25 Best Indoor Plants for 2024
Place it on a shelf, nightstand, kitchen counter, bathroom or anywhere and see the benefits.
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This immortal plant
Sil ZZ Plant
Strong Points
Requires minimal care Cons
Not suitable for strong direct sunlight
Well, the Z in this plant's name technically stands for “Zamioculcas zamiifolia,” but I think it's there as a reminder that you can literally care for this plant while you sleep.
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This flower plant
Costa Farms Anthurium
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Credit: Tatiana RibeiroProsFlowers can last for months.Too much sunlight can cause the leaves to turn yellow.
Anthurium plants grow to about a foot tall, but they easily fit on the edge of a desk or bookshelf and are so pretty that it's as if there are always fresh flowers in your apartment.
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This “grammable plant
PlantVine Chinese Money Plant
Strong PointsCons: Almost no maintenance requiredVulnerable to common houseplant pests
Be sure to post a photo of this greenery to your feed (I'm not the one making the rules) and the sunlight filtering through the leaves will be a dreamy sight.
Five
This non-toxic plant
Silliclac cactus
Strong PointsCons: Fast growthCan't tolerate low temperatures
If you're not crazy about these leathery, zig-zag leaves, I don't think we can be friends. It may not look like a cactus, but this fast-growing plant is technically a cute little cactus (sometimes called a fishbone cactus) and is native to the tropical rainforests of Mexico. In addition to being easy to grow, the best thing about it is that it's completely pet- and kid-friendly. I'd have one in every room!
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Beginner-friendly plants
Public Goods Marble Queen Pothos
Strong PointsVirtually unbreakableGreat for beginnersConsToo much sunlight
Pothos grows pretty quickly in almost any environment, but it doesn't like strong, direct sunlight. Put this plant on a bookshelf and its long vines will add a touch of luxury to your space without spending a penny.
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This oxygen booster
Costa Farm Sansevieria
Strong PointsDoesn't need much sunlight or waterTo be honest, these are nearly indestructible (trust me, I know) ConsOverwatering can cause root rot (and soil odor).
Fun fact: Sansevieria may help filter certain chemicals from the air (such as benzene and formaldehyde) by releasing oxygen into the air and improving the overall air quality around you, meaning your apartment will feel much fresher.
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This plant is easy to care for
Sylphilodendron Green
Strong PointsCons: Fast growing and can climbPotentially toxic to pets and humans
Not only are the foliage beautiful, but caring for your green philodendron is also super easy: just keep it out of direct sunlight and make sure the soil isn't too wet.
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This adorable heart-shaped plant
Plants.com Hoya Heart Succulent
Strong PointsIt produces white and burgundy flowers in summer.Wet soil can cause root rot
Hoya kerrii (or Hoya heart plants, as they are affectionately known) thrive in bright, direct sunlight and only require watering once every 3-4 weeks. It's that easy!
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This spectacular plant
Plants.com String of Pearls
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Credit: Plants.comProsCons of easily propagating new plantsToxic to humans and pets
These aren't Grandma's pearls. This cute, easy-to-care-for plant is one of the most eye-catching plants I can think of (which is probably why I bought two). Plant one in a hanging pot by your windowsill, keep it moist, and you'll soon be bursting with flowers. (Is it bad that they look like tasty little peas and you'll want to eat them all the time?)
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This attractive plant
PlantVine Watermelon Peperomia
Strong PointsBest Plants for Beginners ConsDoes not grow well in cold temperatures
This plant is perfect for small spaces because its leaves grow very slowly and it can tolerate any lighting conditions. Plus, what could be cuter than this little plant with the name “watermelon” in it? Nothing!
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This bold one
Public Goods Red Prayer Maranta
Strong PointsCan withstand low light conditionsMay need to be repotted when purchased
These plants will thrive in any kind of light, but they do require a little more watering than other plants. By the way, their sacred name comes from the fact that their leaves tend to fold up at night, resembling the symbol 🙏.
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13
This calming plant
Dominifiaceae
Strong PointsYou'll know right away when it needs more water (it will start to droop!)Resilient ConsSusceptible to root rot
Peace lilies will add an element of zen to your space, even if you're surrounded by a week's worth of laundry (yes, we've all been there before).
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This vigorous plant
Public Goods Peacock Plant
Strong PointsIt grows up to 2 feet in height.High humidity requiredThe soil needs to be kept moist at all times
Isn't this cool? The peacock leaf actually moves up and down throughout the day (trust me, it's only creepy for the first few days), so you'll have just one more thing to stare at during commercial breaks during your Love Island marathon.
15
This adaptable plant
Chinese evergreen with vigorous roots
Strong PointsAble to withstand harsh environmentsBest Plants for Beginners ConsSusceptible to root rot
Do you have a window or two that doesn't get much sunlight? Heck, this plant can tolerate just about any indoor condition, including low light, bright light, and even fluorescent lighting.
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16
This tree-like plant
Plants.com Juniper Bonsai
Strong PointsLow maintenanceMakes a great giftConsRegular pruning is required
According to Feng Shui, bonsai trees bring good fortune, so I have a good feeling about this little bonsai. With regular care, it will continue to thrive for many years to come.
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These edible plants
Back to the Roots Kitchen Herb Garden – Basil, Mint and Coriander
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Credit: Back to the RootsProsIt's edible… need I say more?Needs plenty of sunlight
The best things in life are edible, and fast-growing herbs are no exception. This popular kitchen herb kit contains everything you need to grow basil, coriander, and mint, three hardy plants you can keep on your windowsill and use to flavor your food (and make great cocktail garnishes).
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This funky plant
Buy succulent air plants
Strong PointsFits anywhereVery low maintenance ConsIt requires some humidity so is not suitable for dry climates.
We'll be honest, the name “air plant” is a bit misleading. These little plants need more than air to survive, but they're super easy to care for. Just give them a good watering every week or two and they'll thrive. And they're adorable, too.
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This clever plant
Horthy Peperomia Green
Strong PointsCons that don't require much attentionOverwatering can cause the leaves to turn yellow and curl.
If you want to buy lots of plants but can only afford one, choose Peperomia (as the name suggests). It's versatile and easy to multiply – you can cut off a section of the plant, replant it and multiply it into two plants. Magical!
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This heartfelt
Ground plant Sedum
Strong PointsSlow growing but hardy for many yearsDisadvantages: Easy to growToxic to animals
Sedums can live for a very long time – up to 10 years or more. They like bright, direct sunlight and only need to be watered once every 3-4 weeks.
Mekita Rivas is an editor at Cosmopolitan, primarily covering fashion, culture, and lifestyle. She writes about everything from the best leather tote bags and books we can't live without, to plants, podcasts, and politics. Prior to joining Cosmopolitan, she was a senior contributing fashion editor at PopSugar and Bustle. Her writing has appeared in dozens of publications, including The New York Times, Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Women's Health, and Refinery29. She currently splits her time between New York and Washington, DC. Follow Mekita on Instagram, where you'll find a mix of snapshots from fashion week and various editorial trips.
Chase Sanders is the Editor-in-Chief of Cosmopolitan, covering everything from lifestyle and beauty to entertainment and style. Looking to upgrade your skincare routine? Check out the best face-cleansing brushes. Or maybe you want to binge-watch a new true crime documentary? We've got you covered! Prior to joining the Cosmo team, Chase was an editor at Country Living (part of the Hearst family), where she interviewed celebs like Dolly Parton, LeAnn Rimes, and Martha Stewart. Now, as one of the newest residents of the Big Apple, you're likely to find her checking out Instagram-worthy cafes and spending big bucks at vintage stores.
Hannah Chubb is Cosmopolitan's Lifestyle Editor, covering all things home, travel, food, health, and career. She spends nearly all of her time every day on the internet scouring the internet for the best new products, trends, and travel destinations. You can usually find her scouring Zillow or Airbnb for homes she can't afford, planning her next meal before heading out to a restaurant, or taking a Justin Bieber class on Peloton over and over again. Follow her on Instagram.
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