The kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where we congregate to cook, eat, and socialize. But it can also be a tough room for houseplants. With limited sunlight, steam from cooking, and changes in temperature, many plants just don’t thrive in kitchens. If your home doesn’t have a lot of natural light, or you’re looking for a plant that can withstand some occasional neglect, check out these five kitchen-friendly houseplants.
Pothos
Pothos is a type of vine that is known for being able to tolerate low light and humidity. It’s a fast-growing plant, so if you’re looking for something that will fill up space quickly, pothos is a good option. Keep in mind that pothos vines can get quite long, so you’ll need to provide support for the plant as it grows.
Philodendron
Like pothos, philodendron plants are also vines that can tolerate low light and high humidity. Philodendrons are generally slower-growing than pothos, but they can still get quite large given time. One thing to keep in mind with philodendrons is that they are poisonous if ingested, so if you have small children or pets, this might not be the best plant for your home.
Herbs
Many herbs—such as basil, oregano, and thyme—thrive in hot, humid environments. If you’re looking to add some green to your kitchen and get some extra flavor for your cooking at the same time, herbs are always a good option. Just be sure to give them plenty of sunlight; most herbs need at least six hours of sunlight per day to grow properly.
Succulents
Succulents come in all shapes and sizes, so you’re sure to find one that fits your kitchen’s aesthetic. These desert plants store water in their leaves, so they don’t need to be watered very often—which makes them perfect for forgetful plant parents. Just be careful not to overwater them; succulents will start to rot if they sit in water for too long.
Spider Plant
Spider plants are one of the easiest houseplants to care for because they’re very tolerant of both low light and low humidity. They’re also great at purifying the air, so if you’re looking for a plant that will do double duty by improving the quality of your air as well as sprucing up your décor, spider plants are a good option.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant that can tolerate both low light and high temperatures, the snake plant is a great option. Snake plants are nearly impossible to kill—they can go weeks without water and still look healthy. They also don’t mind if you forget to dust their leaves occasionally. Just be sure to keep them out of reach of pets—snake plants are poisonous to cats and dogs if ingested.
Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica)
The rubber tree is a popular choice for offices and other commercial spaces because it tolerates low light and infrequent watering. However, this plant can also thrive in a kitchen as long as it’s not placed near an oven or other heat source. Rubber trees prefer moderate humidity, so they may need a little extra attention if your kitchen is on the drier side. These beautiful plants can get quite large, so make sure you have enough space on a windowsill or countertop before bringing one home.
Coffee Plant (Coffea arabica)
As its name suggests, the coffee plant loves humid environments—making it a perfect fit for most kitchens. Coffee plants also enjoy filtered sunlight, so they’ll do well near an east- or west-facing window. These fast-growing plants can get quite large, so be prepared to repot them every year or two. And while you won’t be able to make coffee from the beans produced by your kitchen coffee plant, they does smell faintly of coffee when crushed—so you’ll at least get a little aromatherapy while cooking dinner.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ plant is another good option for dark corners and other low-light areas of the kitchen. This tropical plant is native to Africa, where it grows in dry forests and savannas. As a result, it’s very tolerant of drought and can go several weeks without water. Just be sure not to overwater your ZZ plant—too much water will kill it just as quickly as too little water will. If you’re Forgetting to water your plants regularly?
African Violet (Saintpaulia)
The African violet is a delicate flower that loves warm temperatures and humid environments—making it another good choice for the kitchen windowsill. These pretty flowers come in a wide range of colors, so you’re sure to find one that fits your decorating scheme. African violets need well-drained soil and should be watered from the bottom to avoid getting water on their leaves—which can cause brown spots. These plants also require regular fertilization—typically every two weeks during their growing season—to maintain their healthy bloom production. So if you’re looking for a pop of color in your kitchen with minimal effort required, an African violet may be the perfect choice for you.
Conclusion
No matter what type of environment your kitchen has, there’s a houseplant that will thrive in it! From low-light conditions to high humidity levels, there’s a plant out there that will fit perfectly into your home décor AND help purify the air in your kitchen! So what are you waiting for? Give one of these kitchen-friendly houseplants a try today!
