Houseplants are more than just decorative accents—they offer numerous benefits, from purifying the air to boosting mood and productivity. If you're looking to green up your space, here are 20 of the best houseplants and why they’re must-haves in any home.
1. Monstera Deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)
With its large, iconic leaves and easy-care nature, the Monstera is a favorite for plant lovers. It thrives in indirect light and adds a bold, tropical vibe to any room. Plus, it's relatively low-maintenance, making it ideal for beginners.
- Light: Bright, indirect light. Can tolerate some shade but may grow slower.
- Watering: Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry. Avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot.
- Humidity: Prefers higher humidity, but adapts to normal indoor conditions. Misting occasionally can help.
2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
The Snake Plant is incredibly tough and almost impossible to kill. It tolerates low light, minimal watering, and even neglect, making it a perfect fit for busy households. It also helps remove toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from the air.
- Light: Tolerates low to bright indirect light, but grows faster in bright light.
- Watering: Let the soil dry out completely between waterings. Water sparingly, especially in winter.
- Humidity: Thrives in dry conditions. No extra humidity needed.
3. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)
Known for its arching green and white-striped leaves, the Spider Plant is an excellent air purifier. It's also pet-friendly and grows baby plants, called "pups," that you can propagate into new plants.
- Light: Bright, indirect light, but it can tolerate low light.
- Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid letting the soil stay soggy.
- Humidity: Average humidity is fine, but it benefits from occasional misting in dry conditions.
4. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The Peace Lily’s elegant white flowers and deep green leaves bring a sense of tranquility to any space. It’s also one of the best plants for removing mold spores from the air, making it great for those with allergies.
- Light: Prefers low to medium light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Water when the top of the soil feels dry.
- Humidity: Loves humidity. Place near a humidifier or mist regularly.
5. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera isn’t just a beautiful succulent—its gel is also useful for soothing burns and skin irritations. This plant enjoys bright, indirect sunlight and is easy to care for, with only occasional watering needed.
- Light: Bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause the leaves to turn brown.
- Watering: Water deeply but infrequently. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
- Humidity: Prefers dry conditions. Avoid high humidity.
6. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas Zamiifolia)
The ZZ Plant is another low-maintenance beauty. With shiny, dark green leaves, it can survive in low-light environments and requires very little water. It’s a go-to choice for low-maintenance indoor greenery.
- Light: Tolerates low light but grows best in bright, indirect light.
- Watering: Let the soil dry out completely between waterings. It’s drought-tolerant, so avoid overwatering.
- Humidity: Low humidity is fine, but it can also tolerate average indoor humidity levels.
7. Philodendron
Philodendrons come in various forms, from trailing varieties to upright ones. They thrive in low to medium light and are fast-growing, adding a lush, jungle-like vibe to your space with minimal effort.
- Light: Bright, indirect light. Can tolerate low light, but growth may slow.
- Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid letting the plant sit in water.
- Humidity: Thrives in high humidity but does well in average household humidity.
8. Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum)
Pothos is famous for being one of the easiest houseplants to care for. It can tolerate low light and is highly adaptable to different environments. Its heart-shaped leaves come in various colors and patterns, adding a pop of color to your home.
- Light: Low to bright indirect light. Tolerates low light but will grow faster in brighter conditions.
- Watering: Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry. Avoid soggy soil.
- Humidity: Tolerates normal indoor humidity but thrives with occasional misting.
9. Rubber Plant (Ficus Elastica)
Rubber Plants have thick, glossy leaves and can grow quite tall, making them a striking feature in any room. They enjoy bright, indirect light and are known for their air-purifying qualities.
- Light: Bright, indirect light. Can handle some direct sunlight, but too much can scorch the leaves.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water less in winter.
- Humidity: Prefers moderate humidity. Mist the plant or place near a humidifier during dry months.
10. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus Lyrata)
With its large, violin-shaped leaves, the Fiddle Leaf Fig is a showstopper in any home. It thrives in bright, indirect light and can grow into a tall, tree-like plant, giving your space a modern, natural touch.
- Light: Requires bright, indirect light. Rotate the plant occasionally for even growth.
- Watering: Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. Fiddle Leafs are sensitive to overwatering.
- Humidity: Likes high humidity. Mist regularly or place near a humidifier.
11. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata)
Boston Ferns are lush and feathery, adding texture to any room. They thrive in humid environments, making them perfect for bathrooms or kitchens. Plus, they’re excellent at filtering out toxins from the air.
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light.
- Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist. Don’t let it dry out completely between waterings.
- Humidity: High humidity is essential. Mist daily or place in a humid room like a bathroom.
12. Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium Nidus)
This fern has wavy, leathery leaves that form a rosette, resembling a bird's nest. It prefers low to medium light and is easier to care for than most ferns, making it a great addition for plant lovers looking for something a bit unique.
- Light: Low to medium, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water from the edges, not directly into the center of the plant.
- Humidity: Prefers high humidity. Misting or using a humidifier will help keep it healthy.
13. Calathea
Known for their stunning, colorful patterns, Calatheas add a splash of visual interest to any space. They prefer humid environments and indirect light, making them perfect for bathrooms or well-lit corners.
- Light: Bright, indirect light. Too much direct light can cause leaf curling or discoloration.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Use distilled or rainwater if possible, as calatheas are sensitive to chemicals in tap water.
- Humidity: Loves high humidity. Regular misting or a humidifier is ideal.
14. Jade Plant (Crassula Ovata)
The Jade Plant is a classic succulent known for its thick, glossy leaves and symbolic association with good luck and prosperity. It’s easy to care for, requiring only occasional watering and lots of bright light.
- Light: Needs bright, indirect sunlight. It can tolerate some direct sunlight.
- Watering: Water when the top few inches of soil are dry. In winter, reduce watering as it enters dormancy.
- Humidity: Prefers dry to average humidity. Avoid placing in humid rooms like bathrooms.
15. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chinese Evergreens are durable, low-light plants that are perfect for beginners. With their striking variegated leaves, they add a splash of color to shady corners and don’t demand much care.
- Light: Low to bright, indirect light. It tolerates low light well but will thrive with more light.
- Watering: Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Avoid overwatering.
- Humidity: Prefers high humidity but can tolerate normal indoor conditions.
16. Dracaena
Dracaena plants come in various shapes and sizes, from tall, tree-like varieties to shorter, bushy ones. They’re excellent at removing toxins from the air and are relatively easy to care for, making them a popular choice for indoor greenery.
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can adapt to low light.
- Watering: Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry. Water less frequently in winter.
- Humidity: Average humidity is fine, though it benefits from occasional misting.
17. Cactus
Cacti are iconic low-maintenance plants. Their unique shapes and slow growth make them great for modern, minimalistic spaces. Just provide plenty of sunlight and minimal water, and they’ll thrive with little effort.
- Light: Requires plenty of direct sunlight. Place near a sunny window.
- Watering: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. In winter, reduce watering significantly.
- Humidity: Low humidity is best for cacti.
18. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra Elatior)
True to its name, the Cast Iron Plant is nearly indestructible. It can survive low light, poor soil, and irregular watering, making it a resilient option for any home.
- Light: Tolerates low light conditions but also does well in bright, indirect light.
- Watering: Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Avoid overwatering.
- Humidity: Normal indoor humidity levels are fine.
19. African Violet (Saintpaulia)
African Violets are beloved for their small, vibrant flowers that bloom year-round in various colors. They’re relatively easy to care for if given bright, indirect light and consistent moisture, adding a pop of color to any room.
- Light: Bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can burn the leaves.
- Watering: Keep the soil moist, but avoid getting water on the leaves. Water from the bottom or use a self-watering pot.
- Humidity: Prefers higher humidity but can adapt to normal indoor levels.
20. English Ivy (Hedera Helix)
English Ivy is a versatile, trailing plant that looks beautiful in hanging baskets or cascading down shelves. It’s also a great air purifier, helping to remove airborne toxins while adding a classic, elegant touch to your decor.
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light levels.
- Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
- Humidity: Thrives in higher humidity but can tolerate average indoor levels. Misting occasionally helps.
Why Choose Organic Soil?
Houseplants benefit greatly from organic soil because it provides a natural, nutrient-rich environment that promotes healthy root growth and overall plant vitality. Organic soil is free from synthetic chemicals, relying instead on decomposed plant and animal matter to deliver essential nutrients, like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This creates a balanced ecosystem within the soil, fostering beneficial microorganisms that help break down organic matter and improve soil structure. Additionally, organic soil retains moisture better and allows for better drainage, which helps houseplants thrive by reducing the risk of overwatering and root rot while promoting long-term growth.
Have you tried our Cape Neddick Blend Indoor Houseplant Mix yet??
Houseplants are not just a way to beautify your home—they’re a source of joy, relaxation, and health benefits. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or just starting your plant journey, these top 20 houseplants are great choices to bring life and beauty into your space while promoting a cleaner, healthier indoor environment. Happy planting!
