I know not everyone has a green thumb, but when it comes to today’s low-maintenance indoor plants, I think there is a stylish option for every home. A modern alternative to worrying about difficult plants is to explore the many low-light and easy-care options available.
More than anything, I want to show you the possibilities for adding color and flair to your home decor. From beautiful tropical plants to large potted trees, we compiled a list of the best indoor options that will thrive indoors with proper care.
Gorgeous Tropical House Plants and Trees To Grow Indoors At Home
1. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
The Fiddle Leaf Fig is a total showstopper, and it’s no wonder it’s so popular. Its large, curvy leaves in a stunning emerald green are just beautiful, and the delicate veins create a pattern that’s almost geometric. It’s a truly lovely addition to your home decor.
Now, I have to be honest, this plant can be a bit of a diva. It traditionally grows in lowland tropical rainforests, so it requires lots of bright, indirect light to be happy. It’s also very sensitive to drafts, so you’ll want to keep it away from doors and air vents.
The key is to find its perfect spot and then leave it there, as it doesn’t like to be moved around. The waxy leaves can get dusty, so a gentle wipe-down now and then is a good idea.
For watering, give it a good soak every seven to ten days, but make sure it has proper drainage. It may be a little tricky, but the payoff is so worth it!
2. Parlor Palm (Chamaedora elegans)
If you’re looking to make a real statement with your plant decor, the Parlor Palm is a perfect choice. While a lot of people go for small, unobtrusive houseplants, this one can grow up to six feet tall! It really makes an impact.
Even though many palms love bright sun, this one actually does best in medium to indirect light. You can water it weekly, but just make sure the water gets all the way down to the roots.
Because this plant is a fast grower, it needs to be repotted about once a year. I actually love this because it gives you a great excuse to bring in new decorative elements by changing up the pot style!
3. Triangle Ficus (Ficus benjamina)
I love Ficus trees in home decor because their height and glossy leaves are so visually appealing. The problem is, many of them are finicky and need very specific care.
That’s why the Triangle Ficus is such a great find; it’s one of the least fussy plants in the whole family. Also known as a weeping fig, it needs bright light to flourish, or its leaves might wither and fall.
It doesn’t like the cold, so I’d recommend keeping it in a room that stays above 55 degrees Fahrenheit. When you water it, do it very slowly until the soil is completely soaked, and then let it dry out before the next watering.
This tree can grow up to 8 feet tall with branches spreading four feet wide, filled with shiny green and white leaves. It makes for an amazing focal point.
4. Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata)
If you want a houseplant that makes a huge visual impact, the Dragon Tree might be exactly what you’re looking for. It has a cool, twisted trunk topped with spiky green leaves edged in red.
It’s a really dramatic look, and it can grow up to ten feet tall even when it’s indoors!
This tree needs medium to bright indirect sunlight to grow well; otherwise, its leaves will start to drop. It’s pretty adaptable when it comes to temperature and has great drought tolerance, so it can go as long as three weeks between waterings.
A Dragon Tree not only creates a fantastic focal point for a room, but it’s also incredibly easy to care for. It’s a win-win.
5. European Olive (Olea europea)
Houseplants have become so popular lately, and one of the absolute trendiest is the European Olive. They have this simple sophistication about them, and the beautiful sage color of their foliage is very on-trend. This elegant tree can truly elevate the decor in your living room.
To keep it happy, you’ll need to give it at least six hours of full sun a day, so it’s perfect for a room with tons of natural light.
These trees also grow well in drier climates, so you can let the top inch or so of soil dry out completely before you water it again. It’s a stunning choice.
6. Philodendron (philodendron)
The Philodendron is such a classic choice, and for good reason! Its large, glossy heart-shaped leaves just overflow from the pot, giving it a wonderfully lush look.
This cute indoor plant comes in either a climbing type or a self-heading (non-climbing) version. I love placing the climbing variety up high or in a hanging planter. The non-climbing kind looks just perfect on a windowsill or a living room table.
These plants are super low-maintenance and thrive in low or medium light. You can go one or two weeks between waterings; in fact, they’ll start to droop if you water them too often.
I usually water or mist mine more in the summer and less in the winter. If you’re looking for a plant that will look great even if you don’t fuss over it daily, the Philodendron is a perfect fit for any spot in your home.
7. Cordyline (C. terminalis)
If you’re ready to break away from the usual leafy green houseplants, a Cordyline is a colorful alternative with a really cute style. These bold tropical plants come in so many variations, but all of them have unique foliage that will definitely spruce up your room.
One popular type has long, pointed leaves in amazing colors like green, red, yellow, and purple, all bursting from the pot like a firework. Another kind grows taller with large green and red leaves. You can pick whichever one is ideal for your home decor.
These hardy plants do well in bright but indirect light. The soil should always be kept moist, except during the winter. To make a real statement, I’d place this cool indoor floor plant in the corner of a living room for some added flair.
8. Split Leaf (Monstera deliciosa)
The Monstera is a tropical shrub that’s famous for the natural holes in its leaves, which is how it got the nickname “Swiss Cheese Plant.” It’s such a cool look! When they’re grown outside, they can actually bear fruit, but that rarely ever happens indoors.
Monsteras are pretty adaptable and can thrive in both medium and bright indirect light, but you’ll want to keep them out of direct sunlight. Because they aren’t in direct sun, they only need to be watered about weekly or biweekly.
These plants are really low-maintenance but still have a visually striking look that makes them a great conversation starter.
9. Indoor Palm Tree (Arecaceae)
An indoor palm tree is the ultimate tropical plant for your home. Most of them are easy to grow and maintain since they adapt well to their surroundings. This amazing plant brings a stately and majestic presence to any room.
While it will eventually become a big tree, these types of plants are known for being slow-growers, so that process will take years.
Indoor palms do well with bright, indirect sunlight all year long but can still flourish in shadier parts of your house. You’ll want to water them regularly to keep the soil moist so they can thrive.
This is one of the best tropical plants you can have at home. It’s alluring and lovely, and it instantly adds style that can enhance the decor of any room.
10. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace Lilies are such a popular choice for home decor, and it’s easy to see why. Their lush green leaves and delicate white blossoms are so aesthetically pleasing.
They are easy to grow and maintain indoors, and the Peace Lily will bloom for months, contributing to a simple yet gorgeous decor style.
These plants need to be in a relatively bright room, but they only require medium indirect light to grow strong. The soil needs to stay consistently moist, but you have to be careful not to overwater them.
I usually water and mist mine throughout the summer and then reduce the amount in the winter. A word of caution: while Peace Lilies are lovely, you should pick something else if you have pets.
Like most other lilies, they are toxic to cats and dogs.
11. African Violet (Saintpaulia)
This little flowering houseplant is so charming with its soft, fuzzy leaves and delicate purple blossoms. Even though they’re dainty, they have a really compelling look.
These small houseplants can bloom even in low light, but they’ll really flourish in medium or bright indirect light. Their leaves can rot easily if they get wet, so I always make sure to water them directly on the roots.
This charming little plant is said to symbolize loyalty. Between that and its furry leaves, you can almost treat it like a cute little pet!
12. Flamingo Flower (Anthurium andraeanum)
For a houseplant that brings in a beautiful pop of color, you absolutely won’t regret getting an Anthurium. It’s also known as a laceleaf or flamingo flower, and it features smooth, sturdy green leaves along with some modified leaves in pretty shades of pink or red.
Because it looks so chic, I think this cute indoor tropical plant should be placed on an entry or coffee table for some classy decor.
These sturdy air plants don’t need much care at all. They do well in bright, indirect sunlight, and you should space out waterings by several days to let the soil partially dry out.
If you’re looking for a plant that’s high on style but low on effort, Anthuriums are a pretty choice you’ll love having in your home.
13. Tree Fern (Cyatheales)
When you think of ferns, you probably picture lush, feathery plants growing close to the forest floor. But Tree Ferns, which are native to Australia and New Zealand, can grow to truly immense sizes.
With their incredible height and intricately lacy leaves, Tree Ferns are a beautiful addition to any home.
These plants come from a humid environment, so they need a lot of moisture. You’ll want to make sure the soil is always kept moist.
If you live in a dry climate, you might want to consider getting a humidifier. They do best in light that is bright but also filtered or indirect.
14. Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica)
You might think the Rubber Tree gets its name from its thick, dark, waxy leaves that look a bit like tire treads. But it’s actually because its latex sap was once used to make rubber!
While a Rubber Tree can survive in bright, direct light, it will really flourish in indirect light that’s medium to bright.
This indoor tree only needs to be watered every week or two, though you should probably increase how often you water it if it’s in constant bright light. These plants are easy to care for and have a cool look that helps to ground the space.
15. Yucca (Yucca elephantipes)
The long, spiky leaves of this tree might look a little intimidating at first, but their springy, bright green color gives it a fun sense of whimsy.
Yucca plants primarily grow in southwestern climates and do really well in hot, arid environments. They need full sunlight, or at the very least, bright indirect sunlight.
Overwatering is the easiest way to kill a Yucca, so make sure they have plenty of drainage. These hardy plants are so easy to care for and have a ton of character and personality.
16. Pilea (Pilea peperomioides)
The Pilea peperomioides, more commonly known as the Chinese money plant, is such a whimsical-looking houseplant. It has these adorable coin-shaped leaves perched right on the end of long, straight stems. It’s a really unique look.
Pileas grow best in sunlight that’s bright but indirect. You can water them every week or two, but just be sure the soil is dry before you add more moisture.
A Pilea plant looks cute and quirky but is still very easy to care for. It’s a great choice for a young, fun person who is always on the go!
17. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)
When these plants grow outdoors, they produce absolutely gorgeous flowers that look like birds. While it’s rare for them to flower indoors, the large, smooth leaves still add so much color and texture to a room.
Even if you don’t live in the tropics, these plants can help you feel like you’re on an island getaway.
Birds of Paradise need bright light to flourish, but it can be either direct or indirect. This plant does best in humid conditions, but it can also grow well in a drier climate with just weekly watering. It’s a stunning plant either way.
18. Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia seguine)
Dumb Cane has some similarities to the Amazon Elephant’s Ear. They both have those large, floppy, waxy leaves that are a similar size.
But instead of veins, these leaves are pale on the inside with dark green around the edges. It has a distinctly tropical feel and can really liven up your living space.
During the winter, these plants need bright light to keep thriving. But in the growing season, you can reduce the light to indirect with some intermittent shade.
In the summer, they should be watered twice a week, but you can cut back on that schedule in the winter.
19. Kentia Palm (Howeia)
These striking palm trees are definitely decor worthy of royalty. In fact, the Kentia Palm was a favorite of Queen Victoria, who kept them in all of her homes!
Kentia palms are easy to care for since they do well in filtered but bright light and only need to be watered once a week.
Even if you don’t live in a tropical climate, this plant can help you bring that tropical flair into your home. They can thrive indoors no matter where you live. It’s a really elegant choice.
20. Natal Mahogany (Trichilia emetica)
This lush potted tree is just beautiful, with piles of glossy emerald green leaves overflowing from its delicate stalks.
While most indoor plants need to be kept near bright, sunny windows, the Natal Mahogany does remarkably well in low light. It can even thrive under fluorescent lights, which is pretty amazing!
This plant does need its soil to be consistently moist, but not soggy. If you’re looking to brighten up your office, the Natal Mahogany is the perfect houseplant because it’s so adaptable to different light conditions.
21. Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans)
These plants are often called “corn plants” because of their thick stems and long, narrow leaves. The overall effect looks a lot like stalks and husks but with a definite tropical vibe.
Direct sun can actually burn the leaves, but too little light will make them look dull and stunt their growth. A room with filtered sunlight is really ideal.
During the spring and summer, the soil should be kept perpetually damp but not soggy. You should pare back your watering schedule in the autumn and winter.
What’s really cool is that these plants propagate very easily, which is great for anyone who likes their collection to keep growing!
22. Amazon Elephant’s Ear (Alocasia x amazonica)
This plant gets its name from its huge, floppy leaves. The dark green leaves have these really striking silvery veins running through them that make it so beautiful to look at. It provides lovely seasonal foliage.
Amazon Elephant’s Ears can be a little tricky to care for, though. They need alternating bright light and shade, but the light can’t be direct.
Their soil needs to be moist all the time, but you have to be careful not to overwater them, especially in the winter. The level of care they need might be a dealbreaker for some, but they are stunning.
23. Orchids (Orchidaceae)
Orchids come from all over the world, with different types found in different climate regions. Tropical orchids are especially popular for home decor because of their iconic blossoms.
They do well in bright, indirect light and only need to be watered about once a week. You just have to be careful not to overwater them.
Orchids come in a whole array of colors, like white, pink, purple, and orange. They can add a fantastic pop of color to your decor. I love how elegant they look on a side table or as a centerpiece.
24. Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla)
Around the holidays, a lot of stores sell small potted pines for seasonal decor. With their more delicate and softer needles, these tropical plants are usually Norfolk Pines.
They look just like a miniature Christmas tree and can make your home feel so festive. Unlike traditional pines that grow in cold areas, these houseplants are strictly tropical and need plenty of bright, direct light.
Along with full sun, they also need acidic soil and a lot of humidity. They should be misted weekly or kept in a room with a humidifier.
If you have a small home, I think using this type of pine tree as an alternative to a full-sized Christmas tree is a great idea. The Norfolk Island Pine is an eco-friendly option since you can use the same tree every year!
25. Umbrella Plant (Schefflera amata)
The Schefflera plant is often called the “umbrella tree” because its distinctive drooping leaves look like an unfurled umbrella. The name “Schefflera” actually refers to a whole genus of flowering plants that come in many forms, like trees, shrubs, or lianas.
These plants need indirect light, but that light should still be bright. If they don’t get enough, they can become too floppy.
It’s also easy to over-water these plants, so let the soil dry out completely before watering again. When grown outside, a Schefflera can become large and dramatic because it has room to spread out.
An indoor one, like a dwarf umbrella, is much less imposing but still really fun to look at.
26. African Candelabra (Euphorbia ammak)
If you want a truly unique decorating piece that will make a huge statement, you should choose the African Candelabra for your home. These ridged, spiny plants look like a cactus, but they’re actually in the succulent family. Indoors, they can grow over eight feet tall!
When it comes to sunlight and watering, less is more with these plants. Once they’re established, you really just need to step back and let them grow on their own. They don’t do well with wet soil, so they need a lot of drainage.
A high-quality, careful setup will make sure this succulent thrives. This striking plant is easy to care for and will definitely give your guests something to talk about.
27. Fishtail Palm (Caryota)
When you picture a palm tree, you probably imagine those classic spiky palm fronds. But not every palm looks the same! This one has these cool jagged edges that resemble the fins and tail of a fish. It’s a really unique look.
Fishtail palms aren’t difficult to care for, but the routine can be a bit time-consuming. They need humidity, so they should be misted daily or kept near a humidifier.
Even if your plant gets plenty of indirect sunlight, experts recommend taking it outside from time to time for more air and sun. While these are cool little plants, the maintenance they require isn’t for everyone.
28. Bromeliads (Bromeliaceae)
As one of the easiest tropical plants to grow, Bromeliads come in an array of bright colors and are often compared to orchids because of their delicate appearance.
These striking tropical plants can easily brighten up a home. They do best in bright, indirect sunlight and can be either epiphytic or grown in soil.
When you keep them in soil indoors, they should be watered weekly in the summer and less frequently in the winter.
It would be easy to glance at bromeliads and assume they’re a delicate flower, but they are a surprisingly sturdy little plant.
29. Finger Palm (Rhapis excelsa)
Also known as a Rhapis Palm, this tree gets its name from its long, thin leaves that look like fingers trailing through the air. This small fan palm has a bit of a quirky look that I really like.
Unlike some other palms, the finger palm does best in dappled light or even light shade.
While they need to be watered copiously in the summer, you can water them as little as once a month in the winter. Many indoor palms can grow quickly and take over a room, but a Rhapis Palm is a nice, compact alternative.
