20 Indoor Plants That Improve Home Decor: Pothos, Philodendron & More

Indoor plants are known to be one of the best home decor products that not only aesthetically pleases your eyes but also helps in maintaining indoor air quality by removing toxic pollutants from the air. 

In contemporary times, indoor plants are becoming increasingly popular among the masses. The reason is that people are looking for easy care indoor greenery for stylish home spaces. Let’s get into the 20 low maintenance indoor plants that improve home decor. 

20 Best Indoor Plants That Improve Home Decor and Air Quality

Good indoor plants are those that require low sunlight and can tolerate humidity. They don’t tend to grow so much so early, and therefore are low-maintenance. The example of common indoor plants that improve home decor includes Dracaena, Hedera Helix, ZZ plant, Philodendron, Pothos, and many more. 

Here is the list of 20 aesthetic houseplants that improve interior design and are trendy houseplants for minimal and modern interiors.

1. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Pothos is one of the easiest-growing houseplants, which comes in a variety of foliage colours. They are trendy houseplants for minimal and modern interiors, which can be allowed to trail from a hanging basket or trained up vertically. The plant is also known for removing toxic pollutants from the air.

For more general information, take a look at its taxonomic overview – 

Kingdom	Plantae
Family	Araceae
Genus	Epipremnum
Species	E. aureum

Pothos are fast-growing climbers that often add around 12 to 15 inches in length within a month. Let’s see the ideal growing conditions they need in detail –  

Hardiness zones	USDA Zone 10-12
Sunlight Requirements	Bright, indirect light
Soil	Use a moist and well-drained soil. Pathos prefers neutral to slightly acidic pH levels. Make sure to use fertilisers in a balanced quantity once a month during the summer and spring seasons.
Water Requirement	Only water the plant when the top layer is dry.  Make sure the pot you use for planting Pothos has a drainage hole to prevent the plant from rotting.
Mature size	20 to 40 ft. long and 3 to 6 ft. wide.

2. Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)

Philodendrons are another easy-to-grow house plant. They are also known for their tolerant behaviour, as they can even survive in low light. The plant offers foliage in various colours, shapes and sizes. 

For more general information, take a look at its taxonomic overview – 

Kingdom	Plantae
Type	Vine, Perennial
Family	Araceae
Genus	Philodendron

Philodendrons can grow outdoors during the mild season. It is a low-maintenance plant and is also known as a self-healing plant. If your plant is dying due to low light, move it to a well-lit area. Let’s see the ideal growing conditions they need in detail –  

Hardiness zones	USDA Zone 10-12
Sunlight Requirements	The plant prefers medium to bright indirect sunlight.  Note- The plant can survive in low indirect light as well.
Soil	Use well-drained soil. Keep the soil well-drained but moist.
Water Requirement	Water the plant once or twice a week.   Do not overwater the plant as it won’t thrive in soggy soil.
Fertilize	Use water-soluble fertiliser from spring to fall.
Season of Interest	Spring, summer, fall, and winter.

3. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)

Fiddle leaf fig plants are popular for their large size and attractive leaves. They can be used in your living rooms and office for their aesthetic values and air purification quality.

For more general information, take a look at its taxonomic overview – 

Kingdom	Plantae
Family	Moraceae
Genus	Ficus
Species	F. benjamina L.

The plant is a bit difficult to take care of as it requires regular watering and bright, indirect sunlight for 6 hours every day.  Let’s see the ideal growing conditions they need in detail –  

Hardiness zones	USDA Zone 10-12
Sunlight Requirements	Bright, indirect light
Soil	Use a well-drained, peat-based potting mix. Fiddle fig leaf plant prefers slightly acidic pH levels between 6 and 7. The best soil type suitable for the fiddle fig leaf plant is loamy. Keep the soil well-drained and medium moist.
Water Requirement	Only water the plant when the top layer is dry.  Make sure the pot you use for planting the fiddle fig leaf plant has a drainage hole to prevent the plant from rotting.
Mature size	The plant grows around 50 ft. tall outdoors and around 10 ft. tall indoors.

4. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema spp.)

Chinese evergreen is among the favourites plants for indoor gardening. It is known for its air-purifying quality, which helps in removing pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene. 

For more general information, take a look at its taxonomic overview – 

Kingdom	Plantae
Family	Araceae (Arum family)
Genus	Aglaonema

The plant is also appreciated for its tolerant nature, as it can survive in low lighting and infrequent watering. People who can not invest much of their time in caring for their plants often prefer the Chinese evergreen.

Let’s see the ideal growing conditions they need in detail –  

Hardiness zones	USDA Zone 10-12
Size	The plant can grow 2 to 3 feet tall.
Sunlight Requirements	Bright, indirect light
Soil	Use a well-drained, peat-based potting mix. Chinese evergreen prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH levels. Keep the soil well-drained but moist.
Water Requirement	Keep the soil moist.  Wilted leaves of the plant indicate underwatering. Reduce watering the plant in winter. Overwatering the plant can cause root rot.
Fertilize	The plant needs to be fertilised from early spring to fall with diluted liquid fertiliser.

5. Prayer Plant (Calathea spp.)

Prayer plants are also called rattlesnake plants, and the Rattlesnake Calathea live plant is one of the most popular species. They are known for their decorative foliage in different patterns and colours. 

For more general information, take a look at its taxonomic overview – 

Kingdom	Plantae
Family	Marantaceae
Genus	Calathea g. mey
Order	Zingiberales

The prayer plant is not too demanding, but you need to be certain about some things, like it hates its roots disturbed and therefore, only repot the plant in spring when it is rootbound. 

Let’s see the ideal growing conditions they need in detail –  

Hardiness zones	USDA Zone 11-12
Mature size	1 to 2 ft. tall and wide
Sunlight Requirements	Bright, indirect light
Soil	Use a well-drained, peat-based potting mix. The prayer plant prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH levels. The best soil type suitable for a Prayer plant is loamy soil. Keep the soil well-drained but moist.
Water Requirement	Water the plant to keep the soil moist at all times.  Make sure the pot you use for planting prayer plants has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from staying wet throughout and the plant from rotting.
Season of Interest	Spring and summer.

6. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)

Peace lilies are known for their beautiful white spathes that are surrounded by creamy white flowers. The plant offers anti-pollutant properties, which help to keep your indoor surroundings clean and toxin-free.  

For more general information, take a look at its taxonomic overview – 

Kingdom	Plantae
Family	Araceae (Arum family)
Genus	Spathiphyllum
Species	Spathiphyllum wallisii

Peace lily loves warm and humid weather. The plant spikes flowers, blooming from mid-spring to late summer. The plant demands little attention and can grow up to 16 inches tall.

Let’s see the ideal growing conditions they need in detail –  

Hardiness zones	USDA Zone 3-9
Sunlight Requirements	Bright sunlight for around 6 hours a day. Note: The plant can tolerate low light.
Soil	Use well-drained soil. Peace lilies prefer rich soil with 5.5 to 6.5 pH levels. Keep the soil well-drained but moist.
Water Requirement	Only water the plant once a week.
Fertilizer	Use water-soluble houseplant fertiliser every two months.

7. Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)

Bird’s nest fern plants are best for the centre table. They are known for their new fronds that unfurl from the centre of the plant and grow upright.

For more general information, take a look at its taxonomic overview – 

Kingdom	Plantae
Family	Aspleniaceae
Genus	Asplenium
Specie	Asplenium nidus, A. australasicum, A. antiquum, A. serratum

Bird nest fern plants thrive in warm and humid environments. Since the plant likes bright, indirect light, it is preferable to place it near a window. 

Let’s see the ideal growing conditions they need in detail –  

Hardiness zones	USDA Zone 11-12
Sunlight Requirements	Bright, indirect light
Soil	Use a loamy, well-drained, and moist soil. Bird’s nest fern prefers soil with slightly acidic pH levels. Plant the bird’s nest fern in a peat-based potting mix with good drainage.
Water Requirement	Only water the plant when the top layer is dry.  Make sure the pot you use for planting the bird’s nest fern has a drainage hole to prevent the plant from rotting or having soggy soil.
Mature size	2 ft. tall and wide
Fertilizer	Fertilise the plant once every month during the growing season with diluted houseplant fertiliser.

8. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)

The parlor palm plant is a popular choice among dimly lit offices and rooms. They grow best indoors and can adapt to low light and low temperatures. The plant is also helpful in removing pollutants from the air.  

For more general information, take a look at its taxonomic overview – 

Kingdom	Plantae
Family	Arecaceae
Genus	Chamaedoreeae
Species	C. elegans

A parlor palm plant does not demand much care, but you need to choose the correct planter size with proper drainage. 

Let’s see the ideal growing conditions they need in detail.

Hardiness zones	USDA Zone 10-12
Sunlight Requirements	Bright, indirect light
Soil	Use a well-drained, peat-based potting mix. Parlor palm plants prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH levels. Keep the soil well-drained but moist.
Mature size	It can grow 2 to 6 ft. tall
Water Requirement	Only water the plant when the top layer starts to dry.  Make sure the soil is moist.  Make sure that you don’t overwater the plant.
Fertilizer	Fertilise the plant monthly in spring and summer.

9. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

The ZZ plant has naturally shiny leaves, which helps in the low-maintenance of the plant for its good looks and long life. All you need to do is dust the leaves with a damp cloth every 10 to 15 days. The plant grows from thick, succulent rhizomes, which are used by the plant for storing water.

For more general information, take a look at its taxonomic overview – 

Kingdom	Plantae
Family	Araceae (aroid)
Genus	Zamioculcas
Species	Zamioculcas zamiifolia

The ZZ plants grow upright, have deep green leaves and are perfect for keeping indoors as they do not require much care. Let’s see the ideal growing conditions they need in detail –  

Hardiness zones	USDA Zone 9-10
Sunlight Requirements	Bright to low, indirect light
Mature size	The plant grows 2 to 4 ft. tall and wide.
Soil	Use well-drained soil. The ZZ plant prefers 6 to 7 pH levels. Keep the soil well-drained but moist. Do not let the soil become soggy.
Mature size	2 to 3 ft. tall
Water Requirement	ZZ plants store water in their semi-succulent stems, and therefore, they should be watered every 2 to 2.5 weeks. Overwatering the plant can cause more damage to the plant than underwatering it.
Fertiliser	The plant needs to be fertilised only once every 2.5 to 3 months.
Blooming season	Spring

10. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)

A cast-iron plant is known for its low-maintenance property, which can thrive even if little care is provided. The plant enhances the aesthetic corner of the room and can help in maintaining indoor temperature.

For more general information, take a look at its taxonomic overview – 

Kingdom	Plantae
Family	Asparagaceae
Genus	Aspidistra
Species	A. elatior

Cast Iron Plant is a slow-growing plant and can take up to 2 years to reach their full height. The plant requires little attention and care. 

Let’s see the ideal growing conditions they need in detail –  

Hardiness zones	USDA Zone 8-10
Sunlight Requirements	Bright, indirect light
Soil	Use a well-drained soil The cast iron plant prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH levels. Keep the soil well-drained but moist.
Mature size	2 to 3 ft. tall and 1 to 2 ft. wide
Water Requirement	Only water the plant when the top layer is dry.  Let the soil dry between two watering sessions.
Fertilizer	Once a month from spring to fall.
Season of Interest	Spring and summer.

11. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

Rubber plants are known for their beautiful leaves, and it is also known as air-purifying plants. The plant comes in different varieties and colours. For more general information, take a look at its taxonomic overview – 

Kingdom	Plantae
Family	Moraceae
Genus	Ficus
Species	F. elastica

Rubber plants need balanced care, which includes bright, indirect sunlight and water. Let’s see the ideal growing conditions they need in detail –  

Hardiness zones	USDA Zone 9-12
Sunlight Requirements	Bright, indirect light
Mature size	6 to 10 ft. tall.
Soil	Keep the soil well-drained but moist.  Make sure that the soil is not soggy.
Water Requirement	The plant demands more water in summer, which is also its growing season.  Make sure the pot you use for planting has a drainage hole to keep the soil well-drained and prevent it from rotting. In winter, only water the plant when you find the soil to be dry.
Fertilizer	Fertilise the plant every two weeks from spring to fall and once a month in winter.
Growing season	Summer

12. Tradescantia (Tradescantia spp.)

Tradescantia are easy-to-grow trailing plants and are beginner-friendly. The plant comes with attractive foliage in different patterns and colours. It is an upright, medium to fast-growing plant. For more general information, take a look at its taxonomic overview – 

Kingdom	Plantae
Family	Commelinaceae
Genus	Tradescantia L.
Order	Commelinales

It is an easy-to-care-for plant if watered properly and placed in indirect, bright light. Let’s see the ideal growing conditions they need in detail –  

Hardiness zones	USDA Zone 4-9
Sunlight Requirements	Bright, indirect light
Soil	Use a rich and well-drained soil. Tradescantia plant prefers slightly acidic pH levels of 5 to 6.5. Keep the soil well-drained but moist.  Use a pot with good drainage to avoid the roots from rotting.  Make sure to use a pot that is slightly wider and deeper than the root ball for proper air ventilation and root growth.
Mature size	3 to 36 inches tall and 9 to 24 inches wide.
Water Requirement	The Tradescantia prefers moist soil. Underwatering can cause the roots to dry, so make sure to water the plant.
Fertilizer	Use balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer monthly for better growth.
Season of Interest	Spring, summer, fall, and winter.

13. Watermelon Peperomia (Peperomia argyreia)

Watermelon Peperomia is a visual aesthetic plant known for its round and fleshy leaves. These compact houseplants are easy to propagate. For more general information, take a look at its taxonomic overview – 

Kingdom	Plantae
Family	Piperaceae (Pepper family)
Genus	Peperomia (Radiator plants)
Species	P. argyeia

Watermelon peperomia are easy-to-care-for plants. The plant prefers regular watering and loves bright to medium sunlight. Let’s see the ideal growing conditions they need in detail –  

Hardiness zones	USDA Zone 10-12
Sunlight Requirements	Bright, indirect light
Soil	Use well-drained and moist soil.  Watermelon Peperomia prefers soil with slightly acidic pH levels.
Mature size	The plants grow from 6 to 8 inches tall.
Water Requirement	Only water the plant when the top layer is dry.  Watermelon peperomia are known to be sensitive to both overwatering and underwatering.  If you are someone who doesn’t water your plants regularly, watermelon peperomia is not an ideal choice for you.
Fertilizer	Use a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly between mid-March and November, which is also their growing season.
Season of Interest	Spring and summer.

14. Air Plant (Tillandsia spp.)

Air plants are known for their leaves and receive their moisture and nutrients from the leaves. It is also known as an air-purifying plant. The plant belongs to the bromeliad family. For more general information, take a look at its taxonomic overview – 

Kingdom	Plantae
Family	Bromeliaceae (Bromeliads)
Genus	Tillandsia L. (Air Plants)
Order	Poales
Species	There are over 3,700 species of bromeliad plants. The popular indoor and outdoor bromeliads include- Guzmania Lingulata (Scarlet Star) Aechmea Fasciata (Urn plant / Silver Vase) Vriesea Splendens (Flaming Sword) Neoregelia Spp. (Blushing Bromeliads) Cryptanthus Bivittatus (Earth Star) Ananas Comosus (Pineapple) Puya Raimondii (Queen of the Andes) Tillandsia Ionantha Tillandsia Usneoides (Spanish Moss) Tillandsia Cyanea (Pink Quill)

Air plants are known for their adaptive nature and low care requirements. Let’s see the ideal growing conditions they need in detail –  

Hardiness zones	USDA Zone 10-11
Sunlight Requirements	Bright, indirect light
Soil	Air plants generally don’t require soil to grow. They attach themselves to trees or plants for nutrients.  If you are using a pot, use a well-draining potting mix.
Water Requirement	The air plant needs to be watered around twice or thrice a week.  Make sure the pot you use for planting has a drainage hole to prevent the plant from rotting. If the plant’s leaves are curled more than usual, submerge it in a water bowl overnight.
Fertilizer	Use an epiphyte fertilizer spray weekly.
Season of Interest	Spring, summer, fall, and winter.

15. Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)

The polka dot plant is an evergreen shrub with colourful leaves featuring white, pink, or red spots. They are super easy to grow. For more general information, take a look at its taxonomic overview – 

Kingdom	Plantae
Family	Acanthaceae (Acanthus family)
Genus	Hypoestes
Class	Magnoliopsida

The polka dot plants thrive best in bright, indirect light, warm and humid conditions, which makes them perfect for an indoor setting. Let’s see the ideal growing conditions they need in detail –  

Hardiness zones	USDA Zone 10-11
Sunlight Requirements	Bright, indirect light
Mature size	30 to 40 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide.
Soil	Use well-drained but moist soil.  Polka dot plants prefer neutral pH levels.
Water Requirement	Only water the plant when the top layer is dry by half an inch.  Do not overwater the plant to prevent it from rotting.
Fertilizers	Once a month during the summer and spring.
Bloom season	Summer to early fall.

16. African Violet (Saintpaulia ionantha)

The African violet is easy to keep alive with little care. The plant blooms from spring to summer when provided with proper light. It requires repotting once a year. For more general information, take a look at its taxonomic overview – 

Kingdom	Plantae
Family	Gesneriaceae (Gesneriad family)
Genus	Streptocarpus
Species	Streptocarpus ionanthus (Synonym: Saintpaulia ionantha)

The African Violets thrive indoors when kept in bright, indirect light and in warm temperatures. It is a low-maintenance plant and also improves indoor air quality. Let’s see the ideal growing conditions they need in detail –  

Hardiness zones	USDA Zone 11-12
Sunlight Requirements	Bright, indirect light. Rotate the plant for better growth and equal light exposure.
Soil	Use well-drained soil. Choose the pot with a drainage hole for better air circulation. Keep the soil well-drained but moist.
Mature size	The plant grows from 6 to 18 inches tall and wide.
Water Requirement	Only water the plant when the top layer is dry.  Make sure not to water the leaves of the plant, as it can cause spotting on them.
Fertilizer	Use diluted fertilizer every two to three weeks.
Season of Interest	Spring and summer.

17. Snake Plant (Sansevieria spp.)

Snake plants are known for their air purification property. They remove toxic pollutants. The plant is also known to be among the few plants which convert carbon dioxide into oxygen even at night. For more general information, take a look at its taxonomic overview – 

Kingdom	Plantae
Family	Asparagaceae
Genus	Sansevieria
Species	The plant has over 70 species. Among them, Sansevieria trifasciata is well known.

Snake plant is a low-maintenance plant that adapts to its surroundings and can thrive in direct and indirect light. The plant can also tolerate underwatering and does not require frequent repotting. 

Let’s see the ideal growing conditions they need in detail –  

Hardiness zones	USDA Zone 9-11
Sunlight Requirements	Bright, indirect light
Soil	Use a well-drained, sandy soil. Snake plants prefer slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil. Keep the soil well-drained but moist.
Mature size	6 inches to 15 inches
Water Requirement	Only water the plant when the top layer is dry.  Make sure the pot you use for planting has a drainage hole to prevent the plant from rotting.
Fertilizer	It isn’t necessary to fertilise the plant, but you can occasionally fertilise it in spring and summer.
Bloom season	Spring

18. Monstera (Monstera spp.)

Monstera is an evergreen growing plant that grows only about one to two ft. per year. It takes around 3 to 3.5 years for the plant to reach its full size. For more general information, take a look at its taxonomic overview – 

Kingdom	Plantae
Family	Araceae (arum family)
Genus	Monstera Adans
Class	Liliopsida (monocots)

Monstera plants are easy to care for. The plant thrives in indirect sunlight and requires water only when the soil starts to dry. Let’s see the ideal growing conditions they need in detail –  

Hardiness zones	USDA Zone 10-12
Sunlight Requirements	Partial light.  Note – direct light can burn the plant leaves.
Soil	Use a well-drained, peat-based potting mix. Monstera plant prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH levels. Keep the soil well-drained but moist.
Mature size	3 to 15 ft. tall and 3 to 8 ft. wide.
Water Requirement	The Monstera plant requires regular watering.  Use a pot with a drainage hole to prevent the plant from rotting.
Fertilizer	Fertilise the plant every 3 to 4 months.
Season of Interest	Spring, summer, fall, and winter.

19. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Spider plants are easy to propagate. All you need to do is cut the baby spider plant from the big runners and place it in moist potting soil. They are known for purifying the air. For more general information, take a look at its taxonomic overview – 

Kingdom	Plantae
Family	Asparagaceae
Genus	Chlorophytum
Species	C. comosum

Spider plants are not only easy to propagate, but they also require little care. The plant should be placed in indirect light. Let’s see the ideal growing conditions they need in detail –  

Hardiness zones	USDA Zone 9-11
Sunlight Requirements	Bright, indirect light
Soil	Use well-drained soil. Use high-quality all-purpose potting mix with a blend of peat, perlite, and vermiculite. Preferable soil mixture for spider plants should be light, airy and must be able to retain moisture. Keep the soil well-drained but moist.
Mature size	12 to 24 inches tall and 12 to 36 inches wide.
Water Requirement	Only water the plant when the top layer of soil is dry.
Fertilizer	Fertilise the plant during the active growing season, which is from early spring to late autumn.
Season of Interest	Spring, summer, fall, and winter.

20. Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana)

Kalanchoe is a flowering succulent plant which offers long-lasting blooms. The plant offers flowers in vibrant colours like orange, red, pink, yellow, and white. For more general information, take a look at its taxonomic overview – 

Kingdom	Plantae
Family	Crassulaceae (Stonecrops)
Genus	Kalanchoe Adans.
Class	Equisetopsida (Dicotyledons)
Specie	K. blossfeldiana Poelln

Kalanchoe are usually used for their ornamental value in homes and offices. The plant is low-maintenance and can adapt to its surroundings. They are compact but have air-purifying qualities. Let’s see the ideal growing conditions they need in detail –  

Hardiness zones	USDA Zone 10-12
Sunlight Requirements	Bright, indirect light
Soil	Use a well-drained, coarse sand and perlite potting mix. Keep the soil well-drained but moist.
Mature size	6 to 18 inches tall and 6 to 12 inches wide.
Water Requirement	Only water the plant when the top layer of soil is dry.  Make sure the pot you use for planting has a drainage hole to prevent the plant from rotting.
Fertilizer	Use water soluble fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks in spring and summer.
Bloom season	Late fall to early winter.

Wrap Up

To sum up, indoor plants that brighten living room decor naturally are not only people’s favourite, but they are also helpful in removing toxins from the air. Some of the low maintenance indoor plants for modern home decoration and air purification are the spider plant, snake plant, polka dot plant, African violet, philodendron, etc. 

These plants require minimal care, indirect light, and very little water, which makes them beginner-friendly. If you are someone who wants to bring a lively aesthetic to your space, this is the sign to incorporate these indoor plants that improve home decor.