15 Best Indoor Plants for Zone 10B

While many gardeners believe Zone 10B‘s warm climate makes indoor plants unnecessary, you’ll find these tropical varieties actually thrive indoors where you can control their environment. Your home’s consistent temperatures between 65-85°F create ideal conditions for stunning specimens like Peace Lilies and Snake Plants, which struggle in outdoor heat extremes. From low-light tolerant ZZ Plants to humidity-loving Anthuriums, there’s a perfect indoor plant match for every room’s conditions.

1. Peace Lily in Filtered Sunlight

The Peace Lily thrives in filtered sunlight conditions when grown indoors in Zone 10B, making it an excellent choice for rooms with indirect light. This tropical plant’s glossy dark green leaves and iconic white flowers create an elegant display while effectively purifying indoor air. When placed in filtered sunlight, the Peace Lily maintains healthy growth without leaf burn, though flowering may be slightly reduced compared to brighter conditions.

• Light: Bright, indirect light or filtered sunlight; avoid direct sun exposure
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
• Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with high organic content
• Humidity: Prefers high humidity levels; mist leaves regularly or use humidity tray
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
• Fertilizer: Feed with balanced liquid fertilizer every 6-8 weeks during growing season
• Container: Pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot
• Soil pH: 5.5-6.5

2. Snake Plant in Bright Light

Snake Plants (Sansevieria) can thrive in bright light conditions indoors, displaying more vibrant coloring and potentially faster growth compared to lower light situations. While these hardy plants are known for tolerating low light, placing them in bright, indirect sunlight allows them to reach their full potential, producing stronger leaves and more pronounced variegation patterns. However, direct sunlight should be limited to prevent leaf scorching.

• Light: Bright, indirect light; can tolerate some direct morning sun; protect from harsh afternoon sun
• Water: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; water less frequently in winter
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix; prefer slightly sandy, loose soil
• Humidity: Adaptable to normal indoor humidity levels
• Temperature: 65-85°F (18-29°C)
• Container: Pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season
• Growth Pattern: Upright, slow to moderate growth rate in bright conditions

3. Chinese Evergreen in Shade

Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) thrives exceptionally well in shaded indoor environments of Zone 10B, making it an ideal choice for darker corners and rooms with minimal natural light. This tropical plant features attractive variegated leaves with patterns of green, silver, and sometimes pink or red, adding visual interest while effectively cleaning indoor air. Its shade tolerance stems from its natural habitat as an understory plant in Southeast Asian forests.

• Light: Tolerates low light to moderate indirect light; avoid direct sunlight which can burn leaves
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter
• Humidity: Prefers high humidity levels (50-60%)
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly with balanced liquid fertilizer during growing season
• Container: Use pots with drainage holes to prevent root rot
• Soil pH: 5.6-6.5

4. Dracaena in Low Light

Dracaena plants are excellent low-light indoor options for Zone 10B, with several species able to thrive in dimmer conditions. These hardy plants feature long, strappy leaves in various patterns and colors, growing well in areas that receive minimal natural light. While they prefer moderate to bright indirect light, many Dracaena varieties can adapt and maintain healthy growth in low-light environments, making them ideal for darker corners, offices, or rooms with limited windows.

• Light: Tolerates low light but grows best in moderate indirect light; avoid direct sunlight
• Water: Keep soil lightly moist; water when top inch of soil feels dry
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter
• Humidity: Average indoor humidity levels (40-50%)
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer every 2-3 months
• Container: Pot with drainage holes
• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate in low light conditions
• Toxicity: Mildly toxic to pets

5. ZZ Plant in Shade

The ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) thrives remarkably well in shaded indoor conditions, making it an excellent choice for zone 10B spaces with minimal natural light. This hardy plant’s thick, glossy leaves maintain their deep green color even in low-light environments, and its ability to tolerate shade comes from its natural habitat on the forest floor of Eastern Africa. The plant’s robust rhizomes store water and nutrients, allowing it to survive and maintain healthy growth even in less-than-ideal lighting conditions.

• Light: Tolerates deep shade to bright indirect light; avoid direct sunlight
• Water: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; water every 2-3 weeks
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand
• Humidity: Adaptable to normal indoor humidity levels
• Temperature: 65-85°F (18-29°C)
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer every 2-3 months during growing season
• Container: Pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot
• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate in shade

6. Rubber Plant in Corners

The Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) makes an excellent choice for corners in Zone 10B indoor spaces, as its large, glossy leaves create dramatic vertical interest while thriving in these often-underutilized areas. These robust plants can grow quite tall in corners, reaching heights of 6-10 feet indoors, and their upright growth pattern means they won’t spread too wide and obstruct traffic flow. The deep green foliage adds a bold architectural element to room corners, and their air-purifying qualities make them particularly beneficial in these typically less-ventilated spaces.

• Light: Bright, indirect light; can tolerate moderate light conditions; protect from direct afternoon sun
• Water: Allow top 1-2 inches of soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter; pH 6.0-7.0
• Humidity: Moderate to high; benefits from regular misting
• Temperature: 60-80°F (15-27°C)
• Fertilizer: Monthly feeding during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
• Container: Large pot with adequate drainage holes
• Maintenance: Dust leaves regularly; rotate plant quarterly for even growth

7. Spider Plant in Humidity

Spider Plants thrive in moderate to high humidity environments when grown indoors in Zone 10B. While they can tolerate average household humidity levels, they perform best and display the most vibrant foliage when humidity ranges between 40-60%. In higher humidity conditions, their distinctive arching leaves remain crisp and their characteristic plantlets develop more readily. Regular misting or the use of humidity trays helps prevent brown leaf tips, which commonly occur in dry conditions.

• Humidity: 40-60% ideal; can tolerate lower levels
• Light: Bright, indirect light; avoid direct sunlight
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch feels dry
• Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C)
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix with organic matter
• Container: Pot with drainage holes
• Spacing: Allow room for hanging plantlets to develop
• Fertilizer: Light feeding every 2-3 months during growing season

8. Pothos in Hanging Baskets

Pothos makes an excellent choice for hanging baskets in zone 10B indoor spaces, with its cascading vines and heart-shaped leaves creating an attractive display. The trailing stems can grow several feet long, and varieties like Golden Pothos, Marble Queen, and Neon Pothos offer different leaf patterns and colors that add visual interest when suspended from ceilings or wall brackets. These low-maintenance plants thrive in hanging baskets, allowing their natural trailing habit to develop fully while keeping the vines safely away from pets and children.

• Light: Bright indirect light; can tolerate low light conditions but may lose variegation; avoid direct sunlight
• Water: Allow top 1-2 inches of soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter
• Temperature: 60-80°F (15-27°C)
• Humidity: Tolerates average indoor humidity but prefers 50-70%
• Container: Hanging basket with drainage holes
• Fertilizer: Monthly feeding during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
• Pruning: Trim as needed to control length and promote bushier growth

9. Philodendron in Window Nooks

Philodendrons thrive in window nooks within Zone 10B homes, where the combination of filtered light and protected environment creates ideal growing conditions. These tropical plants adapt well to bright, indirect sunlight through windows while their climbing or trailing vines can add dramatic vertical interest to corners and window frames. The enclosed nature of window nooks also helps maintain consistent humidity levels that philodendrons prefer, making these spaces perfect microclimates for healthy growth.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; avoid direct sun exposure which can burn leaves; morning sun is tolerable
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry
• Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with organic matter; pH 5.5-6.5
• Humidity: 60-70% relative humidity; mist leaves or use humidity tray if needed
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C); protect from cold drafts near windows
• Container: Use pots with drainage holes; choose size based on plant variety
• Support: Provide trellis, moss pole, or other climbing support for vining varieties

10. Monstera in Bright Corners

Monstera deliciosa thrives in bright corners of Zone 10B indoor spaces, making it an excellent choice for adding tropical drama to room angles that receive filtered sunlight. These climbing plants, known for their distinctive split leaves, can grow impressively large in corners where they have vertical support, creating a lush, jungle-like atmosphere while efficiently utilizing often underutilized indoor spaces.

• Light: Bright, indirect light; can tolerate some direct morning sun but protect from harsh afternoon rays
• Water: Allow top 2-3 inches of soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with added perlite and orchid bark
• Humidity: 60-80%; benefits from regular misting or humidifier
• Temperature: 65-85°F (18-29°C)
• Support: Moss pole or trellis for climbing
• Fertilizer: Monthly feeding during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
• Container: Large pot with drainage holes; repot every 2-3 years as needed

11. Calathea in Filtered Light

Calathea thrives in filtered light conditions in Zone 10B indoor environments, making it a perfect choice for spaces away from direct sunlight. Also known as prayer plants, these tropical beauties feature striking leaf patterns and colors that remain vibrant when grown in bright, indirect light. The filtered light mimics their natural habitat beneath the rainforest canopy, protecting their delicate leaves from scorching while providing enough light for healthy growth and maintaining their distinctive leaf markings.

• Light: Bright to moderate indirect light; avoid direct sunlight
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch feels dry
• Humidity: High humidity (60% or higher); use humidifier or pebble tray
• Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with peat moss and perlite
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
• Fertilizer: Monthly feeding with balanced liquid fertilizer during growing season
• Container: Pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot
• Pruning: Remove yellowed or damaged leaves at the base

12. Anthurium in Morning Sun

Growing Anthurium in morning sun can be an excellent choice for Zone 10B indoor environments, as these tropical plants benefit from gentle early daylight without the intensity of afternoon heat. Morning sun provides the perfect balance of light intensity for Anthuriums to produce their vibrant, waxy flowers while protecting their delicate leaves from potential burn damage. The gradual warmup of morning light also helps reduce stress on the plant and promotes healthy growth patterns.

• Light: Bright, indirect morning sunlight; avoid direct afternoon sun; ideal placement in east-facing windows
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry
• Soil: Well-draining, organic potting mix rich in peat moss
• Humidity: Minimum 60% humidity; use pebble trays or humidifiers if needed
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during growing season
• Container: Use pots with drainage holes to prevent root rot
• Spacing: Allow adequate air circulation between leaves

13. Fiddle Leaf Fig Near Windows

Fiddle leaf figs thrive when placed near windows in Zone 10B, as these tropical plants require bright, filtered light to maintain their large, violin-shaped leaves. When positioning near windows, choose east or north-facing locations to protect from harsh afternoon sun while still providing adequate light exposure. The proximity to windows also helps maintain the warm, humid conditions these plants prefer, though they should be kept away from cold drafts or air conditioning vents that could damage their foliage.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; morning sun is ideal; protect from intense afternoon rays
• Water: Allow top 2 inches of soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Humidity: 40-60%; mist leaves regularly or use a humidity tray
• Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C); avoid cold drafts
• Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with good aeration
• Distance from window: 3-8 feet, depending on window orientation and intensity of light
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
• Rotation: Turn plant quarterly to guarantee even growth on all sides

14. Orchid in Morning Shade

Orchids thriving in morning shade are ideal for Zone 10B indoor environments, particularly varieties like Phalaenopsis and Paphiopedilum that naturally grow under forest canopies. These orchids benefit from gentle morning light filtered through east-facing windows, which provides enough brightness for healthy growth while protecting their sensitive foliage from intense afternoon sun that could cause leaf burn and stress.

• Light: East-facing window with bright, indirect morning light; protect from hot afternoon sun
• Water: Allow top inch of growing medium to dry between waterings; water thoroughly but avoid soggy conditions
• Humidity: 50-70%; use humidity tray or room humidifier
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
• Soil: Well-draining orchid mix with bark, charcoal, and sphagnum moss
• Fertilizer: Balanced orchid fertilizer at quarter strength every 2-3 weeks during growing season
• Air Circulation: Gentle air movement to prevent fungal issues
• Container: Clear plastic pot with drainage holes for root monitoring

15. Bromeliad in Filtered Sunlight

Bromeliads thrive in filtered sunlight conditions typical of Zone 10B indoor environments. These tropical plants naturally grow beneath forest canopies, making them well-adapted to bright, indirect light. When grown indoors in filtered sunlight, bromeliads produce vibrant foliage and their signature colorful flower bracts, while being protected from leaf burn that direct sun exposure can cause.

• Light: Bright, indirect light or filtered sunlight; avoid direct afternoon sun
• Water: Fill central cup (tank) with water; allow to dry slightly between refills
• Humidity: 60% or higher; mist regularly in dry conditions
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
• Soil: Well-draining epiphytic mix or orchid potting medium
• Container: Small to medium pots with excellent drainage
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer diluted to 1/4 strength monthly during growing season