Beautiful Plants You Can Put On Your Kitchen Counter
Are you looking to bring some plants into your kitchen countertop?
Well, you’re in luck because there are plenty of beautiful plants that thrive on kitchen countertops!
So, let’s explore some wonderful plants for your kitchen countertop that not only look stunning but are also easy to care for.
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is not only a beautiful plant but also a practical one.
Its thick, fleshy leaves contain a gel-like substance that is rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a popular natural remedy for sunburns and skin irritations.
To care for your aloe vera plant, place it in a sunny spot near a window where it can receive bright, indirect light. Water it deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
And be sure to use a well-draining potting mix to prevent waterlogging, as its roots are prone to rot in soggy soil!
2. Herbs
Growing herbs in your kitchen is not only convenient for cooking but also adds a delightful aroma to your space.
Basil, mint, parsley, cilantro, and thyme are all popular choices that thrive in sunny windowsills or under grow lights. To keep your herbs happy and healthy, water them regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Trim the leaves as needed for cooking, which will also encourage bushier growth. You can get creative with herb containers by using mason jars, or even repurposed tin cans for a rustic look.
3. Spider Plant
The spider plant, also known as Chlorophytum comosum, is not only easy to care for but also an excellent air purifier.
NASA’s Clean Air Study found that spider plants can remove toxins like formaldehyde and xylene from indoor air, making them a valuable addition to any home.
To care for your spider plant, place it in indirect sunlight and water it regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but not soggy. They produce small, white flowers and baby spider plants called “pups,” which can be potted up to propagate new plants.
You can hang your spider plant in a decorative macrame hanger or place it on a high shelf to showcase its cascading foliage.
4. Succulents
Succulents are a diverse group of plants that store water in their leaves, stems, or roots, allowing them to thrive in arid conditions.
They come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors, from the classic rosette-shaped Echeveria to the spiky Aloe vera and the trailing String of Pearls. Succulents prefer bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. So, be sure to choose a pot with drainage holes and use a gritty succulent mix to prevent waterlogged roots.
Water your succulents sparingly and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, especially during the winter months when they are dormant. You can get creative with succulent arrangements by planting them in shallow dishes, or even driftwood for a beachy vibe!
5. Peace Lily
The peace lily, or Spathiphyllum, is prized for its elegant white flowers and glossy, dark green leaves.
In addition to its beauty, the peace lily is also an excellent air purifier, removing toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from indoor air. To care for your peace lily, place it in bright, indirect light and water it regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Peace lilies thrive in high humidity, so consider placing a tray of pebbles filled with water beneath the pot to create a humid microclimate!
6. Pothos
Pothos is a popular trailing vine with heart-shaped leaves that come in various shades of green and variegated patterns.
It’s incredibly easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of light conditions, from low light to bright, indirect light. Pothos is also a great air purifier, removing toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene from indoor air.
To care for your pothos plant, place it in bright, indirect light and water it when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. You can propagate pothos plants by rooting stem cuttings in water or soil, allowing you to expand your collection or share plants with friends.
7. Orchid
Orchids are prized for their exotic flowers and graceful appearance, making them a stunning addition to any kitchen.
While they may seem delicate, orchids are actually quite resilient and can thrive in the warm, humid environment of a kitchen. There are thousands of orchid species and hybrids to choose from, ranging from the classic Phalaenopsis with its elegant moth-like flowers to the showy Cattleya with its vibrant, fragrant blooms.
Definitely place it in bright, indirect light and water it sparingly. Allow the potting mix to dry out slightly between waterings. Orchids prefer high humidity, so again consider placing a tray of pebbles filled with water beneath the pot to create a humid microclimate.
You can also mist the leaves occasionally or place the plant near a humidifier to increase moisture levels.
8. Snake Plant
The snake plant, or Sansevieria, is known for its striking upright leaves and air-purifying abilities.
It can tolerate low light conditions and infrequent watering, making it a low-maintenance option for busy kitchens. Snake plants come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from tall, sword-like leaves to shorter, more compact varieties.
To care for your snake plant, place it in indirect light and water it sparingly. Let the soil dry out completely between waterings. Snake plants are also great air purifiers, removing toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from indoor air.
You can display your snake plant in a decorative pot or planter to complement your kitchen decor, or place it on a high shelf to showcase its architectural foliage.
9. Jade Plant
The jade plant, or Crassula ovata, is a popular succulent known for its fleshy, oval-shaped leaves and tree-like appearance.
It’s said to bring good luck and prosperity to its owner, making it a popular choice for gifting. Jade plants prefer bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, so be sure to place yours near a sunny window and use a gritty succulent mix for potting.
Water your jade plant sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings, especially during the winter months when it’s dormant. You can prune your jade plant as needed to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth, and you can also propagate new plants from stem or leaf cuttings.
10. ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant, or Zamioculcas zamiifolia, is prized for its glossy, dark green leaves and upright growth habit.
It’s incredibly easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of light conditions, from low light to bright, indirect light. ZZ plants are also drought-tolerant, making them perfect for forgetful plant parents.
To care for your ZZ plant, place it in indirect light and water it sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. You can display your ZZ plant in a decorative pot or planter to complement your kitchen decor, or place it on a high shelf to showcase its architectural foliage.
11. English Ivy
English ivy, or Hedera helix, is a classic choice for adding a touch of elegance to your kitchen. Its trailing vines and deep green leaves create a lush, cascading effect that’s perfect for hanging baskets or elevated shelves.
English ivy prefers bright, indirect light and regular watering, so be sure to place yours near a sunny window and water it when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
You can trim your English ivy as needed to maintain its shape and prevent it from becoming too leggy, and you can also propagate new plants from stem cuttings in water or soil.
12. Bamboo
Lucky bamboo, or Dracaena sanderiana, is not actually bamboo but a type of dracaena that resembles bamboo with its tall, straight stems and clustered leaves.
It’s said to bring good luck and prosperity to its owner, making it a popular choice for gifting. Lucky bamboo prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, so be sure to place yours near a sunny window and use a container with drainage holes for potting!
Water your lucky bamboo sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, and be sure to use filtered or distilled water to prevent salt and chemical buildup.
13. String of Pearls
String of pearls, or Senecio rowleyanus, is a quirky and unique succulent with cascading stems adorned with spherical, bead-like leaves.
It’s sure to be a conversation starter in your kitchen! String of pearls prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, so be sure to place yours near a sunny window and use a gritty succulent mix for potting.
Water your string of pearls sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings, as overwatering can cause root rot.
You can display your string of pearls in a hanging basket or elevated planter to showcase its trailing foliage, or you can drape it over a shelf or windowsill for a whimsical touch.
14. Pilea Peperomioides
Pilea peperomioides, also known as the Chinese money plant, is an adorable little plant with round, coin-shaped leaves on delicate stems.
It’s easy to care for and adds a playful touch to your kitchen countertop. They prefer bright, indirect light and well-draining soil! So be sure to place yours near a sunny window and use a lightweight potting mix for potting.
Again, water it sparingly, and allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, as overwatering can cause root rot.
You can display your pilea peperomioides in a decorative pot or planter to complement your kitchen decor, or you can propagate new plants from stem or leaf cuttings to share with your friends and family.
15. Calathea
Calathea is a genus of tropical plants known for their bold, patterned leaves and vibrant colors.
They’re sure to make a statement in your kitchen! Calathea prefer bright, indirect light and consistently moist soil, so be sure to place yours near a sunny window and water it regularly. Make sure to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged!
You can increase humidity levels around your calathea by misting the leaves occasionally or placing a humidifier nearby. Calathea come in a variety of species and cultivars, each with its own unique leaf pattern and coloration, so feel free to experiment and find the perfect calathea for your kitchen decor!
Conclusion
You’ve now got a treasure trove of plants for your kitchen countertop. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or just starting out, there’s a plant on this list for you. Remember, caring for plants can be a rewarding and therapeutic experience, and your kitchen will thank you for the burst of greenery and freshness!
So go ahead, pick out your favorite plants, pot them up with love, and watch as they flourish and thrive in your kitchen. Whether it’s the soothing presence of aloe vera, the vibrant colors of succulents, or the elegant blooms of orchids, each plant will add its own unique charm to your cooking space.
And don’t forget to have fun with it!
Experiment with different pots, arrangements, and decorative touches to create a space that reflects your personality and style. Whether you’re creating a cozy herb garden on your windowsill or hanging a cascading spider plant in a macrame hanger, let your creativity shine.
Above all, enjoy the journey of caring for your new green companions. Take pleasure in watching them grow and flourish! And take pride in knowing that you’re creating a healthier, happier home for yourself and your loved ones. Happy planting!
