We all know that adding a houseplant can brighten a room, it can improve the air quality in our home, improve our mood, helps us recharge, and boost our productivity. In short, houseplants make us happier and better.
So, if you’re looking to add a little Zen to your home or to fill awkward, empty spaces, then keep reading because we’ve listed the 10 best houseplants you should have in your collection. These houseplants will definitely improve your health and home, and make it more connected with nature. Let’s get started!
Aloe Vera
One of the best air-purifying houseplants, and it’s also one of the hardest to kill, which makes it an ideal houseplant for new plant parents. Aloe vera is handy to keep around, especially in the kitchen, because its gel can treat minor burns. Plus, it’s one of the Instagram-worthy plants that millennials love to collect.
PROS
- Aloe vera is also perfect for bedrooms because it absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen at night.
- The gel from aloe vera helps heal cuts and burns.
- Aloe vera will regularly produce plantlets. These plantlets can be removed to easily grow a new aloe vera plant.
CONS
- Aloe vera is a pest magnet because the juices in this succulent attracts sap-sucking insects. If that happens, wash your aloe vera plant with insect killing soap.
Bamboo Palm
Yes, bamboo palms made it to the list of the best houseplants because it adds a tropical feel to your home. Bamboo palm is also known as parlor palm, and it prefers bright light. However, it can also thrive in low light as long as it receives enough water. Avoid overwatering your bamboo palm. This houseplant loves high humidity, so it’s best to put it on a tray of pebbles with water.
PROS
- Bamboo palm is an excellent air-purifying houseplant, and it eliminates formaldehyde that is released by new furniture.
- It is non-toxic to pets.
CONS
- Bamboo palms are prone to spider mites. Regularly check your bamboo palm plant and remove any webbing on the leaves with an insect-killing soap.
Ficus
Ficus is one of the most popular and best houseplants and office plants because of its striking appearance. Ficus are also efficient air-purifying houseplants, and it eliminates air toxins such as formaldehyde, trichoroethylene, and benzene. It’s a low-maintenance plant that prefers bright, indirect light.
PROS
- Ficus goes well in any part of your home because of its beautiful appearance.
CONS
- It’s toxic to pets and people.
- Ficus are prone to insect infestation. If you noticed that your Ficus houseplant is “dripping sap”, it’s actually honeydew from an infestation. Apply insect killer to its leaves for protection.
- It’s a finicky plant that doesn’t like to be moved.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
Fiddle Leaf Fig plants are one of the best houseplants loved by interior stylists because it adds a dramatic touch to any room. Fiddles require extra attention, especially to its big leaves, because it’s prone to pests and infestation. It prefers lots of sunlight and requires to be watered only when the soil is dry.
PROS
- Fiddles are non-toxic plants. It’s safe for people.
- It improves indoor air quality.
CONS
- It’s toxic to cats and dogs.
- Fiddles are finicky plants. It prefers to stay in one place.
Heartleaf Philodendron
Heartleaf Philodendron is a great houseplant, and it’s perfect for busy plant parents because it’s easy to care for. It’s known heart-shaped leaves and trailing vines. Plus, it’s also an air-purifying plant. Heartleaf Philodendron prefers bright, indirect light and weekly watering.
PROS
- This beautiful plant bloom at any time of the year, and it blooms look like peace lily flowers.
CONS
- Toxic to pets and children.
- Heartleaf Philodendron can grow up to 10 feet long, so it requires regular pruning.
- It’s prone to pests. Apply insect killing soap on its leaves to help your plant recover.
Peace Lily
Beautiful, elegant, and unique. These words describe the Peace Lily, which makes it one of the best houseplants you should add in your collection. However, it’s not only beautiful, but it’s also an effective air-purifying plant. It prefers shady areas, and always remember to keep its soil moist. You can mist it occasionally for added humidity.
PROS
- Peace Lily eliminates air toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene, ammonia, and more.
CONS
- It is toxic for people and pets.
Red Edged Dracaena
Red Edged Dracaena, also known as Dragon Tree, is a gorgeous air-purifying plant. It can withstand a certain amount of neglect, which makes it ideal for forgetful plant owners. Its dramatic leaves with beautiful color patterns make it one of the best houseplants you must-have in your plant collection. Dracaena prefers semi-shade spot and less water. You can keep it hydrated by misting the leaves with water.
PROS
- Dracaena eliminates air toxins like formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene.
CONS
- Make sure you only water at the base of the plant because it’s prone to leaf spot if the leaves get wet during watering.
- It’s prone to pests like thrips. Treat it with an insect-killing soap.
Snake Plant
Also known as Mother-in-law’s Tongue, is the hardest plant to kill out of all the houseplants on this list. It can thrive without water for a month. Snake plant is also an air-purifying plant, and it’s the best houseplants to place in your bedroom. It prefers bright, indirect light and water every once a week or when the soil is completely dry.
PROS
- Snake plant is a low-maintenance plant, and it’s on NASA’s list of houseplants that clean and filter indoor air.
CONS
- It’s toxic to cats and dogs.
Spider Plant
Personally, I think spider plants thrive even more when neglected. It prefers moist soil, but it can survive if you forget to water occasionally. Spider plants require bright to moderate light and need to be fertilized twice a month during the spring and summer season.
PROS
- Spider plant is safe for pets.
- It’s an air-purifying plant that helps remove benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and xylene.
CONS
- Spider plants can be mildly hallucinogens to cats.
Monstera
Monstera, also known as Swiss Cheese Plant, is considered one of the most Instagram-worthy plants because it looks great with different interior styles, and its leaves are pretty popular designs from wallpaper to throw pillows. Monstera prefers bright, indirect sunlight and only water it when the soil is dry. You can also mist its leaves with water once a week.
PROS
- Monstera is a perfect interior decor to your home, and it’s easy to care plants.
CONS
- Toxic to cats and dogs.
- Monstera is prone to pests. Wipe the leaves with a mild soap solution or gentle insecticide.
That’s a wrap for our 10 best houseplants! Adding these houseplants in your collection will absolutely brighten your home and clean the air you breathe. What’s your favorite indoor plant? Share it in the comment section below. Grow your plant knowledge. Check out our Plant Care page to learn more tips on how to keep your plants alive and healthy.
