The Best Plants for Your Home and How to Care for Them
I mean, just look at these babies!
Bringing plants into your home is one of the easiest ways to enhance both the aesthetic and the atmosphere of your space. Not only do they add color and life to your interior, but they also improve air quality, boost your mood, and create a sense of calm. Whether you’re just starting your plant journey or looking to add more greenery to your home, here’s a guide to the best indoor plants and tips on how to care for them.
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
Why It’s Great: Snake plants are the definition of low-maintenance. They thrive in low light, are drought-tolerant, and filter toxins from the air. Their striking, upright leaves make them a bold yet subtle statement in any room.
Care Tips: Place your snake plant in indirect light (though it can handle low light). Water sparingly—once every 2-3 weeks—and make sure the soil is completely dry before watering again.
2. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Why It’s Great: Peace lilies are both beautiful and functional, with their delicate white flowers and air-purifying qualities. They’re perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any room while working hard to improve your indoor air.
Care Tips: Peace lilies prefer moderate, indirect light and moist soil. Water when the top layer of soil feels dry, and mist the leaves occasionally to keep humidity levels up.
3. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas Zamiifolia)
Why It’s Great: The ZZ plant is almost impossible to kill, making it perfect for those who are new to plant care or who have a busy schedule. It thrives in low light and can go weeks without watering.
Care Tips: ZZ plants do best in indirect light but can tolerate low light. Water only when the soil is completely dry—overwatering can lead to root rot.
4. Monstera Deliciosa
Why It’s Great: Known for its large, split leaves, the Monstera brings a tropical vibe into your home. Its fast growth and statement-making foliage make it a favorite among plant lovers.
Care Tips: Monsteras prefer bright, indirect light. Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry, and mist regularly to mimic the humidity of its native environment.
5. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)
Why It’s Great: Spider plants are a popular choice for their ease of care and air-purifying properties. Their arching leaves and spider-like “babies” make them a fun and decorative addition to any room.
Care Tips: Place your spider plant in bright, indirect light and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. This plant thrives in well-draining soil and a pot with drainage holes.
6. Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum)
Why It’s Great: Pothos is a versatile plant that’s incredibly easy to care for. Its trailing vines are perfect for hanging baskets or decorating shelves, and it tolerates a variety of lighting conditions.
Care Tips: Pothos can thrive in low to bright, indirect light. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and consider rotating the plant every few weeks to promote even growth.
7. Aloe Vera
Why It’s Great: Aloe Vera is not only a beautiful succulent but also a medicinal plant with healing properties. Keep it around for both its decor and its practical uses, like soothing burns or skin irritation.
Care Tips: Aloe thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. Water every 2-3 weeks, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings.
8. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus Lyrata)
Why It’s Great: The Fiddle Leaf Fig is the darling of the plant world, known for its large, glossy leaves and dramatic appearance. Though it can be a bit fussy, its beauty is worth the effort.
Care Tips: This plant needs bright, indirect light to thrive. Water when the top inch of soil is dry, and be sure to provide proper drainage to avoid root rot.
General Plant Care Tips:
1. Light is Key
Each plant has its own lighting needs. Some thrive in bright light, while others prefer a low-light environment. Be sure to research your plant’s specific requirements and place them in the right spot for optimal growth.
2. Don’t Overwater
One of the biggest mistakes plant owners make is overwatering. It’s important to let the soil dry out between waterings for most houseplants. Always check the top layer of soil before reaching for the watering can.
3. Provide Proper Drainage
Most indoor plants require pots with drainage holes to prevent water from pooling at the bottom, which can lead to root rot. Use well-draining soil for best results.
4. Rotate Your Plants
Plants tend to grow toward the light source. To promote even growth, rotate your plants every few weeks so all sides get equal exposure to sunlight.
5. Humidity and Temperature Matter
Many houseplants, especially tropical varieties, prefer humid environments. Mist your plants occasionally or place a humidifier nearby if your home is dry.
Bringing plants into your home is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about creating a space that feels alive, calming, and connected to nature. By choosing the right plants and following these care tips, you can transform any room into a thriving, green oasis. Whether you’re looking for low-maintenance options like the ZZ plant or statement plants like the Monstera, there’s a perfect plant for every home.
Ready to transform your home with beautiful, easy-care plants? Contact us at Raíz to learn more about our interior design services, or sign up for one of our upcoming workshops on creating intentional, plant-filled spaces.
