For people living in high-humidity environments or for those who wish to mimic tropical conditions, having the right indoor greenery can transform your space into a thriving botanical paradise. Here’s a look at 20 remarkable plants that thrive in high humidity, complete with tips on their care requirements and unique characteristics.
Monstera Deliciosa
Known for its strikingly large, perforated leaves, Monstera Deliciosa adds dramatic flair to any room. This popular tropical plant enjoys high humidity and bright, indirect light. When grown in humid conditions, it flourishes and can even produce aerial roots that cling to surfaces. To promote its growth, mist regularly or use a pebble tray filled with water beneath the pot.
Ficus Lyrata (Fiddle Leaf Fig)
Fiddle Leaf Figs are all the rage in contemporary decor, thanks to their impressive, violin-shaped leaves. This plant prefers humid environments and indirect light. Regularly misting the leaves can keep them dust-free and maintain humidity levels. Keep an eye out for pests, as they can be susceptible, especially in drier environments.
Calathea Orbifolia
Calathea Orbifolia is cherished for its stunning, round leaves that showcase striking light and dark green stripes. This plant loves humidity and can benefit from a humidifier or a pebble tray. It flourishes in indirect light, making it perfect for well-lit indoor spaces. Regular watering helps keep the soil moist, mimicking its native tropical habitat.
Neoregalia
Neoregalia is a striking bromeliad with rosettes of colorful leaves. These plants thrive in high humidity and add a pop of color to any setting. Position them in bright, indirect light and keep the central cup filled with water to benefit from the extra humidity. Neoregalia does well in terrariums, where it can easily derive moisture from its surroundings.
Spathiphyllum (Peace Lily)
Peace Lilies are not only beautiful with their glossy leaves and white blooms but also excel in high humidity. They prefer indirect light and moist soil. Peace Lilies are known for their air-purifying qualities, making them a popular choice for homes and offices. Keep an eye on their leaves; they will droop slightly if they need water.
Pilea Peperomioides (Chinese Money Plant)
The Pilea Peperomioides, affectionately known as the Chinese Money Plant, features round, pancake-shaped leaves. This plant prefers high humidity and indirect sunlight. The Pilea is also known for its unique ability to produce ‘pups,’ or offshoots, which can be propagated and shared with friends. Regular misting and occasional soaking will help it thrive.
Alocasia Amazonica (African Mask Plant)
With its unique arrow-shaped leaves and striking white veins, the Alocasia Amazonica captures attention instantly. This plant thrives in high humidity and requires well-draining soil. It enjoys bright, indirect light and needs to be watered regularly, especially in dry winter months. Keeping it in a bathroom or kitchen can help maintain its humidity needs.
Anthurium Andraeanum (Flamingo Flower)
Anthurium Andraeanum, with its shiny heart-shaped flowers, is a stunning addition to any indoor space. This plant enjoys humid conditions and prefers bright, indirect light. Keep the soil consistently moist to promote flowering; with the right care, it can bloom throughout the year, adding color to your interiors.
Begonia Maculata (Polka Dot Begonia)
The unique spotted leaves of Begonia Maculata make it a standout choice for plant enthusiasts. This plant thrives in high humidity, favoring bright, indirect light. Keep the soil lightly moist, and be careful not to let it sit in water. The Polka Dot Begonia can produce beautiful white flowers when conditions are right.
Dracaena Fragrans (Corn Plant)
Dracaena Fragrans, commonly known as the Corn Plant, is a hardy houseplant that appreciates high humidity. Its long, arching leaves can grow several feet tall, making it an excellent option for corner spaces. This plant tolerates lower light conditions, but for best growth, provide it with bright, indirect light and keep its soil moderately moist.
Asplenium Nidus (Bird’s Nest Fern)
The Bird’s Nest Fern is an attractive foliage plant with glossy, ruffled leaves that create a rosette shape. This fern thrives in high humidity and can adapt to low light conditions, making it suitable for various indoor environments. Keep the soil consistently moist and mist the foliage regularly to ensure it stays healthy and vibrant.
Maranta Leuconeura (Prayer Plant)
Known for its beautiful patterns and unique ability to fold its leaves at night, the Prayer Plant thrives in humid conditions. It prefers bright, indirect light and needs consistent moisture in its soil. With its low maintenance requirements and appealing appearance, it makes an excellent choice for indoor spaces where humidity levels are higher. Regular misting will keep its leaves healthy and vibrant, adding a touch of nature to your home.
Guzmania (Guzmania Bromeliads)
Guzmania, a type of bromeliad, is known for its tubular flowers and vibrant colors. These plants thrive in high humidity environments and enjoy bright, filtered light. Guzmania does well in terrariums, providing a striking aesthetic. It needs minimal care; just water the central cup and mist occasionally to maintain humidity.
Croton (Codiaeum Variegatum)
Crotons are renowned for their spectacular, multi-colored foliage, ranging from deep green to fiery red, gold, and orange. They thrive in humid environments and prefer bright, indirect light. Providing extra humidity through misting or a humidifier will help maintain the vivid colors of Croton leaves, especially during dry seasons.
Schefflera Arboricola (Dwarf Umbrella Tree)
The Dwarf Umbrella Tree is a versatile, bushy plant that can grow tall or remain compact, making it ideal for different indoor settings. This plant prefers a humid atmosphere and indirect light. Regular watering while allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering can promote growth. A humidifier nearby will enhance its overall health.
Zamioculcas Zamiifolia (ZZ Plant)
The ZZ Plant is celebrated for its resilience and adaptability, thriving in various conditions, including higher humidity. With its glossy, dark green leaves, it’s perfect for beginners who want a low-maintenance plant. While the ZZ plant prefers moderate humidity, it can showcase its brilliance with occasional misting and attention to watering schedules.
Chamaedorea Elegans (Parlor Palm)
Parlor Palms offer a touch of elegance to home decor and thrive in indoor environments with high humidity. This attractive palm grows slowly and prefers lower light conditions, making it perfect for shaded areas. Ensure the soil remains moist without becoming waterlogged to promote healthy growth and lush foliage.
Dracaena Marginata (Dragon Tree)
Dragon Trees are popular due to their architectural form and striking leaf color. They thrive in high humidity and indirect light. Their long, spiky leaves add a modern touch to any room. Water Dracaenas when the top inch of soil feels dry, and regularly mist to maintain their preferred humidity levels.
Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum)
While Pothos is a common houseplant, it truly excels in high humidity environments. Its trailing vines can grow long and lush, bringing an element of nature into your living spaces. Pothos enjoys indirect light but can also tolerate low-light conditions. Keep its soil slightly moist, and watch as it flourishes and purifies the air around it.
Hoya Carnosa (Wax Plant)
Known for its succulent-like leaves and fragrant star-shaped flowers, the Hoya Carnosa thrives in humid conditions. It prefers bright, indirect sunlight and enjoys being watered sparingly, allowing its soil to dry between waterings. The waxy leaves can collect dust, so wiping them gently will keep them looking pristine.
Syngonium Podophyllum (Arrowhead Plant)
Syngonium Podophyllum offers stunning arrow-shaped leaves that come in various shades of green and pink. This plant loves high humidity and indirect light, making it a great option for bathrooms or kitchens. Regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist will help it thrive, and occasional leaf misting will enhance its appearance.
Final Thoughts
Choosing indoor plants that thrive in high humidity not only adds visual interest to your space but also increases air quality and brings the calming essence of nature indoors. From the classic Fiddle Leaf Fig to the unique Guzmania, each plant offers distinct characteristics and care needs. By providing the right conditions, such as light, moisture, and humidity, you can create a flourishing indoor garden filled with vibrant foliage and lively blooms.
Whether you’re an experienced plant parent or just starting your journey, incorporating these plants into your home can create a lush, green environment that boosts your mood and enhances your living space. Embrace the beauty of these indoor plants, and enjoy the fresh, revitalizing atmosphere they bring into your home!
