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what are the best indoor plants to grow

If you're searching for what are the best indoor plants to grow in New Zealand, you're in the right place. Indoor plants do more than just freshen up your décor—they improve air quality, boost mood, and bring a touch of nature to your home. Whether you’re after something easy-care for a sunny windowsill or a statement piece for your living space, there’s an indoor plant to suit your needs. Here, we’ll share our expert recommendations so you can start building your own thriving indoor jungle.

Dracaena Anita plant in a pot.

Dracaena 'Anita'

Dracaena ‘Anita’ is an elegant indoor plant with fine, arching, deep green leaves that create a soft, fountain-like effect. Its slim canes and lush foliage make it a stylish choice for adding greenery to modern interiors without overpowering the space. Thriving in bright, indirect light, it’s easy to maintain and drought-tolerant once established.

From $50.99

Suited to regions: Subtropical
Plant type: Indoor Plants
Height: 1.00 m
Spread: 50 cm
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Tropical
Ficus elastica 'Ruby' plants with colourful foliage.

Ficus 'Ruby'

Ficus 'Ruby' is a popular indoor plant owing to its amazing, tri-coloured foliage. The large, glossy leaves are variegated with dark red, pink, and cream, and are held off a solitary stem as it grows to 80 cm tall and 50 cm wide. Ficus 'Ruby' is commonly grown as a potted plant in offices and homes.

From $37.19

Suited to regions: Subtropical
Plant type: Indoor Plants
Height: 80 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Tropical
Ficus Black Knight growing in a pot with lush, dark foliage.
Ficus 'Black Knight'

Ficus ‘Black Knight’ is a striking indoor plant characterised by its large, glossy leaves, which range from deep green to nearly black tones. This...

From$99.52
Ficus benjamina 'variegata' foliage.
Ficus benjamina variegata

Ficus benjamina 'Variegata' is a popular indoor plant owing to its colourful foliage. It has a short trunk that supports a dense canopy of dark green...

From$71.69
Stromanthe triostar plant.
Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant)

Stromanthe Triostar is a popular indoor plant owing to its lush and colourful foliage. It features elegant, dark green, pink, and cream-coloured...

From$33.05
Syngonium White Butterfly plants with elegant green foliage.
Syngonium 'White Butterfly'

Syngonium 'White Butterfly' is a beautiful indoor plant admired for its creamy white leaves edged with soft green. It is a vigorous grower and brings...

From$38.57
Ficus benjamina plant in black pot with lush green leaves
Ficus benjamina

Ficus benjamina, known as the Weeping Fig, is a popular indoor plant in New Zealand, prized for its elegant, arching branches and glossy green...

From$30.29
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
Ficus benjamina 'Starlight' variegated foliage.
Ficus benjamina 'Starlight'

Ficus benjamina ‘Starlight’ is a striking indoor plant admired for its glossy green leaves edged in creamy white. This variegated form of the popular...

From$30.29
Chlorophytum comosum variegatum plants growing in pots on a shelf.
Chlorophytum comosum 'Variegatum'

Chlorophytum comosum 'Variegatum' (Spider Plant) is a popular evergreen perennial valued for its arching green and white striped foliage and easy...

From$39.95
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...

From$515.35
beaucarnea-recurvata-
Beaucarnea recurvata (Pony Palm)

Beaucarnea recurvata (Ponytail Palm) is a distinctive ornamental plant admired for its swollen trunk base and long arching leaves. This unique plant...

From$71.69
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
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
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
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
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
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$34.95
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
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
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
potting-media-
Nursery Grade Growing Media

The Plant Company growing media is top of the line and used by the best commercial nurseries. This blend has been developed over many years to...

From$29.75
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
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
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
pb-8-planter-bags-1
PB8 Planter Bags (Mushroom Grow Bags)

PB8 Planter Bags are a practical and economical option for growing larger trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and other established nursery stock...

From$51.69
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
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
native-plant-fertiliser-
Native Plant Fertiliser (Native Fertiliser)

Selecting the correct native plant fertiliser is essential as they often tend to be slow growing and so require a tailored nutrient plan to meet...

From$16.95
35-litre-planter-bags-4
35L Planter Bags (Grow Bags For Potatoes)

35L Planter Bags are a practical and durable option for growing trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and larger nursery stock. Their flexible...

From$8.93
pb-40-planter-bags-
PB40 Planter Bags (Tomato Grow Bag)

PB40 Planter Bags are a durable and practical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and advanced nursery stock. Their...

From$121.64
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
Dracaena 'Anita'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Callisia, Chlorophytum, and Dracaena, or related Categories - Indoor Plants.

Search what are the best indoor plants to grow

Why Grow Indoor Plants?

Growing indoor plants is about more than just aesthetics. Houseplants can help purify the air, regulate humidity, and reduce stress. Many indoor varieties are surprisingly low-maintenance, making them ideal for both beginners and seasoned plant owners. Choosing the right plant means considering your home’s light conditions, temperature, and humidity as well as your lifestyle.

Top Easy-Care Indoor Plants

If you’re wondering what are the best indoor plants to grow for beginners, start with these tried-and-true classics:

Sansevieria Hahnii (Bird's Nest Snake Plant)

Known for its bold, upright leaves, Sansevieria Hahnii (Bird's Nest Snake Plant) is exceptionally hardy. It thrives in low to bright, indirect light, and needs only occasional watering. Its compact size makes it perfect for desks or small shelves.

Sansevieria Black Coral

Another tough-as-nails favourite is Sansevieria Black Coral. With striking dark green leaves and silver banding, it brings modern style and is nearly impossible to kill. Sansevieria varieties are also renowned for their air-purifying abilities.

Best Indoor Plants for Statement Foliage

For those seeking vibrant colour or dramatic leaf shapes, consider adding these standouts:

Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant)

With its striking pink, white, and green foliage, the Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant) is a real showstopper. It prefers bright, indirect light and a humid spot—perfect for kitchens or bathrooms.

Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)

The timeless Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) delivers bold, hole-punched leaves. Let it climb or trail in a bright room for instant jungle vibes. Monsteras are forgiving and adapt well to typical home conditions.

Phlebodium aureum Blue Star (Blue Star Fern)

For lush, blue-green fronds, try Phlebodium aureum Blue Star (Blue Star Fern). This unique fern is both eye-catching and easy to grow, especially in moderately humid spots out of direct sunlight.

How to Choose the Best Indoor Plant for You

When deciding what are the best indoor plants to grow for your home, consider your available light and time for care. Low-light spaces suit snake plants and ferns, while brightly lit rooms can showcase colourful foliage plants like Stromanthe or Monstera. Mixing varieties gives you a combination of textures, colours, and care needs.

Ready to start your collection? Browse our indoor range to find the perfect plant—whether you love easy-care options or bold, decorative leaves—and enjoy the many benefits of bringing greenery indoors.

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.
Garden icons like Magnolia stellata 'Waterlily' and Lomandra Lime Tuff lead the way, but there’s magic in discovering Pandorea jasminoides variegata, Chrysopogon zizanioides, and Corokia 'Geentys Ghost'.
–The Plant Company

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