Houseplants have an unwavering ability to bring a home to life. No matter the size or style of your space, there will be a plant to suit you. 

There are easy indoor plants for beginners, such as a lush, trailing pothos; low-maintenance indoor trees, including the fiddle leaf fig and rubber tree; statuesque favorites such as the monstera or kenita palm; right through to the trickier ferns and calatheas – somewhat renowned for being diva-like in their demands. 

The only real issue is how to choose which of the best indoor plants is right for you. I know from my many years of plant parenting that it’s not always as easy as it looks to choose the right plant for the right space, and keep it healthy. One of the things I’ve learnt is to choose something you know you will love and want to care for, but check you can provide it with the right conditions it needs to thrive.

5. ZZ PLANT

Fancy a houseplant that looks like no other? Then the ZZ plant or or Zamioculcas zamiifolia is a must. 

Dark glossy slender leaves with distinct undulating edges, it makes a real impact placed on its own on a side or coffee table. 

A very undemanding plant, it will merrily thrive in a shady spot as well as indirect light and is happy to be root bound, reducing the need for regular repotting. Extremely drought tolerant and hard to kill, the tall foliage slowly grows up to 3ft (just under 1m) high and prefers temperatures of 59–75˚F.

One extra bonus is that the ZZ plant also has air purifying capabilities, removing harmful compounds such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene. Give it an extra growth boost by feeding it with liquid fertilizer once per month in spring and summer.

Ideal spot: A sideboard in a living room or entryway

Best for: Lovers of entertaining

Ideal temperature: 59 and 75˚F

Fun fact: For lovers of houseplants with dark foliage, the Raven ZZ variety has almost entirely black leaves and packs a serious style punch 

4. MONSTERA DELICIOSA

With its giant glossy leaves and tropical vibes – what’s not to like about Monstera deliciosa – or the Swiss cheese plant as it’s also known. Native to Mexico and Central America, it’s an indoor plant that makes a big impact and looks fantastic.

‘These plants are native to the rainforests, where humidity is high, rainfall is occasional and heavy, and light is bright but usually shaded by taller trees,’ says Rachel Bull, Head of Gardens at Homes & Gardens. ‘Try to replicate these warm and humid conditions wherever you place your monstera. I moved mine recently from the living room into my kitchen, which gets a lot of afternoon sun as well as heat from our cooking. So far it is thriving, and will definitely need repotting soon.’ 

These instantly recognizable plants are climbers with aerial roots, so indoors they do need to be trained up moss cover poles to mimic the trees it clings to in the wild. 

Indoors it can grow up to 78 inches high, but the size of pot will limit its growth – repot your monstera if you want a large plant. Preferring warm temperatures of between 64-80˚F, it can tolerate chilly conditions down to 53˚F, but avoid cold drafts.

Ideal spot: A steamy bathroom or kitchen

Best for: Adding jungle vibes to a space

Ideal temperature: 64 and 80˚F

Fun fact: The Monstera deliciosa ‘Thai Constellation’ is a variegated variety, which takes this plant to another level style-wise

3. PEACE LILY

The epitome of elegance, the peace lily, with its glossy tear shaped leaves and pure white flowers is one of the most popular indoor plants. Effortlessly chic, they radiate tranquillity and simplicity, but can be a little temperamental at times. 

They prefer moist soil, but the good news is that these plants will tell you when they are thirsty as the leaves will droop. Pop it next to the shower for the occasional boost or mist with a water spray. 

Avoid direct sun hitting the foliage as it will scorch, but place in a light, bright spot for the healthiest deep green leaves. This plant reaches around 30 inches high (75cm) and will thrive in temperatures 64-75˚F but can cope with lows of 53˚F.

Ideal spot: Light, bright living rooms or large bathrooms

Best for: Elegant flowers

Ideal temperature: 64 and 75˚F

Fun fact: It’s known as a feng shui plant, ideal for creating a sense of tranquility in a room

2. SNAKE PLANT

It’s the striped and twisting sword-like leaves that makes this snake plant so dramatic. Tough and extremely drought tolerant, it is often referred to as mother-in-law’s tongue – and makes the perfect showstopper on a side table or sitting neatly in a corner. 

There are plenty of different varieties of snake plant to choose from, including dwarf varieties such as Sansevieria fischeri at 16 inches (40cm) up to 3-4ft (91-121cm) for Masoniana and trifasciata types. 

Relatively slow growing, they can cope with low light conditions but will grow faster in brighter conditions. They are also fairly easy to propagate.

Native to west Africa, these plants can stay outside in hardiness zones 9-12. They will die though if left in temperatures below 50F or exposed to frost. During spring and summer water once a week but do drop to once a month in fall and winter when the plant is dormant.

Ideal spot: Cozy corners

Best for: Adding structure to your interiors

Ideal temperature: 70 and 90˚F

Fun fact: Snake plants have air purifying qualities that are said to help you sleep better

1. STRING OF HEARTS

Extremely easy to look after, this delicate trailing plant is very tolerant and undemanding. Pairs of tiny heart shaped leaves are silver-grey with a rose-pink underside.

 Just like a succulent, the string of hearts stores water in its long stems, and these can reach up to six and half feet long. As a result, this plant looks stunning on a shelf or popped into a hanging planter above the stairs or window, and is lovely as a bedroom plant.

It is happy at most room temperatures, just avoid draughts or direct sun, it tends to like moist but not waterlogged soil. Want to give it an occasional boost? Then mist with a water spray and pop by a window for a few hours in the morning or evening. 

Ideal spot: Bathrooms and bedrooms

Best for: Styling on a dresser or high shelves

Ideal temperature: 46 and 86˚F

Fun fact: These plants can produce tiny, pale pink flowers, which smell of nutmeg