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what are the best house plants

House plants are a simple way to transform your living space, improve air quality, and bring a touch of the natural world indoors. But when you’re wondering, what are the best house plants, the answer can depend on your style, available light, and how much care you want to provide. Below, you’ll find a mix of classic favourites and trending varieties that are popular with New Zealand plant lovers. Each one comes with its own unique character and benefits, perfectly suited for both beginner and experienced indoor gardeners.

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.

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
Ficus benjamina plant in black pot with lush green leaves

Ficus benjamina

5 from 5 customers

Ficus benjamina, known as the Weeping Fig, is a popular indoor plant in New Zealand, prized for its elegant, arching branches and glossy green foliage. It brings a touch of nature indoors and suits modern or classic interiors alike. Thriving in bright, indirect light, it prefers consistent watering and well-drained soil.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Indoor Plants
Height: 1.00 m
Spread: 60 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas, Topiary
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Tropical, White
Lomandra Lime Tuff in a garden showing elegant foliage.
Lomandra 'Lime Tuff'

Lomandra 'Lime Tuff' is a hardy evergreen ornamental grass valued for its vibrant lime green foliage and compact tidy growth habit. This versatile...

From$14.95
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
Carex comans green plants with dense, green foliage in a garden.
Carex comans 'Green'

Carex comans 'Green' is a NZ native, ornamental grass featuring slender and arching, lime green foliage. It grows as a tidy clump to about 40 cm tall...

From$11.50
Carex dissita (Purei) plant growing in a native garden.
Carex dissita (Purei)

Carex dissita, commonly known as Purei or Forest Sedge, features arching, mid-green leaves that radiate from a central clump. It typically grows to...

From$12.95
Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' plants in a cottage garden featuring orange flowers and lush green foliage.
Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' (Hot Poker Plant)

Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' is a variety of the commonly known Red Hot Poker, and is grown for its colourful flowers. Stems rise above the foliage...

From$20.63
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
Carex 'Frosted Curls' plants with elegant green foliage growing in a pot with other plants.
Carex 'Frosted Curls'

Carex 'Frosted Curls' is an ornamental grass with slender, hair-like, iridescent foliage that shimmers in light breezes. It typically grows to 30 cm...

From$11.50
Buxus harlandii shrub with dense, green foliage.
Buxus harlandii

Buxus harlandii grows to about 1 m tall and the same wide with charming, bright green leaves. Best results with this evergreen shrub are achieved...

From$17.95
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
Orange 'Best Seedless' orange fruit with orange flesh.
Orange 'Best Seedless'

The 'Best Seedless' Orange is a superb variety prized for its deliciously sweet, seedless fruit and easy-to-peel skin. Perfect for New Zealand...

From$369.95
Ophiopogon 'Kyoto' (Dwarf Mondo grass) growing between paving stones.
Ophiopogon 'Kyoto'

Ophiopogon 'Kyoto' is a Dwarf Mondo Grass and grows as a small clump with fine, dark green foliage. Flower spikes appear in summer bearing tiny...

From$6.95
Ophiopogon planiscapus (Mondo Grass) with lush green foliage growing as a ground cover.
Ophiopogon planiscapus

Ophiopogon planiscapus, commonly known as Dwarf Lilyturf, is a Mondo grass grown for its fine, dark green foliage and short stature. The foliage is...

From$6.95
An elegant Gardenia 'Professor Pucci' white flower.
Gardenia 'Professor Pucci'

Gardenia 'Professor Pucci' is a stunning evergreen shrub known for its exceptionally large, fragrant white blooms and glossy green foliage. Flowering...

From$18.95
Buxus koreana plant for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Buxus koreana (Korean Boxwood)

Buxus koreana, commonly known as Korean Box, is a cold-hardy, evergreen shrub ideal for low hedging and formal borders in New Zealand gardens. It...

From$17.95
Ophiopogon japonicus Silver Mist grass in a garden.
Ophiopogon 'Silver Mist' (Silver Mondo Grass)

Ophiopogon 'Silver Mist' is a dwarf silver Mondo Grass, and features fine, grass-like foliage that is variegated dark green and white. It typically...

From$6.95
A Gardenia radicans shrub looking amazing with lush foliage and white flowers.
Gardenia radicans

Gardenia radicans is a compact, low-growing shrub prized for its glossy green foliage and intensely fragrant white flowers. Blooming from late spring...

From$18.95
Ophiopogon japonicus nana (dwarf Mondo grass) growing between paving stones.
Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana'

Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana' is a dwarf or mini Mondo Grass grown for its delicate, dark green foliage. Flower spikes are borne in summer and bear...

From$9.95
Muehlenbeckia axillaris growing as a ground cover.
Muehlenbeckia axillaris (Creeping Wire Vine)

Muehlenbeckia axillaris, commonly known as Creeping Wire Vine, is a hardy New Zealand native groundcover with wiry stems and small, dark green...

From$20.63
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
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
Corokia Frosted Chocolate showcasing its lush green and brown foliage.
Corokia 'Frosted Chocolate'

Corokia 'Frosted Chocolate', commonly known as Korokio, is a hardy, NZ native shrub with lovely foliage and an interesting form. It grows as a mass...

From$17.95
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
native-plant-fertiliser-
Native Plant Fertiliser

Native Plant Fertiliser is specially formulated to support healthy growth in a wide range of NZ native plants. It provides balanced nutrition to...

From$16.95
half-litre-plant-pots-
0.5 Litre Plant Pots

0.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing young plants, herbs, seedlings, and smaller ornamentals. Their compact size makes them ideal...

From$23.04
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
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
15-litre-plant-pots-
1.5 Litre Plant Pots

1.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing young shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other developing plants. They provide useful...

From$27.36
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
plant-pots-
2.5 Litre Plant Pots

2.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical option for growing shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other developing plants. They provide ample root...

From$37.44
3-litre-plant-pots-
3.5 Litre Plant Pots

3.5 Litre Plant Pots are a versatile choice for growing shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other established plants. They provide generous root...

From$48.96
Radermachera sinica

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

Search what are the best house plants

Easy-Care House Plants

If you’re new to indoor gardening or want greenery that thrives with minimal fuss, these options are some of the best house plants for busy households.

Sansevieria Hahnii (Bird's Nest Snake Plant)
The Sansevieria Hahnii (Bird's Nest Snake Plant) is a top pick for anyone who’s just starting out. This compact house plant is famous for tolerating low light, irregular watering, and neglect—all while looking tidy and modern on a shelf or desk.

Dieffenbachia Camille
The lush, patterned leaves of Dieffenbachia Camille make it a striking indoor feature. This plant thrives in medium-light areas and adds instant visual interest to any room thanks to its bold variegation.

Trending Indoor Plant Favourites

Some house plants are must-haves for good reason—they’re stunning, adaptable, and easy to grow indoors.

Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)
If you ask seasoned gardeners “what are the best house plants for style?”, you’ll likely hear about Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant). Appreciated for its iconic split leaves, this eye-catching plant brings lush, tropical vibes to living rooms and offices alike.

Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant)
For true statement foliage, the Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant) is hard to beat. Its variegated leaves feature dramatic splashes of pink, cream, and green, instantly brightening low-light corners.

Tips for Choosing the Best House Plants

Selecting the best house plants for your home depends on several factors: - Lighting: Match your plant choice to your room’s natural light. Low-light options like Sansevieria and Dieffenbachia are ideal for dimmer corners, while Monstera and Stromanthe appreciate brighter spots. - Space: Consider the mature size of each plant; Monstera grows generously, while varieties like Hahnii stay more compact. - Care level: Pick species that match your schedule and experience level. If you travel often, opt for hardy, drought-tolerant choices.

While Lagerstroemia 'Best Red' is a stunning feature outdoors, the options above are ideal for inside your home.

Find Your Perfect Indoor Plant

Whether you prefer classic greenery, colourful foliage, or straightforward care, your search for what are the best house plants starts here. Explore the collection, discover the joy of indoor gardening, and let your home flourish with life and style.


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.

Start your garden with Corokia 'Frosted Chocolate' and Gardenia 'Veitchii', and add depth with lesser-known gems like Hibiscus 'Blushing Bride', Orange 'Fukumoto', and Plum Hawera.
–The Plant Company

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