Studies show that indoor plants can remove up to 87% of air toxins within 24 hours. If you’re living in USDA Zone 7A and want to breathe cleaner air while adding natural beauty to your home, you’ll find specific plants that thrive in your region’s indoor conditions. From the low-maintenance Chinese Evergreen to the striking Norfolk Island Pine, these carefully selected varieties don’t just survive – they flourish in your local climate’s unique challenges.

1. Chinese Evergreen

The Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) is a popular indoor plant prized for its striking foliage patterns and excellent air-purifying qualities. This tropical plant features large, oval leaves with various patterns of silver, green, and cream, making it an attractive addition to any indoor space. Known for its hardiness and adaptability, Chinese Evergreen is an excellent choice for beginners and can thrive in most indoor environments with minimal care.

  • Light: Tolerates low to medium indirect light; avoid direct sunlight; can grow under fluorescent lights
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter
  • Humidity: Prefers high humidity; mist leaves regularly or use a humidity tray
  • Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C); protect from cold drafts
  • Fertilizer: Feed with balanced liquid fertilizer every 6-8 weeks during growing season
  • Soil pH: 5.6-6.5

2. Spider Plant

Spider Plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are popular, easy-care houseplants known for their arching green and white striped leaves and their ability to produce long stems with baby plantlets, earning them the nickname “airplane plants.” These resilient plants are excellent air purifiers and are non-toxic to pets, making them a safe choice for any indoor space. Their cascading growth habit makes them particularly attractive in hanging baskets or on elevated surfaces where their offspring can gracefully dangle.

  • Light: Bright indirect light; can tolerate moderate light but avoid direct sun
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; allow top inch to dry between waterings
  • Soil: Well-draining potting mix with good aeration
  • Humidity: Tolerates average home humidity levels (40-60%)
  • Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C)
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced houseplant fertilizer
  • Potting: Prefers to be slightly root-bound; repot every 2-3 years
  • pH: 6.0-7.2

3. Snake Plant

The Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) is a striking, architectural houseplant known for its tall, rigid, sword-like leaves that grow upright in a rosette pattern. Common varieties feature dark green leaves with gray-green horizontal stripes, though some cultivars display yellow edges or variegated patterns. This hardy succulent can grow between 6 inches to several feet tall and is particularly valued for its air-purifying qualities and extreme tolerance of neglect, making it an excellent choice for beginners and busy plant owners in Zone 7A environments.

  • Light: Tolerates low light but thrives in bright, indirect light; can handle some direct sun
  • Water: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; water less in winter
  • Soil: Well-draining, sandy potting mix
  • Temperature: 60-85°F (15-29°C)
  • Humidity: Adaptable to any humidity level
  • Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season
  • Container: Pot with drainage holes; prefers to be slightly root-bound
  • Propagation: Division or leaf cuttings
  • Potential Issues: Root rot from overwatering; rarely troubled by pests
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4. Peace Lily

The Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) is a popular indoor plant known for its elegant white flowers and glossy, dark green leaves. This tropical plant not only adds aesthetic value but also helps purify indoor air by removing common household toxins. While it can grow up to 3 feet tall indoors, most specimens remain more compact. The distinctive white “flower” is actually a modified leaf called a spathe, which surrounds the true flowers on the spadix.

  • Light: Thrives in medium to low indirect light; avoid direct sunlight which can scorch 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; mist leaves regularly or use a humidity tray
  • Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
  • Fertilizer: Feed with balanced liquid fertilizer every 6-8 weeks during growing season
  • Container: Use pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot
  • pH: 5.8-6.5

5. Pothos Golden Queen

Pothos Golden Queen (Epipremnum aureum ‘Golden Queen’) is a popular cultivar of the classic pothos plant, featuring vibrant green leaves with distinctive golden-yellow variegation patterns. This trailing vine makes an excellent indoor plant due to its adaptability and easy maintenance requirements. As it grows, the heart-shaped leaves can reach up to 4 inches in length, and the vines can extend several feet, making it perfect for hanging baskets or climbing up trellises and moss poles.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light; can tolerate low light but variegation may fade
  • Water: Allow top 1-2 inches of soil to dry between waterings
  • Soil: Well-draining potting mix with good aeration
  • Humidity: Tolerates average indoor humidity levels; prefers 50-70%
  • Temperature: 60-80°F (15-27°C)
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • Pot Type: Any container with drainage holes
  • Pruning: Trim as needed to control length and encourage bushier growth

6. Philodendron Brasil

Philodendron Brasil is a vibrant climbing houseplant known for its heart-shaped leaves featuring unique variegation patterns of dark green and chartreuse. A cultivar of the heartleaf philodendron, this tropical plant develops long trailing vines that can reach several feet in length, making it perfect for hanging baskets or climbing up moss poles. The Brasil variety maintains the same easy-care nature as its parent plant while adding striking color variation to indoor spaces.

  • Light: Bright to moderate indirect light; avoid direct sunlight which can burn leaves
  • Water: Allow top 1-2 inches of soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter
  • Soil: Well-draining, loose potting mix rich in organic matter
  • Humidity: Prefers 40-60% humidity; tolerates average indoor conditions
  • Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced houseplant fertilizer
  • Potting: Use container with drainage holes; repot every 2-3 years when rootbound
  • Support: Provide moss pole or trellis for climbing growth habit

7. ZZ Plant

The ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is a hardy, low-maintenance houseplant known for its glossy, dark green leaves and thick, upright stems. Native to Eastern Africa, this drought-tolerant plant has become increasingly popular for indoor spaces due to its ability to thrive in less-than-ideal conditions and its resistance to pests and diseases. The ZZ Plant grows slowly but can reach heights of 2-3 feet indoors, featuring pinnate leaves that grow in a feather-like pattern.

  • Light: Tolerates low to moderate indirect light; avoid direct sunlight
  • Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings; water sparingly every 2-3 weeks
  • Soil: Well-draining potting mix with added perlite
  • Humidity: Adapts to average indoor humidity levels
  • Temperature: Prefers 65-75°F (18-24°C)
  • Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer every 6 months
  • Pot: Container with drainage holes
  • Soil pH: 6.0-7.0

8. Fiddle Leaf Fig

The Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) is a popular indoor tree known for its large, violin-shaped leaves and striking architectural presence. Native to western Africa’s tropical rainforests, this plant can grow up to 10 feet tall indoors and features dark green, leathery leaves that can reach up to 18 inches in length. While sometimes considered temperamental, the Fiddle Leaf Fig can thrive as a houseplant when its basic care requirements are met consistently.

  • Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate some direct morning sun; avoid harsh afternoon sun; rotate periodically for even growth
  • Water: Allow top 1-2 inches of soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
  • Soil: Well-draining, fertile potting mix rich in organic matter
  • Humidity: Prefers 40-60% humidity; mist leaves or use a humidifier in dry conditions
  • Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C); protect from cold drafts and sudden temperature changes
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer
  • Container: Use pot with adequate drainage holes; repot every 2-3 years as needed
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9. Norfolk Island Pine

The Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla) is a tropical evergreen tree that, despite its name, isn’t a true pine at all. When grown indoors, this elegant plant typically reaches heights of 3-8 feet, featuring symmetrical branches with soft, inward-curving needles arranged in a distinctive spiral pattern. While it naturally grows as a towering tree in its native habitat, it adapts well to container growing and is popular as a houseplant or living Christmas tree.

  • Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate some direct morning sun but protect from harsh afternoon light
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Humidity: Prefers high humidity (50% or higher); benefits from regular misting or humidity tray
  • Temperature: 60-70°F (16-21°C); protect from cold drafts and sudden temperature changes
  • Soil: Well-draining, slightly acidic potting mix rich in organic matter
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer
  • Container: Use pot with adequate drainage holes; repot every 2-3 years as needed
  • Growth Rate: Slow to moderate growth rate indoors

10. Polka Dot Plant

The Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya) is a charming, compact houseplant known for its distinctive spotted foliage. The leaves display vibrant pink, white, or red spots scattered across green backgrounds, creating a speckled appearance that gives the plant its common name. Growing to a modest height of 12-18 inches, this tropical native makes an eye-catching addition to indoor spaces and can be grown as a standalone specimen or mixed with other houseplants in decorative arrangements.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light; protect from direct sunlight which can fade spots; some morning sun is acceptable
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with added organic matter
  • Humidity: Prefers high humidity; mist regularly or use a pebble tray
  • Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C); protect from cold drafts
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer
  • Pruning: Pinch back regularly to maintain bushy growth and prevent legginess

11. Jade Plant, Easy Succulent

The Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) is a popular succulent houseplant known for its thick, oval-shaped leaves and tree-like appearance. As one of the easiest succulents to grow indoors, it can reach heights of 3-6 feet when mature, developing a thick, woody stem that resembles a miniature tree trunk. Its fleshy, glossy green leaves store water, making it drought-tolerant and forgiving of occasional neglect, while its compact growth habit makes it suitable for containers.

  • Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate some direct morning sun; protect from hot afternoon sun
  • Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter; avoid overwatering
  • Soil: Well-draining succulent or cactus mix
  • Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C); can tolerate down to 50°F (10°C)
  • Humidity: Tolerates average indoor humidity levels
  • Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season
  • Container: Pot with drainage holes; terracotta preferred
  • Repotting: Every 2-3 years or when root-bound

12. Dragon Tree

The Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata) is a striking indoor plant known for its slender, upright stems topped with thin, sword-like leaves that arch gracefully outward. Native to Madagascar, this slow-growing plant can reach heights of 6 feet or more indoors and features dark green leaves with red edges, creating an eye-catching tropical appearance. Its low-maintenance nature and air-purifying qualities make it a popular choice for homes and offices in Zone 7A.

  • Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate lower light conditions but may slow growth; avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves
  • Water: Allow top 1-2 inches of soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter; sensitive to fluoride in tap water
  • Soil: Well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter; pH between 6.0-7.0
  • Humidity: Tolerates average indoor humidity levels; benefits from occasional misting
  • Temperature: Prefers 65-75°F; keep away from cold drafts and sudden temperature changes
  • Fertilizer: Feed with balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 months during growing season
  • Container: Well-draining pot with drainage holes; repot every 2-3 years

13. Weeping Fig, Ideal Indoor

The Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina) is a versatile indoor tree that can grow up to 10 feet tall in home environments. Known for its elegant drooping branches and glossy, oval-shaped leaves, this popular houseplant adds a touch of natural sophistication to any room. While it can be somewhat finicky about environmental changes, once established in a suitable location, the Weeping Fig becomes a low-maintenance plant that can thrive for many years.

  • Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; avoid direct sun which can scorch leaves; tolerates moderate light but may drop leaves in low-light conditions
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; allow top inch of soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter
  • Soil: Well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter; pH between 6.0-6.5
  • Humidity: Prefers high humidity (50-70%); benefits from regular misting or humidity tray
  • Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C); protect from cold drafts and sudden temperature changes
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer; reduce to quarterly in winter
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14. Umbrella Plant, Schefflera Arboricola

The Umbrella Plant (Schefflera Arboricola) is a popular tropical houseplant known for its distinctive leaflets arranged in a circular, umbrella-like pattern. Growing up to 8-10 feet tall indoors, this evergreen plant features glossy, dark green compound leaves with 7-9 leaflets per stem. Native to Taiwan and Hainan, it’s valued for its air-purifying abilities and adaptability to indoor conditions, making it an excellent choice for homes and offices in Zone 7A.

  • Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate moderate shade but may become leggy; avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves
  • Water: Allow top inch of soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix
  • Humidity: Moderate to high; benefits from regular misting
  • Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C); protect from cold drafts
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • Container: Use pot with drainage holes
  • Soil pH: 6.0-6.5

15. Heartleaf Arrowhead Plant

The Heartleaf Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium podophyllum) is a versatile indoor plant known for its distinctive arrow-shaped leaves that start green and mature to darker shades. A member of the Araceae family, this climbing vine can adapt well to indoor environments and grows either as a compact bushy plant when young or as a climbing vine when mature. Its heart-shaped juvenile leaves give way to more deeply lobed mature foliage, creating visual interest as the plant develops.

  • Light: Bright indirect light; can tolerate medium light but avoid direct sun
  • 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; mist regularly or use a humidity tray
  • Temperature: 60-85°F (15-29°C)
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • Container: Use pot with drainage holes; provide support for climbing
  • Pruning: Trim regularly to maintain compact shape and control growth