10 Must-Have Indoor House Plants for Gardeners and Plant Lovers

The 10 Houseplants You Need to Grow This Winter

Avid gardeners often experience sadness after they pull up spent tomato and basil plants, stow away their rakes and shovels, and put their gardens to bed in the fall. What will they do with all the extra time they spend weeding, watering, planting, and harvesting during the summer? It’s such a part of our identity that some of us lose a bit of ourselves when we move indoors for the winter. 

Enter houseplants. Even if you don’t typically garden, keeping houseplants around has its benefits, including: 

• Boosts moods and lifts energy. A study by the Department of Horticulture Sciences at Chungnam National University suggests “that active interaction with indoor plants can reduce physiological and psychological stress compared with mental work.” The 24 healthy male subjects experienced increased comfort and natural soothing feelings.  
• Did you know modern people spend about 85% of their lives indoors? Houseplants bring the outdoors in and add life to otherwise stale and boring spaces.
• Increases humidity during dry winters. 
• Houseplants provide lovely natural decor that may make you happier.  
• Ditch the screen. Work with your plants for a healthy amusement alternative. 

Now that you know the benefits of keeping houseplants, let’s discuss ten must-have indoor houseplants you may consider bringing home. 

1. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Description

One of the most popular houseplants, this low-maintenance beauty is a trailing vine plant with unique, glossy, heart-shaped leaves. It’s most commonly known as Devil’s ivy. Some varieties offer interesting white, yellow, pink, or cream striations. Turn your home into a jungle; vines can reach up to 40 feet if given the space and support! 

Feng Shui experts call the golden pothos a good luck plant. Position it in your space's southwest or easternmost corner to elevate its growth, abundance, and wealth-attracting attributes. 

Benefits

Plant enthusiasts love to propagate pothos and share them with fellow plant-loving friends. Propagating pothos during their active growing season in spring or summer yields the best results.  

How to propagate golden pothos in water or soil: 

• Using clean snips or scissors, take a cutting of your pothos plant’s main stem to include three to four nodes. Nodes are the little bumps along the main stem from which future new growth will emerge. 
• Fill a jar with clean water or a 2.5” seed starting pot (bonus, if it’s clear so you can see through to the roots) with fresh potting soil, depending on your method.
• Remove the bottom leaves from the section of cutting that will be buried in the soil or placed directly into the water. Doing so will reduce the risk of rot or fungal disease. 
• Place stem cuttings in indirect lighting. For best results, ensure the water in jars remains full and clean, change it weekly, and keep the soil in pots moist. 
• New roots will form on the cutting within several weeks, transforming into a new plant. The benefit of allowing the stem to root in water is you can monitor the entire process. 
• Pro tip: Consider using coconut water or a root-stimulating hormone powder when placing cuttings in soil. The in-depth instructions in the rose article below can also be used for this project.

Related: How to Propagate Roses from Cuttings

Take cuttings from pothos plants whenever there is enough length off a central stem. Propagating with sections of stems is a bonus of regular pruning and keeps the plant healthy and well-manicured. 

Studies conducted by a retired scientist for NASA, Bill Wolverton, show that the “air-cleaning capacity of houseplants can be improved exponentially by increasing air circulation to the roots of the plants, where symbiotic microorganisms help make the substances culled from air bioavailable to the plant,” including pothos. 

Care Tips

Bright, indirect sunlight is preferred, but pothos will tolerate low light. Pothos plants prefer somewhere humid, like a bathroom. They will appreciate being able to climb as they do in their native habitat. Add them to a hanging basket and wrap them around your bathroom as they grow for a real conversation starter. 

Water frequently in warmer months, but do not allow soggy soil. Too much water can damage the plant, attract gnats, or kill it by causing root rot. Cut back on watering in winter months. For best results, re-pot your pothos every few years. Prune to manage length and remove any old or dried leaves. 

Note: This species is toxic when ingested by humans and animals, so keep it out of reach of children and pets. 

2. Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)

Description

Snake plants are among the most common houseplants, also called Mother-in-law’s Tongue. They are easily recognizable for their sword-shaped leaves, which have different shades of green available, including some with color variegation, striping on the leaves, or even yellow borders on each leaf. They’re so beautiful and perfect that you might grab them to ensure they’re real! 

The upright growing habit adds height to a bookshelf or cabinet, adding architectural appeal. Move it often for design interest. 

Benefits

This easy-to-care-for houseplant is perfect for beginners. It’s forgiving of neglect; if you forget to water it for a while, don’t sweat. It can survive on very little. It’s proven to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene, formaldehyde, and toluene, released into our air from cleaning products, carpets, and certain aerosols. 

Fun fact: Snake plants are one of few that continue converting carbon dioxide into oxygen while you sleep, possibly improving your slumber; how cool is that?

Note: This species contains saponins, which the ASPCA warns can cause nausea and vomiting for pets.

Care Tips

Place snake plants in bright, indirect sun, avoiding cool spots in your home. Allow the first few inches of soil to dry out between waterings. 

Snake plants will benefit from monthly fertilizer. Select something well-balanced and appropriate for houseplants. If necessary, select a larger pot in the spring, repot your plant, and give it a boost with indoor houseplant compost or fertilizer at this time. 

Often, when you repot a snake plant it will produce a crop of new leaves that grow even taller than the existing ones. You can also break off a chunk of the roots with a leaf and pot it separately to grow a whole new plant. 

3. Monstera Deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)

Description

Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss cheese plant and split-leaf philodendron (not actually a member of the philodendron family), is sure to start conversations at your next house gathering. Its massive dark green leaves are interestingly perforated, giving off tropical vibes. This vining plant can reach three to fifteen feet. In order to grow tall the plant will need support like a pole covered in coco coir or hemp mats for its aerial roots to grow into. 

Monstera plants will only commonly produce fruits in their ideal growing conditions, but humans can consume them if they do. Process the fruits into jams and jellies to take advantage of their high vitamin C and collagen levels. The flavor resembles tropical flavors like pineapple and coconut. Beware of the side effects of consuming unripe fruits. Calcium oxalate crystals inside the fruit can cause swelling, burning, and general discomfort in the mouth if ingested. Leaves are also toxic if eaten.

Benefits

This houseplant is adaptable to many different environments and isn’t picky, making it an excellent option for beginners. It’s low-maintenance, can survive many years, effortlessly adds jungle vibes to your decor, and may reduce stress. 

This University of Minnesota Extension article provides excellent detail on successfully propagating Monstera plants. 

Care Tips

Native to tropical areas like Mexico and Costa Rico, Monstera plants prefer high humidity and bright, indirect sunlight. For peak performance, ensure your soil is well-draining. Monsteras are not heavy feeders but will benefit from a 3-1-2 monthly or bi-monthly fertilizer during the warm summer months. Growth slows down in the winter, so no fertilizer is needed. 

4. Zanzibar Gem / ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

Description

The ZZ plant is hands down one of the most fun houseplants to grow. Its gorgeous, glossy, oval-shaped leaves grow sturdy and tall on erect shoots. Shoots are bright green when newly emerging and transition to deep green, purple, or black as they mature. 

Benefits

If your home doesn’t receive much direct sunlight, the ZZ plant is for you. It can tolerate low light with no adverse consequences. 

The ZZ plant grows via an underground rhizome that stores water, tolerating drought conditions without drying out. These rhizomes evolved to keep the plant alive in dry conditions in its native areas of Zanzibar and Eastern Africa. 

Care Tips

Don’t worry if you’ve forgotten to water your ZZ plant for several weeks; it won’t matter. Add a reminder to your calendar every two to three weeks, and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Place your potted plant in bright, indirect sunlight to avoid scorching or drying leaves. 

Repotting and Propagating ZZ Plants

Repot your ZZ plant every few years by gently coaxing or cutting the rhizomes into smaller sections. Leave ample roots on each section and add to a container of fresh potting soil. This is the perfect time to propagate your ZZ plant by splitting the rhizomes into multiple sections and placing each one in a 5-inch pot with a smaller tray underneath to catch extra water. 

Notes: Toxic if eaten. Be sure to wear gloves when pruning and replanting this species.

5. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Description

Another dark green-leaved beauty, the peace lily features four-inch white spathes (flowers) resembling those of a calla lily and emits a delicate fragrance. Peace lily leaves can grow 10 to 12 inches long, and plants can grow to one to six feet tall. 

Benefits

We all have a friend who claims to kill every houseplant they’ve ever tried growing. The peace lily is for them! It survives just fine without much water, light, or love. The peace lily is so polite that it will droop its leaves to indicate it needs water. It should perk right back up once it’s hydrated. 

Plus, NASA proclaims that it’s one of the best removers of indoor VOCs. 

Care Tips

Ensure the soil is consistently moist, but keep it from becoming soggy. Check the soil for dryness, or lift your pot and notice if it feels light, and water as needed. Water weekly using room-temperature water. You can also mist the leaves on sweltering days to help your plant stay hydrated. 

Place your potted peace lily in bright, indirect light and avoid drafty areas. For peak performance, temperatures should be between 68°F (20°C) and 85°F (29.4°C). Peace lilies love humidity, so if you have space in your bathroom, place it there. 

Although safe to handle, this plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth and stomach if ingested by pets or small children. 

6. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

Description

Chinese evergreens exist in many cultivars, ranging from white and pink speckled to green striped to white and red variegations. The growth habit is mounding and upright, and many plant enthusiasts often refer to Chinese evergreens as Aglaonema, their plant genus. 

Select ‘Silver Queen’ for silver highlights, ‘Slim Jim’ for a unique narrow-leaved green with white stems, or ‘Edgy White’, whose appearance matches its name. Each medium-green leaf is perfectly edged with a thin white line. 

This bushy, ornamental perennial grows three feet tall and two feet wide. Its leaves are lance-shaped and typically dark green, with some potential color variations. If small flowers appear, most growers pinch them off to avoid the berries that follow, so the plant focuses its energy on the foliage. 

Note: Toxic if eaten.

Benefits

Have an empty, shady corner bookshelf? A Chinese evergreen plant will instantly boost the mood. Aglaonemas are low-maintenance and make excellent air purifiers, removing formaldehyde and benzene from your living space. Traditionally, in its native Asian countries, these plants are brought home to provide luck. Bring luck into your home with one of these plants today. 

Care Tips

The light required depends on the variety you select. Dark green varieties tolerate low-light conditions, whereas variegated beauties require bright, indirect sunlight to develop their colorations. Direct sunlight may cause burned leaf tips. 

Allow your Chinese evergreen to mostly dry out between waterings. Plan to water about a cup every few weeks, less in winter when growth slows. This plant loves humidity and would enjoy hanging out in your bathroom. 

7. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

Description 

Sometimes referred to as a rubber tree for its upright and tree-like growth habit, the rubber plant features large, oval-shaped, plump, dark green leaves. Rubber plants may develop more than one strong trunk and an irregularly shaped canopy, giving it lots of character. 

Benefits

This durable houseplant will tolerate low light and some neglect. However, rubber plants are a little more picky than previously mentioned plants, so ensure that growing conditions are ideal for peak performance. 

Care Tips

Place your rubber plant in an east-facing window so it receives bright, indirect light. Provide high-quality potting mix to ensure the soil is well-draining and avoid “wet feet” from overwatering, which is the biggest mistake you can make when caring for the rubber plant. Treat it more like a succulent or cactus for best results, allowing the soil to dry out before the next watering session. Wear gloves when handling this plant, as it has a toxic sap that can cause discomfort if touched or ingested.

Fertilize regularly in late spring through summer, when rubber plants feed the heaviest, using an all-purpose 10-10-10. Occasionally, an extra boost of nitrogen will help leaves remain glossy. Pause fertilizing in the winter, like with other houseplants.

8. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)

Description

Jade plants feature an abundance of juicy, succulent-like, spoon-shaped leaves. Their thick flesh and stems store water, an attribute they developed living in the deserts of South Africa. 

The jade plant is more durable than most other houseplants. When cared for properly, it can live for 50 to 100 years. It can reach three to six feet tall and is relatively slow-growing. Jade plants produce small, white, or pink flowers that resemble tiny stars or snowflakes. 

Benefits

Their desert roots make them tolerable of drought conditions, and overall, they are a low-maintenance houseplant. 

Note: Toxic if eaten, causes severe vomiting. Keep away from children and pets.

Care Tips

If you’re comfortable, your jade plant probably is, too. It prefers temperatures between 65°F (18.3°C) and 75°F (23.9°C) with moderate humidity levels. Avoid overwatering; do so only every few weeks once the soil has mostly dried out. Ensure soil is well-draining. Water more frequently if your plant receives a lot of sunlight. Jade plants will not thrive in low-light areas. 

9. Money Tree (Pachira Aquatica)

Description

You may have noticed money trees at malls, salons, and restaurants for their interesting decor aspect and ability to thrive under artificial lighting. Their main trunk consists of several branches that intertwine with each other, almost appearing fake! 

Dark green leaves are glossy and palm-shaped. Each stalk features five leaves, believed to represent water, earth, fire, wind, and metal. 

Benefits

Money trees are pet-friendly and non-toxic to humans. They’re easy to care for and will tolerate some neglect. The most common mistake when caring for them is overwatering, so be mindful of moisture levels when reaching for the watering can. 

Care Tips

Money trees will perform best in bright, indirect light but may tolerate medium-light situations. Leaf scorch can occur if the sunlight is too direct. Rotate your tree to avoid sunburns. Avoid standing water and wait until the soil has dried slightly before watering. Money trees appreciate moderate relative humidity levels and temperatures between 65°F (18.3°C) and 80°F (26.7°C). 

If your tree seems stressed, scout for pests like scale, mealybugs, and spider mites. Remove yellow leaves from the bottom to send focus to new growth. 

10. Philodendron (Various Species)

Description

Philodendrons are popular and easy-to-care-for houseplants in hanging and climbing cultivars. Growers choose them for their versatility, textured leaves, and tropical vibes. Trailing varieties are perfect for hanging baskets, whereas upright varieties can elevate a minimalistic bedroom. Try ‘Pink Princess’ for a less popular but gorgeous variety with pink, white, and green variegations and heart-shaped leaves. 

Benefits

Keeping philodendrons at home may reduce stale air and toxins from everyday household items like cleaning products. This is because, like all plants, they release oxygen and may help filter toxins from our living spaces.

Care Tips

Philodendron growth occurs rapidly with bright, indirect light but tolerates lower light situations. Too much direct sunlight can cause leaf scorch. Plants prefer high humidity and demand well-draining soil. Re-pot plants if you notice the roots are bound up, likely every few years.

Note: There are several types of Philodendrons, but only some of them are truly from the species Philodendron. The trailing heartleaf vine (Philodendron hederaceum) is the only pet—and kid-safe option. All other plants labeled as Philodendrons are toxic if eaten and contain irritating sap, so wear gloves when pruning or repotting. 

FAQs

Are houseplants air-purifying? 

While some modern studies have found the opposite to the 1989 NASA Clean Air Study, conducted in a sealed lab, there may be some air purification effects. And with all their other benefits, why not give it a shot?

How often should I water my indoor houseplants?

Follow a schedule for when to check your houseplants’ moisture level, but do not adhere to a strict watering schedule. Moisture levels will differ throughout the year, depending on your region, humidity levels, etc., so watering once a week or bi-weekly may lead to overwatering and cause damage or death. 

Set a reminder in your calendar to check on them weekly to determine if watering is needed. If the top two inches of soil are dry to the touch, water the plant thoroughly. Drain any remaining water so the plant isn’t sitting in water. 

What are the best types of pots for indoor plants?

Choose something porous that matches your home’s design and aesthetics. While you can leave a plant you purchase at a nursery in its plastic container, it’s not the most attractive option. 

• Grow bags are great for planting your house plants in if you want to change the look of your pots regularly. Simply place the grow bag inside a cache pot from any of the types listed below and change it whenever you want. You can also pot up into a larger grow bag as needed. 
• The ever-popular and well-known terracotta pots are relatively inexpensive and readily available at most garden and hardware stores. However, they quickly seep moisture, so ensure your plant can handle that feature before selecting one. 
• Ceramic pots come in many styles and colors and retain water. However, they don’t typically feature drainage holes, so you’ll need to add pebbles to the bottom or drill holes using a masonry drill bit. You can also repurpose an appropriately sized plastic container with drainage holes and conceal it inside a larger ceramic pot. If you leave the pot as is, fungus gnats may appear, or your plant may develop root rot from its inability to breathe properly. 
• Metal pots are modern and funky but retain heat, which may be better for warmer-region growers. 
• Concrete potters are trendy and contemporary, but their weight makes it difficult to move them around. These are particularly good to use with the grow bag method so you can move the plant and the pot separately and not need to combine all that weight. 

How do I propagate and repot my indoor plants?

Propagate houseplants by taking stem cuttings, dividing rhizomes or root systems, or rooting a leaf. This Brooklyn Botanic Garden blog post provides details on each method. 

What are the signs that my plant needs more or less light?

Signs of too much sun include yellowing or crisp edges, leaf drops, and brown spots. Signs of too little sun include slow or stunted growth, brown leaves, abnormally small leaves, lack of flowering, and legginess. If you suspect your plant needs more or less light or, perhaps, a different type, move it around your home until you find the spot that’s just right. 

How do I deal with common houseplant pests like spider mites or mealybugs?

Mealybugs leave behind a white wax and secrete honeydew that may cause black mold. Scout your plants often, as mealybugs are hard to control once an infestation is rampant. Remove mealybugs with cotton balls soaked with alcohol or spray with insecticidal soap, following the instructions on the product. Re-treat as needed and recommended. 

Spider mites may be hard to see, but you can identify them by the dusty appearance they leave behind, resembling spider webbing. Their eggs look like grains of salt found on the underside of leaves. Make a DIY spray by mixing a liter of water with a strongly scented essential oil like rosemary or peppermint and a tablespoon of dish soap. Spray your plant thoroughly and repeat treatments weekly as needed.
Quarantine any new plants you bring home to ensure you don’t spread any pests to your plants, and keep them clean by wiping them clean of dust weekly. Spritz plants with plain water to increase humidity enough to deter spider mites from sticking around.