15 Best Indoor Plants for Zone 5B

Just as Noah selected the perfect pairs for his ark, you’ll want to choose the right indoor plants for your Zone 5B home. While outdoor gardening presents challenges in this climate zone, you can create your own year-round paradise with carefully selected houseplants. From the resilient Spider Plant to the striking Red Anthurium, each of these 15 plants offers unique benefits and care requirements that’ll transform your indoor space. Let’s start with the easiest ones to grow.

1. Spider Plant

The Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is a popular, easy-to-grow houseplant known for its arching green and white striped leaves and trailing plantlets that resemble spiders dangling from webs. These hardy plants make excellent hanging basket specimens and can help purify indoor air. Spider plants produce long stems called stolons that bear baby plants, making them simple to propagate and share with other gardening enthusiasts.

• Light: Bright to moderate indirect light; avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves
• Water: Keep soil moderately moist; allow top inch to dry between waterings
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix
• Humidity: Tolerates average home humidity levels
• Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C)
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced houseplant fertilizer
• Pot Type: Container with drainage holes; hanging baskets work well
• pH: 6.0-7.2

2. Pothos Plant

The Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a versatile and popular houseplant known for its heart-shaped leaves and trailing vines. This hardy plant is excellent for beginners, as it tolerates various indoor conditions and can thrive even with minimal care. Its variegated foliage comes in several patterns, including golden, marble, and neon varieties, making it an attractive addition to any indoor space. Pothos can be grown in hanging baskets, trained to climb supports, or allowed to cascade from shelves and bookcases.

• Light: Thrives in medium to bright indirect light; tolerates low light but may lose variegation; avoid direct sunlight
• Water: Allow top 1-2 inches of soil to dry between waterings; water less frequently in winter
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix; prefers slightly acidic soil (pH 6.1-6.5)
• Humidity: Adapts to normal household humidity; benefits from occasional misting
• Temperature: Prefers 60-80°F (15-27°C)
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced houseplant fertilizer
• Container: Any container with drainage holes; plastic or ceramic both suitable

3. Peace Lily

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) is a popular indoor plant known for its elegant white flowers and glossy dark green leaves. While not a true lily, this tropical plant is prized for its air-purifying qualities and ability to thrive in low-light conditions. The distinctive flowers consist of a white hood-like spathe surrounding a central spadix, blooming periodically throughout the year when conditions are right. Peace lilies are relatively easy to care for and can grow between 1-4 feet tall, making them versatile additions to indoor spaces.

• Light: Thrives in medium to low indirect light; avoid direct sunlight
• 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 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
• Soil pH: 5.8-6.5

4. Philodendron Brasil

Philodendron Brasil is a stunning tropical vine characterized by its heart-shaped leaves featuring variegated patterns of light and dark green with occasional yellow striping. As a variety of the heartleaf philodendron, this plant is known for its easy-care nature and vigorous climbing or trailing growth habit, making it an excellent choice for hanging baskets or training up moss poles. The Brasil variety maintains the durability of standard philodendrons while adding spectacular 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 moderate to high humidity (50-60%)
• 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; repot every 2-3 years or when rootbound
• Support: Provide trellis, moss pole, or allow to trail for ideal growth

5. Chinese Evergreen

Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) is a hardy indoor plant known for its attractive variegated foliage and air-purifying qualities. Native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, this plant features large, oval leaves with patterns ranging from deep green to silver, making it an excellent decorative choice for homes and offices in zone 5B where it must be grown as a houseplant. Its adaptability to various indoor conditions and low-maintenance nature has made it a popular choice among both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts.

• Light: Tolerates low to moderate indirect light; avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; allow top inch of soil to dry between waterings
• Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with good aeration
• Humidity: Prefers higher humidity levels; mist regularly or use a humidity tray
• Temperature: Maintains best growth between 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

6. Snake Plant

Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) is a striking indoor plant known for its tall, stiff, sword-like leaves that grow upright in a rosette pattern. Its leaves feature distinctive dark green bands with light green or yellow edges, giving it a snake-like appearance that inspired its common name. This hardy succulent is popular for its air-purifying qualities and exceptional tolerance of neglect, making it an ideal choice for beginners or busy plant owners in zone 5B homes.

• 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 potting mix; cactus or succulent mix works well
• Humidity: Adaptable to normal indoor humidity levels
• Temperature: Prefers 70-90°F; can tolerate down to 50°F
• Fertilizer: Feed lightly with balanced fertilizer during growing season
• Pot: Use container with drainage holes; prefer to be slightly root-bound
• Propagation: Division of rhizomes or leaf cuttings

7. Monstera Deliciosa

The Monstera Deliciosa, also known as the Swiss Cheese Plant, is a popular tropical houseplant prized for its large, glossy leaves with distinctive natural holes and splits. Native to the rainforests of Southern Mexico and Central America, this climbing plant can grow quite large indoors, reaching heights of 10-15 feet when properly supported. While it requires some specific care to thrive in indoor environments, particularly in colder zones like 5B, it remains a relatively low-maintenance choice that adds a dramatic, jungle-like aesthetic to interior spaces.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; avoid direct sun which can burn leaves; can tolerate moderate shade but may grow slower
• Water: Allow top 1-2 inches of soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter; prefers consistent moisture without soggy soil
• Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with organic matter; ideal pH 5.5-7.0
• Humidity: High humidity (50-60%); benefits from regular misting or humidifier
• Temperature: 65-85°F (18-29°C); protect from cold drafts and temperatures below 50°F (10°C)
• Support: Climbing support such as moss pole or trellis for best growth
• Fertilizer: Monthly feeding during growing season with balanced houseplant fertilizer

8. ZZ Plant

The ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is a hardy, low-maintenance houseplant known for its glossy, dark green leaves arranged on upright stems. Native to Eastern Africa, this plant has become increasingly popular for indoor growing due to its exceptional tolerance of neglect and ability to thrive in less-than-ideal conditions. The ZZ Plant grows slowly but steadily, reaching heights of 2-3 feet indoors, and is particularly effective at removing indoor air pollutants.

• Light: Tolerates low to bright indirect light; avoid direct sunlight
• Water: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; water sparingly
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix
• Humidity: Adapts to average indoor humidity levels
• Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C)
• Fertilizer: Light feeding every 3-4 months during growing season
• Pot Type: Container with drainage holes
• Soil pH: 6.0-7.0

9. 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 becomes a dramatic focal point in any room. While notorious for being somewhat finicky, with proper care and consistent conditions, it can thrive as a houseplant even in cooler climate zones like 5B.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate some direct morning sun; avoid harsh afternoon sun
• Water: Allow top 1-2 inches of soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with good aeration
• Humidity: Prefers 40-60% humidity; mist leaves or use a humidity tray
• Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C); avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature changes
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
• Pot Requirements: Well-draining container with drainage holes; repot every 1-2 years
• Air Quality: Protect from air conditioning vents and heating ducts

10. English Ivy

English Ivy (Hedera helix) is a versatile and popular trailing houseplant known for its distinctive lobed leaves and climbing ability. This evergreen vine can grow several feet long indoors, making it perfect for hanging baskets, trellises, or as a ground cover. While it’s considered invasive outdoors in many regions, it thrives as an indoor plant and helps purify air by removing indoor pollutants. The leaves typically display a deep green color, though variegated varieties are also available with combinations of green, white, and yellow.

• Light: Bright, indirect light to partial shade; 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, rich potting mix with organic matter
• Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity; mist regularly or use a humidity tray
• Temperature: 50-70°F (10-21°C)
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced houseplant fertilizer
• Soil pH: 6.0-7.5

11. Christmas Cactus

Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera) is a popular flowering houseplant that blooms during the winter months, typically around the holiday season. Despite its name, it’s not a true desert cactus but rather an epiphytic plant native to Brazilian rainforests. Known for its flattened, segmented stems and vibrant blooms in shades of pink, red, white, or purple, this long-lived plant can thrive for decades when properly cared for and can be passed down through generations as a family heirloom.

• Light: Bright, indirect light; avoid direct sunlight which can burn leaves; some morning sun is acceptable
• Water: Keep soil moderately moist during growing season; reduce watering during fall to induce blooming
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter; ideal mix includes standard potting soil with added perlite
• Humidity: Prefers 50-60% humidity; benefits from occasional misting
• Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C) during active growth; cooler temperatures (55-65°F) needed to trigger blooming
• Fertilizer: Feed every 2-4 weeks during growing season with balanced houseplant fertilizer; stop feeding during blooming period
• Pot: Use containers with drainage holes; prefers to be slightly pot-bound

12. African Violet

African Violets are compact, flowering houseplants prized for their delicate blooms and velvety leaves. These popular indoor plants produce clusters of purple, pink, white, or blue flowers above rosettes of fuzzy, dark green leaves. Native to eastern Africa, they remain relatively small, typically growing 6-8 inches in diameter, making them perfect for windowsills and small spaces. When properly cared for, African Violets can bloom repeatedly throughout the year.

• Light: Bright, indirect light; avoid direct sunlight; east or north-facing windows are ideal
• Water: Keep soil lightly moist but not wet; water from bottom to avoid leaf damage; allow soil surface to dry slightly between waterings
• Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C); protect from cold drafts
• Humidity: 40-60%; use humidity trays or room humidifiers if needed
• Soil: Well-draining, loose African Violet potting mix
• Fertilizer: Feed every 4-6 weeks with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer specific for African Violets
• Container: Small pots with drainage holes; prefer to be slightly root-bound
• pH: 6.0-6.5

13. Red Anthurium

Red Anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum) is a striking tropical houseplant known for its glossy, heart-shaped leaves and vibrant red flowers, which are actually modified leaves called spathes. These long-lasting blooms feature a protruding spadix and can flower year-round under proper conditions, making them popular choices for indoor decoration. While toxic if ingested, these plants are relatively easy to grow and can thrive indoors despite originating from tropical rainforests.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; avoid direct sun which can scorch leaves
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; reduce watering in winter
• Humidity: High humidity (60-80%); use pebble trays or regular misting
• Temperature: 70-85°F (21-29°C); minimum 60°F (15°C)
• Soil: Well-draining, organic potting mix rich in peat moss
• Fertilizer: Monthly feeding with balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during growing season
• Container: Pot with drainage holes; repot every 2-3 years
• pH: 5.5-6.5 (slightly acidic)

14. Cast Iron Plant

The Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior) lives up to its name with remarkable durability and tolerance for neglect, making it an excellent choice for indoor growing in Zone 5B. This slow-growing evergreen features long, dark green leaves that emerge directly from the soil, creating an attractive upright form that typically reaches 2-3 feet tall. Native to Japan and Taiwan, it earned its common name due to its ability to withstand poor conditions that would kill most other houseplants, including low light, irregular watering, and temperature fluctuations.

• Light: Thrives in low to moderate indirect light; can tolerate deep shade; avoid direct sunlight
• Water: Allow soil to dry partially between waterings; tolerates occasional drought; water less in winter
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter
• Temperature: Adapts to normal indoor temperatures; prefers 60-75°F
• Humidity: Tolerates average indoor humidity levels
• Fertilizer: Feed lightly with balanced fertilizer every 2-3 months during growing season
• Growing Medium: Must have good drainage with adequate aeration
• Repotting: Rarely needed; every 3-4 years when rootbound

15. Dieffenbachia Houseplant

Dieffenbachia, also known as dumb cane, is a tropical foliage plant recognized for its large, showy leaves with striking patterns of cream, white, and green variegation. This popular houseplant can grow between 3 to 6 feet tall indoors and features broad, oval-shaped leaves that emerge from thick, cane-like stems. While beautiful, all parts of the plant contain calcium oxalate crystals, making it toxic if ingested and requiring careful placement away from children and pets.

• Light: Bright, indirect light; can tolerate moderate shade but may lose variegation in low light conditions
• 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
• Humidity: Prefers high humidity (50% or higher); mist regularly or use a humidity tray
• Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C); avoid cold drafts
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced houseplant fertilizer
• Soil pH: 6.1-6.5