Plants for the kitchen are not only a great way to add some greenery and freshness to your home, but also to improve the air quality and reduce stress. Plants can also help you create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your kitchen, where you spend a lot of time cooking, eating, and socializing.
However, not all plants are suitable for the kitchen environment, which can be hot, humid, and bright. You need to choose plants that can thrive in these conditions and that are easy to care for. In this article, we will introduce you to 10 best plants for the kitchen that will brighten up your space and make you happy.
Best Plants for the Kitchen
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is one of the most popular plants for the kitchen, and for a good reason. This succulent plant has many benefits, such as healing burns, soothing skin irritations, and purifying the air.
Aloe vera can also grow well in bright and dry conditions, which makes it ideal for the kitchen window sill. Just make sure to water it sparingly and avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot. Aloe vera is also easy to propagate, so you can share it with your friends and family.
2. Basil
Basil is not only a delicious herb that you can use in your cooking, but also a beautiful plant that can add some color and fragrance to your kitchen. Basil is easy to grow from seeds or cuttings, and it loves warm and sunny spots.
You can keep it in a pot on your counter or hang it from the ceiling. Just remember to water it regularly and pinch off the flowers to encourage more growth. You can also harvest the leaves as you need them and enjoy the fresh flavor of basil in your dishes.
3. Spider Plant
Spider plant is one of the most adaptable and low-maintenance plants for the kitchen. It can tolerate a range of light and temperature conditions, and it does not need much water or fertilizer. Spider plant is also known for its ability to filter out harmful toxins from the air, such as formaldehyde and carbon monoxide.
Spider plant produces long and graceful leaves that can cascade over the edge of a pot or basket, creating a lovely display. It also produces baby plants that you can easily detach and replant in new pots.
4. Mint
Mint is another herb that you can grow in your kitchen and use in your cooking. Mint has a refreshing and invigorating scent that can boost your mood and energy. Mint can also help you with digestion, nausea, and headaches.
Mint is very easy to grow from seeds or cuttings, and it prefers moist and well-drained soil. You can keep it in a pot on your counter or in a hanging basket. Just make sure to prune it regularly and prevent it from spreading too much, as it can be invasive.
5. Pothos
Pothos is one of the most forgiving and versatile plants for the kitchen. It can survive in low-light and low-humidity conditions, and it does not need much water or attention. Pothos is also effective at removing pollutants from the air, such as benzene and xylene.
Pothos has glossy and heart-shaped leaves that can grow long and trailing, creating a beautiful effect. You can place it on a shelf, hang it from the ceiling, or let it climb on a trellis or a wall.
6. Orchid
Orchid is a stunning and exotic plant that can add some elegance and sophistication to your kitchen. Orchid comes in many varieties, colors, and shapes, so you can choose the one that suits your style and preference.
Orchid can also bloom for a long time, providing you with a lasting display of beauty. Orchid can grow well in bright and indirect light, and it prefers high humidity and air circulation. You can water it once a week and mist it occasionally. You can also fertilize it once a month during the growing season.
7. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a fragrant and cheerful plant that can brighten up your kitchen and your mood. Lemon balm has a citrusy and minty aroma that can calm your nerves and uplift your spirits. Lemon balm can also help you with insomnia, anxiety, and cold sores.
Lemon balm is easy to grow from seeds or cuttings, and it likes moist and well-drained soil. You can keep it in a pot on your counter or in a sunny window. You can also harvest the leaves and use them to make tea, lemonade, or salads.
8. African Violet
African violet is a charming and colorful plant that can add some life and joy to your kitchen. African violet produces lovely flowers in shades of purple, pink, white, and blue, that can bloom throughout the year.
African violet can grow well in bright and indirect light, and it prefers warm and humid conditions. You can water it from the bottom and avoid wetting the leaves, as this can cause spots and rot. You can also fertilize it every two weeks during the flowering season.
9. Snake Plant
Snake plant is one of the most resilient and hardy plants for the kitchen. It can survive in low-light and low-water conditions, and it does not need much care or maintenance.
Snake plant is also excellent at purifying the air, as it can absorb harmful substances such as formaldehyde and nitrogen oxide. Snake plant has stiff and upright leaves that can grow tall and striking, creating a bold and modern look. You can place it on the floor, on a table, or on a shelf.
10. Rosemary
Rosemary is a wonderful plant that can bring some flavor and aroma to your kitchen. Rosemary is a woody and evergreen herb that has a piney and earthy scent that can stimulate your senses and memory.
Rosemary can also help you with digestion, inflammation, and hair growth. Rosemary is easy to grow from seeds or cuttings, and it likes sunny and dry conditions. You can keep it in a pot on your counter or outside your window. You can also harvest the sprigs and use them to season your dishes.
If you want to learn more about how to grow herbs indoors, you can read How to Grow Herbs Indoors in 3 Easy Steps: The Ultimate Guide for Home Gardeners that provides you with tips and tricks on how to start your own indoor herb garden.
You will find out how to choose the best pots, soil, and location for your herbs, and how to water, fertilize, and prune them. You will also discover some of the best herbs to grow indoors, such as thyme, oregano, cilantro, and more.
FAQ
What are the benefits of having plants in the kitchen?
Having plants in the kitchen can have many benefits, such as improving the air quality, reducing stress, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere, and providing you with fresh herbs and flowers.
How to choose the best plants for the kitchen?
You need to consider the light, temperature, and humidity levels in your kitchen, and choose plants that can thrive in these conditions. You also need to consider the size, shape, and color of the plants, and how they match your kitchen style and decor.
You also need to consider the care and maintenance requirements of the plants, and how much time and effort you can devote to them.
How to care for the plants in the kitchen?
You need to water, fertilize, prune, and repot the plants in the kitchen according to their specific needs and preferences.
You also need to check them regularly for pests and diseases, and treat them accordingly. You also need to clean the leaves and dust them off, and rotate the plants to ensure even growth and exposure to light.
Wrap Up
Plants for the kitchen are a great way to add some greenery and freshness to your home, and to enjoy the many benefits that they offer. You can choose from a variety of plants that can suit your kitchen environment and your personal taste, and create a beautiful and lively space.
We hope that this article has inspired you to get some plants for the kitchen and make your cooking and dining experience more enjoyable.
