Green Up Your Kitchen: The Best Indoor Plants for a Fresh and Functional Space

The kitchen is the heart of the home, where we cook, gather, and often start (or end) the day. Adding indoor plants to your kitchen not only brings a touch of life and greenery to the space, but also helps purify the air and can even inspire a bit of calm during the dinner rush.

Whether you have a sunny windowsill or a shady corner, there’s a plant to suit your space. And yes, some can even double as ingredients!

Here’s our list of the best indoor plants to brighten up your kitchen:

1. Herbs (Basil, Mint, Parsley, Thyme)

Why they’re great: Nothing beats fresh herbs at your fingertips while cooking. They're practical, pretty, and bring an earthy fragrance to your kitchen.

Care tip: Most herbs love bright, indirect sunlight. Keep soil slightly moist and give them good drainage.

Bonus: Clip and cook as needed!

2. Spider Plant

Why it’s great: This plant is a total crowd-pleaser – it’s hardy, forgiving, and looks lovely spilling over a shelf or hanging in a corner.

Care tip: Thrives in bright, indirect light but will tolerate lower light. Water when the top of the soil feels dry.

3. Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)

Why it’s great: Pothos loves a humid environment, making the kitchen a perfect home. Plus, it grows quickly and is nearly impossible to kill.

Care tip: Works in low or bright light. Let the soil dry out between waterings.

4. Aloe Vera

Why it’s great: Aloe is beautiful and functional – keep it on hand for small burns or cuts from cooking mishaps.

Care tip: Needs bright light and very little water. Let the soil dry completely between waterings.

5. Succulents

Why they’re great: Compact, cute, and easygoing – perfect for windowsills or tiny benchtop corners that need a little life.

Care tip: Give them lots of bright light and minimal water. Perfect for forgetful plant parents.

6. Peace Lily

Why it’s great: With its elegant white blooms and glossy green leaves, the peace lily brings a touch of calm. It also helps filter out kitchen fumes.

Care tip: Likes low to medium light and consistently moist (but not soggy) soil.