Plants enhance a living space in many ways. They improve the home’s air quality by absorbing nitrogen dioxide and other pollutants. They bring a new dimension of color and life to the room that no other decoration can replicate. You can add many beautiful plants to your living space, but we narrowed it down to the top five.

1. Snake Plants

The best plants for indoor settings can thrive in dim conditions without direct sunlight, and snake plants are some of the most resilient species around. Their tall, pointed leaves are highly effective at absorbing carbon dioxide and converting it to oxygen. The large leaf structure also enables them to maximize their light absorption, even in a dark environment.

One of the main functions of houseplants is to occupy lifeless space. Some snake plant subspecies grow up to eight feet high indoors, so you should have no issue filling up those empty corners.

The snake plant’s leaves and flowers have notes of yellow and white along with deep emerald green. This color combination is easy on the eyes and complements almost any wallpaper color or decoration. It’s also safe for children and pets, with no pest problems and a low toxicity rating that might result in an upset stomach. You don’t have to worry about any severe reactions.

As a native desert species, snake plants can tolerate many climates with temperatures ranging from 55 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The soil needs to be completely dry before handling more water, so you might end up waiting several weeks between waterings.

2. Philodendron

The fast-growing Philodendron is an excellent choice for a standalone decorative plant. It hails from the Caribbean islands, requiring more sunlight and moisture than the other plants on this list. However, you can train it to grow up a lamppost or grow down from a raised planter. You have many unique display options with this plant that other species can’t match.

There are at least 489 subspecies of the Philodendron with all kinds of leaf shapes and sizes. The Red Emerald and Fiddler’s Leaf have long, heart-shaped leaves that like to climb up walls and poles. Others have fern-like leaves with many thin fingers that prefer to grow horizontally. In any case, all of the species love bright humid spots like sunrooms and window sills.

You will likely have to trim the plant, as Philodendrons can grow to 13 feet and quickly overtake a room. A thorough weekly watering should be more than enough to keep this plant happy. Alternatively, you could use a plant hydration system to reduce your maintenance budget and keep the plant’s moisture content consistent.

3. Rex Begonia

Rex Begonias are some of the most attractive plants in the world, with small velvety leaves of many colors. They can be red, white, pink, purple, and even blue. You can pair these colors with other plants or have them stand alone for equally effective results. It only grows up to 18 inches, so you have many convenient places to choose from.

The Rex Begonia also grows in the wild throughout South America, so it’s resilient to many types of climates. However, you should grow it indoors during the winter to ensure it survives the season without losing any leaves. It also likes to stay dry during the winter and absorb lots of water in the summer, mirroring the precipitation patterns of its native continent.

4. Succulents

Succulents are the most versatile plants on this list. They vary in size, shape, and color, but they all share one thing in common: they are incredibly low-maintenance. Most of them resemble cacti in texture and appearance, with thick stiff leaves that grow in intricate floral patterns. They also like to completely dry out before their next watering, like other desert plants.

Because of their variety, you can group many succulents together. They look good in a row of individual pots or as small individual centerpieces for a kitchen table. Just make sure you prevent your house from getting too humid. Succulents like to keep things above 65 degrees, but too much moisture will overwhelm them and cause their leaves to rot. 

5. Ivy

Ivy is traditionally an outdoor plant because it tends to grow out of control, but people have managed to breed some indoor species with more manageable growth patterns. The small leaves and climbing vines fit perfectly with raised planters and trellis structures. They can turn a blank, boring wall into a beautiful greenery arrangement.

Although most ivy is evergreen, a few unique species, such as Boston Ivy, change colors with the seasons. In some cases, they go through the whole spectrum of yellow, orange, red, and even a deep magenta. If you’re looking for seasonal ornamental plants to fill up your living space, ivy is a great choice. Just make sure you trim the vines regularly and use well-draining soil. 

Liven Up Your Home With Houseplants

Houseplants are one of the most effective ways to liven up an otherwise dull living space. These five species are particularly beneficial for indoor settings. They have many different subspecies that you can display in various ways. They’re also relatively easy to maintain, so you’ll look like a plant expert when you have guests. Start sprucing up your living space today!

Author Bio: Olivia Elsher is a Senior Writer & Editorial Manager at Renovated. She has 5+ years of experience writing about interior design and home improvement.