A kitchen isn’t just a place for cooking—it can also be a lively, green space filled with fresh air and natural beauty. Adding houseplants to your kitchen can improve air quality, absorb excess humidity, and even provide fresh herbs for cooking. Some plants thrive in low-light conditions, while others love bright, sunny windowsills.
The best kitchen houseplants are easy to care for, tolerate temperature fluctuations, and enhance the space with greenery. Whether you have a small apartment kitchen or a spacious cooking area, there’s a plant that will fit perfectly into your home.
In this guide, we’ll explore 10 great houseplants for the kitchen, their benefits, and how to care for them.
Why Add Houseplants to the Kitchen?
Houseplants do more than just look beautiful—they offer a range of benefits that improve your kitchen environment.
Benefits of Kitchen Houseplants
- Improve Air Quality – Many plants remove toxins and purify the air, making your kitchen healthier.
- Absorb Excess Humidity – Certain plants help regulate moisture, preventing mold and mildew.
- Reduce Cooking Odors – Some plants, like herbs and scented varieties, naturally freshen the air.
- Boost Mood & Creativity – Greenery has been shown to reduce stress and increase productivity.
- Provide Fresh Herbs – Growing basil, mint, or rosemary in the kitchen means you always have fresh ingredients on hand.
📌 According to NASA’s Clean Air Study, houseplants can remove up to 87% of indoor air pollutants in just 24 hours.
Read more – Best Vegetables and Herbs for Indoor Farming
10 Best Houseplants for the Kitchen
The best kitchen plants should thrive in warm, humid environments, tolerate temperature fluctuations, and require minimal maintenance.
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a must-have kitchen plant due to its soothing gel, air-purifying abilities, and low-maintenance care.
Why It’s Great for Kitchens:
- Needs bright, indirect sunlight.
- Stores moisture in its thick leaves, making it drought-resistant.
- Useful for treating burns or minor cuts from cooking accidents.
📌 Tip: Place aloe vera on a sunny kitchen windowsill and water only when the soil is dry.
2. Spider Plant
The spider plant is one of the best air-purifying houseplants, removing toxins like carbon monoxide and formaldehyde.
Why It’s Great for Kitchens:
- Thrives in low to bright indirect light.
- Absorbs humidity and excess moisture.
- Tolerates temperature changes in the kitchen.
📌 Fact: Spider plants are non-toxic to pets, making them a safe choice for households with cats or dogs.
3. English Ivy
English ivy is an elegant, trailing plant that looks beautiful in hanging baskets or trailing from shelves.
Why It’s Great for Kitchens:
- Helps filter mold spores and airborne toxins.
- Prefers indirect sunlight and humid conditions.
- Easy to train on trellises or hanging planters.
📌 Tip: Mist English ivy once a week to maintain its vibrant green leaves.
4. Pothos
Pothos is a hardy, trailing plant known for its beautiful green or variegated leaves.
Why It’s Great for Kitchens:
- Thrives in both low and bright light.
- Removes toxins like benzene and formaldehyde from the air.
- Grows well in hanging baskets or pots on shelves.
📌 Fact: Pothos is called the “Devil’s Ivy” because it is almost impossible to kill.
5. Snake Plant
Snake plants are virtually indestructible, making them ideal for kitchens.
Why It’s Great for Kitchens:
- Absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen at night.
- Can survive weeks without water.
- Tolerates low-light and humid conditions.
📌 Tip: Keep snake plants in corner spaces or countertops where they can grow tall without taking up too much space.
6. Herbs (Basil, Mint, Rosemary, Thyme, Parsley)
Fresh herbs are both functional and beautiful, adding flavor and fragrance to your kitchen.
Why They’re Great for Kitchens:
- Provide fresh ingredients for cooking.
- Thrive in small pots on windowsills.
- Need regular watering and bright sunlight.
📌 Tip: Rotate your herb pots every few weeks to ensure even sunlight exposure.
7. ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant is one of the easiest plants to care for, making it perfect for busy kitchens.
Why It’s Great for Kitchens:
- Requires minimal watering.
- Grows well in low light.
- Has glossy, deep green leaves that enhance any space.
📌 Fact: ZZ plants can survive droughts, making them ideal for forgetful plant owners.
8. Philodendron
Philodendrons are fast-growing trailing plants that look stunning on shelves or in hanging baskets.
Why It’s Great for Kitchens:
- Low-maintenance and thrives in indirect light.
- Filters toxins like formaldehyde from the air.
- Grows quickly with minimal care.
📌 Tip: Water philodendrons only when the soil feels dry to the touch.
9. Peace Lily
Peace lilies bring a touch of elegance with their white blooms and glossy green leaves.
Why It’s Great for Kitchens:
- Removes airborne toxins and mold spores.
- Thrives in low-light areas.
- Improves indoor humidity balance.
📌 Fact: Peace lilies are toxic to pets, so keep them out of reach of cats and dogs.
10. Cast Iron Plant
True to its name, the cast iron plant is one of the toughest houseplants available.
Why It’s Great for Kitchens:
- Survives low light and irregular watering.
- Tolerates high humidity and fluctuating temperatures.
- Adds a lush, tropical feel to any space.
📌 Tip: Clean leaves with a damp cloth to keep them free from dust and grease buildup.
Read more – How to Use Fresh Culinary Herbs in Cooking
How to Care for Kitchen Houseplants
Different plants have different care requirements, but general rules apply when maintaining houseplants in a kitchen environment. Since kitchens can be humid, it’s important to choose plants that can handle moisture levels without developing mold or root rot. Keeping plants near windows allows them to receive fresh air and natural sunlight, but care should be taken to avoid placing them too close to stoves or heat sources.
Most houseplants should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s best to use well-draining pots. If a plant shows signs of yellowing leaves, it may be getting too much water or insufficient light. Pruning and occasional fertilization help keep plants healthy and encourage new growth.
Final Thoughts: Bring Greenery to Your Kitchen
Adding houseplants to the kitchen creates a fresh, inviting, and healthy environment. Whether you prefer air-purifying plants, low-maintenance greenery, or fresh herbs, there’s a perfect plant for your space. By choosing the right plants and providing proper care, you can enjoy a vibrant and functional kitchen filled with natural beauty.
FAQs About Kitchen Houseplants
What is the best low-maintenance plant for the kitchen?
Snake plants and pothos require minimal care and thrive in kitchens.
Do kitchen plants help with humidity?
Yes! Spider plants, peace lilies, and English ivy absorb excess moisture.
Can I grow herbs indoors year-round?
Yes! Basil, mint, and rosemary grow well indoors with proper sunlight and watering.
How often should I water kitchen plants?
It depends on the plant! Most need watering once a week, but succulents like aloe need less frequent watering.
Which kitchen plants are safe for pets?
Spider plants and cast iron plants are non-toxic to pets.
