Best indoor plants in Australia: how to choose, care & style

There’s a reason indoor plants never really go out of style. They bring softness to hard lines. They add life to quiet corners. And they make a room feel finished—like someone actually lives there.

The trick is choosing plants that suit your home, not someone else’s feed. A bright living room can handle bold, sculptural leaves. A shaded hallway needs tougher, low-fuss greenery. And if your week is busy, the “best” plant is the one that won’t punish you for missing a watering day.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the best indoor plants for Australian homes—what to buy, where to place it, and how to keep it looking good without turning plant care into a second job.

Key takeaways

• Plants can support fresher indoor air, but ventilation still matters most – UTS testing found an indoor green wall removed 97% of the most toxic petrol-related VOCs in 8 hours in sealed-chamber conditions; in real homes, results vary with airflow, cleaning, and fresh-air ventilation.
• Choose plants based on light, size and maintenance – Hardy species like ZZ plants, devil’s ivy and snake plants tolerate low light and neglect, whereas larger “statement” plants (monstera, fiddle leaf fig) need space and regular care.
• Always consider pet safety – Some popular plants (peace lily, monstera, pothos) are toxic to cats and dogs.
• Get the basics right (and keep it safe) – Use a pot with drainage, a well-draining mix, and bright indirect light. Water only when the top few centimetres feel dry. When handling potting mix, wear gloves and a mask, open bags slowly in a ventilated area, dampen the mix to cut dust, and wash hands after.
• Style plants like a design finish, not an afterthought – Mix one larger plant with smaller layers for balance. Match pot tones to your home’s metals and materials so timber, stone and tapware feel cohesive.

At a glance: the best indoor plants by room, light and lifestyle

If your bathroom is short on natural light, upgrading your bathroom lighting ideas first can make plants far easier to keep alive.

How we chose these recommended indoor plants

We chose plants that suit real Australian homes. That means heat, air-con, busy weeks, and rooms that do not get perfect light.

Our shortlist favours plants that are:

• Easy to live with (forgiving watering needs)
• Widely available in Australia (nurseries and trusted retailers)
• Good for common rooms (living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms)
• Clear on safety (we flag common pet risks and safer options)
• Supported by credible guidance (health and safety advice comes from Australian authorities)

Why bring indoor plants into your home?

Clean air and wellness

Indoor plants can do more than look good—they can subtly improve how a room feels, and in certain conditions they may also help with aspects of indoor air quality. In controlled studies (including Australian research), plants and their potting media have been shown to reduce some volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Office-based research has also reported more modest CO₂ reductions—often around 10–25%, depending on variables like ventilation, room size, and the number of plants. There’s also evidence that foliage plants can reduce dust settling on indoor surfaces by up to ~20%, which can contribute to a “cleaner” feel in day-to-day living.

Australians spend 90% or more of their time indoors, so bringing nature inside can be a simple, practical way to make everyday spaces feel better to live in.

🔹Nero Reality check: These effects are most noticeable when conditions are right, and they’re not a substitute for fresh air. In real homes, ventilation and low-VOC choices (like well-aired paints, adhesives, and furnishings) still do most of the heavy lifting—plants are best thought of as a supportive layer that complements good airflow and sensible material choices. For practical, Australia-specific guidance, follow the Australian Centre for Disease Control’s indoor air quality advice (and related resources like YourHome).

Mental health and biophilia

Beyond air, plants can support mental wellbeing and can make a room feel calmer and more human. Studies and reviews suggest greenery may support relaxation and help people feel more focused, but results vary by space and person. This aligns with biophilic design principles—our tendency to feel restored around nature.

🔹Nero styling note:green tones are often perceived as soothing, especially when paired with natural light and soft materials—think calming colours that keep the room feeling grounded. If you want a more playful, mood-boosting look, pair greenery with dopamine decor choices that lean into colour and personality.”

How to choose the best indoor plants: 3 key factors to consider

Now, start with the biggest factor of all: light.

1 Light considerations – bright vs low light

Light levels vary between rooms. Bright, indirect light suits most houseplants, while a few species tolerate low light.

Devil’s ivy and snake plants thrive in shaded offices and bathrooms. But, even low‑light plants prefer occasional exposure to brighter conditions; rotating them between rooms helps them stay healthy. In contrast, plants like fiddle leaf figs and monstera enjoy filtered sunlight but will scorch in direct sun.

Expert tip: read your light like an Australian designer

In Australia, light can be intense. North-facing windows often get strong sun. South-facing rooms can feel cooler and dimmer.

Start simple:

• Bright, indirect light suits most great indoor house plants.
• Hot direct sun can scorch leaves through glass.
• Air-con vents can dry foliage fast. Move plants out of airflow.

If you’re unsure, test the spot for a week. Watch how shadows move.

2 Size and scale – from small to huge

Small or trailing plants (string of pearls, peperomia) are ideal for shelves and compact apartments.

Medium plants such as snake plants or ZZ plants add height without dominating a room.

For a dramatic statement, choose large indoor plants like monstera deliciosa or fiddle leaf figs. These tropical species can grow over two metres and require sturdy pots and periodic staking. Always ensure there is enough space for leaves to expand and avoid confining large plants to small pots.

3 Maintenance level and durability

• Good indoor house plants (hardy and forgiving). ZZ plants (“eternity plants”), snake plants (mother‑in‑law’s tongue) and devil’s ivy tolerate irregular watering and low light. They’re perfect for busy homeowners or beginners.
• Recommended indoor plants for attentive gardeners. Peace lilies, calatheas and string of pearls reward consistent care with flowers or lush foliage but need regular watering and humidity.
• Plants to avoid if you have pets. Peace lilies, pothos, monstera and many dracaena species are toxic to cats and dogs; instead consider pet‑safe options like Boston ferns or spider plants.

🔹Nero pet safety tip: If you suspect your pet has chewed a plant, act quickly. Remove access, keep a sample if you can, and call the Australian Animal Poisons Helpline for advice. 

If a plant label looks vague, verify it before you buy. PlantNET (run by the Royal Botanic Gardens network in NSW) is a trusted Australian reference for plant information. 

Top recommended indoor plants for Australian homes

Plants are not just décor — they are living materials with limits. Below, we’ve grouped the best indoor plants by outcome: a calmer feel, easy care, shade tolerance, strong scale, and living-room impact. Pick a category, then build your room in layers: one anchor plant, then smaller supporting plants.

6 Best indoor plants for health & wellbeing (with a realistic air-quality note)

Here are the standout picks that balance atmosphere, ease of care and (potential) air-supporting benefits:

1. Snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata). A tough, sculptural plant that copes with missed watering and lower light. It’s often cited for releasing oxygen at night, which makes it a popular bedroom choice.
2. Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum). Brightens a space fast, tolerates a range of light conditions and produces “baby” spiderettes you can propagate. Often considered a safer option for pets (still confirm for your specific animal).
3. Areca palm (Dypsis lutescens). A classic for creating that resort-at-home look. It can help lift humidity in drier rooms and adds gentle movement and softness to hard finishes.
4. Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata). Great for a lush, old-world feel—especially in bathrooms or bright laundries. It likes consistent moisture and higher humidity, so it rewards attentive carers.
5. Bamboo palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii). Frequently mentioned in “plants + indoor air” lists and loved for its elegant, upright fronds. It’s also a strong styling choice for corners where you want height without harsh lines.
6. Peace lily (Spathiphyllum). Low-light tolerant and visually polished, with occasional flowers that feel quietly luxurious. Note: peace lilies are commonly listed as toxic to cats and dogs—skip this one for pet households, or place it well out of reach.

🔹Quick Nero pet-safe note: If pets are part of your home, prioritise spider plant, areca palm and many peperomias, and double-check toxicity before buying—labels can be vague and plant names are often mixed up in-store.

5 Best beginner indoor plants (low maintenance, high reward)

If you want plants that forgive real life—weekends away, uneven light, the odd missed watering—start here. These are widely available in Australia, easy to style, and hard to kill (as long as you don’t over-water them).

1. ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia). The ultimate “set and forget” indoor plant. It tolerates low light, slow growth and irregular watering. Let the pot dry out between waterings and it will happily mind its own business.
2. Snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata). Architectural, upright and extremely tolerant. It copes with lower light and longer gaps between watering, making it great for bedrooms, hallways and tighter corners.
3. Devil’s ivy / pothos (Epipremnum aureum cultivars). A fast, trailing plant that makes shelves and bookcases look styled instantly. It grows in bright to shadier spots (growth is slower in low light). Water when the top layer of mix has dried out.
4. Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum). Bright, cheerful and generous—those baby “spiderettes” are easy to propagate. It likes well-drained mix and moderate watering, and often suits homes where you want something lively without fuss.
5. Cacti and succulents (best for truly sunny windows). Perfect for bright sills and north-facing light. Their one rule: sunlight first, water second. Let the potting mix dry fully before watering again, and avoid cold, wet conditions in winter.

Beginner mistake to avoid: over-watering. If you’re unsure, wait—most indoor plants prefer drying slightly between waterings rather than staying constantly damp.

3 Best low‑light indoor plants

For rooms with minimal natural light (bathrooms, studies), choose species that can tolerate shade:

1. ZZ plant and snake plant. Both thrive in low light and infrequent watering.
2. Peace lily (Spathiphyllum). Praised for its air‑purifying qualities, this plant tolerates low light and droops when it needs water.
3. Philodendron and pothos varieties. Heart‑leaf philodendron and golden pothos maintain healthy growth in low light; rotate them occasionally to prevent leggy stems.

3  Best Large and statement plants

For large indoor plants, plan floor space first, not just pot size.

1. Monstera deliciosa (“Swiss cheese plant”). Its giant perforated leaves make it one of the most popular large indoor plants. It needs a stake or moss pole to climb and appreciates mist from a bathroom shower. A handheld setup makes gentle misting easier—our guide to types of shower heads might be able to help you.
2. Fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata). An iconic feature plant with violin‑shaped leaves. It prefers bright, filtered light and dislikes drafts or over‑watering. Place it away from direct sun and allow the top 5 cm of soil to dry before watering.
3. Rubber plant (Ficus elastica). A hardy tree with glossy leaves. It tolerates medium light and occasional neglect, making it a good alternative to the more finicky fiddle leaf fig.

3 Best indoor plants for living rooms & aesthetic appeal

For living rooms, think in layers: one tall “anchor” plant for structure, one patterned plant for detail, then small tabletop plants to soften hard edges

1. Monstera and fiddle leaf fig do the heavy lifting visually
2. Calathea/maranta add pattern
3. Peperomia and succulents finish shelves and side tables without crowding the room

Indoor plant styling and care tips

Plants are living materials, so styling only works when care is built in. This section covers the practical foundations first—potting, watering, and safe handling—then moves into placement and finish pairings so your greenery looks designed, not “dropped in”. Use the checklist to set up a simple routine, then borrow the scenarios to see how it plays out in real homes.

Potting and soil

Water only when the top 2–5 cm of soil is dry, depending on species. For humidity‑loving plants (calathea, ferns), mist the leaves or place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water.

Potting mix safety tips for indoor plant care

Potting mix can carry bacteria that can make people seriously unwell. Read the instructions on the bag and follow them closely. 

When handling potting mix, the Victorian Department of Health advises:

• Wearing gloves and a well-fitting mask.
• Opening bags slowly in a well-ventilated space and away from your face.
• Lightly dampening the mix to reduce dust.
• Washing hands well after handling soil or compost.

If you have children or pets, check plant safety before you buy. 

Watering & fertilising

Different plants have different water needs. Succulents, snake plants and ZZ plants prefer drier conditions, while peace lilies and calatheas like moist (but not waterlogged) soil.

Water-wise plant care in Australia (and why your tap matters)

In many parts of Australia, water efficiency is practical—especially if you water plants at the sink—so it’s worth knowing a few ways to save water at home. Look for the WELS label to compare water use, and check WaterMark certification for products connected to a piped water supply. (Here’s how to choose tapware that suits your household.)

If you are upgrading a kitchen or laundry mixer, ask your plumber about:

• the right flow rate (and WELS star rating) for your household
• your local water pressure and conditions
• whether the product requires WaterMark certification for your installation

🔹Nero design tip: If you water plants at the sink, a pull-out kitchen mixer can make it feel effortless—see pull-out vs standard kitchen taps to choose what suits your routine. Pick one finish, then repeat it across the room for a calmer, more cohesive look.

🔹Compliance note: rules and paperwork vary by state and project—use a licensed plumber and confirm the requirements that apply to your home.

Placement and pairing with interiors

Create visual harmony by varying heights and textures—this is one of the easiest ways to add texture without clutter. Group small plants on shelves and use taller species as focal points near windows or in corners. Choose pots that work with your finishes—and choose a colour palette that keeps the room feeling intentional, not random.

Different tapware finishes change the whole mood: matte black reads crisp in bright rooms, while brushed metals feel warmer near timber. Repeating one hardware finish across taps, handles and lighting also makes greenery feel more intentional—less “added”, more designed. If you’re combining finishes, follow a simple mixing metals rule so the room still feels calm.”

🔹Nero expert tip: If you add lots of plants to a small home, watch humidity. Damp air can feed mould in bathrooms and laundries. Run exhaust fans and open windows when weather allows. 

Copy-and-paste checklist: set up indoor plants the right way

• Choose a pot with drainage holes and a saucer.
• Use a quality indoor potting mix and dampen it before use.
• Place plants in bright, indirect light first. Adjust after two weeks.
• Water slowly, then empty the saucer after 10 minutes.
• Keep leaves off hot glass and away from air-con vents.
• If you have pets, check plant safety before buying. 

Real‑world scenarios

1. Small apartment refresh. In a studio apartment, a combination of a snake plant, string of pearls and a peperomia adds greenery without occupying valuable floor space. Place the snake plant near the entry for fresh air, hang the string of pearls near a window and perch the peperomia on a side table. Use a pull‑out mixer in the kitchen to water your plants easily and keep your benchtop clutter‑free.
2. Family home makeover. A typical three‑bedroom home might feature a fiddle leaf fig in the living room, a peace lily in the bathroom and trailing pothos in the study. The fiddle leaf fig becomes a conversation piece, while the peace lily thrives in the bathroom’s humidity. Pothos cascades from a bookshelf, softening sharp lines.
3. High‑end coastal retreat. In a coastal home, large monstera plants and bird’s nest ferns evoke tropical holidays. A bamboo palm in the entrance improves air quality, and hanging airplants add whimsy. Choose brushed gold or brushed bronze fixtures to complement warm timbers and stone, echoing the lush greens of your plants.

What goes wrong when you cut corners?

• Saving money by using poor‑quality potting mix or skipping drainage holes can lead to root rot and pest infestations.
• Ignoring safety advice when handling soil could expose you to harmful bacteria.
• Cheap pots without drainage often cause over‑watering and plant death.

Invest in proper materials and follow care instructions to avoid disappointment.

Helpful Australian references to read (worth bookmarking)

• Indoor air + ventilation basics: Australian Government indoor air guidance.
• Indoor air quality practical tips: Australian Centre for Disease Control – indoor air quality.
• Potting mix safety (Legionella): Victorian Department of Health guidance.
• Water efficiency (tapware): WELS scheme + label explainer.
• Pet poisoning help: Australian Animal Poisons Helpline.
• Plant reference database: PlantNET. 

Planning your plant journey – next steps & Nero inspirations

 Once you’ve nailed light and watering, the “finished” feeling comes from repetition—materials, tones and hardware that look considered rather than collected.

A well‑designed pull‑out kitchen mixer from Nero’s Bianca, Mecca, or Opalrange makes watering your indoor oasis effortless, while brushed gold or matte black finishes echo the organic tones of your greenery. Your home, your style – Nero is the finishing touch.

Nero Tapware products are designed for Australian homes and real daily use. Many mixers are made from lead-free DZR brass, and product specs commonly show WELS ratings where applicable. Always check the individual product listing and WELS details for your model.

Product note: specifications, materials and warranty terms vary by range and model—check the individual listing and Nero’s published warranty policy for your chosen finish.

Important Disclaimer: This guide provides general information based on published research and home gardening advice. Plant availability, names and care needs can vary by nursery and region, so use this as a starting point and confirm specifics for your space. Nero Tapware is not a horticultural authority. Always check plant toxicity for your household and seek professional advice before making significant purchases or major design decisions.