10 Houseplants That Are Perfect for Your Kitchen

Grow-Mate Organic Gardening
Nov 28
3 min read

The kitchen is one of the best places in the home for plants. Warmth, light, daily attention, and humidity from cooking all make it a surprisingly welcoming environment for certain species.

If you choose the right varieties, kitchen plants won’t just survive — they’ll thrive.

In winter, most indoor plants grow more slowly. Reduce watering slightly, avoid fertilising heavily, and make sure plants receive as much natural light as possible. Supporting the root zone with beneficial microbes such as RootMax becomes even more important during this time as visible growth slows.

Here are ten kitchen-friendly houseplants, with practical guidance to help you select and care for them with confidence.

kitchen decorated in a dark wood and bamboo with Best plants for kitchen

1. Herbs (Basil, Parsley, Rosemary, Thyme) : Best plants for kitchen

A bright kitchen window sill is perfect for herbs. They enjoy regular light and frequent harvesting, which encourages fresh growth.

Light: Bright, direct or strong indirect light
Water: Keep soil lightly moist; don’t let it fully dry out
Soil: Light, fast-draining herb or potting compost

herbs in a pot in the kitchen as Best plants for kitchen

2. Pothos (Devil’s Ivy): Best plants for kitchen

Pothos is one of the most adaptable indoor plants, thriving even under fluctuating conditions in an active kitchen.

Light: Low to bright indirect light
Water: Allow topsoil to dry between watering
Soil: Well-draining potting mix

3. Spider Plant: Best plants for kitchen

This cheerful plant appreciates humidity and is tolerant of temperature changes that kitchens often experience.

Light: Bright, indirect light
Water: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry
Soil: Loose, well-aerated potting mix

4. Aloe Vera: Best plants for kitchen

Aloe thrives in sunny, dry spots and prefers infrequent watering.

Light: Bright direct sunlight
Water: Let soil dry completely between watering
Soil: Cactus or succulent mix

beautiful aloe vera plant in a kitchen Best plants for kitchen

5. Peace Lily: Best plants for kitchen

Peace lilies adapt well to indoor kitchens and clearly communicate when they need water.

Light: Low to moderate indirect light
Water: Keep soil evenly moist
Soil: Moisture-retentive but well-drained compost

6. Snake Plant (Sansevieria): Best plants for kitchen

This tough, upright plant tolerates most indoor kitchen conditions effortlessly.

Light: Low to bright indirect light
Water: Minimal — water when the soil is dry
Soil: Sandy, fast-draining potting mix

7. English Ivy: Best plants for kitchen

With graceful trailing growth, ivy brings elegance to shelves and window areas.

Light: Bright indirect or partial shade
Water: Keep soil slightly moist
Soil: General potting compost with good drainage

8. Philodendron: Best plants for kitchen

Philodendrons thrive with warmth and indirect light, making them perfect for kitchens.

Light: Medium to bright indirect light
Water: Water once top layer of soil dries
Soil: Rich, well-draining mix

9. Calathea / Prayer Plant: Best plants for kitchen

These plants add pattern and softness, but enjoy stable care routines.

Light: Bright indirect light
Water: Keep soil consistently moist
Soil: Loose, moisture-retentive mix

10. Citrus (Dwarf Lemon or Lime): Best plants for kitchen

With sufficient light, citrus trees can flourish indoors and add fragrance to your kitchen.

Light: Full sunlight (6–8 hours daily)
Water: Water when the soil begins to dry
Soil: Citrus or slightly acidic potting mix with drainage

Kitchen Plant Care Tips

Avoid placing plants near direct heat sources
Clean leaves monthly
Improve drainage in containers
Adjust watering during winter
Turn plants for even growth

A Note on Roots

Healthy leaves always begin with healthy roots — especially in containers, where plants depend entirely on what’s in the pot.

Most potting mixes lack the biological life found in natural soil. Without support, roots work alone. When mycorrhizae are present, roots form natural partnerships with beneficial fungi that improve nutrient uptake, water management, and overall resilience.

That’s why RootMax was developed — to reintroduce beneficial microbes and mycorrhizae into container environments where soil life is limited. It gently supports the root zone so plants can cope better with indoor conditions like dry air, temperature changes, and restricted space.