Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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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. This clump forming plant is perfect for borders, rock gardens, and native plantings. With its resilience and low maintenance needs, Libertia grandiflora is a versatile and attractive choice for NZ gardens.

Buy Libertia grandiflora (NZ Iris)

From $15.86

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

Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)

Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss Cheese or Fruit Salad Plant, is a popular indoor tropical plant loved for its striking, holey leaves and easy-care nature. This lush foliage plant brings an instant jungle vibe to any home or office, thriving in bright, indirect light with minimal fuss. Whether you're a seasoned plant parent or just starting, the Monstera deliciosa is a statement piece that’s both beautiful and forgiving, making it one of the best indoor plants in New Zealand.

Buy Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)

From $29.63

Suited to regions: Subtropical

Plant type: Indoor Plants

Height: 3.00 m

Spread: 3.00 m

Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Pool areas, Screening

Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern, Tropical, White

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.