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common nz house plants

Houseplants bring nature indoors and add a touch of serenity to every Kiwi home. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or just starting your indoor plant journey, knowing which plants thrive inside New Zealand houses can set you up for success. The best common NZ house plants are chosen for their beauty, hardiness, and ability to cope with a variety of indoor conditions, from bright living rooms to shady hallways. If you’re searching for popular, low-maintenance, and visually stunning indoor plants, this guide covers the top choices found in homes across New Zealand.

Libertia grandiflora plant with elegant white flowers and lush, dark green foliage.

Libertia grandiflora (NZ Iris)

Libertia grandiflora, commonly known as NZ Iris, is a hardy New Zealand native perennial admired for its elegant white flowers and sword like green foliage. Blooming in late spring to early summer, the flowers rise gracefully above the foliage, creating a striking display.

From $16.50

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Flaxes
Height: 60 cm
Spread: 75 cm
Flowering time: Spring
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native
A Radermachera sinica (Canton Lace) plant with lush and glossy, dark green foliage.

Radermachera sinica

Radermachera sinica, commonly known as the China Doll Plant or Canton Lace, is an evergreen shrub grown for its impressive foliage. This subtropical plant produces glossy, dark green foliage with a lacy appearance. The foliage is truly outstanding and is carried on slender stems.

From $515.35

Suited to regions: Subtropical
Plant type: Indoor Plants
Height: 6.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Tropical
Phormium tenax plant in a garden with green foliage.
Phormium tenax

Phormium tenax, commonly known as the NZ flax or Harakeke, is a flax plant that produces erect, green, sword-like leaves. Stems rise above the...

From$7.50
Coprosma acerosa growing on a sand dune.
Coprosma acerosa

Coprosma acerosa, also known as Sand Coprosma or Tātaraheke, is a hardy New Zealand native groundcover well-suited to exposed and coastal...

From$7.50
Orange foliage on Carex testacea.
Carex testacea

Carex testacea, commonly known as Orange Sedge, is a striking New Zealand native grass admired for its fine, arching foliage that turns a brilliant...

From$12.95
Juncus effusus plants growing in water.
Juncus effusus (Soft Rush Plant)

Juncus effusus (Spiral Rush) is an eye catching rush valued for its distinctive twisting green stems, compact clumping habit, and strong...

From$16.49
Coprosma kirkii green foliage held on yellow stems.
Coprosma kirkii

Coprosma kirkii, commonly known as Creeping Coprosma, is a hardy NZ native groundcover shrub valued for its dense, trailing habit and small glossy...

From$17.95
Juncus edgariae (Wiwi) plants growing in a wetland.
Juncus edgariae (Edgar's Rush)

Juncus edgariae, commonly known as Wiwi, is the most prevalent species of Rush in New Zealand and grows as a tight clump with bright green, stem-like...

From$16.49
Griselinia Broadway Mint hedge with lush, green foliage.
Griselinia 'Broadway Mint'

Griselinia Broadway Mint, commonly known as NZ Broadleaf, is a fast-growing, evergreen New Zealand native shrub prized for its dense, glossy...

From$12.95
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant) bright red foliage.
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant)

Sedum rubrotinctum, commonly known as Jelly Bean Plant or Pork and Beans Plant, is a compact, low-growing succulent reaching 15–20 cm tall and...

From$21.39
zamioculcas-black-knight-
Zamioculcas Black Knight (Zamioculcas Plant)

Zamioculcas Black Knight is a very popular indoor plant owing to its dark and showy foliage. It grows as a clump and produces upright fronds which...

From$41.33
clianthus-puniceus-
Clianthus puniceus (Parrot Beak Plant)

Clianthus puniceus (Kakabeak) is a spectacular New Zealand native shrub renowned for its striking clusters of brilliant red, beak shaped flowers that...

From$44.09
agave-americana-variegata--1
Agave americana 'Variegata' (Variegated Century Plant)

Agave americana 'Variegata' is a striking evergreen succulent valued for its bold architectural form and strongly variegated foliage. It forms a...

From$15.95
Dietes iridioides (African Iris) flowers amidst dark green foliage.
Dietes iridioides (African Iris)

Dietes iridioides, commonly known as the African Iris or Fortnight Lily, is a hardy, evergreen perennial native to southern Africa. It features...

From$17.87
callisia-bubbles--3
Callisia repens

Callisia repens goes by several common names such as the Bubbles Plant, Turtle Vine, and Pin Panther Plant. The Turtle Vine is a very popular indoor...

From$24.95
strelitzia-nicolai-
Strelitzia nicolai (White Bird Of Paradise Plant)

Strelitzia nicolai (Giant White Bird Of Paradise) is a bold, architectural plant known for its large banana like leaves and striking white and blue...

From$44.09
Artemisia 'Powis Castle' plants in a border with lush, grey foliage.
Artemisia 'Powis Castle' (Common Wormwood)

Artemisia 'Powis Castle' (Common Wormwood) is a popular evergreen shrub admired for its finely divided silver grey foliage and soft aromatic scent...

From$22.01
White flowers on a Cistus 'Snowmound' plant with green foliage.
Cistus 'Snowmound' (White Rock Rose Plant)

Cistus ‘Snowmound’ is a compact evergreen shrub that produces a breathtaking display of pure white flowers with golden-yellow centres from late...

From$24.77
rose-golden-celebration-
Rose 'Golden Celebration'

'Golden Celebration' Rose is an outstanding English rose celebrated for its large rich golden yellow blooms, strong fragrance, repeat flowering, and...

From$38.57
Metrosideros excelsa (Pohutukawa) specimen tree with masses of red flowers in a coastal location.
Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

Metrosideros excelsa, commonly known as Pōhutukawa or the New Zealand Christmas Tree, is a coastal evergreen renowned for its brilliant red flowers...

From$30.29
Disphyma australe pink flowers and fleshy, green leaves.
Disphyma australe (NZ Ice Plant)

Disphyma australe, commonly known as NZ Ice Plant, is a hardy and attractive groundcover valued for its fleshy, bright green foliage and striking...

From$19.50
taxodium-distichum-
Taxodium distichum (Bald Cypress)

Taxodium distichum (Swamp Cypress) is a magnificent deciduous conifer admired for its soft feathery foliage, strong upright form, and spectacular...

From$387.55
10-litre-plant-pots-
10 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$5.76
Moss pole for plants.
Moss Pole For Plants (Moss Pole For Plants)

These moss poles for plants are made from Coir Fibre (i.e., the husks of coconuts). They are an eco-friendly option to help plants grow healthier and...

From$6.90
70-windbreak-2
Shadecloth - 70% Shade (Shade Cloth For Plants)

This shade cloth for plants, which is also used as plant windbreaks, reduces light levels and windspeeds by 70%. Therefore, 30% of the wind or light...

From$499.80
fertiliser-for-acid-loving-plants-
Fertiliser for acid loving plants

Fertiliser for acid loving plants provides targeted nutrition for plants that perform best in acidic soil conditions. It helps support healthy...

From$7.95
A strong and studry planting spade.
Ace1 Planting Spade

The Ace 1 planting spade is a must for any gardener. This spade is designed so it can penetrate the ground easily without jarring the wrists in the...

From$225.86
indoor-plant-fertiliser-tablets-1
Indoor Plant Fertiliser Tablets

Indoor plants require feeding from the time you get them home as nurseries typically only put enough fertiliser in the pots to last 4-8 weeks after...

From$34.95
turfix-lawn-herbicide-1
TURFIX

TURFIX is a common herbicide used to control the most common broadleaf weeds and clovers in new and established lawns. It will control Clover...

From$115.67
The best Citrus fertiliser in NZ
Citrus Fertiliser

Applying the correct citrus fertiliser in NZ is essential for achieving better quality fruit, higher yields, and a much healthier and...

From$16.95
5-litre-plant-pots-
5 Litre Plant Pots

5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing larger shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and young trees. They provide generous root space to...

From$79.20
indoor-plant-fertiliser-
Indoor Plant Fertiliser

All potted plants require indoor plant fertiliser. This is particularly important as many nurseries only put enough fertiliser in the pots to last...

From$16.95
Libertia grandiflora (NZ Iris)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Carex, Coprosma, and Griselinia, or related Categories - Flaxes, Grasses, and Groundcover Plants.

Search common nz house plants

Monstera and Other Classic Foliage Favorites

Few common NZ house plants create as much impact as Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant). Loved for its large, fenestrated leaves, the Monstera makes a bold statement in any room and is surprisingly easy to grow. It’s adaptable to most indoor environments, thriving in bright, indirect light and tolerating occasional forgetfulness when it comes to watering. Alongside the Monstera, the Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant) stands out for its eye-catching variegated foliage—a perfect choice for those wanting colour and pattern in their indoor jungles.

Colour and Texture with Succulents

Succulents continue to trend as favourite common NZ house plants thanks to their drought tolerance and quirky looks. The Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant) adds a playful element to windowsills and shelves, with its plump, jellybean-like leaves blushing red with plenty of sunlight. Succulents like this one are perfect for beginners or busy households since they require little care beyond plenty of light and infrequent watering.

Bringing a Bit of New Zealand Indoors

If you want to add a truly local flavour to your houseplant collection, consider the Carex maorica (NZ Sedge). This New Zealand native brings graceful, fine texture to a container indoors and is especially suited to bathrooms or conservatories where humidity is higher. Pair it with other houseplants for a lush, natural look that celebrates Aotearoa’s unique flora.

Unusual Picks for Kiwi Homes

Some common NZ house plants surprise with their striking flowers and unusual forms. While typically grown outdoors, compact versions of flowering perennials like the Kniphofia Dwarf Scarlet (Hot Poker Plant) can also brighten well-lit indoor spaces, offering bold colour and sculptural interest.

Find Your Next Favourite Houseplant

Whether you love classic foliage plants, native grass-like species, or resilient succulents, there’s a perfect fit among the common NZ house plants highlighted here. Explore stunning options like Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant), playful succulents such as Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant), or embrace beautiful natives with Carex maorica (NZ Sedge). With the right selection and a bit of care, your indoor space can flourish with greenery year-round.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Our most famous blooms include Azara microphylla and Corokia 'Mangatangi', but some of our best-kept secrets are Wisteria 'Caroline', Prunus 'Okame', and Acer negundo 'Violaceum' — underrated beauties ready to shine.
–The Plant Company

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