A kitchen with plants instantly feels warmer and more welcoming. From fresh herbs you’ll actually use, and low-maintenance greenery that copes well with heat and humidity to the easiest plant to keep alive, the right plants can thrive in this busy space. Whether your kitchen is flooded with light or has a quieter corner, these are our top 11 houseplants to grow in your kitchen. When choosing plants for a kitchen, light levels, available space and how much time you realistically have to care for them all matter.
1. Basil
Why it’s great: A kitchen staple that looks good and tastes even better. Fresh basil adds fragrance and flavour to everyday cooking.
Care tips: Needs plenty of light and regular watering. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
2. Spider Plant
Why it’s great: One of the easiest houseplants to live with. It tolerates changing temperatures and looks great on shelves or in hanging pots.
Care tips: Water when the top of the soil feels dry. Prefers bright, indirect light.
3. Aloe Vera
Why it’s great: Compact, sculptural and practical. Aloe suits sunny kitchens and the gel inside the leaves can be used for minor burns.
Care tips: Likes bright light and minimal watering.
4. Rosemary
Why it’s great: A fragrant herb that brings a Mediterranean feel to your kitchen but is also genuinely useful in cooking.
Care tips: Needs lots of sunlight and free-draining soil. Avoid overwatering.
5. Pothos
Why it’s great: Ideal for trailing from shelves or cupboards. Pothos is forgiving, attractive and handles varying light levels well.
Care tips: Water when the soil dries out. Thrives in bright, indirect light but copes with lower levels.
6. Chives
Why it’s great: Perfect for windowsills, chives add subtle flavour to meals and are easy to keep productive.
Care tips: Likes good light and regular watering. Trim often to encourage new growth.
7. Snake Plant
Why it’s great: Ideal for busy households. It copes with low light, temperature changes and missed watering.
Care tips: Water sparingly. Too much water is the biggest risk.
8. English Ivy
Why it’s great: Adds softness and movement, especially on open shelving or window ledges.
Care tips: Prefers bright, indirect light and evenly moist soil.
9. Mint
Why it’s great: Fresh, fragrant and fast-growing. Perfect for teas, desserts and summer drinks.
Care tips: Keep well watered and give it its own pot, as it spreads quickly.
10. Peace Lily
Why it’s great: A great choice for kitchens with lower light. Peace lilies bring elegant flowers and help improve air quality.Care tips: Keep soil lightly moist and avoid direct sunlight.
And finally – the easiest kitchen plant to keep alive!
11. String of Pearls
Why it’s great: If you want a plant that truly looks after itself, this is it. String of Pearls is a striking trailing plant that thrives in kitchens with good light and copes well with dry air and missed watering.
Care tips: Place in bright, indirect light and water sparingly. Let the soil dry out completely between watering, it prefers neglect to too much attention.
Simple Tips for Kitchen Plants
- Think about light first: Sunny kitchens suit herbs and succulents, while lower-light spaces are ideal for snake plants and peace lilies.
- Be mindful of moisture: Kitchens can be humid, so always check soil before watering.
- Use shelves and hanging planters: Trailing plants such as pothos and string of pearls work beautifully in vertical spaces.
- Choose practical pots: Drainage holes help prevent overwatering, especially near sinks and kettles.
If you’re planning a new kitchen and thinking about how details like planting, lighting and layout can work together, a well-designed space makes all the difference. A free design consultation is a chance to talk through your ideas, explore practical options and see how your kitchen could look and function day to day. Get in touch with the Wellingtons Kitchens team to book your complimentary consultation and start shaping a kitchen that works beautifully for your home.
Telephone us on 01322 334165