In my humble opinion, a room isn’t complete without a plant. Plants provide a much needed pop of color, instantly making a space feel vibrant, grounded, and more alive. If a room feels off, try adding a plant—it has never failed me. And one space that can always benefit from a plant is the living room.
There’s a perfect living room plant out there for every space and skill level, whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or just beginning your journey. When I first started bringing plants into my home, I went all in on aesthetics, which was a rookie mistake. I quickly learned that thriving greenery requires more than just loving the look of a plant—it’s all in the light and how you care for them. Consider this your guide to choosing the best living room plants, from low-maintenance picks to bold statement greenery that elevates your space with ease. Let’s dive in!
Before You Shop For a Living Room Plant: Here’s What You Need To Know
I once impulse bought a plant from Trader Joe’s without having any idea where I was going to put it or what kind of care it needed. Spoiler alert: My poor plant didn’t last very long. Before you start browsing for living room plants, here are a few things to consider before bringing one home.
- Where will you put it? This is perhaps obvious, but knowing where you’d like to put your plant is of the utmost importance. Not only will it dictate how large or small your plant can be, but knowing how much light your space gets will help determine which plant will thrive, and which won’t. Don’t be like me—do your research!
- How much light does your living room have? Plants need water and sunlight in order to survive and thrive. Take note of how much natural light your living room gets, specifically in the spot you’d like to put your plant. Different plants need different levels of light, from bright, indirect, or even low light.
- How do you maintain the plant? Some plants require very specific care (I’m looking at you, fiddle leaf fig) while others are incredibly low maintenance. Knowing how much care a plant needs is really up to you—what can you commit to? If you want a low maintenance plant, but end up bringing home a plant that requires a strict watering schedule, you may be setting yourself up for failure. Save yourself the agony and only commit to the level of care you’re comfortable with.
- Is the plant pet-friendly? If you have dogs or cats that freely roam your space, be sure to look for living room plants that are non-toxic to pets.
The 10 Best Living Room Plants
If your space has an empty corner, you’re looking for a coffee table plant, or your living room is sun soaked and you’re ready to add some greenery—here are a few living room plants to try!
Olive Tree
It only makes sense to start with the plant that graces Camille’s living room. Olive tree’s are incredibly popular and for good reason—just look at her, she’s stunning! They’re perfect for a living room corner that gets lots of light. Olive trees prefer full sun, so only bring one home if you know it will get at least six hours of sunlight a day. Also, don’t be alarmed if yours loses leaves when you first bring it home—changing environments can be a shock to the plant’s system. But be patient—with lots of sun and regular water, the leaves will come back as it acclimates to your space.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
Another large, light-loving plant that’s perfect for your living room is the fiddle leaf fig. I have one and, in all honesty, keeping her alive is one of my biggest accomplishments. Fiddle leaf figs are known for being high maintenance and very finicky, but once you get into a routine, your fiddle leaf fig can thrive! This plant has very large leaves and therefore loves the sun, so it’s another living room plant that thrives with lots of natural light. Those large leaves need dusting, and I keep mine on a strict watering schedule. I believe fiddle leaf figs are worth the extra attention—mine has brought me so much joy!
ZZ Plant
If you’re looking for a small, low maintenance living room plant, start with a ZZ plant. They’re hearty and do well in low light spaces (they actually don’t like direct sun!) so they’re perfect for a laid-back plant parent. You only need to water it every 2-3 weeks and these look beautiful on a shelf or coffee table.
Rubber Tree
The large, dark leaves of a rubber tree are definitely a vibe. Another beginner friendly plant—a rubber tree needs indirect sunlight, and can be watered every 1-2 weeks. It’s good to keep an eye out, give it a drink when the soil has dried out.
Pothos
A pothos plant is one of the easiest plants to care for and is super beginner friendly. They’re a great choice for perking up your living room! Pothos grow quickly and they make great hanging plants—I have one in a disco ball planter and the vines cascade down towards the floor. I swear, these plants have nine lives like cats—it’s easy to see when they’re thirsty because they shrivel their leaves, but give them a drink and they perk right up.
Snake Plant
I love a snake plant! I have a few in my own home, including one in my living room, and they’re the perfect low-maintenance plant every home needs, plus they help purify the air. Ideal for living room corners—these plants can go weeks without water, don’t require a ton of sunlight and are nearly impossible to kill. Just be mindful of overwatering; I learned that the hard way.
Bird of Paradise
If you want a touch of the tropics in your living room—a bird of paradise is the ticket. This living room plant has large, green leaves and certainly makes a statement. The Bird of Paradise is named after its bird-like blooms, but it’s rare for this plant to flower indoors. Since it’s a tropical plant, it loves the sun and does well in high humidity. Perfect for a living room corner!
Parlor Palm
Soft and vintage-inspired, a parlor palm is another great option if your aesthetic leans tropical. This plant has been around since the Victorian era—talk about staying power! Put your palm in indirect light and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Even though the palm is a tropical plant, it doesn’t do well in direct, bright sun, so be sure to keep it in the shade.
Monstera Deliciosa
Lush and dramatic, this living room plant has also been called the “Swiss cheese plant.” Its leaves are split and contain holes—a charming feature many plant enthusiasts love. This is another plant that’s quite popular and with good reason. They can grow quite large and are pretty easy going. You can even put it outside for the summer if you like!
Pilea Peperomia
If you’re looking for a beginner friendly plant that is small enough to fit on a shelf—the pilea peperomia is for you. This living room plant has round leaves that look like coins, earning its commonly known name, the Chinese money plant. It thrives in indirect light and requires minimal watering—a win! It’s truly an adorable plant, and I’m currently convincing myself I need one for my coffee table.
Whether this list inspires you, or perhaps still feels a bit daunting, start small and choose a plant that brings you joy. Be sure you can meet the plant’s care requirements, and then have fun! Living room plants will not only enhance the aesthetic of your space—they will make your home feel more alive.
