There’s nothing like a splash of living green to spruce up your drab décor. Not only do indoor plants look lovely; but they also elevate your mood and add fresh air to your interiors.

Unless you’re a seasoned green thumb, it’s hard to know what type of plants will grow indoors in Brisbane. With long hot summers and mild winters, you need hardy species that don’t require direct sunlight to thrive.

To point you in the right direction, we’ve rounded down a list of the ten best indoor plants for the Brisbane climate. 

Prayer plants

Hailing from the subtropical jungles of Brazil, the prayer plant brings a slice of the Amazon to your living room. Also known as Maranta leuconeura, this perennial grows up to 30cm tall and features striking clumps of marked oval-shaped leaves.

Wondering what’s with the name? Its leaves fold upright at night as if it were making a prayer for the evening vespers—a fascinating visual example of a plant’s diurnal rhythm.

• How to care for a prayer plant.

Umbrella tree

The umbrella tree is an Araliaceae species that thrives in the humid tropical rainforests of North East Queensland and the Northern Territory. In its natural environment, the evergreen tree grows up to 15 metres tall and produces thousands of flowers that nourish kangaroos and birds.

While you won’t get a floral display with a small potted tree, its glossy green leaves drape down like an umbrella to add interest to any indoor space.

• How to care for an umbrella tree.

Peace lily

Do your interiors feel a tad stuffy? Then consider adding in a peace lily, or Spathiphyllum. NASA included this popular flowering option in its list of the best air-purifying indoor plants.

Aside from the extra oxygen, the peace lily will brighten your interior with its dark green leaves and vibrant white flowers. Plus, the low-maintenance plant is a cinch to care for—just keep its poisonous foliage far away from pets.

• How to care for a peace lily.

Devil’s ivy

This gorgeous gangly vine is more angel than demon for the novice or time-poor indoor gardener. That’s because Devil’s ivy is one of the easiest indoor plants to care for; it’s capable of withstanding a significant degree of neglect.

The fast-growing and highly forgiving vine looks splendid in hanging baskets and glass vases thanks to its waxy, heart-shaped leaves. As you’ve probably guessed, it’s venomous when ingested.

• How to care for Devil’s ivy.

Rubber plant

Boasting moody burgundy or dark green leaves, this hardy Moraceae species plant is a temperature-resilient option that grows well throughout the year. Plonk the rubber plant on a tabletop or sit it by the couch as a standalone.

The South East Asian native can reach impressive heights with minimal maintenance—stake the trunk to ensure it grows upright.  

• How to care for a rubber plant.

Fiddle-leaf fig

Also known as Ficus lyrata, this striking West African mulberry species serves as the perfect sculptural centrepiece for your home. With a tall, erect stature and large glossy leaves, the fabulous ornamental fig looks fantastic on the floor.

As it’s a thirsty rainforest plant, you’ll need to stay on top of your watering game.

• How to care for a fiddle-leaf fig.

Zu-zu plant

Struggling to keep your green-leaved babies alive? Then grab yourself a zu-zu plant, also referred to as a Zanzibar gem. This sparkling verdant jewel is virtually indestructible, making it the pot plant of choice for forgetful green thumbs.

The Zanzibar’s hardy, drought-resistant nature comes from its innate ability to store water in its rhizome roots. In the arid climates of Malawai and Tanzania, the locals harvest its leaves to treat various inflammation-related conditions.

• How to care for a Zu-zu plant.

Swiss-cheese plant

A smash hit on social media, the Swiss-cheese plant looks striking with its lush perforated leaves. This Pinterest-worthy pot plant is famous for its Swiss cheese-like holes, which make a statement in any interior space.

Also known as Monstera deliciosa, the tropical Central American species likes a moist environment and grows best with a stake to stay upright.

• How to care for a Swiss-cheese plant.

Elephant’s ear

The aptly named elephant’s ear features large, umbrella-shaped leaves that resemble the lobes of everyone’s favourite African mammal. While the plant looks lovely year-round, it comes into its own during summer when the creamy greenish flowers start to bloom.

The elephant ear’s scientific name is Alocasia brisbanensis, so you know it will grow well here. Keep the toxic buds a safe distance away from curious toddlers or pets.

• How to care for an elephant’s ear.

Philodendron

Elephant’s ear is a type of philodendron, a common houseplant variety that falls under the Araceae family. Famed for its hardiness and lush green leaves, the philodendron is popular among inexperienced plant growers who seek something forgiving while they learn the ropes.

A broad range of vining and non-climbing philodendrons grow well in the Brisbane climate.

• How to care for a philodendron.

Find the perfect house plant at Wellers Hill Hardware & Landscape Supplies

Conveniently located in Tarragindi, we’re your go-to South Brisbane shop for everything home and garden. 

Stop by our store to peruse a wide range of landscaping supplies and nursery plants, including our top 10 indoor plants for Brisbane. With competitive prices and 50 years of experience in the business, we’re the leading hardware store in the city.