Indoor plants can transform your living space, offering a refreshing burst of greenery and numerous health benefits. The best part? Some low-maintenance indoor plants thrive even with minimal attention, making them perfect for busy schedules or forgetful plant parents.
If you are new to indoor gardening or just want to keep things simple, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about indoor plants, their types, care tips, benefits, and more.
Amount of Sunlight Indoor Plants Require
While most indoor plants do not need direct sunlight, they still require some form of light to survive. Here’s a quick guide:
- Low-Light Plants: Thrive in shaded or dim corners.
- Bright Indirect Light Plants: Prefer bright daylight near a window.
- Sun-Loving Plants: Need direct sunlight daily for a few hours.
Further, use grow lights to support your plants’ needs if you get no sunlight in the room.
Low-Light Indoor Plants
Below is the list of the most popular low-light houseplants you can keep in dim corners of your home or office. These are low-maintenance indoor plants, require little care, and can grow well in artificial lighting. So, let’s get started!
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria Trifasciata)
The snake plant, also known as the “Mother-in-law’s tongue,” has tall, sword-like leaves with green and yellow patterns. It’s nearly indestructible and can survive in adverse conditions. However, its growth might be affected.
- Size: Can grow up to 2 feet tall.
- Watering Frequency: Every 2-3 weeks.
- Care: Thrives in low to bright light. Water only when the soil is completely dry.
2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas Zamiifolia)
With waxy, glossy green leaves, the ZZ plant is a stylish and lively choice that requires very little care.
- Size: Can grow up to 3 feet tall.
- Watering Frequency: Once every 2–3 weeks.
- Care: Thrives in low light. Water sparingly as it stores moisture in its roots.
3. Syngonium
Known as the arrowhead plant, Syngonium has uniquely shaped leaves with varied shades of green and white.
- Size: Grows up to 2 feet tall.
- Watering Frequency: Once a week.
- Care: Prefers low light and moist soil. Mist occasionally for humidity.
4. Money Plant (Scindapsus)
A symbol of good luck, this trailing vine features heart-shaped leaves and is a common choice for homes and offices.
- Size: Vines up to 10 feet long.
- Watering Frequency: Once a week.
- Care: Tolerates low to bright light. Keep soil slightly moist.
5. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Elegant with white blooms and lush green foliage, Peace Lily is also an excellent air purifier.
- Size: 1–3 feet tall.
- Watering Frequency: Once a week.
- Care: Thrives in medium to low light. Keep soil slightly moist.
6. Philodendrons
With heart-shaped leaves, this plant is perfect for adding a green cascade to shelves or corners.
- Size: Trailing or bushy, up to 2 feet.
- Watering Frequency: Once a week.
- Care: Thrives in low to medium light and slightly moist soil.
7. Aglaonema Wishes
A vibrant plant with pink-tinted green leaves, perfect for adding a pop of color.
- Size: Up to 3 feet tall.
- Watering Frequency: Once a week.
- Care: Grows well in low-lit corners. Avoid over-watering.
8. Dieffenbachia Plant
With large, patterned leaves, this plant makes a bold statement in any indoor space.
- Size: Up to 6 feet tall.
- Watering Frequency: Once a week.
- Care: Prefers medium light and evenly moist soil.
Bright Indirect Light Indoor Plants
These low-maintenance indoor plants thrive in well-lit areas without direct sun exposure. They are perfect for spots near windows with diffused light, adding greenery while being easy to maintain indoors.
9. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum)
This plant features long, arching leaves and produces spiderettes that are easy to propagate.
- Size: Up to 2 feet tall and wide.
- Watering Frequency: Once a week.
- Care: Tolerates a wide range of light conditions. Allow soil to dry between watering.
10. Raphis & Areca Palm
These palms bring a tropical feel to indoor spaces, with feathery fronds that create a calming atmosphere.
- Size: 4–6 feet tall indoors.
- Watering Frequency: Once a week.
- Care: Needs bright, indirect light and evenly moist soil.
11. Golden Pothos
A resilient, trailing plant with green and golden leaves that can brighten any room.
- Size: Vines up to 10 feet.
- Watering Frequency: Once a week.
- Care: Tolerates low to bright light. Let the soil dry slightly between watering.
12. Peperomia
Small and compact, Peperomia has thick, waxy leaves that are visually striking and easy to care for.
- Size: Up to 1 foot tall.
- Watering Frequency: Once a week.
- Care: Thrives in low to bright light. Avoid water-logging.
13. Rabbit Foot Fern
Known for its furry rhizomes that resemble rabbit feet, this fern is both unique and low-maintenance.
- Size: 1–2 feet wide.
- Watering Frequency: Once a week.
- Care: Prefers bright, indirect light and consistent moisture.
14. Variegated Schefflera
Also called the umbrella plant, it features striking, variegated foliage that adds elegance.
- Size: Up to 6 feet indoors.
- Watering Frequency: Once a week.
- Care: Medium to bright indirect light and consistent watering.
15. English Ivy
A fast-growing climber with lush green leaves that is perfect for trailing displays.
- Size: Vines up to 10 feet.
- Watering Frequency: Once a week.
- Care: Prefers bright, indirect light and moist soil.
Sun-Loving Indoor Plants
Sun-loving indoor plants thrive in direct sunlight and brighten up sunny spots in your home. These plants love basking in natural light, making them ideal for windowsills or sunlit balconies.
16. 9 O’clock (Portulaca)
A small, hardy succulent known for its bright, colorful flowers that bloom around 9 AM. It thrives in sunlight and adds a cheerful touch to any space.
- Size: Small trailing plant.
- Watering Frequency: Once a week.
- Care: Requires 3-4 hours of sunlight and well-drained soil. Let the soil dry out completely before watering.
17. Jade Plant/Elephant Bush (Portulacaria Afra)
A small succulent with fleshy, round leaves that add a touch of green to any space. It’s a popular Feng Shui plant and is associated with good fortune.
- Size: 1–3 feet tall indoors.
- Watering Frequency: Every 2–3 weeks.
- Care: Requires a few hours of sunlight. Avoid over-watering.
18. Aloe Vera
Known for its medicinal properties, Aloe Vera is a succulent with thick, fleshy leaves that store water.
- Size: Up to 2 feet tall.
- Watering Frequency: Every 2–3 weeks.
- Care: Prefers direct sunlight and well-drained soil.
19. Cactus
Hardy and drought-resistant, cacti have various shapes and sizes, making them versatile decor pieces.
- Size: 6 inches to 2 feet tall.
- Watering Frequency: Every 3–4 weeks.
- Care: Requires a few hours of sunlight and dry soil.
20. Echeveria
Compact and rosette-shaped, Echeverias are colorful succulents perfect for small spaces.
- Size: Small, under 6 inches tall.
- Watering Frequency: Every 2–3 weeks.
- Care: Prefers bright sunlight and well-drained soil.
This wraps up our list of low-maintenance indoor plants, each perfect for adding greenery to your home with minimal effort. Next, let’s understand the amazing benefits these plants bring, from improving air quality to boosting mental well-being. Keep reading to discover why having indoor plants is a win-win!
Benefits of Indoor Plants
Indoor plants do more than just brighten up your home; they have various health and ecological benefits. From improving air quality to enhancing your mental well-being, these green companions are a natural way to make your space healthier and more inviting.
- Improves Air Quality: NASA’s Clean Air Study found plants can reduce toxins like benzene and formaldehyde by up to 87% in 24 hours.
- Boosts Mood: Research published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology found that interacting with plants can reduce stress and promote positive emotions.
- Enhances Focus: Studies show indoor plants can improve concentration and productivity by up to 15%.
- Reduces Stress: Interacting with plants lowers cortisol levels, decreasing stress by up to 37%.
- Absorbs Noise: Dense foliage helps reduce background noise by up to 5 decibels, creating a calmer environment.
Health Considerations
Now that we know indoor plants offer many benefits, it is important to also consider certain health factors before bringing them into your home. From allergies to toxicity concerns for pets and children, being aware of potential risks can ensure a safe and enjoyable environment. Let’s take a closer look at the health considerations when choosing indoor plants.
- Pests: Keep an eye out for insects like aphids and mealybugs.
- Toxicity: Some plants, like Peace Lily and Dieffenbachia, can be toxic to pets and children.
- Allergies: Dust and pollen from flowering plants can trigger allergies or asthma.
- Mold: Overwatering can lead to mold growth in soil. Further, it can spread throughout the house under extreme humidity.
Wrapping Up: Embrace the Ease of Low-Maintenance Indoor Plants
In this blog, we’ve explored various low-maintenance indoor plants perfect to add some greenery without spending too much time on care. From sun-loving plants to those thriving in low light, we covered all the essential choices that require minimal effort but offer maximum benefits.
At Indeville, we understand the importance of having the right plants for your home or office. Our specialized team of horticulturists and landscape architects can help you choose and maintain plants that suit your environment and lifestyle. Let us guide you in creating a fresh, vibrant space that’s easy to care for.
If you’re ready to bring in some greenery, contact us today! Call us at +919625940950 or email contact@indeville.com for personalized advice and solutions. Let’s make your space healthier and more beautiful with indoor plants!