Add an element of surprise to your indoor garden with our list of 14 indoor plants no one realizes are house plants. These unique, lesser-known plants will not only enhance your living space but also spark conversations among your guests.
For those looking to improve indoor air quality, our post on 13 indoor plants guaranteed to purify the air in your home is an excellent resource. Alternatively, if you’re interested in adding fragrance to your home, don’t miss our selection of 17 plants that will make your home smell amazing.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Indoor plants can improve air quality and provide numerous health benefits. |
| The best indoor plants for your home or office depend on factors like lighting and maintenance requirements. |
| Low-maintenance houseplants like snake plants and pothos are great for beginners. |
| Regular watering and proper lighting are essential for indoor plant care. |
| Indoor plants can also serve as beautiful decor and can help create a more relaxing and inviting space. |
Explore these fascinating houseplants and add a touch of the extraordinary to your indoor garden.
Hoya (Wax Plant)
Hoya is a genus of flowering plants in the family Apocynaceae, native to tropical and subtropical regions of southern Asia, the Indian Ocean, Australia and Polynesia.
Hoya plants are known as wax plants or wax flowers because of their waxy flowers. They produce clusters of showy, trumpet-like blooms with colors ranging from white to yellow, red and pink.
The plant’s leaves are evergreen and linear with soft hairs on both sides. The flowers grow from an umbel at the tip of each branchlet; they may be solitary or in small clusters on stalks emerging from leaf axils near nodes along branches; petals are reflexed backwards when open (similar to hibiscus).
“Improving the air quality in your home is essential for your health, and incorporating indoor plants can help. Our list of 17 cool indoor plants ideal for cleaning the air in your home features plants that are both effective and visually appealing, making them a great addition to any living space.”
Monstera Deliciosa
Monstera Deliciosa is a vine that grows indoors and produces large, glossy leaves. The vines of this plant are easy to grow and have many uses.
They can be used in hanging baskets or as a screen on the wall. Because it’s not too tall, you don’t have to worry about it growing out of control like some other houseplants do.
The Monstera Deliciosa is also very easy-to-care for, which makes it great for beginners who want to grow their own indoor plants but aren’t sure where to start!
Staghorn Fern
The staghorn fern is an excellent starter plant that is easy to grow and maintain. It can be grown in a pot or hanging basket, so it makes a great choice for beginners.
This type of fern is also easy to propagate, which means that you can have several plants from just one plant! The best part about growing this particular species of fern? It’s an excellent air purifier!
Asparagus Fern
Asparagus Fern is a very easy-to-grow plant. It is a tropical plant but it is also hardy enough to survive in low light conditions. As long as you have bright indirect sunlight, you can put this plant in your house or apartment and it will thrive.
The fern has been used as a symbol of good luck since ancient times, so if someone gives it to you on St Patrick’s Day, they are probably trying to tell you something!
They are also known as “Emerald Feathers” because of the way their leaves look like emerald green feathers when they open up in springtime just before they unfurl into fronds.
When planted outside, this fern grows well in moist soil with excellent drainage; however, indoors we recommend placing them on top of pots filled with rocks so that there is no standing water inside them – especially if they’re situated near an air conditioning vent where moisture might build up over time (this could cause root rot).
“Adding indoor plants to your home not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but can also increase its value. Our article on 16 indoor plants that will increase your home’s value showcases some of the best indoor plants that can help increase your property’s value while also promoting a healthy and happy environment.”
Ponytail Palm
Ponytail palm is a large plant, with a trunk that can grow up to 2 metres tall.
The plant is native to the rainforests of Mexico and South America. The large bulbous base produces long and narrow leaves that are arranged around the central trunk in an umbrella-like fashion.
Despite its size, ponytail palm does not have very high lighting needs making it ideal for indoor environments where there may be spotty light sources or few windows available for light to shine through during winter months.
Haworthia
Haworthia is a genus of succulent plants indigenous to the Cape Province region of South Africa. They are small, slow-growing and relatively easy to care for. Haworthia only need watering when their soil feels dry.
Haworthia can be grown in pots or planted directly into the ground where they will eventually form clusters with their roots intertwined (similar to Aloe).
The “Santa Barbara” variety has pale green leaves that are covered with white lines; these lines give it its common name: Zebra Plant.
ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant is a popular houseplant, with many fans. But did you know that it can grow up to six feet tall? Or that it makes for a great hanging plant? And did you know that if your cat eats this plant’s leaves, he could be poisoned?
This information may come as news to you if you’re new to the world of houseplants and don’t know much about them yet. Hopefully, we’ll be able to educate you enough on these plants so that when someone asks what kind of houseplant they should get next time they’re at their local home improvement store, they’ll have an answer!
“If you’re new to indoor gardening, it’s important to start with plants that are easy to care for. Our guide on 18 great indoor plants for beginners offers a comprehensive list of low-maintenance plants that can help you build your indoor garden with confidence.”
Olive Tree
The olive tree is one of the oldest trees in the world. It is believed that the olive was first cultivated by humans around 4000 BC. The olive tree can live for up to 2,000 years and it has a high regeneration rate, meaning that it can grow new branches from its roots.
The olives themselves have been cultivated for thousands of years and are still an important food source today.
Olive oil is also widely used as a cooking ingredient, especially in Mediterranean countries where olives grow well in particular climate conditions like Italy and Greece who produce over 90% of all olives worldwide!
It’s not just its edible properties that make this plant so appealing though; it also has some pretty incredible symbolism too with associations ranging from wisdom & knowledge (see picture above) through strength & endurance (see picture below) right through to fertility & abundance.”
Bird of Paradise
The Bird of Paradise is a tropical plant that is well suited to indoor growing. It comes in many varieties and can be used as a houseplant. It’s a beautiful plant to have in your home!
It grows up to 1.5 metres tall and has large heart-shaped leaves with white flowers that bloom on the ends of long stems.
They prefer shade or partial sunlight, but will grow best if given direct sunlight for part of the day. The roots should never dry out completely, though leaving them slightly damp is fine too if you forget about them for a few days (it happens).
They are versatile plants and do well indoors or out; they’ll even grow happily in pots!
“Growing indoor plants is a great way to bring life and greenery into your living space, even if you’re lazy or have a busy schedule. Our list of 15 indoor plants you can grow if you’re lazy offers some great options for those who want to enjoy the benefits of indoor plants without too much effort.”
Ipomoea Batatas or Sweet Potato Vine (Not Suitable for Pets)
Not all houseplants are safe for your dog. Sweet potato vine (Ipomoea Batatas) is a climbing perennial herb that can grow up to 15 feet and makes an excellent houseplant in the right conditions. It grows well outdoors in warm climates and requires full sun, but it will also do well indoors with plenty of light.
The sweet potato vine is a tropical plant that should not be overwintered indoors or brought inside during cold months because it’s not cold hardy enough to withstand freezing temperatures outside, which means you need to keep this plant near windows where it can get plenty of sunlight year-round or use artificial lighting during winter months.
Sweet potato vine rarely flowers indoors as long as it gets enough light, though if you’re looking for ways to encourage blooming then simply cut off any leaves that start turning yellow or brown and stop fertilizing when flowering begins (usually around July).
Snake Plant or Mother-in-Law’s Tongue
What it looks like: The Snake Plant is a slender, dark green-to-black plant with long sword-like leaves. It’s also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue or Good Luck Plant and can grow up to 1 metre tall.
How to care for it: The Snake Plant prefers warm temperatures, so keep yours in direct sunlight (but not full sun) or under artificial light. If your home has low humidity levels, misting your snake plant daily will keep its leaves nice and glossy.
Where it grows best: This tough little guy won’t need much water or attention if you stick him in an area with plenty of light just make sure he gets at least 5 hours of sunshine each day.
He can survive in rooms without windows as long as there’s decent natural light from nearby windows or lamps; just avoid putting him under fluorescent lights because they give off too much heat for his liking. Like we said earlier the less fuss he needs from you, the better!
“Incorporating indoor plants in your workspace can help boost productivity and improve air quality. Our article on 13 plants that will boost productivity and purify the air in your home features plants that are known for their air-purifying properties and ability to improve focus and concentration, making them the perfect addition to any office or study area.”
Scindapsus Pictus or Satin Pothos (Not Suitable for Pets)
Pothos is a popular houseplant that can be grown in a hanging basket and does well in low light. It’s also known for its trailing stems and attractive leaves, which are dark green with silver-white stripes.
The best part about this plant? It’s super easy to care for! All you need to do is water it regularly (about once every week), give it some sunlight or artificial light, and prune the vines as needed.
Unfortunately, pothos isn’t recommended if you have pets or small children because the roots contain methanol glycosides that are toxic if ingested by either of those groups.
Philodendron Scandens or Heartleaf Philodendron (Not Suitable for Pets)
Philodendron Scandens or Heartleaf Philodendron
- commonly known as heartleaf philodendron
- not suitable for pets
This leafy plant is a real beauty and it’s not hard to see why. It has lush, green leaves that grow up to 2 metres high! This makes it perfect for growing indoors, but you can also place it outside if you have the right climate.
The plant does best in low light, so if your home has heavy curtains or blinds on the windows this might be a good choice for you.
Conclusion
As you’ve seen, house plants are great for your home and your health. They have a wide variety of uses, from decorating to purifying the air and providing natural light in dark areas.
If you feel like trying out some new indoor plants but don’t know where to start, we hope this article helped eliminate some of the guesswork!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources for those interested in learning more about indoor plants:
Hardy Houseplants: 15 Tough Houseplants That Don’t Need Much Care – This article features 15 houseplants that are easy to care for and can withstand harsh conditions.
15 Easy Houseplants for Every Room in Your Home – This article provides a comprehensive list of indoor plants that are low-maintenance and perfect for every room in your home.
The Top 20 Best Indoor House Plants to Grow at Home – This article features 20 of the best indoor house plants for growing at home, based on their popularity and ease of care.
FAQs
What are the best indoor plants for beginners?
Some of the best indoor plants for beginners include snake plants, pothos, spider plants, and ZZ plants. These plants are known for their low-maintenance nature and ability to thrive in various lighting conditions.
How often should indoor plants be watered?
The frequency of watering indoor plants depends on several factors such as the plant type, pot size, and the environment. As a general rule, it’s recommended to water indoor plants when the soil is dry to the touch.
How do I know if my indoor plant is getting enough light?
You can tell if your indoor plant is getting enough light by observing the color and growth of its leaves. Healthy leaves should be a vibrant green color, and the plant should show steady growth over time. If the leaves are turning yellow or the growth is stunted, it may be a sign that the plant is not getting enough light.
Can indoor plants purify the air?
Yes, indoor plants have been shown to have air-purifying properties and can help remove harmful toxins from the air. Some of the best air-purifying plants include spider plants, peace lilies, and snake plants.
How do I prevent pests from infesting my indoor plants?
One way to prevent pests from infesting your indoor plants is to regularly inspect them for signs of infestation, such as yellowing leaves or webbing. You can also introduce beneficial insects such as ladybugs or use natural pest control methods like neem oil or soap sprays.
For 15 years, Hellen James has worked in the gardening industry as an expert and landscape designer. During her career, she has worked for a variety of businesses that specialize in landscaping and gardening from small firms to large corporations.