Ever thought your beloved houseplants could use some fresh air on the front porch? Think again! While many plants love the sunshine, some just can’t handle the outdoors and will suffer if left outside.
Let’s explore 35 houseplants that are best kept inside, where they can truly thrive.
1. African Violet
These delicate beauties might seem hardy, but they crave the gentle caress of indirect light. African Violets love the warmth and coziness of indoor spaces, away from harsh sunlight.
Place them on a windowsill where they can bask in filtered light. Their sensitive leaves can scorch easily, and too much sun can dry them out.
They thrive in humidity, making the porch a challenging spot. Keep them inside to enjoy their blooms year-round!
2. Boston Fern
With its feathery fronds, this plant brings a touch of the tropics indoors. The Boston Fern doesn’t appreciate direct sun exposure.
It needs a humid environment to flourish, something porches often lack. Indoors, you can mist it regularly to keep it happy.
Outdoors, the wind and sun can dry out its leaves. Keep it inside where it can stay lush and green!
3. Peace Lily
Elegant and serene, this plant thrives in low light, making it perfect for indoors. The Peace Lily’s glossy leaves can burn under direct sun.
Its preference for consistent moisture is hard to maintain outside, where conditions can vary. Keep it in a stable, indoor environment.
The porch might seem inviting, but it’s not suited for its delicate blooms. Enjoy its calming presence inside!
4. Spider Plant
With its arching leaves and dangling “babies,” this plant adds character indoors. The Spider Plant prefers bright, indirect light away from direct sun.
Outdoors, it can dry out quickly, especially on a windy porch. Inside, it thrives in consistent conditions.
Keep it hanging near a window, and watch it grow new plantlets, safe from the elements!
5. Snake Plant
Known for its resilience, this plant still prefers the indoors. The Snake Plant can tolerate low light, but direct sun can scorch its leaves.
Its ability to thrive on neglect is best suited for indoor conditions. Outdoors, temperature swings can be too extreme.
Place it in a modern pot inside and enjoy its air-purifying qualities!
6. Orchid
Graceful and exotic, this plant is sensitive to temperature and light changes. Orchids prefer stable indoor environments with indirect light.
Outside, they’re vulnerable to wind and rain, which can damage their delicate blooms. Indoors, they can be pampered with care.
Bring a touch of elegance to your home with these beauties!
7. Calathea
Admired for its striking foliage, this plant needs a humid indoor spot. The Calathea’s leaves can curl and brown with too much sun.
It thrives in low-light areas, making a cozy room its ideal home. Outdoors, its delicate leaves can suffer.
Keep it inside to enjoy its vibrant patterns and colors!
8. ZZ Plant
A modern favorite, this plant is hardy but still prefers indoor life. The ZZ Plant can survive low light but doesn’t like direct sun.
Its waxy leaves retain moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering. Outdoors, it could get too thirsty or sunburned.
Place it inside and enjoy its easy-going nature and aesthetic appeal!
9. Pothos
Trailing gracefully, this plant loves indirect light and stable temperatures. Pothos can quickly dry out in the sun and wind.
Indoors, it’s easy to care for and can grow long, lush vines. Outdoors, its leaves can burn and lose their variegation.
Keep it inside, where it can remain vibrant and healthy!
10. Fiddle Leaf Fig
With large, glossy leaves, this plant is a design favorite. Fiddle Leaf Figs need bright, indirect light but can be fussy about changes.
Outdoors, wind and sun can damage its leaves, making it unhappy. Keep it in a stable, indoor spot for best growth.
Its dramatic foliage will complement any room decor!
11. Parlor Palm
Known for its elegance, this plant thrives in low light. The Parlor Palm doesn’t tolerate direct sun or cold drafts.
Outdoors, it can struggle with varying temperatures and humidity levels. Indoors, it adds a touch of tropical flair.
It’s perfect for a shaded corner, providing lush greenery all year round!
12. Rubber Plant
With its shiny, thick leaves, this plant loves filtered light. Rubber Plants prefer indoor conditions, away from direct sun.
Their leaves can scorch and dry out in the open air. Indoors, they thrive with consistent care and minimal fuss.
Keep it in your living area for a bold, green statement!
13. Philodendron
Heart-shaped leaves make this plant a romantic addition indoors. Philodendrons enjoy moderate light and stable temperatures.
Outdoor conditions can be too harsh, leading to wilting or browning. Inside, they can climb and thrive with ease.
Let them adorn your shelves or trellises for a touch of nature!
14. Moth Orchid
These charming flowers prefer a controlled environment. Moth Orchids dislike direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations.
Outside, their blooms can wilt and fade quickly. Indoors, they can enjoy the stability they need.
Place them on a windowsill to watch their graceful blooms thrive!
15. Majesty Palm
A symbol of tropical elegance, this plant needs a warm, humid environment. Majesty Palms struggle with outdoor elements like wind and sun.
Indoors, they can be misted to maintain their lush appearance. The porch’s dryness can harm them.
Keep them near a window for a slice of indoor paradise!
16. Chinese Evergreen
With its vibrant patterns, this plant prefers a shaded, indoor spot. Chinese Evergreens dislike direct sun, which can burn their leaves.
They thrive in low-light conditions, making them perfect for indoor life. Outside, they can become stressed.
Enjoy their colorful leaves in a cozy nook inside your home!
17. Dieffenbachia
Striking and bold, this plant needs indirect light. Dieffenbachias can suffer outdoors from sunburn and temperature changes.
Inside, they enjoy consistent care and grow large, beautiful leaves. Outdoors, they might not reach their full potential.
Place them in a well-lit room for best results!
18. Bromeliad
These exotic plants bring a splash of color indoors. Bromeliads need a humid environment, which porches often lack.
They prefer indirect light and consistent temperatures. Outdoors, they can dry out and lose their vibrancy.
Keep them inside for their exotic blooms to flourish!
19. Dracaena
Tall and graceful, this plant enjoys the stability of indoor conditions. Dracaenas can suffer from sunburn and wind damage outside.
They thrive in moderate light and regular watering schedules. Indoors, they’re easy to maintain.
Place them in a statement pot to enhance their beauty!
20. Anthurium
Bright and cheerful, this plant loves indoor humidity. Anthuriums struggle with outdoor elements like wind and sun.
They prefer indirect light and can be finicky about temperature changes. Indoors, they stay vibrant and healthy.
Enjoy their colorful blooms in a well-lit room!
21. Begonia
Patterned leaves and bright blooms make this plant a favorite. Begonias need a humid environment and indirect light.
Outside, they can become stressed and lose their vigor. Indoors, they can thrive with regular care.
Place them on a windowsill to enhance their beauty!
22. Jade Plant
A symbol of prosperity, this plant prefers indoor stability. Jade Plants can suffer from sunburn and cold drafts outside.
Their fleshy leaves store water, making them low-maintenance indoors. Outdoors, they can become stressed.
Keep them in a bright room for good fortune!
23. English Ivy
A classic climber, this plant enjoys filtered indoor light. English Ivy can dry out quickly in the sun and wind.
Inside, it can climb and trail elegantly, enhancing any space. Outdoors, it might not flourish as well.
Adorn your walls or shelves with its lush greenery!
24. Ficus
Known for its glossy leaves, this plant prefers indoor environments. Ficus doesn’t like direct sun or cold drafts.
Outdoors, it can suffer from temperature changes and wind. Inside, it thrives with minimal fuss.
Keep it in a bright room for a touch of elegance!
25. Croton
With its colorful leaves, this plant adds cheer indoors. Crotons dislike direct sun, which can cause leaf burn.
They prefer consistent moisture and temperatures, making porches less ideal. Indoors, they can maintain their vibrant hues.
Place them in a sunny spot for a splash of color!
26. Kalanchoe
Clusters of flowers make this plant a delightful indoor choice. Kalanchoes enjoy indirect light and stable conditions.
Outdoor elements like wind and sun can stress them. Inside, they can remain vibrant and healthy.
Enjoy their blooms on a windowsill or table!
27. Aloe Vera
Known for its healing properties, this plant prefers indoor care. Aloe Vera can suffer from sunburn and cold drafts outside.
Its fleshy leaves store water, reducing the need for frequent watering. Indoors, it can thrive with minimal care.
Place it in a bright spot for its beneficial qualities!
28. Prayer Plant
With its unique leaf patterns, this plant loves shaded indoor areas. Prayer Plants can burn in direct sun and dry out quickly.
They thrive in humidity, making porches less ideal. Indoors, they can enjoy consistent care.
Add them to your home for a touch of nature’s artistry!
29. Cactus
Though hardy, this plant is sensitive to cold and drafts. Cacti prefer controlled indoor conditions, protected from outdoor extremes.
Their water-storing capabilities make them ideal for indoor life. Outside, they could become too stressed.
Keep them in a sunny spot to enjoy their unique form!
30. Aglaonema
A trendy choice, this plant thrives in low light. Aglaonemas dislike direct sun, which can brown their leaves.
They prefer consistent moisture and temperature, making porches less ideal. Indoors, they maintain their striking patterns.
Place them near a window for a lively display!
31. Monstera
Popular for its dramatic leaves, this plant is an indoor star. Monsteras need indirect light and stable temperatures to thrive.
Outdoors, wind and sun can damage their leaves. Inside, they can grow large and elegant.
Let them be the centerpiece of your living space!
32. Hoya
Known for its waxy leaves, this plant enjoys indirect light. Hoyas can struggle with outdoor elements, becoming stressed easily.
Indoors, they can bloom with star-shaped flowers if cared for properly. Outside, they may not achieve their potential.
Keep them on a high shelf to appreciate their unique beauty!
33. Schefflera
With umbrella-like leaves, this plant is a modern favorite. Scheffleras dislike direct sun and temperature extremes.
Indoors, they thrive with regular care and stable conditions. Outdoors, they can become stressed.
Place them in a bright room for a touch of greenery!
34. Yucca
Known for its resilience, this plant still prefers the indoors. Yuccas can suffer from sunburn and cold drafts outside.
Their hardy nature makes them low-maintenance indoors. Outdoors, they might not be as happy.
Keep them in a sunny spot to enjoy their robust form!
35. Bird’s Nest Fern
With its wavy leaves, this plant loves humidity. Bird’s Nest Ferns can dry out quickly in the sun and wind.
They thrive indoors in a shaded, humid environment. Outside, they might not flourish as well.
Keep them in a cozy corner to enjoy their unique texture!