With fluctuating temperatures, occasional fumes, and, in some cases, little natural light, kitchens may not seem like an environment where houseplants will thrive. A number of plants, however, are resilient and hardy enough to grow well in these challenging spaces. What makes a houseplant good for the kitchen could be its ability to withstand low light and changing temperatures, or its function as an cooking ingredient itself.
From edible flowers and herbs to hardy succulents, here are 8 houseplants fit for the kitchen.
1. Gold Fish Plant
This plant gives you beautiful gold shaped flowers throughout mid winter. It is a perfect burst of color you need to get you through long grey days and dreary, cold weathers. It grows well in partial sunlight, incredibly compact and very easy to grow.
2. Aloe Vera Plant
Aloe vera is an ideal plant for many gardeners as it needs water once in a week for its healthy growth. It can do well in low to medium indirect sunlight, so you can place this plant anywhere in your kitchen. You can even use its gel on your skin to soothe any skin irritations such as burns or cuts.
3. Cast Iron Plant
Cast iron plant is a hardy green houseplant that survive virtually anywhere in any conditions. Such as low light, extreme temperature fluctuations, humidity differences etc. as it grows fairly tall, this is a best plant to be placed at any corner of your kitchen.
4. Spider Plant
Spider plants thrive in bright light, but they also do just fine in low light—so no matter what your kitchen is like (even with different humidity and temperature levels!), these guys will prosper. Hang them or place them on top of the cabinets to save your precious counter space.
5. Snake Plant
Always a classic, snake plants are another great decorative plant for the kitchen, whether you have counter space to spare or want a taller floor plant to liven things up. These plants like brighter light but can tolerate low light, and since they don’t require frequent waterings, they’re easy to care for, too.
6. Nasturtium
Nasturtium is a beautiful plant that can easily thrive in pots when placed near the windowsill. Not only they are cheerful, they are delicious too. It produces edible flowers are vibrant and peppery, the leaves of this plant can be added in salads and non toxic to cats and dogs too.
7. English Ivy
Ivy is another great trailing option if you’re going for a bold look or a plant that can live on top of your cabinets, and it’s easy to care for, too. They thrive in humidity, but they’re better for a bright kitchen with a good amount of natural light—bright or medium light is fine, but low light? Not so much.