Adding greenery to your kitchen not only brightens up the space but also brings a little life into the heart of your home. Here are some of my favorite plants you should have in your kitchen and how to care for them.
The Kitchen
The kitchen is often overlooked when it comes to houseplants, but it can be one of the best places to show off beautiful foliage. Whether you have a sunny windowsill or a cozy corner in need of a little love, there’s a plant that will thrive in your space.
We recently remodeled our kitchen, a project that’s been over a decade in the making! I started my Pinterest inspiration board more than 10 years ago, and after years of planning and saving, we finally made it happen. We tackled most of the work ourselves (with a little help from friends), and we couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. There are still a few finishing touches to go, like lighting and hardware but we DID it! If you’re curious about the transformation, check out my highlight on Instagram.
Plants You Should Have In Your Kitchen
Everyone has their favorite types of plants, but if you’re looking to add a touch of greenery to your kitchen and aren’t sure where to start, I’m excited to share some of my favorite kitchen-friendly plants with you today.
Pothos Plants
(Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is an all-time favorite for a reason. This trailing vine is both forgiving and adaptable, making it ideal for beginners or busy plant parents. Its heart-shaped leaves can be solid green or variegated with white, yellow, or even neon hues. Pothos can hang in your kitchen or sit atop the kitchen cabinets for a lush jungle aesthetic.
Care Tips:
- Light: Thrives in bright, indirect light but tolerates low light.
- Water: Pothos will let you know when they’re thirsty! Curled leaves indicated that it’s time to water. But to prevent the plant getting too thirsty, you should probably water when the soil starts to feels dry. Avoid overwatering.
Bonus: It’s easy to propagate in water—perfect for sharing cuttings!
Syngonium Plants
(Syngonium podophyllum)
Also known as arrowhead vine, syngonium adds unique texture and color to any plant collection. Its leaves start off arrow-shaped and change as they mature, with variations of white, green, and pink.
Care Tips:
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can handle lower light conditions.
- Water: Keep the soil slightly moist but not soggy. Reduce watering in winter.
Guess what? Syngonium does well in humid environments—like your kitchen!
Hypoestes
(Hypoestes phyllostachya)
Commonly known as the polka dot plant, hypoestes is a cheerful little plant known for its vibrant spotted leaves in shades of pink, white, or red. It adds a fun pop of color to kitchen shelves or countertops.
Care Tips:
- Light: Needs bright, indirect light to maintain its vivid coloring.
- Water: Water when the soil starts to dry out, but don’t let it dry completely. Hypoestes thrive in humid environments like kitchens.
Bonus: Regular pinching back helps keep it full and bushy.
Rubber Tree
(Ficus elastica)
If you have a bit more space, the rubber tree makes a bold statement with its glossy, deep green (sometimes burgundy) leaves. It’s a low-maintenance plant that can grow quite tall over time.
Care Tips:
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid harsh sun.
- Water: Let the top 1/3 of soil dry out between waterings.
Tip: Wipe the leaves occasionally to keep them dust-free and shiny.
Philodendron
(Various species)
Philodendrons are classic houseplants known for their ease of care and elegant foliage. Whether trailing or upright, their lush leaves can soften hard kitchen surfaces and bring a relaxed feeling to your space.
Care Tips:
- Light: Does well in medium to bright, indirect light.
- Water: Water when about 2/3 of soil is dry. Be careful not to overwater.
Bonus: There are many varieties to choose from, including different shapes and colors.
Why Add Plants to Your Kitchen?
Plants in the kitchen do more than just look good – if you do it right, they can reduce stress, and make your space feel more alive and welcoming. Many houseplants thrive in the warmth and humidity of a kitchen, and there’s something satisfying about cooking in a space surrounded by greenery. Plus, caring for plants can bring a moment of calm and joy to your daily routine.
So whether you’re an experienced plant lover or just getting started, these kitchen-friendly favorites are a great way to bring a bit of nature into your home.
If you’re looking for large scale plant suggestions, check out this blog post!
Really useful article, Erin! Love having greenery in my kitchen. I think your selection are spot on, I would also add Aloe Vera!