Summer's here, and while we crave those long, sunny days, the scorching heat can sometimes leave our homes feeling like fiery furnaces. But fear not, fellow plant enthusiasts! Here's the secret weapon to transform your living space into a cool, calming sanctuary: indoor plants!
These leafy companions aren't just aesthetic eye candy. They act as nature's air purifiers, filtering out toxins and boosting humidity, making every breath feel like a refreshing walk in the park. Plus, studies have shown that surrounding yourself with greenery can lower stress levels and improve mood – perfect for unwinding after a long summer day.
But with so many amazing options, where do you even begin? Don't worry, we've got you covered. Here's our curated list of the top 10 indoor plants that will thrive in your summer haven, adding a pop of life and a touch of cool to your surroundings.
Here is the list of some of the best summer plants
Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)
Snake plant, also known as Mother-in-Law's Tongue has stiff, upright leaves with a striking sword-like shape, adding a touch of modern elegance to any room. Snake plants are NASA-approved champions at purifying the air, and filtering out common toxins like formaldehyde and benzene.
Why it's perfect for summer: Snake plants are incredibly low-maintenance. They love bright, indirect sunlight and don't mind the occasional missed watering. Their succulent leaves store water, making them ideal for those forgetful moments (we've all been there).
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Think of the Spider plant as the ultimate symbol of resilience. This easy-to-care-for wonder produces adorable baby spiderettes that cascade down from the mother plant, adding a touch of whimsy to your space. These little green ninjas are air-purifying machines, removing common household toxins like carbon monoxide and formaldehyde. Plus, those adorable spiderettes are easy to propagate, allowing you to share the plant love with friends and family!
Why it's perfect for summer: Spider plants are incredibly adaptable, thriving in a wide range of light conditions, from bright indirect to moderate light. They also prefer evenly moist soil, so water them when the top inch of the soil feels dry.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Looking for a plant so low-maintenance it practically waters itself? Look no further than the ZZ Plant. This plant features glossy, dark green leaves that add a touch of sophisticated greenery to any corner. The ZZ Plant is a natural humidifier, releasing moisture into the air and helping to combat summer dryness. Plus, it's known for its air-purifying properties, filtering out common toxins like benzene and xylene.
Why it's perfect for summer: Nicknamed the eternity plant for its durability, the ZZ Plant thrives in neglect. It can tolerate low light conditions and infrequent watering, making it perfect for busy schedules or forgetful plant parents.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii)
For a touch of serenity amidst the summer heat, look no further than the Peace Lily. This elegant plant boasts beautiful white flowers (actually modified leaves called spathes) that add a touch of tranquillity to any space. Peace Lilies are renowned air purifiers, effectively removing common household toxins like ammonia and benzene. Plus, their beautiful white flowers are said to promote feelings of peace and well-being.
Why it's perfect for summer: Peace Lilies prefer moderate, indirect sunlight and evenly moist soil. They'll even tell you when they're thirsty – their leaves will droop! But don't worry, they bounce back quickly with a good watering.
Monstera Deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)
Craving a touch of the tropics? The Monstera Deliciosa, also known as the Swiss Cheese Plant, will transport you right there. This statement plant features large, glossy leaves with dramatic holes, adding a touch of jungle vibes to your indoor oasis.
Why it's perfect for summer: Monsteras love bright, indirect sunlight and prefer evenly moist soil. They'll also appreciate a good misting now and then to mimic their tropical origins.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
This versatile vining wonder boasts lush, heart-shaped leaves that come in a variety of colours and patterns. They can be trained to climb a moss pole or allowed to cascade from a hanging planter, adding a touch of lush greenery wherever they go. Pothos are champions at air purification, effectively removing common household toxins like benzene, toluene, and xylene. Plus, their trailing nature makes them perfect for hanging baskets, adding a touch of vertical interest to your space.
Why it's perfect for summer: Pothos are incredibly forgiving plants, thriving in a wide range of light conditions, from bright and indirect to moderate light. They prefer evenly moist soil, so water them when the top inch of the soil feels dry.
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema spp)
This stunning foliage plant features beautiful, variegated leaves in shades of green, cream, and sometimes even pink. They come in a variety of sizes, making them perfect for adding a pop of colour to any room, from a bookshelf to a coffee table. Chinese Evergreens are air-purifying powerhouses, effectively removing common household toxins like formaldehyde and benzene. Plus, their low-maintenance nature makes them ideal for busy plant parents.
Why it's perfect for summer: Chinese Evergreens prefer moderate, indirect sunlight and evenly moist soil. They're not fussy about humidity, making them perfect for average home environments.
African Violet (Saintpaulia ionantha)
Looking for a touch of colour to brighten your summer days? Look no further than the African Violet. These compact beauties boast velvety leaves and stunning blooms that come in a wide range of vibrant colours, from deep purple to delicate pink. African Violets add a touch of cheerfulness to any space with their vibrant blooms. Plus, they're surprisingly easy to care for once you understand their specific watering needs.
Why it's perfect for summer: African Violets prefer bright, indirect sunlight and consistently moist soil (but avoid getting water on the leaves!). They also appreciate higher humidity levels, so consider placing them on a pebble tray filled with water.
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
This elegant fern features delicate, arching fronds that add a touch of lush greenery and a feeling of tranquillity to any room. They're perfect for hanging baskets or placed on a stand, bringing a touch of the forest indoors. Boston Ferns are renowned air purifiers, effectively removing common household toxins like formaldehyde and xylene. Plus, their lush foliage adds a touch of natural beauty and a calming atmosphere to your summer oasis.
Why it's perfect for summer: Boston Ferns prefer moderate, indirect sunlight and consistently moist soil (avoid letting them dry out completely). They also thrive in higher-humidity environments, so consider grouping them with other plants or using a humidifier.