Plants are a wonderful addition to your home. They create an oasis of tranquility while helping to purify the air and adding colour to your life. However, different plants thrive in different environments and work better in some rooms than others. Here are the best plants you can choose for every room in your home.
Published September 27, 2017, Updated January 30, 2021
Published September 27, 2017, Updated January 30, 2021
Green Living
The Best Indoor Plants for Every Room in Your House
January 31, 2021
Plants are a wonderful addition to your home. They create an oasis of tranquility while helping to purify the air and adding colour to your life. However, different plants thrive in different environments and work better in some rooms than others. Here are the best plants you can choose for every room in your home.
Published September 27, 2017, Updated January 30, 2021
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1. Kitchen: Mint (Mentha)
1/201. Kitchen: Mint (Mentha)
1/20Photo Credit: Unsplash
Because conditions in the kitchen can vary quite dramatically, this room is best for hardy, vigorous plants such as mint. Mint grows best in its own pot in partial shade and has many culinary uses. It also repels insects such as cockroaches.Green LivingThe Best Indoor Plants for Every Room in Your House1. Kitchen: Mint (Mentha)
PHOTO 1 of 20READ LESS -Because conditions in the kitchen can vary quite dramatically, this room is best for hardy, vigorous plants such as mint. Mint grows best in its own pot in partial shade and has many culinary uses. It also repels insects such as cockroaches.Photo Credit: Unsplash
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2. Kitchen: Basil (Ocimum Basilicum)
2/202. Kitchen: Basil (Ocimum Basilicum)
2/20Photo Credit: Unsplash
It’s not surprising that basil is a popular plant for kitchen windowsills: it's easy to care for and gives you a ready supply of fresh leaves to use in everything from pesto to tea. Basil plants love warm, humid conditions and plenty of sunlight. <bR><BR> <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/pay-someone-style-your-houseplants-1938326/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Would You Pay Someone $2,000 to Style Your Houseplants?</a>Green LivingThe Best Indoor Plants for Every Room in Your House2. Kitchen: Basil (Ocimum Basilicum)
PHOTO 2 of 20READ LESS -It’s not surprising that basil is a popular plant for kitchen windowsills: it's easy to care for and gives you a ready supply of fresh leaves to use in everything from pesto to tea. Basil plants love warm, humid conditions and plenty of sunlight. <bR><BR> <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/pay-someone-style-your-houseplants-1938326/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Would You Pay Someone $2,000 to Style Your Houseplants?</a>Photo Credit: Unsplash
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3. Kitchen: Aloe Vera (Aloe Vera)
3/203. Kitchen: Aloe Vera (Aloe Vera)
3/20Photo Credit: Unsplash
Aloe Vera likes lots of sunlight and drier conditions. It’s a good plant to have on standby in the kitchen because you can just snap off a piece and use the gel to treat burns. <bR><BR> RELATED: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/plants-that-flower-in-winter-1921590/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">20 Indoor and Outdoor Plants That Will Flower in the Winter</a>.Green LivingThe Best Indoor Plants for Every Room in Your House3. Kitchen: Aloe Vera (Aloe Vera)
PHOTO 3 of 20READ LESS -Aloe Vera likes lots of sunlight and drier conditions. It’s a good plant to have on standby in the kitchen because you can just snap off a piece and use the gel to treat burns. <bR><BR> RELATED: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/plants-that-flower-in-winter-1921590/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">20 Indoor and Outdoor Plants That Will Flower in the Winter</a>.Photo Credit: Unsplash
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4. Kitchen: Calamondin Orange (Citrofortunella Microcarpa)
4/204. Kitchen: Calamondin Orange (Citrofortunella Microcarpa)
4/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
The calamondin orange is a citrus hybrid that’s usually grown indoors as a dwarf tree that infuses your home with a bright, citrusy aroma. The fruit is edible but sour and is often used to flavour drinks. The tree is hardy and prefers several hours of direct sunlight every day.Green LivingThe Best Indoor Plants for Every Room in Your House4. Kitchen: Calamondin Orange (Citrofortunella Microcarpa)
PHOTO 4 of 20READ LESS -The calamondin orange is a citrus hybrid that’s usually grown indoors as a dwarf tree that infuses your home with a bright, citrusy aroma. The fruit is edible but sour and is often used to flavour drinks. The tree is hardy and prefers several hours of direct sunlight every day.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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5. Bathroom: African Violet (Saintpaulia)
5/205. Bathroom: African Violet (Saintpaulia)
5/20Photo Credit: Unsplash
African violets need a bit of TLC but they do well in the warm, humid conditions of the bathroom. They prefer bright but indirect sunlight and because they bloom for most of the year, they will add splashes of colour to your bathroom shelves. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/house-plants-that-help-reduce-humidity-bathroom-1942997/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">15 House Plants That Help Reduce Humidity in the Bathroom</a>Green LivingThe Best Indoor Plants for Every Room in Your House5. Bathroom: African Violet (Saintpaulia)
PHOTO 5 of 20READ LESS -African violets need a bit of TLC but they do well in the warm, humid conditions of the bathroom. They prefer bright but indirect sunlight and because they bloom for most of the year, they will add splashes of colour to your bathroom shelves. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/house-plants-that-help-reduce-humidity-bathroom-1942997/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">15 House Plants That Help Reduce Humidity in the Bathroom</a>Photo Credit: Unsplash
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6. Bathroom: Flat-leaved Vanilla Orchid (Vanilla Planifolia)
6/206. Bathroom: Flat-leaved Vanilla Orchid (Vanilla Planifolia)
6/20Photo Credit: Unsplash
Orchids prefer hot and humid conditions, so they’re ideal for the bathroom. Put a flat-leaved vanilla orchid on the windowsill in your bathroom, where the light is filtered. If you give it enough fertilizer, the plant may form vanilla pods that will infuse the bathroom with their relaxing scent.Green LivingThe Best Indoor Plants for Every Room in Your House6. Bathroom: Flat-leaved Vanilla Orchid (Vanilla Planifolia)
PHOTO 6 of 20READ LESS -Orchids prefer hot and humid conditions, so they’re ideal for the bathroom. Put a flat-leaved vanilla orchid on the windowsill in your bathroom, where the light is filtered. If you give it enough fertilizer, the plant may form vanilla pods that will infuse the bathroom with their relaxing scent.Photo Credit: Unsplash
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7. Bathroom: Boston Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata)
7/207. Bathroom: Boston Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata)
7/20Photo Credit: Unsplash
Few rooms lend themselves to becoming forests of greenery quite like the bathroom does and ferns are ideal for achieving the effect. The Boston fern is easy to grow, likes indirect light and does well in a <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/hanging-planters-make-buy-under-75-1940078/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">hanging basket</a>.Green LivingThe Best Indoor Plants for Every Room in Your House7. Bathroom: Boston Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata)
PHOTO 7 of 20READ LESS -Few rooms lend themselves to becoming forests of greenery quite like the bathroom does and ferns are ideal for achieving the effect. The Boston fern is easy to grow, likes indirect light and does well in a <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/hanging-planters-make-buy-under-75-1940078/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">hanging basket</a>.Photo Credit: Unsplash
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8. Bathroom: Grape Ivy (Cissus Rhombifolia)
8/208. Bathroom: Grape Ivy (Cissus Rhombifolia)
8/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
The grape ivy is a good choice if you want to add greenery to your bathroom but don’t have lots of space for potted plants. Put it on a high shelf or on top of a bathroom cabinet and let the vines trail along the window or around the shower. Or, better yet, check out these <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/hanging-planters-make-buy-under-75-1940078/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">hanging planters you can make or buy for less than $75</a>.Green LivingThe Best Indoor Plants for Every Room in Your House8. Bathroom: Grape Ivy (Cissus Rhombifolia)
PHOTO 8 of 20READ LESS -The grape ivy is a good choice if you want to add greenery to your bathroom but don’t have lots of space for potted plants. Put it on a high shelf or on top of a bathroom cabinet and let the vines trail along the window or around the shower. Or, better yet, check out these <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/hanging-planters-make-buy-under-75-1940078/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">hanging planters you can make or buy for less than $75</a>.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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9. Bedroom: French Lavender (Lavandula Stoechas)
9/209. Bedroom: French Lavender (Lavandula Stoechas)
9/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
French lavender is easy to grow indoors and will do well near the bedroom window, where it can get lots of light and fresh air. The flowers will add subtle colour and the smell of lavender is known to reduce anxiety and help you sleep. <br><Br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bedrooms/photos/the-best-bedroom-plants-to-help-you-get-a-better-sleep-1918667/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The 20 Best Bedroom Plants to Help You Get a Better Sleep</a>Green LivingThe Best Indoor Plants for Every Room in Your House9. Bedroom: French Lavender (Lavandula Stoechas)
PHOTO 9 of 20READ LESS -French lavender is easy to grow indoors and will do well near the bedroom window, where it can get lots of light and fresh air. The flowers will add subtle colour and the smell of lavender is known to reduce anxiety and help you sleep. <br><Br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bedrooms/photos/the-best-bedroom-plants-to-help-you-get-a-better-sleep-1918667/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The 20 Best Bedroom Plants to Help You Get a Better Sleep</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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10. Bedroom: Golden Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum)
10/2010. Bedroom: Golden Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum)
10/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Also known as devil’s ivy, golden pothos is <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/easy-to-care-for-indoor-plants-1926218/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">nearly impossible to kill</a>. You can even grow it in a vase of water in the windowsill. It removes toxins from the air and releases extra oxygen, so your sleep will be improved. However, keep it out of reach of pets because it is toxic to them.Green LivingThe Best Indoor Plants for Every Room in Your House10. Bedroom: Golden Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum)
PHOTO 10 of 20READ LESS -Also known as devil’s ivy, golden pothos is <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/easy-to-care-for-indoor-plants-1926218/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">nearly impossible to kill</a>. You can even grow it in a vase of water in the windowsill. It removes toxins from the air and releases extra oxygen, so your sleep will be improved. However, keep it out of reach of pets because it is toxic to them.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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11. Bedroom: Pink Jasmine (Jasminum Polyanthum)
11/2011. Bedroom: Pink Jasmine (Jasminum Polyanthum)
11/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Pink jasmine is sometimes also called white jasmine and is famed for its sweet, sexy aroma. Grow it near the window where it can get a few hours of direct sunlight in summer and provide a trellis for support. The scent of jasmine will help you <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bedrooms/photos/bedroom-decor-tips-better-sleep-1922306/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">sleep better</a>.Green LivingThe Best Indoor Plants for Every Room in Your House11. Bedroom: Pink Jasmine (Jasminum Polyanthum)
PHOTO 11 of 20READ LESS -Pink jasmine is sometimes also called white jasmine and is famed for its sweet, sexy aroma. Grow it near the window where it can get a few hours of direct sunlight in summer and provide a trellis for support. The scent of jasmine will help you <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bedrooms/photos/bedroom-decor-tips-better-sleep-1922306/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">sleep better</a>.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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12. Bedroom: Snake Plant (Sansevieria Trifasciata)
12/2012. Bedroom: Snake Plant (Sansevieria Trifasciata)
12/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
The snake plant, also known as the mother-in-law’s tongue or viper’s bowstring hemp, is a very hardy plant that <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/indoor-plants-thrive-low-light-1912891/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">does well in low light</a> and with little watering. It removes toxins in the air, so it’s a great choice for your bedroom considering how much time you spend there.Green LivingThe Best Indoor Plants for Every Room in Your House12. Bedroom: Snake Plant (Sansevieria Trifasciata)
PHOTO 12 of 20READ LESS -The snake plant, also known as the mother-in-law’s tongue or viper’s bowstring hemp, is a very hardy plant that <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/indoor-plants-thrive-low-light-1912891/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">does well in low light</a> and with little watering. It removes toxins in the air, so it’s a great choice for your bedroom considering how much time you spend there.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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13. Children’s Bedroom: Transvaal Daisy (Gerbera Jamesonii)
13/2013. Children’s Bedroom: Transvaal Daisy (Gerbera Jamesonii)
13/20Photo Credit: Unsplash
The Transvaal or Barberton daisy is a great non-toxic choice for adding bright colour to a child’s bedroom while purifying the air. The plant needs bright light in the morning but prefers cooler temperatures, so don’t place it in the windowsill all day. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/plants-child-pet-safe-1913786/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">20 Plants That Are Safe for Children, Cats and Dogs</a>Green LivingThe Best Indoor Plants for Every Room in Your House13. Children’s Bedroom: Transvaal Daisy (Gerbera Jamesonii)
PHOTO 13 of 20READ LESS -The Transvaal or Barberton daisy is a great non-toxic choice for adding bright colour to a child’s bedroom while purifying the air. The plant needs bright light in the morning but prefers cooler temperatures, so don’t place it in the windowsill all day. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/plants-child-pet-safe-1913786/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">20 Plants That Are Safe for Children, Cats and Dogs</a>Photo Credit: Unsplash
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14. Living Room: Kentia Palm (Howea Forsteriana)
14/2014. Living Room: Kentia Palm (Howea Forsteriana)
14/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
The elegant Kentia palm doesn’t require much direct light, so it’s a good choice for sprucing up a boring corner in your living room. It’s a hardy plant that will forgive you if you sometimes forget to dust it.Green LivingThe Best Indoor Plants for Every Room in Your House14. Living Room: Kentia Palm (Howea Forsteriana)
PHOTO 14 of 20READ LESS -The elegant Kentia palm doesn’t require much direct light, so it’s a good choice for sprucing up a boring corner in your living room. It’s a hardy plant that will forgive you if you sometimes forget to dust it.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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15. Living Room: String-of-Pearls (Senecio Rowleyanus)
15/2015. Living Room: String-of-Pearls (Senecio Rowleyanus)
15/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
The string-of-pearls or string-of-beads is a low-maintenance succulent with small flowers that smell a bit like cinnamon. Because it is toxic, it’s best to keep this plant in a hanging basket out of reach of children and pets. The plant will sprawl over the edge of the pot to create a striking focal point. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/plants-poisonous-children-cats-dogs-1929406/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">20 Plants That Are Poisonous for Children, Cats and Dogs</a>Green LivingThe Best Indoor Plants for Every Room in Your House15. Living Room: String-of-Pearls (Senecio Rowleyanus)
PHOTO 15 of 20READ LESS -The string-of-pearls or string-of-beads is a low-maintenance succulent with small flowers that smell a bit like cinnamon. Because it is toxic, it’s best to keep this plant in a hanging basket out of reach of children and pets. The plant will sprawl over the edge of the pot to create a striking focal point. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/plants-poisonous-children-cats-dogs-1929406/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">20 Plants That Are Poisonous for Children, Cats and Dogs</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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16. Dining Room: Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena Braunii)
16/2016. Dining Room: Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena Braunii)
16/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
It’s believed that the lucky bamboo will bring happiness and prosperity to your home but it’s a great dining-room choice simply for its elegance too. It prefers bright but indirect light and can grow in a vase with only pebbles and water. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/luckiest-plants-for-your-home-1942064/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The 15 Luckiest Plants for Your Home</a>Green LivingThe Best Indoor Plants for Every Room in Your House16. Dining Room: Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena Braunii)
PHOTO 16 of 20READ LESS -It’s believed that the lucky bamboo will bring happiness and prosperity to your home but it’s a great dining-room choice simply for its elegance too. It prefers bright but indirect light and can grow in a vase with only pebbles and water. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/luckiest-plants-for-your-home-1942064/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The 15 Luckiest Plants for Your Home</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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17. Dining Room: Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia Reginae)
17/2017. Dining Room: Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia Reginae)
17/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
The bird of paradise will make a statement while adding a bit of colour to your dining room, especially in winter and early spring. It needs plenty of light but cooler temperatures, to it’s best placed in a sunny spot not directly in front of a window.Green LivingThe Best Indoor Plants for Every Room in Your House17. Dining Room: Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia Reginae)
PHOTO 17 of 20READ LESS -The bird of paradise will make a statement while adding a bit of colour to your dining room, especially in winter and early spring. It needs plenty of light but cooler temperatures, to it’s best placed in a sunny spot not directly in front of a window.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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18. Home Office: Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)
18/2018. Home Office: Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)
18/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
The spider plant is another plant that’s known for its ability to remove toxins commonly found in office environments. It’s a low-maintenance plant that’s actually hard to kill and is non-toxic to pets. If you want to avoid clutter in your office, you can grow your spider plant in a hanging basket. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/easy-to-care-for-indoor-plants-1926218/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">21 Easy-to-Care-for Indoor Plants That Go Beyond Succulents</a>Green LivingThe Best Indoor Plants for Every Room in Your House18. Home Office: Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)
PHOTO 18 of 20READ LESS -The spider plant is another plant that’s known for its ability to remove toxins commonly found in office environments. It’s a low-maintenance plant that’s actually hard to kill and is non-toxic to pets. If you want to avoid clutter in your office, you can grow your spider plant in a hanging basket. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/easy-to-care-for-indoor-plants-1926218/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">21 Easy-to-Care-for Indoor Plants That Go Beyond Succulents</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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19. Utility Room: Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
19/2019. Utility Room: Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
19/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
It might seem like a shame to hide the beautiful peace lily away in the utility room but this is where the plant will not only thrive but also do the most good. It likes low light and removes not only all of the main toxins from the air but also mould spores. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/indoor-plants-thrive-low-light-1912891/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">20 Indoor Plants That Thrive on Low Light</a>.Green LivingThe Best Indoor Plants for Every Room in Your House19. Utility Room: Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
PHOTO 19 of 20READ LESS -It might seem like a shame to hide the beautiful peace lily away in the utility room but this is where the plant will not only thrive but also do the most good. It likes low light and removes not only all of the main toxins from the air but also mould spores. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/indoor-plants-thrive-low-light-1912891/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">20 Indoor Plants That Thrive on Low Light</a>.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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20. Hallway: Jade Plant (Crassula Ovate)
20/2020. Hallway: Jade Plant (Crassula Ovate)
20/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
The jade plant is a hardy succulent that likes full sun but can survive in most indoor conditions. It’s traditionally considered a bringer of good luck, prosperity and friendship, so make your guests feel welcome by placing one of these plants in your hallway. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/best-online-plant-stores-canada-1939786/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Support Local: The Best Online Plant Stores in Canada</a>Green LivingThe Best Indoor Plants for Every Room in Your House20. Hallway: Jade Plant (Crassula Ovate)
PHOTO 20 of 20READ LESS -The jade plant is a hardy succulent that likes full sun but can survive in most indoor conditions. It’s traditionally considered a bringer of good luck, prosperity and friendship, so make your guests feel welcome by placing one of these plants in your hallway. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/best-online-plant-stores-canada-1939786/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Support Local: The Best Online Plant Stores in Canada</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
