Houseplants That Prefer Staying Indoors : Plants That Don’t Like the Outdoors

Discover houseplants that thrive best indoors and don’t like being outdoors. Learn why these plants prefer indoor environments and how to care for them in your home.

Many people enjoy bringing their houseplants outdoors during warm weather, but some plants actually prefer to stay inside all year round. These indoor-loving plants have adapted to specific conditions that are best replicated in our homes. In this guide, we’ll explore some popular houseplants that don’t like the outdoors and learn how to care for them properly.

Why Some Plants Prefer Indoors

Before we dive into specific plants, let’s understand why some plants prefer indoor environments:

  1. Controlled temperature
  2. Stable humidity levels
  3. Protection from direct sunlight
  4. Shelter from wind and rain
  5. Absence of pests and diseases common outdoors

Now, let’s explore some popular indoor-loving plants:

1. Calathea (Prayer Plant)

A potted plant with green leaves on top of a chair, part of the Preyar plants collection.

Here is a completed chart with detailed information about Calathea:

CategoryDetails
Botanical NameCalathea spp.
Common NameCalathea, Prayer Plant
Plant Zone10-11 (often grown indoors)
Sun ExposureBright indirect light to partial shade
Soil TypeWell-drained, rich in organic matter
WateringKeep soil consistently moist, avoid waterlogging, prefers high humidity
Growth HabitUpright, bushy
Height/Spread1-3 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
Special FeaturesDecorative foliage with unique patterns and colors, leaves often fold up at night, requires high humidity and regular misting, adds a tropical feel to indoor spaces

Calatheas are known for their beautiful, patterned leaves and prefer indoor environments.

Why They Prefer Indoors:

  • Sensitive to temperature fluctuations
  • Require high humidity
  • Dislike direct sunlight

Care Tips:

2. Philodendron

Philodendron plant in white pot on wooden stool.

Here is a completed chart with detailed information about Philodendron:

CategoryDetails
Botanical NamePhilodendron spp.
Common NamePhilodendron
Plant Zone9-11 (often grown indoors)
Sun ExposureBright indirect light to low light
Soil TypeWell-drained, rich in organic matter
WateringAllow top inch of soil to dry out between waterings, avoid waterlogging
Growth HabitVining or upright, depending on variety
Height/Spread1-10 feet tall, 1-3 feet wide (varies by type)
Special FeaturesAttractive foliage with various shapes and colors, easy to care for, suitable for indoor environments, some varieties are climbers or trailing plants, air-purifying properties

Philodendrons are popular houseplants that thrive in indoor conditions.

Why They Prefer Indoors:

  • Adapted to low-light conditions
  • Sensitive to cold temperatures
  • Can suffer from sunburn outdoors

Care Tips:

  • Place in medium to bright indirect light
  • Water when the top inch of soil is dry
  • Provide support for climbing varieties

3. Peacock Plant (Maranta)

Green and brown leaves of Peacock Plant in a pot.

Here is a completed chart with detailed information about the Peacock Plant:

CategoryDetails
Botanical NameCalathea makoyana
Common NamePeacock Plant
Plant Zone10-11 (often grown indoors)
Sun ExposureBright indirect light to partial shade
Soil TypeWell-drained, rich in organic matter
WateringKeep soil consistently moist, avoid waterlogging, prefers high humidity
Growth HabitUpright, bushy
Height/Spread1-2 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
Special FeaturesStunning foliage with feather-like patterns and vibrant colors, leaves often fold up at night, adds a tropical touch to indoor spaces, requires high humidity and regular misting

Peacock plants, with their striking leaf patterns, are best kept indoors.

Why They Prefer Indoors:

  • Require stable, warm temperatures
  • Need high humidity
  • Sensitive to direct sunlight

Care Tips:

4. Monstera Deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)

Monstera Deliciosa plant showcasing a large green fruit.

Here is a completed chart with detailed information about Monstera Deliciosa:

CategoryDetails
Botanical NameMonstera deliciosa
Common NameMonstera, Swiss Cheese Plant
Plant Zone10-11 (often grown indoors)
Sun ExposureBright indirect light to partial shade
Soil TypeWell-drained, rich in organic matter
WateringAllow top inch of soil to dry out between waterings, avoid waterlogging
Growth HabitVining, climbing
Height/Spread3-10 feet tall, 3-6 feet wide (can be larger in ideal conditions)
Special FeaturesIconic large, perforated leaves, adds a dramatic tropical look to indoor spaces, can be grown as a climbing plant with support or in a hanging basket, relatively easy to care for, air-purifying

Monsteras are trendy houseplants that prefer indoor living.

Why They Prefer Indoors:

  • Can be damaged by strong winds
  • Sensitive to direct sunlight
  • Prefer consistent temperatures

Care Tips:

  • Place in bright, indirect light
  • Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry
  • Support with a moss pole for climbing

5. Fittonia (Nerve Plant)

A person holding a small Fittonia plant with green leaves.

Here is a completed chart with detailed information about Fittonia:

CategoryDetails
Botanical NameFittonia spp.
Common NameFittonia, Nerve Plant
Plant Zone10-11 (often grown indoors)
Sun ExposureBright indirect light
Soil TypeWell-drained, rich in organic matter
WateringKeep soil consistently moist, avoid waterlogging
Growth HabitLow-growing, spreading
Height/Spread4-6 inches tall, 12-18 inches wide
Special FeaturesDecorative foliage with intricate veining patterns, available in various colors (green, red, pink), ideal for terrariums and small pots, prefers high humidity and regular misting, adds a vibrant touch to indoor spaces

Fittonias, with their delicate veined leaves, are best suited for indoor environments.

Why They Prefer Indoors:

  • Require high humidity
  • Sensitive to temperature changes
  • Prefer low to medium light

Care Tips:

  • Provide bright, indirect light
  • Keep soil consistently moist
  • Maintain high humidity with regular misting

6. Anthurium

A vibrant pink Anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum) flower with glossy leaves.

Here is a completed chart with detailed information about Anthurium:

CategoryDetails
Botanical NameAnthurium spp.
Common NameAnthurium, Flamingo Flower
Plant Zone10-11 (often grown indoors)
Sun ExposureBright indirect light to filtered sunlight
Soil TypeWell-drained, rich in organic matter
WateringKeep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings
Growth HabitUpright, bushy
Height/Spread1-3 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
Special FeaturesGlossy, heart-shaped leaves and vibrant, long-lasting flowers (available in various colors), air-purifying properties, adds an elegant touch to indoor spaces, requires high humidity and regular misting, can tolerate low light conditions

Anthuriums, known for their bright, heart-shaped flowers, thrive indoors.

Why They Prefer Indoors:

  • Sensitive to cold temperatures
  • Require stable humidity levels
  • Can suffer from sunburn outdoors

Care Tips:

7. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

Chinese Evergreen plant with green leaves in a white pot.

Here is a completed chart with detailed information about Chinese Evergreen:

CategoryDetails
Botanical NameAglaonema spp.
Common NameChinese Evergreen
Plant Zone10-11 (often grown indoors)
Sun ExposureLow to bright indirect light
Soil TypeWell-drained, rich in organic matter
WateringAllow top inch of soil to dry out between waterings, avoid waterlogging
Growth HabitUpright, bushy
Height/Spread1-3 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
Special FeaturesAttractive foliage with various patterns and colors, low-maintenance, air-purifying, suitable for indoor environments, tolerates low light conditions

Chinese Evergreens are hardy indoor plants that don’t like outdoor conditions.

Why They Prefer Indoors:

  • Adapted to low-light conditions
  • Sensitive to cold drafts
  • Prefer stable temperatures

Care Tips:

  • Tolerate low to bright indirect light
  • Water when the top inch of soil is dry
  • Keep away from cold windows and drafts

8. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

Decorative Snake Plant in black pot on wooden stand.

Here is a completed chart with detailed information about Snake Plant:

CategoryDetails
Botanical NameSansevieria trifasciata
Common NameSnake Plant, Mother-in-Law’s Tongue
Plant Zone9-11 (often grown indoors)
Sun ExposureLow to bright indirect light
Soil TypeWell-drained, sandy or succulent mix
WateringAllow soil to dry out between waterings, drought-tolerant
Growth HabitUpright, rosette
Height/Spread1-4 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
Special FeaturesTough, low-maintenance plant, air-purifying, can tolerate low light and neglect, distinctive upright leaves with varied patterns, ideal for indoor environments and offices

Snake Plants are tough indoor plants that prefer staying inside.

Why They Prefer Indoors:

  • Can suffer from overwatering outdoors
  • Sensitive to cold temperatures
  • Prefer consistent light levels

Care Tips:

General Care Tips for Indoor-Loving Plants

While each plant has specific needs, here are some general tips for caring for indoor plants:

  1. Understand Light Requirements:
    • Most indoor plants prefer bright, indirect light
    • Use sheer curtains to filter harsh sunlight
  2. Maintain Proper Humidity:
    • Group plants together to increase humidity
    • Use a pebble tray or humidifier for moisture-loving plants
  3. Water Correctly:
    • Check soil moisture before watering
    • Use well-draining potting mix
  4. Control Temperature:
    • Keep plants away from drafts and heat sources
    • Maintain consistent room temperatures
  5. Fertilize Appropriately:
    • Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during growing season
    • Reduce or stop fertilizing in winter
  6. Clean Leaves Regularly:
    • Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust
    • This helps plants photosynthesize better
  7. Watch for Pests:
    • Regularly inspect plants for signs of pests
    • Treat infestations promptly with appropriate methods

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When caring for indoor-loving plants, avoid these common pitfalls:

  1. Overwatering:
    • More plants die from overwatering than underwatering
    • Always check soil moisture before watering
  2. Insufficient Light:
    • Even low-light plants need some brightness
    • Rotate plants regularly for even growth
  3. Ignoring Humidity Needs:
    • Many tropical plants require high humidity
    • Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels
  4. Frequent Repotting:
    • Most plants don’t need annual repotting
    • Only repot when the plant is root-bound
  5. Using Outdoor Soil:
    • Garden soil is too heavy for indoor plants
    • Use a well-draining potting mix designed for houseplants

While many plants can adapt to both indoor and outdoor environments, some truly prefer the stable conditions of our homes. By understanding the needs of these indoor-loving plants, you can create a thriving indoor garden that brings beauty and improved air quality to your living spaces.

Remember, even though these plants prefer staying indoors, they still need proper care and attention. Regular monitoring of light, water, and humidity levels will help ensure your indoor plants remain healthy and vibrant.

Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or just starting your indoor gardening journey, these plants that prefer staying indoors offer a wonderful opportunity to enjoy nature’s beauty year-round, regardless of outdoor conditions. Happy indoor gardening!

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