10 of the best houseplants for your kitchen

While the look of these beautiful plants certainly adds a touch of nature to the home, there are plenty of benefits of having greenery indoors, too.

In fact, NASA research shows that indoor plants can remove 87% of the toxins in a room within just 24 hours of placement.

Removing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, plants not only freshen up a space, but they get rid of harmful pollutants - which is perfect for a busy kitchen.

In the last couple of years, the focus on wellness has boomed among the general population, who also want to create more beautiful and calming living spaces.

It’s for this reason that houseplants are a popular addition to the home, especially kitchen plants. So, which are the best kitchen plants for you? Here are some of our favourites.

1. Best kitchen plant for cleaner air – Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

There is a myriad of choices when it comes to choosing plants for the kitchen that help clean the air, but a Boston fern is up there with the best.

Also known as the sword fern, this lush, vibrant-green plant helps to reduce humidity and clear the air of toxins while looking stylish, with minimal pruning required.

Depending on the size of your fern, it will sit in a small to mid-size pot and require a bright room out of direct sunlight.

2. Best houseplant to improve mood – Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis mille)

As well as plants that improve air quality, how about plants that improve your mood? Aloe vera is known for soothing skin conditions, but it can also balance and calm your mood, exuding positivity.

Best placed by the door as people enter the kitchen, your Aloe will need direct sunlight for at least six hours a day, which might affect where you choose to keep it.

3. Best plant for kitchen calmness – Peace lily (Spathiphyllum)

Everyone craves a calm kitchen space, so why not try a peace lily?

Tall and beautiful, a peace lily is one of the best kitchen plants for an open windowsill as while it works to filter toxins in the air, it helps to reduce stress in a busy household.

4. Best houseplant for a pop of colour – Pink begonia

Green plants are always chic in the home, but sometimes a bright pop of colour is needed to break up neutral kitchen spaces. Can you get any more beautiful than a bright-pink begonia?

With its vibrant petals, in various shades of pink, this kitchen plant asks for both a little sun and shade, making it a great choice for a kitchen spot that sees the morning sunshine with a shady afternoon.

5. Most on-trend houseplant – Kentia palm (Howea forsteriana)

If you’re looking for an Instagram-ready houseplant for your kitchen, opt for a Kentia palm. This on-trend plant exudes a tropical aesthetic, and is just the right size and height for a kitchen corner.

During lockdown, the demand for Kentia palms surged and has yet to slow – all with the idea of bringing that holiday feeling to kitchens everywhere. It will thrive in a light kitchen but keep it out of direct sunlight.

6. Easiest kitchen plant to keep alive – String of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)

If keeping plants alive and flourishing isn’t your forte, a string of pearls plant promises to be your friend. This sturdy plant is chic and small, and can be placed on open shelves as a welcoming addition to your kitchen décor.

It will last the longest if placed in a spot that catches both sun and shade throughout the day, requiring just a tiny drink of water now and again.