I’m not the world’s most avid gardener but I’m a believer in adding plants to rooms for improved design. There aren’t many rooms or design styles that a few plants won’t improve. I really mean that. Yes, too many plants can overwhelm the effect but a few well placed plants in the corner or on shelves give any room an elevated look. Every main living space in our home has plants and I love it. This article sets out fifteen easy-to-care-for houseplants that look great and are an added bonus to any room.
15. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
We have a magnificent snake plant in our TV room and I love it. It’s majestic and cool all at the same time. The Snake Plant is one of the toughest houseplants, thriving in low light and surviving weeks without water. Its stiff, upright leaves have a striking architectural form, giving any room a sleek, modern vibe. The deep green leaves with light green variegation provide strong contrast, making it ideal for minimalist spaces. Its tall, narrow growth also adds height, making small spaces feel more dynamic and expansive. Snake Plants are perfect for corners, bedrooms, or entryways, where their clean lines complement contemporary decor.
14. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is incredibly forgiving, flourishing in both low and bright light with minimal watering—about once a week. Its heart-shaped leaves and long trailing vines instantly soften the look of a room, adding a touch of natural greenery to any surface, from bookshelves to plant hangers. The vibrant green or variegated leaves bring a tropical, lush feel, and its cascading vines create a sense of movement that enlivens any space. Pothos is perfect for adding texture to modern, industrial, or eclectic interiors.
13. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ Plant is as low-maintenance as they come. It tolerates low light, dry air, and infrequent watering (every two to three weeks). The thick, waxy leaves have a natural sheen that reflects light, giving the plant a polished, glossy look. Its upright growth and dense foliage create a structured, sculptural presence that brings elegance to any space. The rich green color contrasts beautifully against light walls, making it a great fit for modern, minimalist, or even classic design schemes.
12. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider Plants are incredibly resilient, handling a range of light conditions and needing only weekly watering. Their arching, variegated leaves create a soft, flowing look, making them ideal for hanging baskets or high shelves where the cascading foliage can be fully appreciated. The bright green and white stripes add a vibrant pop of color, helping to liven up neutral or muted spaces. Spider Plants bring a playful, dynamic feel, adding a touch of nature that works well with boho, mid-century modern, or rustic decor.
11. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii)
Peace Lilies are low-maintenance and thrive in low light, needing just moderate watering. Their deep green leaves and elegant white blooms make them a stunning focal point in any room. The plant’s graceful, arching leaves soften hard edges and bring a sense of calm and tranquility to a space. Peace Lilies work beautifully in minimalist, traditional, or zen-inspired interiors, where their simple yet striking appearance elevates the overall aesthetic. Their air-purifying qualities also make them a perfect addition to bedrooms and offices.
10. Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
Philodendrons are extremely easy to care for, tolerating low to bright indirect light and needing just occasional watering. Their heart-shaped leaves add a lush, vibrant touch to any room. The trailing vines can be trained to climb or left to drape gracefully from shelves or hanging planters, adding a natural flow to your decor. The rich green foliage brings life and warmth to minimalist, bohemian, or eclectic spaces, making them feel more inviting and relaxed.
9. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
The Rubber Plant thrives in moderate light and requires watering only every 1-2 weeks. Its large, glossy leaves make a bold statement, adding depth and sophistication to any room. The dark green or burgundy hues of the leaves add a pop of color that contrasts beautifully with neutral or light-colored walls. Rubber Plants have a commanding presence, and their sculptural form works particularly well in modern or industrial spaces, adding a touch of natural elegance and structure.
8. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
Aloe Vera loves bright light and only needs watering every three weeks, making it perfect for sunny window sills. Its spiky, fleshy leaves create a sharp, geometric look that adds a modern, desert-inspired touch to your decor. Aloe’s clean lines and minimalist appearance make it a great fit for contemporary or Scandinavian interiors. Beyond its aesthetic, Aloe Vera also provides practical benefits with its soothing gel, making it ideal for kitchens or bathrooms where functionality meets style.
7. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema commutatum)
Chinese Evergreens thrive in low light and require very little care—just water every two weeks. The broad, patterned leaves come in various shades of green, silver, and sometimes red, adding vibrant color and texture to any room. Their glossy, wide leaves create a lush, tropical feel, making them perfect for brightening dark corners or adding visual interest to neutral spaces. Chinese Evergreens are great for traditional, eclectic, or even minimalist settings, where their bold patterns bring life to the decor.
6. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
The Cast Iron Plant can survive almost anything—low light, poor soil, and irregular watering (just once every two to three weeks). Its large, glossy, dark green leaves give it a rich, earthy presence that grounds any space. The simple, upright form of the plant provides structure without overwhelming the room, making it ideal for minimalist, rustic, or even industrial designs. It adds a touch of natural calm to any room, making it perfect for entryways, living rooms, or offices.
5. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Boston Ferns are a classic choice, thriving in bright, indirect light with regular misting to maintain humidity. Their lush, feathery fronds bring a soft, elegant texture to any room, instantly making a space feel more lively and fresh. Whether hanging from the ceiling or placed on a high shelf, their cascading form adds a sense of fullness and depth. Boston Ferns are perfect for vintage, bohemian, or traditional interiors, where their timeless beauty adds warmth and charm.
4. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
The Fiddle Leaf Fig is a statement plant, thriving in bright, indirect light with weekly watering. Its large, sculptural leaves create a dramatic, architectural look, instantly becoming the focal point of any room. The plant’s bold, upright form adds height and depth to spaces, making it ideal for filling empty corners or anchoring a room’s design. Fiddle Leaf Figs work well in modern, Scandinavian, or eclectic interiors, where their striking silhouette brings a sense of sophistication and style.
3. Dracaena (Dracaena marginata)
Dracaena is incredibly low-maintenance, thriving in low to medium light and requiring watering only every two weeks. Its tall, slender, spiky leaves add vertical interest and structure, making it perfect for adding height to a room. The bold lines of the Dracaena’s leaves contrast beautifully with soft furnishings or curved decor, making it ideal for modern, minimalist, or industrial spaces. It’s a great way to add a touch of greenery without cluttering up the design.
2. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Jade Plants are hardy succulents that thrive in bright, indirect light and need watering only when the soil is dry, which is typically once a month. Their small, rounded leaves give a neat, compact appearance, making them perfect for desks, shelves, or windowsills. The glossy green leaves provide a vibrant pop of color, while the plant’s thick, fleshy stems create a sturdy, sculptural look. Jade Plants add a touch of nature that enhances minimalist, modern, or traditional interiors with a clean, simple aesthetic.
1. Monstera Deliciosa (Monstera deliciosa)
Monstera Deliciosa thrives in bright, indirect light and only needs watering once a week. Its iconic, large, split leaves instantly create a bold, tropical statement in any room. The plant’s dramatic size and unique leaf pattern bring texture and visual interest, making it the perfect centerpiece for modern, bohemian, or eclectic interiors. Monsteras also add depth and movement to spaces, filling empty areas with lush greenery that feels both organic and sophisticated.
