Adding a plant in your living room space is a brilliant idea to get fresh air and enjoy the beauty of nature. However, not all plants are suitable for bringing indoors as factors like overgrowth or falling leaves can risk the cleanliness and allure of your living room.
To make it simple for you, we have selected some of the best plants that you best suited to grow in your living room. These flowers will beautify the living space, while creating a more welcoming and harmonious environment for you and your family to enjoy.
1. Anthurium
Anthuriums come in a vibrant array of colors, from classic red and white to pink, purple, orange, and even black. Their waxy flowers can last for weeks, adding a touch of the tropics to any room.
Also known as flamingo flowers or laceleaf plants, Anthuriums are a genus of over 1,000 species of flowering plants known for their stunning, long-lasting blooms and glossy, heart-shaped leaves. Compared to other flowering houseplants, they are relatively low-maintenance. They don’t require frequent watering or bright, direct sunlight, making them suitable for busy plant parents.
- Name: Anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum)
- Light: Moderate to bright, indirect light
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged
- Mature Size: Up to 2 feet tall and wide
2. Dragon Tree
The Dragon Tree, also known as Dracaena, isn’t just one plant, but a genus of over 170 species. They’re known for their striking appearance, with sword-like leaves and a tree-like structure.
Several species are popular houseplants, including Dracaena marginata (Madagascar Dragon Tree) with sword-shaped leaves, Dracaena deremensis (Warneckii) with broad, glossy leaves, and Dracaena fragrans (Corn Plant) with variegated foliage. Learn how to care for the dracaena plant indoors.
- Name: Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata)
- Light: Moderate to bright, indirect light
- Water: Allow soil to dry out slightly between waterings
- Mature Size: Up to 6 feet tall indoors
3. Peace Lily
The Peace Lily, with its elegant white “flowers” and lush green foliage, is more than just a pretty face. This popular houseplant offers a blend of beauty, air purification, and ease of care, making it a perfect addition to your living room.
Studies suggest the Peace Lily removes common household toxins like benzene and formaldehyde, contributing to a healthier indoor environment. Learn more about some of the best bedroom plants for oxygen and air purification.
- Name: Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
- Light: Low to moderate, indirect light
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy
- Mature Size: Up to 3 feet tall and wide
4. Pothos
The Pothos, also known as Devil’s Ivy or Epipremnum aureum, is much more than just a popular houseplant. This lush greenery instantly adds life and vibrancy to any space. It’s a versatile, low-maintenance gem with a plethora of benefits for your living room. They are also best for busy lifestyles since they can thrive with minimal care, making them perfect for forgetful plant parents.
- Name: Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
- Light: Low to moderate, indirect light
- Water: Allow soil to dry out between waterings
- Mature Size: Vines can grow several feet long
5. ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant, also known as the Zanzibar Gem, is a popular choice for indoor gardeners thanks to its low-maintenance nature and stunning foliage. These plants are excellent for modern or minimalist decor. Its clean lines and elegant foliage complement various styles.
Beside being stunningly beautiful with its glossy, dark green leaves and upright growth, the plant is also incredibly low-maintenance and tolerant of a wide range of conditions.
- Name: ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia
- Light: Low to moderate, indirect light
- Water: Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings
- Mature Size: Up to 3 feet tall and wide
6. Boston Fern
The Boston Fern is a classic indoor plant known for its elegant, arching fronds and vibrant light green color. It thrives in humid conditions and adds a touch of tropical flair to any living space. The lush foliage and soft texture of the fronds contribute to a peaceful and serene ambiance in your living room. They are perfect for hanging baskets, shelves, or stands, adding a touch of greenery and elegance to your living room.
- Name: Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
- Light: Moderate to bright, indirect light
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist, with high humidity
- Mature Size: Fronds can reach up to 3 feet long
7. Rubber Plant
The rubber plant, also known as the Indian rubber tree, isn’t just decorative. Its milky sap was historically used to create rubber, hence the name. It is a tropical evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia that is available in various cultivars with different leaf colors and variegations.
Besides their wide use in rubber making, the rubber plant is one of the best low-maintenance plants that requires watering only when the soil dries out and tolerates moderate light variations. Learn about care tips for rubber plants.
- Name: Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
- Light: Moderate to bright, indirect light
- Water: Allow soil to dry out slightly between waterings
- Mature Size: Up to 8 feet tall indoors
8. Philodendron
A perfect choice for a living room plant, the Philodendron is a large and diverse genus of flowering plants in the family Araceae. Most Philodendrons thrive in medium-to-bright indirect light and require watering when the top inch of soil dries. They tolerate some neglect, making them beginner-friendly.
With over 450 species, you’ll find a philodendron to suit any style or space. Some favorites include the trailing Heartleaf, the climbing Swiss Cheese, and the vibrant Pink Princess.
- Name: Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)
- Light: Low to moderate, indirect light
- Water: Allow soil to dry out slightly between waterings
- Mature Size: Varies depending on species, can range from a few feet tall to vine-like growth
9. Chinese Evergreen
The Chinese Evergreen is a popular houseplant prized for its stunning foliage and easy care. It is a tropical evergreen with glossy, oval leaves in various shades of green, silver, red, and pink. They are available in countless varieties, each with unique color combinations and patterns.
Additionally, these plants are widely known for their remarkable durability. Their slow growth minimizes damage from frequent handling or repotting, and they tolerate periods of drought, low light, and even occasional overwatering.
- Name: Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
- Light: Low to moderate, indirect light
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged
- Mature Size: Up to 3 feet tall and wide
10. Aloe Vera
The Aloe Vera plant, a succulent native to Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, has graced homes for centuries with its spiky green leaves and a hidden treasure trove of beneficial properties. Research suggests potential benefits for digestion, blood sugar control, and reducing inflammation.
However, it is best to consult a healthcare professional before using aloe vera internally for medicinal purposes. Besides that, they are known for their resilience and ability to tolerate neglect. They can survive for long periods without water due to their water-storing tissues. Learn how to take care of aloe vera indoor and outdoors.
- Name: Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Water: Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings
- Mature Size: Up to 2 feet tall
11. Spider Plant
The spider plant stands out as an excellent option for indoor environments characterized by dim lighting due to its remarkable adaptability to various light levels. It demonstrates resilience by thriving even with minimal exposure to sunlight, requiring just a few hours of indirect light daily. With its gracefully arching leaves adorned with variegated patterns resembling spiderettes, this low-light indoor plant not only enhances the visual appeal of its surroundings but also contributes to air purification.
- Name: Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
- Light: Moderate to bright, indirect light
- Water: Keep soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged
- Mature Size: Up to 2 feet tall and wide
12. Parlor Palm
When it comes to maximizing greenery in your living space, the parlor palm truly shines. Unlike many other palms that can become towering giants, the parlor palm typically stays within 2-4 feet tall indoors, rarely exceeding 6 feet even with exceptional care. This makes it ideal for apartments, studios, or any room where floor space is precious. Its slender, multiple trunks create a vertical presence without dominating the horizontal space. You can easily place it near furniture, corners, or even on shelves without feeling overwhelmed.
- Name: Parlor Palm (Chamaedore)
- Light: Low to moderate, indirect light
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist
- Mature Size: Up to 4 feet tall indoors
13. Cast Iron Plant
The Cast Iron Plant is a tough and easy-to-care-for houseplant known for its dark green, glossy leaves and near-indestructible nature. It earned its nickname due to its resilience and ability to thrive in neglectful conditions, making it a popular choice for beginner plant owners and busy individuals. It is a slow-growing, evergreen perennial native to eastern Asia. Also, it features large, lance-shaped leaves with prominent veins, growing up to 2 feet long and 4 inches wide.
- Name: Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
- Light: Low to moderate, indirect light
- Water: Allow soil to dry out slightly between waterings
- Mature Size: Up to 2 feet tall and wide
14. English Ivy
English ivy is a popular and versatile vine known for its lush, green foliage and trailing growth habit. This makes it a fantastic choice for adding cascading greenery to indoor walls, transforming bare spaces into vibrant living tapestries. It can grow several feet long, easily cascading down walls and creating a dramatic curtain effect. It is a quick grower, filling in spaces fast and providing noticeable impact in weeks. You can train the vines to climb trellises, hooks, or other structures for further vertical interest.a
- Name: English Ivy (Hedera helix)
- Light: Moderate to bright, indirect light
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist
- Mature Size: Vines can grow several feet long
15. Maidenhair Fern
The maidenhair fern is a true gem in the world of houseplants. Renowned for its exquisitely delicate and airy foliage, it adds a touch of elegance and natural charm to any living room. Unlike many larger plants that can dominate a room, the maidenhair fern’s delicate foliage creates a sense of lightness and airiness. This is especially beneficial in smaller living rooms, where it won’t overpower the space.
- Name: Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum spp.)
- Light: Moderate to bright, indirect light
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist, with high humidity
- Mature Size: Varies depending on species, can range from a few inches to several feet tall
16. Areca Palm
The Areca Palm, also known as the Butterfly Palm or Golden Cane Palm, is a stunning and versatile houseplant native to Madagascar. It’s known for its elegant, feathery fronds arranged in a graceful arching pattern, adding a touch of tropical elegance to any living space. These plants naturally transpire moisture, helping to increase humidity levels in your home, which is beneficial for both you and your other plants, especially during the dry winter months.
- Name: Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
- Light: Full to partial sun
- Water: Water when soil dries out
- Mature Size: Up to 7 feet tall
17. Bird of Paradise
The bird of paradise is recognized for its vibrant orange and blue blooms that resemble exotic birds, it’s a popular choice for adding a touch of drama and elegance to any room. Despite its exotic appearance, it’s surprisingly easy to care for, requiring moderate watering and bright indirect light.
Moreover, like many plants, it helps improve air quality by removing toxins and increasing humidity. Its striking appearance and vibrant colors instantly grab attention and add a touch of sophistication to your decor.
- Name: Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged
- Mature Size: Up to 5 feet tall and wide
18.Fiddle-Leaf Fig
Fiddle leaf fig is an evergreen tree with large, glossy, deep green leaves resembling fiddles in shape. It can grow up to 10 feet tall indoors with proper care, though most stay around 6–8 feet. The large, glossy leaves are the main attraction, making it a statement piece in any room. Beside that, its unique appearance often grabs attention and sparks conversation. However, it is important to note that they are not ideal for small spaces, as they grow quite large. Also, explore fiddle leaf fig care for beginners.
- Name: Fiddle-Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Water: Allow soil to dry out slightly between waterings
- Mature Size: Up to 6 feet tall indoors
19. Snake Plant
The Snake Plant, also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue or Sansevieria trifasciata, is a popular and resilient houseplant prized for its striking upright leaves and low-maintenance nature. Studies show they remove toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from the air, improving indoor air quality. Their unique foliage adds a modern and architectural touch to any decor. Moreover, they rarely succumb to pests or diseases, adding to their easy-going nature.
- Name: Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
- Light: Low to bright, indirect light
- Water: Allow soil to dry out between waterings
- Mature Size: Up to 3 feet tall and wide
20. Triostar Stromanthe
Triostar Stromanthe is a member of the Marantaceae family, closely related to prayer plants. The former plant features oblong leaves with a stunning combination of pink, green, and white stripes, earning its “Triostar” name. This unique appearance is sure to attract attention and spark conversations with guests. It can reach up to 2-3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide with proper care.
- Name: Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
- Light: Moderate to bright, indirect light
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist
- Mature Size: Up to 7 feet tall indoors