Lush Plants and Trees That’ll Thrive in a Bright Home
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I'm all about bringing nature indoors, especially if you have a space with sun-drenched south-facing windows and sunny windowsills. Whether you adopt cascading succulents or elegant palms, each addition promises not only to beautify but also to breathe life into a home. That said, choosing the right houseplants and indoor trees for your space can feel like a gamble—will it thrive, or did I just spend $85 to entertain my black thumb? That's why it's important to choose plants for your space based on the light level. We already reviewed plants that love being in the darkest corners of your house, so this round we're talking about indoor plant varieties that thrive in rooms with plenty of sunshine.
Money Trees
Pet-friendly and beautiful. "Money Trees are pet-friendly and are known for their beautiful trunks—which are believed to hold good fortune in their folds," shares Rebecca Sterling, easyplant’s resident plant expert. "Their palmate leaves resemble open hands to offer great abundance." Money trees are often associated with good fortune, prosperity, and positive energy, making them popular houseplant gifts for housewarmings and business openings.
Lush, indoor decor. With their braided trunks and glossy green leaves, money trees add a touch of elegance and charm to any indoor space. "They come in a variety of sizes, making them a perfect fit for putting on a table or shelf, and/or placing on the floor," adds Sterling.
Easy care. Money plants grow best in spaces with a lot of bright, direct light. They're relatively low-maintenance and can tolerate a range of light conditions, making them suitable for beginner gardeners.
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Ficus Altissima
Tropical aesthetic. Ficus Altissima, also known as the council tree or loquat leaf fig, features large, variegated green foliage that resembles those of a tropical plant, adding a lush, exotic feel to any room. "It’s also known for its height," adds Sterling, noting that the tree can grow to over eight feet tall indoors.
Air purification. Like other ficus species, Ficus Altissima can help improve indoor air quality by removing toxins and pollutants from the air.
Light requirements. Ficus Altissima prefers bright, indirect sunlight but can also tolerate some direct sunlight, making it suitable for placement in sunny conditions.
Succulents
Low Maintenance. Succulent plants are known for their ability to thrive with minimal care, making them perfect for busy individuals.
Diverse Selection. There are countless varieties of desert succulents available, ranging in size, shape, and color, allowing you to create a personalized indoor garden.
Water Efficiency. Succulents store water in their leaves, allowing them to withstand periods of drought, making them a great choice for forgetful waterers.
Succulents You'll Love
easyplant
Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
Air purification. Snake plants are known for their ability to remove toxins from the air, making them an excellent choice for improving indoor air quality.
Drought tolerant plant. Snake plants are highly resilient and can survive in low-water conditions, making them ideal for forgetful or busy plant owners. They thrive with plenty of sunlight, but also do okay in low-light areas.
Modern aesthetic. With their sleek, upright leaves, this statement plant can add a touch of modern elegance to any room.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)
Easy propagation. Spider plants produce "spiderettes" that can be easily propagated to create new plants, making them a popular plant for beginner gardeners. Before you know it, your sunny window
Adaptability. Spider plants can tolerate a wide range of light conditions, from bright indirect light to partial shade, making them versatile houseplants.
Rubber Plant (Ficus Elastica)
Large Leaves. Rubber plants have large, glossy leaves that add a tropical touch to any indoor space.
Low Maintenance. With their minimal water and light requirements, rubber plants are easy to care for, making them a great option for beginners.
Related: How to Choose a Plant for a Dark Corner in Your Home
Cacti
Drought tolerant. Like succulents, cacti have evolved to survive in arid environments and can withstand long periods without water.
Unique aesthetics. Cacti come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, from the iconic saguaro to the compact barrel cactus, adding visual interest to any space.
Easy care. With minimal watering requirements and few pests or diseases to worry about, cacti are a hassle-free house plant option.
Bonus: In most climates, you can plan to relocate them outdoors during the summer months so they can enjoy the natural sunlight from the comfort of your outdoor garden.
Cacti You'll Love
Lemon Tree
Aesthetic appeal. With its glossy green leaves and bright yellow fruit, a lemon tree adds a touch of Mediterranean charm to your indoor space.
Sun-loving. Lemon trees thrive with daily sun exposure, making them an ideal choice for placement near south or west-facing windows or areas infused with direct summer sun.
Related: Four Emerging Interior Design Styles from IKEA’s 2024 Style Guide
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Air Purification. Peace lilies are known for their ability to remove toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air.
Flowering. Peace lilies produce elegant white flowers that add beauty and fragrance to any indoor space.
Adaptability. While peace lilies prefer bright, indirect light, they can also tolerate lower light conditions, making them suitable for a variety of environments.
Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
Unique appearance. With its long, cascading leaves resembling a ponytail, the ponytail palm adds a touch of whimsy to any room.
Drought tolerance. Ponytail palms store water in their bulbous trunks, allowing them to survive extended periods without watering.
Low maintenance. With minimal water and light requirements, ponytail palms are easy to care for, making them a great choice for busy plant owners.
