Your Home Will Be Greener *and* Chicer With These 20 Indoor Trees and Plants

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So, you're thinking about becoming an indoor plant mom, are ya? Allow me to break down why you should jump right in wholeheartedly. First things first: You know that whole "getting fresh air" thing? It turns out you don't even need to step outside to get it done! With an adorable plant friend, you can improve your indoor air quality by making the forest come to you (in, you know, a super scaled-back sense), studies show. There are also mental health benefits: looking after plants can improve your stress levels, and strengthen your attention skills. (It's real! Science says so!) Impressed? I sure am.

Whether you're prepping to dive headfirst into the horticultural game or just looking to update your existing lineup of greenery, I've rounded up some gorgeous foliage that deserves a spot in your space. From mini succulents to low-key trees, these indoor plants are here to provide your home with the added nature boost it both needs and deserves.

Read on for all the info you need as you embark on your home gardening journey, including some plant-care tips you should def keep in mind. Prepare for your divine, earthy plant-parent era to officially begin.

Red Prayer Plant

Give your living room a taste of the tropics! This species is native to the Brazilian rainforest, so you’ll want to ensure the soil stays damp. Otherwise, just plop it in a well-lit spot in your home and watch it thrive!

Money Tree

This statement-making indoor tree makes for a great decorative piece, plus it’s said to bring good luck! When you tend to it, just make sure you give it at least two or three cups of water to keep it extra lush and hydrated.

Madagascar Dragon Tree

Now look at this beaut! Dragon trees are bursting with personality, plus they're sturdy as hell. Indoors, these trees can grow a few feet tall, but be sure to keep them away from brightly lit areas to avoid the leaves getting burnt.

Little Swiss Monstera Plant

We love anything inspired by cheese. Enough said. This Monstera grows like a dream, and at one-to-two feet tall, it’s the perfect “tree” alternative for plant buyers who aren’t working with a whole lot of space. This is another species that loves some damp soil, so make sure your watering is consistent and Bob’s your uncle.

Lavender Tree

Yes, it does smell amazing. Yes, it does bloom gorgeously. Yes, you do need one. It’ll take a couple of months for it to reach that luscious full bloom, but once you’re there, you can periodically snip off the stems to make room for even more growth. This classic herb is really the gift that just keeps on giving.

Dragon Tail Plant

The dragon tail is technically a vine, so, with time, you'll have some lengthy green stems to add texture to your space. Watch it become a new staple.

Olive Tree

While it won't sprout any actual olives, this tree is perfect for all of the minimalist havens out there. It loves the sunlight (it hails from the Mediterranean, after all!), so pop it by a window and watch it live its best life.

Peace Lily

Gorgeous, gorgeous girls need lilies all around them to fit their vibe. Especially a peace lily like this one, that literally blooms all year long.

Ginseng Ficus Bonsai

Ok, so there's a long-standing tradition/art form when it comes to bonsai trees, and it involves training the roots to grow in cool ways through pruning. If you're (understandably) not ready to jump into bonsai training with a full-sized tree, tending to this adorable ginseng ficus is the perfect starter experience.

ZZ Plant

Other than having a stellar name, this plant is great because you only need to water it every few weeks. Semi-hands-off parenting, FTW.

Neon Prayer Plant

Stylish patterns come naturally to the cool prayer plant. Pair it with a fun pot or planter and you've got yourself a gorg accent piece.

Cuddly Cactus

Now that the whole cowboy aesthetic is back and in action, it's only right that our plants adhere to the trend. Get Western with a cutesy mini cactus like this one.

Hoya Heart

C'mon, it's a HEART-SHAPED LEAF! If that doesn't melt your own heart, IDK what to tell you. That's nature showing its love.

Coffee Plant

This is indeed the same plant that sprouts our beloved coffee beans! The household version prob won't produce any morning caffeine resources, but it does look amazing, so tap in.

Hanging Hoya Hindu Rope

This is essentially as much of an art piece as it is a plant. The unique shape and growth pattern are such conversation starters, and it's just generally the perfect hanging plant. There are levels to this one!

Bromeliad Pineapple

There's a SpongeBob reference to be made here, but I'm going to choose maturity. Let's just appreciate this sick pineapple plant for what it looks like at its full maturity: a home fit for a jovial sponge (sorry, had to).

Lucky Bamboo

Look! Another plant that brings good luck! The more good juju, the better. The stalk grows pretty quickly, so you'll have a statuesque, spiraling bamboo in no time. (Note: you'll have to go to Lowe's to pick this one up.)

Ponytail Palm House Plant

Look at that luscious, voluminous foliage! It's honestly giving Pantene commercial. According to Costa Farms, this plant is "virtually indestructible," so beginner plant parents might wanna check this one out first.

English Ivy Glacier

You're probably used to seeing this plant grow along walls, but it also looks beautiful when potted. BTW: These vines can survive up to 30 years, but no pressure or anything. You don't have commitment issues, right?

Live Aglaonema Plant

This plant has colorful, widespread foliage, and dare I say it's exactly what your home needs. Plus, its easy care requirements are a lazy girl's dreams.

What are the important things to consider when growing an indoor plant?

So, you've picked out a little green friend—now you've gotta make sure it stays with you for the long haul. Here are a handful of pressure points you'll want to keep in mind:

Give it room to grow.

Just like any other relationship in your life, you’ll want to give your plant some space. Place it in a spot that’s not cluttered or obstructed, so that the foliage can reach its full growth potential.

Provide the appropriate amount of light.

Every plant species is different, so ‘tis important to note what lighting setup is best for yours. Putting it in direct sunlight means it can receive Vitamin D directly through a window, while indirect sunlight is filtered (through blinds, a curtain, or positioning in the shade). Do your research and plop your plant accordingly.

Keep it at the right temp.

The sweet spot for most growing houseplants is around 60-75 degrees. But again, do your research for your specific new friend.

Nutrients are a need.

They’ve gotta eat too! Fertilizing plants will help them thrive, plain and simple. Grab an all-purpose product and spread the love.

Maintain a consistent watering schedule.

Once you learn your plant's hydration schedule, set up timely phone reminders so you never ever forget.

What mistake do people make with houseplants?

The biggest mistake: overwatering. Turns out there is such a thing as too much love! Going overboard can cause the roots to rot, and make leaves go prematurely brown. So, stick to the schedule! Also, make sure to use a pot with drainage holes. Pots without drainage holes collect water at the bottom, so you may end up overwatering your plant without meaning to! If you want to use a cute planter that doesn't have holes, you can always keep your plant in its plastic nursery pot and place that in the pretty display planter.

How we chose the best indoor trees and plants

Our lifestyle team dove deep into forums, dug through countless reviews, and tapped into #PlantTok to identify the best and brightest plant species that can feasibly flourish indoors (without overhauling your life or daily routine). For even more plant guidance check out our roundup of pet-friendly greens, and the running list of species that can still thrive in low light. You should also look into our lineup of the very best grow lights, which are designed for indoor plants living in spaces that can't get too much sun. We simply do not play about plants over here.

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