30 Low Maintenance Indoor Plants for your New Zealand home

Indoor Plants

3.5.2025

Indoor plants not only beautify your living space but also improve air quality and uplift your mood. For those with busy schedules or new to gardening, selecting plants that require minimal care is essential. Here’s our ultimate guide to 30 low-maintenance indoor plants that thrive with minimal effort:

Infographic of additional low-maintenance houseplants such as Calathea orbifolia, Hoya, Air Plant, ZZ Raven, English Ivy, and Tradescantia zebrina.

Infographic of 16 low-maintenance indoor plants including Pothos, Snake Plant, ZZ Plant, Peace Lily, Spider Plant, Aloe Vera, and Ponytail Palm.

Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum)

Light: Low to medium indirect light.
Water: Water moderately; allow topsoil to dry out.
Why it's great: Extremely versatile, easily propagated, and adapts to various lighting and moisture conditions. Thrives in nearly any indoor setting. Quickly fills spaces, ideal for creating lush indoor arrangements.

A lush Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum aureum) plant with trailing variegated green leaves in a modern white pot with holes, placed on a white surface.

A small Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum aureum) with vibrant green leaves in a brown nursery pot, placed on a wooden floor indoors.

Snake Plant (Dracaena Trifasciata)

Light: Low to bright indirect light.
Water: Minimal watering every few weeks.
Why it's great: Highly resilient, tolerates low light conditions, and excels at air purification. Snake plants release oxygen at night, improving air quality while you sleep. Perfect for bedrooms and low-light corners.
Note: Mildly toxic to pets and children if ingested.

A mature Sansevieria trifasciata plant in a terracotta pot. The tall, upright leaves are green with light green horizontal striping and bright yellow margins. The background is plain white.

A small Sansevieria trifasciata plant in a textured white pot. The upright leaves are dark green with light green horizontal stripes and yellow edges, arranged in a compact rosette.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)

Light: Medium to low indirect light.
Water: Weekly watering, enjoys humid environments.
Why it's great: Visibly signals when water is needed through drooping leaves, removing guesswork. Known for effectively purifying indoor air and removing common toxins. Attractive white flowers add a decorative touch.
Note: Toxic to pets and children if ingested.

A mature peace lily with multiple white flowers rising above dark green foliage. The plant is placed by a window with natural light, surrounded by other indoor plants in a cozy home setting.

A peace lily 'Sensation' with one tall white flower and broad green leaves. The plant sits in a woven basket in a well-lit indoor space with other plants displayed on a wooden shelf in the background.

ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

Light: Low to bright indirect light.
Water: Allow soil to dry completely between watering.
Why it's great: Exceptionally drought-resistant, survives even prolonged neglect, and features attractive waxy leaves. Its robust root system stores water efficiently, reducing watering needs. Ideal for people who travel frequently or forget to water regularly.
Note: Toxic to pets and children if ingested.

Mature ZZ Plant with glossy dark green foliage in a stylish white ceramic pot, popular as a low-maintenance indoor plant.

Young ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) with bright green shoots growing in a black indoor planter, ideal for low-light corners.

Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)

Light: Medium indirect light.
Water: Keep soil consistently moist.
Why it's great: Unique leaf movements, folding at night, creating dynamic visual interest. Highly decorative foliage adds a vibrant touch to interior spaces. Tolerates lower-light areas where other plants may struggle.

Close-up of Maranta leuconeura, commonly known as the Prayer Plant, with vibrant green leaves featuring red veins and herringbone patterns in a small indoor pot.

Top view of Maranta leuconeura var. kerchoveana, a green prayer plant with dark leaf markings and yellow-green veins, held in hand indoors.

Dracaena (Dracaena marginata)

Light: Medium to bright indirect light.
Water: Allow topsoil to dry between watering.
Why it's great: Hardy, tolerant of inconsistent care, and adds tropical flair to any interior. Capable of growing tall and narrow, perfect for filling vertical space without occupying too much floor area. Effective at improving indoor air quality.
Note: Toxic to pets and children if ingested.

Tall Dracaena marginata plants with spiky green and yellow leaves growing in sleek black pots indoors.

Dracaena marginata plant with yellow and green spiky leaves in a nursery setting.

Bromeliad (Bromeliaceae)

Light: Bright indirect light.
Water: Occasional watering in the central cup, minimal root watering.
Why it's great: istinctive, vibrant, and long-lasting blooms with very little maintenance. Thrives in average home humidity and adapts easily to indoor conditions. Adds an exotic and colorful accent to any room.

Close-up of an orange Guzmania bromeliad in bloom, surrounded by green leaves in a nursery setting.

Guzmania lingulata with vivid red bracts and green foliage displayed in a greenhouse.

Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

Light: Low to medium indirect light.
Water: Moderate watering when topsoil is dry.
Why it's great: Exceptional resilience, great in low-light areas, and purifies indoor air. Durable foliage withstands neglect and infrequent watering. Ideal for busy households or office environments.
Note: Toxic to pets and children if ingested.

Chinese Evergreen plant with broad green leaves growing indoors in a gold planter near a window.

Chinese Evergreen with patterned green and silver leaves in a glossy black pot on patio.

Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)

Light: Bright indirect or morning sun.
Water: Minimal watering, soil must dry completely.
Why it's great: Extremely low maintenance, known for longevity, and symbolizes prosperity. Easy to propagate, making it simple to share with friends and family. Tolerant of dry indoor air and infrequent watering.
Note: Mildly toxic to pets if ingested.

Large indoor Jade Plant resembling a miniature tree with thick trunk-like stems and fleshy round leaves.

Mature jade plant (Crassula ovata) with thick, glossy green leaves in a large decorative ceramic pot placed indoors near a curtain.

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Light: Bright indirect to moderate low light.
Water: Moderate watering, let soil dry slightly.
Why it's great: Easy propagation via plantlets ("spiderettes"), ideal for beginners. Well-known for air-purifying qualities and adaptability to various indoor conditions. Perfect for hanging baskets.

A mature spider plant in a raised planter stand by a window, with long arching green leaves edged in white. Several spiderettes (baby plants) hang down from the parent plant. Natural light fills the indoor room.

A large, lush spider plant with solid green leaves growing in a decorative black planter on a metal plant stand. The plant is indoors next to a fireplace and a window with a beige blind.

Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)

Light: Low to moderate light.
Water: Water infrequently, allowing soil to dry.
Why it's great: Virtually indestructible, handles neglect, poor light, and infrequent watering. Its dark green leaves bring lushness to dim spaces. Great for beginners or office settings.

Cast Iron Plant with dark green upright leaves in a modern white pot on a white surface.

Cast Iron Plant with upright dark green leaves in a black planter on a wooden table.

Aloe Vera

Light: Bright, indirect light.
Water: Let soil dry completely between watering.
Why it's great: Succulent nature stores water in thick leaves, minimizing care needs. Offers soothing gel for skin care use. Thrives in dry indoor climates.
Note: Toxic to pets if ingested.

Cluster of young Aloe Vera plants in red pots with long, fleshy green leaves edged in small white teeth.

Mature Aloe Vera plants in terracotta pots, with tall, pointed leaves and thick succulent growth in a greenhouse.

Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)

Light: Bright indirect to full sun.
Water: Water every few weeks.
Why it's great: Stores moisture in its thick base, making drought tolerance exceptional. Unique appearance adds architectural flair. Very slow-growing and undemanding.

Indoor Ponytail Palm with long, cascading leaves and thick trunk beside a bright window.

Ponytail Palm with bulbous base and long, curling leaves in an indoor nursery setting.

Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

Light: Bright, indirect light.
Water: Allow soil to dry out between waterings.
Why it's great: Bold, glossy foliage requires little attention. Tolerates neglect better than most figs. Ideal for tall, dramatic greenery.
Note: Toxic to pets.

A close-up of a mature variegated rubber plant indoors, showing creamy white and dark green leaves with a soft pink hue near the edges. Modern light fixtures hang above in a stylish room.

A small rubber plant with creamy white and green variegated oval leaves, growing in a terracotta pot. The plant is on an artificial green grass mat beside a patio chair and shelf.

Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana)

Light: Low to bright indirect light.
Water: Keep soil lightly moist.
Why it's great: Elegant fronds tolerate low light and dry air. Doesn’t need frequent repotting. Excellent for home corners or hallways.

Kentia Palm with lush arching fronds placed in a bright modern kitchen near a glass door.

Tall Kentia Palm with slender fronds placed in a living room corner.

Hoya (Hoya carnosa)

Light: Bright, indirect light.
Water: Water when soil is nearly dry.
Why it's great: Wax-like leaves store water, reducing the need for frequent watering. Produces fragrant, star-shaped flowers. Excellent for trailing or hanging displays.

Close-up of Hoya plant foliage, showcasing waxy green leaves with water droplets, ideal for low-maintenance indoor gardening.

Blooming Hoya plant with star-shaped pink and red wax flowers set against green leaves.

Air Plant (Tillandsia)

Light: Bright, filtered light.
Water: Mist weekly or soak every two weeks.
Why it's great: Doesn’t require soil, making it mess-free. Perfect for decorative containers or wall displays. Adapts to a variety of indoor settings.

Air plant displayed creatively in a large seashell, placed on a decorative blue fabric background.

Tillandsia air plant in a coral-colored geometric pot, held by hand against a neutral background.

Burro’s Tail (Sedum morganianum)

Light: Bright light.
Water: Infrequent watering; allow soil to dry.
Why it's great: Beautiful trailing succulent that thrives on neglect. Great for hanging baskets. Doesn’t mind dry indoor conditions.
Note: Mildly toxic to pets and children if ingested.

Cluster of Burro’s Tail (Sedum morganianum) with trailing, plump, green succulent leaves.

Burro’s Tail succulent hanging basket with thick, cascading stems in an outdoor vertical garden.

ZZ Raven (Zamioculcas zamiifolia 'Raven')

Light: Low to bright indirect light.
Water: Water only when soil is dry.
Why it's great: Shares the hardiness of the standard ZZ plant but offers dark, almost black foliage. Eye-catching yet undemanding. Extremely tolerant of indoor conditions.
Note: Toxic to pets and children if ingested.

ZZ Raven plant with striking dark purple-black glossy leaves in a black textured pot.

Dramatic black-leafed ZZ Raven plant with new bright green shoot, placed near a bamboo screen.

English Ivy (Hedera helix)

Light: Bright, indirect light.
Water: Keep soil slightly moist.
Why it's great: Easy to train on trellises or let trail from shelves. Removes air pollutants effectively. Adapts to containers or hanging planters.
Note: Toxic to pets and children.

Close-up of mature English Ivy (Hedera helix) leaves with deep green color and prominent white veining, trailing over the edge of a pot.

Hand holding a pot of English Ivy (Hedera helix) in an indoor plant shop, showcasing star-shaped green leaves with white veins.

Pilea Peperomioides (Chinese Money Plant)

Light: Bright, indirect light.
Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Why it's great: Iconic circular leaves give a unique look. Low maintenance and easy to propagate. Thrives in small pots with minimal fuss.

Pilea Peperomioides plant with round, coin-shaped green leaves in a white pot, surrounded by small propagated cuttings in terracotta pots on a white surface.

Lush Pilea Peperomioides in a white pot, featuring round coin-shaped leaves cascading down.

Grape Ivy (Cissus rhombifolia)

Light: Medium to bright indirect light.
Water: Water moderately; let topsoil dry slightly.
Why it's great: Tolerates indoor dryness and neglect. Lovely vine ideal for hanging baskets or trellises. Adaptable and fast-growing.

Grape Ivy with shiny, lobed green leaves cascading from a decorative indoor planter.

Grape Ivy with glossy green lobed leaves trailing from a red pot on a dark wooden table.

Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)

Light: Bright, indirect light.
Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Why it's great: Bold patterned leaves make a visual statement. Thrives with consistent care. Tolerates average household conditions well.
Note: Toxic to pets and children.

Potted Dieffenbachia plant with tall green stems and variegated leaves in outdoor setting.

Close-up of variegated Dieffenbachia leaf with green and creamy white marbling.

Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)

Light: Low to moderate indirect light.
Water: Allow topsoil to dry slightly between waterings.
Why it's great: Classic indoor palm, popular for low light tolerance. Requires minimal pruning or attention. Slow-growing and very forgiving.

Indoor Parlor Palm with slender green fronds in a terracotta pot against a white background.

Parlor Palm with lush green fronds placed in a green pot on a sunlit kitchen counter.

Nerve Plant (Fittonia albivenis)

Light: Low to medium light.
Water: Keep soil consistently moist.
Why it's great: Compact and colorful with eye-catching veined leaves. Tolerates lower light and responds well to humidity. Perfect for terrariums.

Fittonia plant with white-green veined foliage growing densely in a black pot.

Fittonia plant with red-veined green leaves in natural lighting on wooden surface.

Schefflera (Umbrella Plant)

Light: Bright, indirect light.
Water: Allow topsoil to dry before watering.
Why it's great: Grows fast with minimal care. Withstands dry spells and infrequent watering. Shiny, umbrella-like leaves give a tropical appearance.
Note: Toxic to pets.

Schefflera plant showing healthy green and yellowing leaves indicating light or water stress.

Schefflera Gold Capella with yellow and green variegated umbrella-shaped leaflets in a black pot.

Peperomia obtusifolia (Baby Rubber Plant)

Light: Medium to bright indirect light.
Water: Water sparingly; allow soil to dry.
Why it's great: Compact and hardy, stores water in its thick leaves. Great for shelves or desks. Very low maintenance.

Peperomia obtusifolia with thick, glossy green leaves in a close-up view, suitable for indoor spaces.

Peperomia obtusifolia plants in festive-themed white pots with holiday decorations in the background.

Calathea (Calathea orbifolia)

Light: Medium to low indirect light.
Water: Keep soil slightly moist.
Why it's great: Stunning foliage that reacts to light. Prefers stable humidity but still forgiving with care. Excellent for shaded corners.

A mature Sansevieria trifasciata plant in a terracotta pot. The tall, upright leaves are green with light green horizontal striping and bright yellow margins. The background is plain white.

Calathea orbifolia used as a statement indoor plant in a stylish room with wood flooring.

Rattlesnake Plant (Goeppertia insignis)

Light: Medium indirect light.
Water: Maintain consistent moisture.
Why it's great: Dramatic leaf pattern and waving movement. Tolerates indirect light well. Thrives with regular but easy care.

Rattlesnake plant (Calathea lancifolia) with long wavy leaves marked by dark green oval patterns.

Lush cluster of Rattlesnake plants with glossy leaves featuring distinctive green spots.

Tradescantia zebrina (Wandering Jew)

Light: Bright indirect light.
Water: Let soil dry slightly between watering.
Why it's great: Vibrant trailing foliage with purple and silver hues. Fast-growing and thrives with pruning. Very adaptable to containers.
Note: Mildly toxic to pets and children if ingested.

Vibrant Tradescantia zebrina in a large hanging basket, displaying colorful foliage near a window.

Tradescantia zebrina with trailing stems of purple and green striped leaves, growing in a small pot.

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