Kitchens are a perfect place for plants. They add a fresh, vibrant feel, improve air quality, and can even be practical if you choose edible varieties. Whether you have a sunny windowsill or a dim corner, there’s a plant that can thrive in your kitchen. Here are the best plants for the kitchen to enhance your cooking space.
1. Herbs (Basil, Mint, Parsley, and More)
Why they’re perfect: Herbs are not only functional but also bring a fresh aroma to the kitchen. They thrive in the warm, sunny environment often found in kitchens.
Care tips: Place them on a bright windowsill, water them regularly, and trim often to encourage growth.
2. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Why it’s perfect: This adaptable plant is great for kitchens, as it tolerates a range of light levels and helps purify the air.
Care tips: Water when the soil feels dry and place in bright, indirect light.
3. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)
Why it’s perfect: Aloe vera is both decorative and practical, as its gel can be used to soothe minor burns—a handy feature in a cooking space.
Care tips: Place in bright, indirect light and water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry between waterings.
4. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Why it’s perfect: Pothos is low-maintenance and can thrive in a range of light conditions, even in the low-light corners of your kitchen. Its trailing vines can add a natural touch to shelves or cabinets.
Care tips: Water when the soil feels dry and prune the vines as needed.
5. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Why it’s perfect: Snake plants are nearly indestructible and great for purifying the air in your kitchen. They tolerate low light and infrequent watering.
Care tips: Allow the soil to dry completely between waterings and avoid overwatering.
6. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Why it’s perfect: English ivy’s trailing vines are perfect for hanging baskets or letting cascade from shelves. It’s also an effective air purifier.
Care tips: Provide bright, indirect light and keep the soil evenly moist.
7. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
Why it’s perfect: True to its name, this plant is hardy and can survive the occasional kitchen chaos. It’s also tolerant of low light and fluctuating temperatures.
Care tips: Water when the topsoil feels dry and avoid overwatering.
8. Philodendrons (e.g., Philodendron brasil, Philodendron hederaceum)
Why they’re perfect: These trailing plants thrive in indirect light and add a tropical vibe to your kitchen. Their low-maintenance nature makes them ideal for busy households.
Care tips: Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
9. Lemon or Lime Tree (Dwarf Varieties)
Why it’s perfect: A small citrus tree can bring a Mediterranean feel to your kitchen. Plus, the fresh scent and edible fruit are bonuses.
Care tips: Place in a sunny spot and keep the soil moist but not soggy.
10. Chili Pepper Plants
Why they’re perfect: Chili plants are compact, vibrant, and practical. They grow well indoors and can provide a regular supply of fresh chilies.
Care tips: Keep them in bright light and water when the soil starts to dry out.
11. Succulents and Cacti
Why they’re perfect: Succulents and cacti add a modern touch to kitchen decor and require minimal care.
Care tips: Place them in a bright spot and water sparingly, letting the soil dry out completely between waterings.
12. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Why it’s perfect: ZZ plants are nearly indestructible and thrive in a variety of light conditions, making them a great option for busy kitchens.
Care tips: Allow the soil to dry out between waterings and avoid direct sunlight.
13. Orchids (e.g., Phalaenopsis)
Why they’re perfect: Orchids bring a touch of elegance to the kitchen and thrive in the warm, humid environment created by cooking.
Care tips: Provide indirect light and water sparingly, letting the roots dry between waterings.
14. Thyme and Rosemary
Why they’re perfect: These woody herbs are compact and add a delightful fragrance to your kitchen. They’re also practical for cooking.
Care tips: Place in a sunny spot, water when the soil feels dry, and prune regularly to encourage new growth.
15. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
Why it’s perfect: If you have space, a fiddle leaf fig can make a bold statement in your kitchen. Its large, glossy leaves are striking and thrive in bright, indirect light.
Care tips: Keep the soil moist but not soggy and rotate the plant occasionally for even growth.
Here are even more plants that are excellent choices for your kitchen:
16. Golden Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus grusonii)
Why it’s perfect: This compact cactus is ideal for sunny kitchen windowsills and adds a fun, spiky texture to the space.
Care tips: Place in bright, direct light and water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings.
17. Air Plants (Tillandsia)
Why they’re perfect: Air plants are incredibly versatile and don’t require soil, making them easy to display in creative ways, such as in glass terrariums or hanging from shelves.
Care tips: Mist them with water 2-3 times a week or soak them in water for 20 minutes weekly.
18. Calathea (e.g., Calathea orbifolia, Calathea lancifolia)
Why it’s perfect: Calatheas thrive in humid environments like kitchens and bring striking patterned leaves to the space.
Care tips: Provide indirect light, keep the soil consistently moist, and mist the leaves regularly.
19. Tradescantia (Tradescantia zebrina, Tradescantia pallida)
Why it’s perfect: Known for its colorful trailing foliage, tradescantia is a fast-growing plant that can brighten up any kitchen.
Care tips: Place in bright, indirect light and water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
20. Monstera (Monstera deliciosa)
Why it’s perfect: If you have space, a monstera adds a tropical feel to the kitchen with its large, perforated leaves.
Care tips: Provide bright, indirect light and water when the topsoil feels dry.
21. Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)
Why it’s perfect: This compact, cheerful plant with round, coin-like leaves is perfect for a countertop or small windowsill.
Care tips: Place in bright, indirect light and water when the soil feels dry.
22. Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis)
Why it’s perfect: Bay laurel is an aromatic herb often used in cooking, and it can grow well in pots indoors.
Care tips: Keep it in a sunny spot and water when the topsoil feels dry. Prune regularly to encourage new growth.
23. Peperomia (e.g., Peperomia obtusifolia, Peperomia argyreia)
Why it’s perfect: Peperomia plants are compact, low-maintenance, and come in a variety of leaf shapes and colors.
Care tips: Provide bright, indirect light and water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
24. Hanging Ferns (e.g., Nephrolepis exaltata, Davallia fejeensis)
Why they’re perfect: Hanging ferns are a great way to use vertical space in a kitchen, adding greenery without taking up counter space.
Care tips: Place in indirect light and mist regularly to maintain humidity.
25. Kalanchoe
Why it’s perfect: This succulent features vibrant, long-lasting blooms, making it a decorative addition to your kitchen.
Care tips: Place in bright, indirect light and water sparingly.
26. Dwarf Banana Plant (Musa acuminata)
Why it’s perfect: If you have room, a dwarf banana plant adds an exotic feel to your kitchen. It enjoys the humidity and warmth of the space.
Care tips: Provide bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist but not soggy.
27. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Why it’s perfect: Jade plants are resilient succulents with a clean, structured look that works well on countertops or shelves.
Care tips: Place in bright light and water only when the soil is completely dry.
28. Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
Why they’re perfect: Chives are an easy-to-grow herb that adds fresh flavor to dishes and thrives on a sunny windowsill.
Care tips: Provide bright light and water regularly to keep the soil moist.
29. Oxalis (Oxalis triangularis)
Why it’s perfect: This plant, with its striking purple, clover-like leaves, adds a pop of color to the kitchen.
Care tips: Place in bright, indirect light and water when the soil feels dry.
30. Mint (in Containers)
Why it’s perfect: Mint is a vigorous grower that thrives indoors in kitchens, providing fresh leaves for tea, desserts, and savory dishes.
Care tips: Keep in bright, indirect light and water regularly. Grow it in a container to prevent spreading.
Tips for Choosing Kitchen Plants
- Compact Options: For small kitchens, focus on compact plants like herbs, succulents, or trailing varieties.
- Hanging Plants: Save counter space by using hanging planters or wall-mounted pots.
- Edible Choices: Incorporate edible plants like herbs or fruit-bearing varieties for both practicality and beauty.
- Decorative vs. Practical: Combine ornamental plants with functional ones to create a balanced, inviting space.
With these plants, your kitchen can become a thriving, green hub that’s both beautiful and functional!
Tips for Kitchen Plant Care
- Light: Choose plants suited to your kitchen’s lighting—some thrive in bright, sunny windows, while others prefer low light.
- Humidity: Kitchens often have higher humidity levels, which most plants enjoy. Mist plants that need extra moisture.
- Temperature: Keep plants away from direct heat sources like stoves and avoid placing them near cold drafts.
- Cleanliness: Wipe down leaves occasionally to remove grease and dust buildup.
With these plants, your kitchen can become a green, inviting space that not only looks great but also serves as a functional and relaxing environment for cooking and gathering.
