Top 10 Best Indoor Plants for Your New Zealand Home

Looking to green up your home with indoor plants that fit your space, lifestyle, and light conditions? Here's a quick guide to 15 of the best indoor plants, complete with their care level, ideal locations, and pet-friendliness.

1. Monstera Deliciosa

Swiss Cheese Plant
Often admired for its dramatic, split leaves and tropical look, Monstera Deliciosa is a low-maintenance stunner that can climb and sprawl indoors with ease. Its large, fenestrated leaves give any space a bold jungle vibe—perfect for plant lovers who want impact without too much fuss.

Watering: When top 2–3 cm of soil is dry
Sunlight: Bright, indirect light
Best Rooms: Living room, study, wide entryways
Toxic to Pets: Yes
👉 [Learn more about Monstera Deliciosa]

2. Snake Plant

Sansevieria trifasciata
This architectural beauty thrives on neglect. With upright, sword-shaped leaves, the snake plant is perfect for beginners or anyone wanting a plant that thrives with minimal care. It even purifies the air!

Watering: Allow soil to dry completely between watering's.
Sunlight: Low to bright, indirect light
Best Rooms: Bedroom, office, low-light corners
Toxic to Pets: Mildly toxic
👉 [Detailed Snake Plant buying guide]

3. Peace Lily

Spathiphyllum
Known for its graceful white blooms and dark green leaves, the peace lily thrives in average home conditions. It's also celebrated for its air-purifying qualities.

Watering: Keep soil lightly moist
Sunlight: Low to moderate, indirect
Best Rooms: Office, bedroom, shaded areas
Toxic to Pets: Yes
👉 [Peace Lily care tips]

4. Spider Plant

Chlorophytum comosum
This classic houseplant is famous for its cascading leaves and easy propagation. Spider plants adapt well to a variety of indoor conditions and are perfect for hanging baskets.

Watering: Keep lightly moist in warmer months; allow to dry slightly in cooler seasons
Sunlight: Moderate to bright, indirect light
Best Rooms: Kitchen, bathroom, shelf edges
Toxic to Pets: No
👉 [Detailed Spider Plant Buying Guide]

5. Fiddle-Leaf Fig

Ficus lyrata
Fiddle-leaf figs are a go-to for adding bold greenery. Their oversized, violin-shaped leaves love light and consistency. Be patient with this beauty—it’s picky but worth it.
‍‍Watering: Let top soil dry slightly before watering
Sunlight: Bright, indirect light
Best Rooms: Living room, bright corners
Toxic to Pets: Yes
👉 [Learn more about the Fiddle-Leaf Fig]

6. Rubber Plant

Ficus elastica
With glossy, broad leaves in green or burgundy, the rubber plant is a favorite for bold style and easy care. It’s forgiving of missed waterings once established.‍Watering: When topsoil dries out
Sunlight: Moderate to bright, indirect light
Best Rooms: Living room, office
Toxic to Pets: Yes
👉 [More about Rubber Plants]

7. Weeping Fig

Ficus benjamina
A classic indoor tree with arching branches and glossy leaves. Can be sensitive to change, but a great fit for stable environments with good light.

Watering: Keep soil slightly moist
Sunlight: Bright, indirect light
Best Rooms: Office, living room
Toxic to Pets: Yes
👉 [Explore Weeping Fig Buying Guide]

8. Lady’s Slipper Orchid

Paphiopedilum
This cool-growing orchid features pouch-like blooms that last for weeks. Loves moderate light and steady moisture.‍Watering: Keep lightly moist
Sunlight: Moderate light
Best Rooms: East or west-facing rooms
Toxic to Pets: No
👉 [Learn more about Lady’s Slipper Orchid]

9. Heartleaf Philodendron

Philodendron scandens oxycardium
This trailing sweetheart is ultra forgiving and thrives in medium light. Perfect for shelves and hanging baskets.

Watering: When top 2–3 cm of soil dries.
Sunlight: Moderate to bright, indirect
Best Rooms: Bedroom, shelves, hanging spots
Toxic to Pets: Yes
👉 [All about Heartleaf Philodendron]

10. Blushing Philodendron

Philodendron erubescens
Reddish stems and dramatic foliage make this a standout climbing philodendron. Train it up a moss pole for a vertical statement.‍Watering: Let top layer dry between waterings
Sunlight: Bright, indirect
Best Rooms: Living room, plant wall
Toxic to Pets: Yes
👉 [Read about Blushing Philodendron]