The 30 Best Indoor House Plants For You And Your Pets

House Plants For You And Your Pets

House Plants For You And Your Pets

Updated on 9/26/2023
Emma DowneyBy Emma Downey
Gardening Expert
Learn More about Emma Downey

Have you given any thought to greening up your home? Some plants make better houseplants than others, whether it's because they require little attention, they work to clean the air, or they can thrive even when grown in the shade. Let's find out about them together, shall we?
To create a more contemporary aesthetic, we have abandoned the green and replaced it with various shades of gray and neon.

However, even in these troubled times, we continue to look for the solace found in the soothing green of plants. The reason for this is that we require it. The presence of plants in and around a home imparts a feeling that is at once refreshing and soothing.

Why Should You Opt To Have Houseplants Inside Your Home?

Houseplants Inside

Houseplants Inside

Growing plants inside one's home appeal to the typical city dweller. Gardening space is hard to come by in this day and age when we are increasingly packing more people into smaller and smaller living quarters. The solution to our problem is indoor gardening. It makes it possible to cultivate houseplants, even though we have almost no space and no taste for greens. And beginning with houseplants is the simplest way to get into the hobby of indoor gardening.

House plants, also known as indoor plants, are simply plants that can thrive when grown in an enclosed space. Typically, this is because they don't require much sun and aren't overly particular about the type of soil they grow in. Although you may not own a garden, you can still enjoy the benefits of having plants in your life if you have access to them.

Common House Plants That You Should Have In Your Home

The majority of succulents and cacti grown indoors are either tropical or semi-tropical epiphytes (plants that grow on other plants) or varieties of cacti and succulents. Some houseplants are specifically grown to thrive in indoor environments. Sometimes, these plants also function as natural air purifiers in the background, referred to as air plants. There are many different houseplants that you can cultivate in your own home. This selection is meant to help you get started.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera

A succulent Aloe Vera is an excellent house plant, and it has a lower wagering requirement than the majority of other plants. It can live happily for several years on windowsills or in other locations with bright indirect light.

The Asparagus Fern, Which Is Common (Asparagus Setaceus)

Common Asparagus Fern

Common Asparagus Fern

The common asparagus fern matures quickly, does not call for much maintenance, and grows with very little to no involvement from you on your part.

Boston Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata ‘Bostoniensis’)

Boston Fern

Boston Fern

Since the Boston fern thrives in moist soil, you will need to incorporate peat moss into the mix or make it a point to water it regularly. However, because it has a high tolerance for dry conditions, it is not a problem if you forget to water it even once.

Because the leaves of this fern have the potential to spread quite a bit, it is essential to locate it in an area where it will have plenty of room to spread out around the container, as shown in the image to the right.

Calatheas

Calatheas

Calatheas

Calatheas have a preference for water that has been purified. In addition, tropical houseplants thrive in humid environments and require bright, indirect light.

You're going to adore the attractive leaves of this plant as well as its vertical growth patterns.

Cast-Iron Manufacturing Plant (Aspidistra Elatior)

Cast-iron Plant

Cast-iron Plant

The cast-iron plant likely got its name because it can withstand extreme neglect like an iron cast. It thrives in conditions where it receives much water, but it can also survive in drier conditions.

With its look and splashy leaves, you can put this plant in most rooms because it tolerates a wide range of temperature and light conditions.

Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

Chinese Evergreen

Chinese Evergreen

Evergreens from China do not do well in environments with low temperatures and high levels of sunlight. They require a dim climate to thrive.

The Chinese Financial System (Pilea Peperomioides)

Chinese Money Plant

Chinese Money Plant

The leaves on this plant have a round, coin-like shape. When caring for your Chinese money plant, a good rule of thumb is to water it on the same day that the leaves begin to droop. Even with only an indefinite amount of illumination, these houseplants thrive. To make more plants, you need only transfer the young plants to a new container with moist soil.

Water-Growing Bamboo From China (Dracaena Sanderiana)

Chinese Water Bamboo

Chinese Water Bamboo

These houseplants are sometimes called lucky bamboo because of the widespread belief that they will bring their owner's happiness and prosperity.

They can thrive in either soil or water. If you decide to cultivate them in water, you should ensure that the water is clean and replace it once a week. If you want to plant it in a container, you need to ensure the soil is neither overly moist nor overly dry.

Corn Plant (Dracaena Fagrans 'Massangeana')

Corn Plant

Corn Plant

According to the same NASA study that we discussed earlier, corn house plants can clean the air in a room. In addition to that, this plant can handle a fair amount of neglect.

It does well in light that is very bright and dim, and it has a reasonably long lifespan.

Donkey's Tail (Sedum Morganianum)

Donkey’s Tail

Donkey’s Tail

It seems that the name of this plant doesn't do it justice at all. A donkey's tail is a succulent that thrives in direct sunlight and receives a lot of water. Despite this, these houseplants are pretty tolerant of missing one or two watering sessions, and they can even go a few days without being watered at all.

Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia)

Dumb Cane

Dumb Cane

A dumb cane plant requires at least medium sunlight and moist soil to flourish, but it can withstand high temperatures and dry climates.

Elephant-Ear Plant (Colocasia)

Elephant-ear Plant

Elephant-ear Plant

The elephant-ear plant can be very content when it receives filtered sunlight and moist soil. Because it can cause mild poisoning as well, it is important to use caution when handling this houseplant. As seen in the picture, this plant is an excellent option for using an otherwise unoccupied room, thanks to its large leaves.

Ivy England (Hedera Helix)

english ivy

english ivy

Ensure an even level of moisture in the soil until the English ivy has reached its full potential and become firmly rooted in its current location. After this, it will develop very well regardless of the conditions and cling to whatever it comes into contact with. Please take advantage of your ability to control its expansion.

Ficus (Ficus Benjamina)

Ficus

Ficus

Because they can survive in less than ideal conditions for plant growth, ficus trees are commonly grown as houseplants. In order to thrive, they require a lot of light, but they can also make it in the shade.

Studies have shown that it can also filter the air of the gaseous carcinogen known as formaldehyde.

Mini Jade Plant (Portulacaria Afra)

Mini Jade Plant

Mini Jade Plant

Jade plants have a low water requirement and do very well in conditions typical of an indoor environment. They are exceptionally long-lasting and lovely. The jade plant has the potential to develop into a magnificent bonsai tree if it is pruned correctly. You can achieve the same effect as in the picture by placing pebbles in the pot.

A Plant Resembling Jellybeans (Sedum Rubrotinctum)

Jellybean Plant

Jellybean Plant

The jelly bean plant can thrive in a diverse range of climates and conditions, in addition to being neglected. It thrives in conditions of full sunlight and adequate moisture. However, due to a poisonous substance, these indoor plants should not come into contact with either children or pets.

Mother Of Thousands (Kalanchoe Daigremontiana)

mother of thousands

mother of thousands

Mother of thousands is a plant that can survive with little care but will look its best if it receives consistent watering.

The plant depicted here will become redder when exposed to direct sunlight and more green when grown in the shade. However, it is essential to be aware that all components of this plant are toxic to both children and pets.

Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea Elegans)

Parlor Palm

Parlor Palm

Although they can survive in conditions with little light and humidity, houseplants known as parlor palms do best with a medium combination. They develop slowly, but the low level of maintenance required to keep them alive more than makes up for it.

A Lily Of The Peace (Spathiphyllum)

Peace Lily

Peace Lily

The shade is ideal growing conditions for peace lilies. However, the increased light allows their lovely flowers to bloom more fully. They also require a low amount of water. Combine that with the fact that they purify the air, and you have one of the most attractive types of plants for indoor use.

Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron Cordatum)

Heartleaf Philodendron

Heartleaf Philodendron

Even though the heartleaf philodendron thrives best in indirect light, it can survive in conditions with lower light levels until it becomes leggy. Keep in mind that it is poisonous, but the plant can remove formaldehyde from the air on the positive side.

Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea)

Ponytail Palm

Ponytail Palm

Ponytail palms thrive in bright light, but they are also very adaptable to other types of light and can grow in a variety of environments. It would be best to only water them once every three to four weeks. In general, doesn't that seem like a fair price for a plant that has the potential to grow gorgeous foliage and serve as the focal point of an indoor arrangement?

Golden Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum)

Golden Pothos

Golden Pothos

Even in low light, the devil's ivy, also known as the golden pothos, maintains its lush green coloration thanks to its exceptionally high tolerance for neglect. Although it is pretty toxic if consumed, it can remove pollutants from the air inside. You can give this plant the appearance of being pleasantly unkempt by placing it on a high plant stand and allowing it to trail down, as shown in the image to the right.

Prayer Plant (Maranta Leuconeura)

prayer plant

prayer plant

The prayer plant is easy to care for and requires only bright indirect light and moderate amounts of water. It got its name from the habit of folding its leaves at night, which gives it the appearance of praying. If you water the soil regularly, these houseplants will say a prayer for you every time they close their leafy hands.

Rubber Plant (Ficus Elastica)

Rubber Plant

Rubber Plant

Rubber plants require a light that is bright but indirect. During the growing season, they also need to have sufficient moisture. These houseplants can survive and even thrive in dry conditions. If you have young children or a pet, you should put it somewhere they can't access it. If the sticky latex of these plants is ingested, it will irritate and be harmful to the body.

African Violets (Saintpaulia)

African Violets (Saintpaulia)

African Violets (Saintpaulia)

To encourage flowering in African violets, place the plants in bright but indirect light. These miniature houseplants will thrive if they are provided with warm temperatures and their soil is kept moist. These plants are perfect for giving as presents to close friends and family members because of the meanings they embody, which include steadfastness and friendship.

Snake Plant (Sansevieria Trifasciata)

snake plant

snake plant

Snake plants can thrive in environments with little light and infrequent watering. NASA discovered that certain houseplants could clean the air in the home. Additionally, they can remove carbon dioxide during the night. This plant can stay looking healthy if it receives indirect light and is allowed to become dry in between waterings.

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)

spider plant

spider plant

Spider plants are tough houseplants that can tolerate periods when the soil is allowed to become a little bit dry in between waterings. They can adjust well to the conditions found indoors. Spider plants can perk up virtually any nook and cranny of the home because they can be grown in a hanging basket. In this way, you can move them around quickly. However, it would be best if you kept in mind that they require indirect light.

String-Of-Pearls (Senecio Rowleyanus)

String-of-pearls

String-of-pearls

String-of-pearls require very little maintenance, like most other succulents, and require a meager amount of water and light. Even though this plant contains a small amount of poison that could be harmful to humans, it is recommended that it be hung up to maintain its attractive appearance.

Air Plant (Tillandsia)

Air Plant

Air Plant

Tillandsias, which are also referred to as air plants, have the potential to be lovely additions to any home. They are not picky about how often they get their drink of water. There is a diverse selection of species available, some more miniature than others. Since they are so large, they are ideal for use as accents in any room in the house.

Zebra Haworthia (Haworthiopsis Attenuata)

Zebra Haworthia

Zebra Haworthia

The succulent houseplants known as zebra haworthias require only about twice a month's watering on average. You have to admit, not bad for such a green plant. Because they are so compact, they are ideal for use as tabletop decor or grouping with other small plants.

Advice On Selecting The Right Indoor Plants

Have you finally decided to bring some houseplants into your abode? We think that it is a fantastic proposition. Picking out your next indoor plant can be tricky, however, you should keep a few things in mind.

Size

Think about the space you have. The majority of houseplants are miniature versions of their wild or cultivated counterparts. While this is a benefit, you will need to purchase several plants to choose indoor trees for a large area.

Ventilation

It is essential to meet the temperature and humidity requirements of many non-native plants. Some can withstand harsh conditions, but others have a limited range of acceptable moisture levels. Basically, you'll have to mist them from time to time to keep them healthy.

Your Lifestyle

Consider how much care and attention you can provide to your houseplants. When you spend a lot of time away from home, it's best to choose houseplants that can go longer without being watered.

On the other hand, if you are a full-time stay-in housemate, you might want to consider plants that demand more attention.

Children And Pets Of A Smaller Size

Pets houseplant

Pets houseplant

Children and animals of all sizes enjoy playing with whatever they can get their paws on. Because of this, it is best to select houseplants that are not in any way harmful to humans or animals. Alternately, you could plant these in an inaccessible location to anyone. On our list of plants, we noted everyone that is poisonous. If you were wondering, the following is a brief list of completely risk-free plants for households with both children and pets.

Children houseplant

Children houseplant

Houseplants That Aren't Dangerous To Pets

The following plants are safe for both cats and dogs to interact with, and they will not trigger any allergic responses in your four-legged friends.

Bromeliads

Bromeliads

Bromeliads

In the same way, as your pets add personality and color to your home, bromeliads do the same thing. The only difference is that they do not move. The good news is that your animals and these plants can get along swimmingly! They are not harmful to pets and have a lovely appearance.

Blue Echeveria

Blue Echeveria

Blue Echeveria

They are miniature succulents, blue in color, and have a small size. And your little pets won't get sick from eating them because they are non-toxic. Could there be anything more stunning than this stunning specimen of blue Echeveria?

Button Fern (Pellaea rotundifolia)

button fern

button fern

The vast majority of ferns grown indoors are entirely risk-free for pets. In the interest of completeness, here is a picture of a beautiful button fern. Because ferns can reach considerable sizes, the container you plant them should have adequate room for expansion.

Will You Please Bring Some Of The Outdoors Inside?

home plants

home plants

Or a significant amount of green; the choice is yours! You certainly have a wide variety of houseplants from which to select now. You can quickly cultivate houseplants indoors even if you've never touched a gardening tool before (no worries, you still have time for this endeavor), as long as you keep the right conditions. These plants do not require excessive maintenance from you, and they will infuse your home with positive energy and natural tones. Put yourself back in touch with nature by bringing some plants into your home. And please describe the plants you selected.
We look forward to receiving your message!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Are The Most Desirable Houseplants?

The best houseplants do not require a lot of direct sunlight and consistent watering and fertilizing. They are not picky about the environment and can flourish virtually anywhere. The aloe vera plant, succulents, air plants, peace lily, and ferns are some of the best choices for indoor plants.

What Kinds Of Houseplants Are Most Common?

Common houseplants are succulents, air plants, ferns, ficus, aloe vera, zebra plants, spider plants, and Chinese evergreens. See what's trending with indoor plants right now.

Which Houseplants Require The Least Amount Of Care And Attention?

Succulents, air plants, and ferns are some of the houseplants that require the least amount of care and attention.