Plants can totally change the vibe of your kitchen, adding color, life, and a fresh burst of air. Whether you’re a gardening pro or just starting out, the kitchen is a perfect spot for plants. With the right choices, they can thrive here, making your space both beautiful and practical. Let’s explore the best plants for your kitchen and how to keep them happy!
Can I Put Plants in My Kitchen?
Yep, you can definitely keep plants in your kitchen! Kitchens are actually a great spot for plants because they offer the right mix of humidity, warmth, and natural light. Plus, they help clean the air, which is perfect when you’re cooking. But there are a few things to keep in mind when setting up your plants.
Light and Temperature
Most kitchen plants love bright, indirect light, so placing them near windows or under skylights works best. Just avoid putting them directly in the sun or too close to heat from the stove, as that can hurt them. Also, kitchens can have temperature swings with hot cooking or chilly drafts, so pick plants that can handle a bit of variety.
Space
Kitchens can be tight on space, but there are plenty of ways to make room for plants! Try using hanging baskets, shelves, or small pots on your countertop. Compact plants are perfect for smaller kitchens, and many can do well in tiny pots, so don’t stress if your kitchen’s short on counter space.
Best Plants for Kitchen
Here are some of the best plants for your kitchen that can add beauty and also freshen up the air.
African Violets
African violets are a fantastic way to add a splash of color to your kitchen. With their small, bright flowers in purple, pink, or white, they’re perfect for windowsills or tiny counter spaces. These plants thrive in bright, indirect light and need regular watering, but be careful not to overdo it!
Care Tips:
- Place in a spot with indirect light.
- Water when the soil feels dry to the touch.
- Avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent spotting.
Begonia Rex
If you want a plant with eye-catching leaves, Begonia Rex is a great choice. Its colorful, patterned foliage can bring bold pops of color to your kitchen. It loves bright, indirect light and a little humidity, which makes it perfect for the kitchen environment.
Care Tips:
- Keep in bright, indirect light.
- Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Peace Lily
Peace lilies are not only stunning but also great for purifying the air. With their elegant white blooms above dark green leaves, they add a touch of class to any kitchen. They can thrive in low light, making them perfect for kitchens with less sunlight, and they help clean the air by removing toxins—an awesome perk for any cooking space.
Care Tips:
- Low to medium light is best.
- Keep the soil consistently moist.
- Wipe leaves occasionally to keep them dust-free.
Spider Plant
Spider plants are famous for their air-purifying abilities, making them a perfect addition to your kitchen. With their long, arching leaves and green-and-white stripes, they look great in any space. Plus, they produce “babies”—small offshoots that you can grow into new plants, so you’ll have even more greenery to enjoy!
Care Tips:
- Thrives in indirect light.
- Water when the soil is dry.
- Clean leaves regularly to keep them free from dust.
Boston Fern
Boston ferns are lush, green plants that thrive in humidity, making them perfect for the kitchen. They add a fresh, natural look to your space and love the high humidity often found in kitchens. Plus, they’re natural air purifiers, helping to remove toxins from the air as they grow!
Care Tips:
- Place in indirect light with a bit of humidity.
- Keep soil moist but not soggy.
- Mist the leaves regularly to keep the plant happy.
Pothos
If you want a low-maintenance plant that still looks great, pothos is a winner. Known for its trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves, pothos can easily be placed on shelves or in hanging baskets. It tolerates a range of light conditions, making it perfect for nearly any kitchen setup. Plus, it’s almost impossible to kill!
Care Tips:
- Tolerates low to bright indirect light.
- Water when the soil is dry.
- Prune back vines to control growth.
Swiss Cheese Plant
For something unique and trendy, the Swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) is a fantastic pick. Known for its big, holey leaves that resemble Swiss cheese (hence the name!), it’s a showstopper in any kitchen. It can grow pretty large, so if you have the space, it can become a striking focal point in your kitchen.
Care Tips:
- Place in bright, indirect light.
- Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry.
- Support the plant with a stake if it starts to grow large.
Chinese Money Plant
The Chinese money plant is a cute, modern plant with round, coin-shaped leaves. It’s super easy to care for and does well in small pots, making it perfect for a kitchen counter or windowsill. Plus, it’s considered a symbol of good luck, so having it around might just bring some extra positivity to your space!
Care Tips:
- Keep in moderate light (indirect is best).
- Water when the soil feels dry.
- Rotate the plant occasionally to ensure it grows evenly.
Quick Care Tips for Plants in Your Kitchen
Here are some simple care tips to keep your plants happy and healthy:
- Placement: Look for spots with plenty of natural light, but avoid putting your plants directly in the sun, especially near the stove or oven. Shelves, windowsills, or hanging baskets are great options!
- Watering: Different plants have different watering needs, but a good rule of thumb is to water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Be careful not to overwater, as it can cause root rot.
- Humidity: Kitchens are naturally humid, which is great for plants like ferns. To boost humidity for other plants, try placing a small tray of water near them or misting them every now and then.
- Cleaning: Keep your plants looking fresh by cleaning their leaves! The kitchen can get dusty and greasy, so gently wipe them down with a damp cloth to remove any build-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put plants in my kitchen?
Kitchens are great for plants because they get light, heat, and moisture. Plants also help clean the air and make the room look nicer. Just be sure to keep them away from the stove or too much heat.
Is it good feng shui to have plants in the kitchen?
Plants in the kitchen are believed to bring good vibes and positive energy. They can also help make the space feel balanced and healthy, which is great for both your home and your mood.
Can I put plants in my kitchen with low light?
There are plenty of plants, like peace lilies and pothos, that do well in low light. Just make sure they’re not in complete darkness, and they’ll be happy with some indirect sunlight.
How often should I water plants in the kitchen?
You should water your plants when the top of the soil feels dry. Be careful not to water too much, though—overwatering can harm the plant. Just check every few days and give them a little drink when they need it!
