Houseplants for Kitchen | 10 Best Picks + Plant Care Tips

Emily Wilson

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Adding plants to your kitchen space can boost the oxygen levels in the area. They can also improve your creativity, reduce stress, and uplift your mood. But which houseplants for kitchen should you get?

English Ivy is one of the best houseplants for kitchens. Not only are they low maintenance, but they look absolutely divine. Apart from this, there are also a lot of similar plants you can get such as spider plants, snake plants, cast iron plants, and aloe vera.

Let’s check them out!

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English Ivy

English Ivy is a favorite among many.  At first glance, its vines might look like a hassle to care for, but they’re not at all. It’s a foliage plant that spreads out beautifully and is highly adaptable to different environments.

An English Ivy likes medium light, but it still thrives well even under low light. Plus, it absorbs formaldehyde in the air to keep it fresh.

Depending on your preference, you can place it on pots or hanging baskets. If you have time, you can even arrange them as a topiary!

Spider Plant

Another low-maintenance plant on the list is the spider plant. They especially look amazing on hanging baskets too. Hence, they won’t be occupying counter space which is great for smaller kitchens. As long as they’re under indirect light, spider plants actively grow out offshoots that make them look even better!

In addition, a spider plant can purify the air, neutralize odor, and remove pollutants from your kitchen! 

Snake Plant

Snake plants thrive when you leave them alone. With that said, they need little to no sunlight or water. A snake plant can get large, though. However, they still won’t take up too much floor space as they are more tall than wide. 

You can keep your snake plant at home all day, and commit to watering them once every two weeks or once a month. Or, you can just check the soil every once in a while and water it when it gets too dry!

Cast Iron Plant

For those who want something with close to zero maintenance needed, consider getting a Cast Iron Plant. Cast Iron Plants thrive almost ANYWHERE – in low light, inconsistent temperatures, and even with little watering. So even if you forget about it, it’s probably still doing fine!

These are the types of indoor plants that can simply sit pretty in one corner with little to no issue. It will take a lot to kill this plant, and that’s what makes it very appealing.

Aloe Vera

If you have a lot of windows in your kitchen, then an aloe vera plant will thrive in your space. Aloe Veras, also known as the ’plant of immortality, are all-rounder. You can use them to treat minor burns and to keep the hair and skin healthy and smooth.

With one sitting conveniently in the kitchen, all you have to do is pinch off a leaf, take away the spines, and squeeze out the gel-like substance inside it. Then, just rub it onto the burn and enjoy its cooling effects. 

Aluminum Plant

If you’re looking for something more styling, consider getting an Aluminum plant. The highlight of this plant is its metallic, shiny green leaves that just steal the spotlight. These also look best on a hanging basket so it also helps you maximize your space.

Aluminum plants are relatively easy to care for as well. You just have to keep them away from hot or cold areas like by the stove or AC unit. 

Herbs

If you frequent the kitchen to cook dishes of all sorts, then you’ll love having fresh herbs around all year long. In order to effectively grow herbs, you’ll need an area that’s abundant with direct sunlight for most days. If not, then you can use a grow light as an alternative. 

Here’s a quick list of the easiest herb types that you can grow in your kitchen:

  • Parsley
  • Mint
  • Chives
  • Thyme
  • Rosemary
  • Basin
  • Cilantro
  • Oregano 

Rubber Tree

A rubber tree is also a good pick for those who want something large and bold. Rubber trees are highly adaptable. They can grow large in normal conditions, but have limited growth when kept indoors which is convenient! 

The best part? There are a lot of rubber tree varieties, and they all differ in colors. So, you are free to pick the best-suited type for your interior! 

Air Plant

Another interesting plant you can get are air plants. Air plants are epiphytes and grow without soil. However, it needs to be hung in an area abundant in natural light for it to thrive. To water an air plant, all you need to do is mist it every once in a while or rinse it once a week and let it air dry. 

Succulents

Succulents are best for those who like smaller plants that come in all forms and shapes. Unlike the other aforementioned plants, succulents need to be placed by a sunny window. However, they’re still relatively low-maintenance as they don’t need to be watered very often. 

Here are some of the most popular succulent species:

  • Echeveria
  • Aloe vera
  • Crassula
  • Kalanchoe
  • Haworthia
  • Sedum 

Is It Okay To Keep Plants In The Kitchen?

As long as you take good care of your plants, there’s no problem with having plants in your kitchen. In a kitchen setup, you can go two routes – produce-bearing plants or low-maintenance plants. 

Produce-bearing plants are great choices for those who constantly cook. It saves money and it’s highly convenient as you won’t have to run to the store to get your goods.

However, these plants may need more bright light and attention than other plants. On the other hand, low-maintenance plants are those you’d want to get just for aesthetics. Not only are they beautiful, but they also need little to no supervision to survive. 

Benefits of Getting Kitchen Plants

On the contrary, there are a lot of benefits to keeping kitchen plants. For one, it is the easiest way to beautify your interiors. No need to overthink about which colors to get, or whether it matches the design of your kitchen set. Plants look good with anything. 

Apart from that, plants also keep the air fresh and help keep your place cool. Unwanted odors don’t stay for too long with plants around! Furthermore, there are a lot of fruit-bearing plants that can be grown in your kitchen. No need to go out to buy the goods you need!

Here are some other benefits of getting new plants for your kitchen:

  • increases oxygen levels and eases breathing
  • removes toxins and indoor air pollutants 
  • increases humidity and prevent breathing problems
  • helps improve your mood and focus

Conclusion

The best kitchen plants will have any or both of two characteristics – fruit-bearing or low maintenance. Fruit-bearing plants are best for home cooks who want to save money, while low-maintenance plants are suitable for practically anybody. 

There are a lot of plants you can grow in your kitchen. That includes English Ivy, Spider plants, Snake plants, succulents, rubber trees, air plants, herbs, aluminum plants, aloe vera, and cast iron plants.

There’s no ‘best’ among the rest. Instead, the best houseplant for your kitchen will ultimately depend on how much time you’re willing to commit to caring for it. 

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