Which Plants Are Best Grown Indoors in Pots

Indoor plants have become a popular addition to homes, offices, and even apartments. Not only do they enhance the aesthetics of your space, but they also improve air quality and provide a sense of calm. Growing plants indoors, especially in pots, allows for flexibility and convenience, making it easier to enjoy the beauty of nature regardless of outdoor space. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, this guide will help you choose the best plants to grow indoors in pots.

Benefits of Growing Plants Indoors in Pots

Before diving into which plants are best suited for indoor pot gardening, let’s take a quick look at why this method is so appealing:

Space-Saving: Indoor potted plants are perfect for small living spaces. You can place them on windowsills, countertops, shelves, or even hang them from the ceiling.
Control Over Growing Conditions: By growing plants in pots, you can move them around to optimize light exposure and adjust their environment easily.
Health Benefits: Plants help purify indoor air by absorbing toxins and releasing oxygen. They also reduce stress and improve mood.
Decoration: Potted plants add color, texture, and life to any room, making your home feel more inviting and serene.

Now, let’s explore some of the best plants that thrive indoors when grown in pots.

1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

The snake plant, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, is one of the most popular and hardy indoor plants. Its tall, sword-like leaves make a bold statement in any room, and it’s nearly indestructible.

Why It’s Great for Indoor Pots:

Low Maintenance: Snake plants can tolerate low light and infrequent watering, making them perfect for beginners or those with busy schedules.
Air Purifier: This plant is known for its ability to filter out toxins like formaldehyde and benzene, improving indoor air quality.
Drought Tolerant: It can go weeks without water, so it’s a forgiving plant for those who might forget to water occasionally.

Care Tips:

Light: Thrives in indirect sunlight but can also tolerate low light.
Water: Water once the soil has completely dried out; overwatering can cause root rot.

2. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

The spider plant is a classic houseplant that’s easy to grow and propagate. Its long, arching leaves make it visually appealing, and it produces “pups” that can be repotted to create new plants.

Why It’s Great for Indoor Pots:

Non-Toxic: Safe for homes with pets or children.
Air Purifier: Like the snake plant, the spider plant helps clean the air by removing harmful toxins.
Easy to Propagate: The small offshoots it produces can easily be repotted into new plants, making it a great choice for expanding your indoor garden.

Care Tips:

Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light.
Water: Keep the soil slightly moist but not waterlogged

3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Peace lilies are elegant plants known for their lush green leaves and stunning white flowers. They add a touch of sophistication to any indoor space and are relatively easy to care for.

Why It’s Great for Indoor Pots:

Blooms Indoors: Peace lilies produce beautiful white blooms that can last for weeks.
Air Purifier: Known for filtering out indoor air pollutants like ammonia, formaldehyde, and mold spores.
Low Light Tolerance: They can thrive in low-light conditions, making them perfect for rooms with little natural light.

Care Tips:

Light: Prefers low to medium light but can survive in low-light areas.
Water: Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid letting it become soggy.

4. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is not only an attractive plant but also a functional one. Known for its medicinal properties, the gel from its leaves can be used to soothe burns and skin irritations.

Why It’s Great for Indoor Pots:

Medicinal Uses: Aloe vera gel has healing properties for minor burns and skin issues.
Drought Tolerant: This succulent requires minimal watering, making it ideal for those who tend to forget their plants.
Low Maintenance: It thrives with little attention and can handle various light conditions.

Care Tips:

Light: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight but can tolerate partial shade.
Water: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

5. Philodendron

Philodendrons are popular indoor plants known for their heart-shaped leaves and vining growth. They’re versatile, hardy, and easy to care for, making them a great option for indoor pot gardening.

Why It’s Great for Indoor Pots:

Low Maintenance: Philodendrons can adapt to various indoor environments, including low-light conditions.
Air Purifier: Helps remove harmful toxins from the air.
Versatile: Can be grown as a hanging plant or allowed to trail down from shelves.

Care Tips:

Light: Thrives in medium to low light.
Water: Keep the soil moist but not soggy.

6. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Pothos is one of the easiest indoor plants to grow and is nearly foolproof. Its trailing vines make it perfect for hanging pots or placing on shelves where it can cascade beautifully.

Why It’s Great for Indoor Pots:

Hardy: Tolerates low light and irregular watering, making it perfect for beginners.
Fast-Growing: Pothos can grow quickly, filling your space with vibrant green leaves.
Air Purifier: Known for filtering toxins like formaldehyde and xylene from the air.

Care Tips:

Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can survive in low-light conditions.
Water: Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.

7. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

The ZZ plant is a low-maintenance indoor plant that’s almost impossible to kill. Its glossy, dark green leaves are both beautiful and durable, making it a great addition to any room.

Why It’s Great for Indoor Pots:

Low Light Tolerance: It can survive in low-light areas, making it ideal for offices or dimly lit spaces.
Drought Resistant: The ZZ plant stores water in its thick rhizomes, allowing it to go without water for extended periods.
Hardy: It’s resistant to pests and diseases, making it easy to care for.

Care Tips:

Light: Thrives in low to medium light.
Water: Water infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

8. English Ivy (Hedera helix)

English ivy is a classic trailing plant that can be grown in pots or hanging baskets indoors. Its small, dark green leaves add texture and charm to any indoor space.

Why It’s Great for Indoor Pots:

Aesthetic Appeal: Its trailing vines look great in hanging pots or cascading from shelves.
Air Purifier: Ivy helps reduce indoor pollutants, improving air quality.
Easy to Grow: English ivy is forgiving and can adapt to various indoor conditions.

Care Tips:

Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light.
Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

9. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)

The jade plant, a type of succulent, is known for its thick, fleshy leaves and tree-like appearance. It’s a symbol of good luck and prosperity, often placed near entryways or windows.

Why It’s Great for Indoor Pots:

Long-Lasting: Jade plants can live for many years with proper care.
Drought Tolerant: Like other succulents, the jade plant stores water in its leaves, making it easy to care for.
Compact Size: It stays relatively small, making it ideal for tabletops or windowsills.

Care Tips:

Light: Prefers bright, indirect light.
Water: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

10. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)

Fiddle leaf figs are known for their large, glossy leaves and striking appearance. While they require a bit more attention than some other indoor plants, their dramatic look makes them worth the effort.

Why It’s Great for Indoor Pots:

Aesthetic Appeal: Its large, violin-shaped leaves make a bold statement in any room.
Air Purifier: Like many other indoor plants, the fiddle leaf fig helps clean the air.
Tall Growth: It can grow up to 6 feet tall indoors, making it an impressive centerpiece in larger rooms.

Care Tips:

Light: Prefers bright, indirect light.
Water: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, but avoid overwatering.

11. Calathea

Calathea plants are known for their stunning, patterned leaves that come in various colors. They’re a bit more demanding in terms of care, but their beauty makes them a favorite among plant enthusiasts.

Why It’s Great for Indoor Pots:

Colorful Foliage: Calathea’s striking leaves add a splash of color and pattern to your indoor space.
Pet-Friendly: It’s non-toxic to pets, making it a safe option for homes with cats or dogs.
Great for Low Light: It thrives in lower light conditions, making it suitable for rooms with less sunlight.

Care Tips:

Light: Prefers indirect, low light.
Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, and mist the leaves regularly to increase humidity.

Conclusion

Growing plants indoors in pots is a wonderful way to bring nature into your home, improve air quality, and create a calming environment. Whether you’re looking for low-maintenance plants like the snake plant and pothos or more decorative options like the fiddle leaf fig or calathea, there’s a wide variety of plants that thrive indoors. With proper care and attention, you can enjoy a lush, green space that brightens up your living area year-round.