reach impressive heights indoors. Given the right conditions, they can grow between 6-10 feet tall, making them an excellent statement plant. Regular pruning can help control their height and encourage a bushier growth habit.
Light Requirements & Placement
These plants thrive in bright, indirect light but can tolerate some lower light conditions. However, too little light may slow their growth and cause leaves to drop. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch their leaves.
Keep them away from cold drafts or sudden temperature changes, as they prefer a stable, warm environment. Ideal locations include living rooms, offices, and spacious hallways where they can grow tall without being disturbed.
How to Propagate It
Rubber plants can be propagated through stem cuttings. To do this, take a healthy cutting with a few leaves, allow the milky sap to dry for a few hours, and then plant it in moist soil or water until roots develop.
Using rooting hormone can help speed up the process. Once established, the new plant can be potted and cared for like a mature rubber plant.
8. Tree Philodendron (Philodendron selloum)
Why It Made the Top 10 List
The best house plants are easy to care for like the tree philodendron. - Image Source: Daderot, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
The tree philodendron is a stunning tropical houseplant known for its large, deeply lobed leaves and lush, sculptural appearance. It brings a dramatic, jungle-like feel to indoor spaces while being relatively easy to care for. Additionally, it helps improve air quality by filtering toxins from the environment.
How to Take Care of It
Tree philodendrons prefer consistently moist (but not soggy) soil. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically once a week. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. They also appreciate occasional misting to maintain humidity levels, especially in drier indoor environments.
Growth Rate & Size
This plant has a moderate to fast growth rate, reaching up to 5-6 feet indoors with a similar spread. Its wide, sprawling growth habit makes it a striking focal point in any room.
Light Requirements & Placement
Tree philodendrons thrive in bright, indirect light but can tolerate some shade. Too much direct sunlight can scorch their leaves, while too little light may slow growth. Place them in living rooms, offices, or spacious corners where they have room to expand.
How to Propagate It
Propagation is done through stem cuttings or air layering. Take a cutting with at least one node and place it in water or moist soil until roots develop. Given its large size, the division of mature plants is another effective method for propagation.
9. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Why It Made the Top 10 List
The Jade plant is one of the best house plants for longevity as it can live for decades with minimal care.
The jade plant is a popular succulent known for its thick, fleshy leaves and tree-like growth habit. It symbolizes prosperity and good luck, making it a favourite in homes and offices. This hardy plant is incredibly low-maintenance and can live for decades with minimal care.
How to Take Care of It
Jade plants thrive on neglect and require minimal watering—typically every two to three weeks. Let the soil dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot. Use well-draining soil and a pot with drainage holes to keep the roots healthy.
Growth Rate & Size
Jade plants have a slow to moderate growth rate. Indoors, they typically reach 2-3 feet in height, but older plants can grow larger over time. Their thick stems and woody appearance give them a bonsai-like charm.
Light Requirements & Placement
Jade plants prefer bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct sun. Placing them near a sunny window helps maintain their compact shape and vibrant green leaves. They are perfect for desks, windowsills, and shelves.
How to Propagate It
Propagating jade plants is easy—simply take a leaf or stem cutting, let it dry for a day or two, then place it in dry soil. Water sparingly until roots develop. Over time, the cutting will grow into a new plant.
10. Prayer Plant, Zebra Plant (Calathea sp.)
Why It Made the Top 10 List
Zebra plants thrive in high humidity, so regular misting or using a humidifier helps keep their leaves healthy.
The prayer plant is prized for its stunning foliage, featuring intricate patterns and vibrant colours. Named for its unique habit of folding its leaves upward at night, resembling hands in prayer, this plant adds a dynamic touch to any space. Beyond its beauty, it helps purify the air and thrives in indoor environments.
How to Take Care of It
Calatheas prefer consistently moist soil but dislike sitting in water. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically once a week. They thrive in high humidity, so regular misting or using a humidifier helps keep their leaves healthy. Avoid hard tap water, as they are sensitive to chemicals—filtered or distilled water is best.
Growth Rate & Size
Prayer plants grow at a moderate rate and typically reach 1-2 feet in height and width indoors. Their bushy, compact growth habit makes them ideal for tabletops, shelves, or small corners.
Light Requirements & Placement
These plants thrive in bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions. Too much direct sunlight can scorch their leaves, while too little light may cause their vibrant colours to fade. They are perfect for bedrooms, offices, or shaded living areas.
How to Propagate It
The best way to propagate Calatheas is by division. When repotting, carefully separate the plant into smaller sections, ensuring each has healthy roots. Plant them in fresh soil and keep them in a warm, humid environment to encourage growth.
These top 10 best house plants are perfect for bringing greenery into your home, no matter your experience level. Pick the ones that fit your space and lifestyle, and enjoy the benefits of indoor plants!
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*Image by Nadiye Odabaşı from Pixabay
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