Because not everyone has a green thumb ā and thatās okay!
So you want houseplants, but your schedule is chaotic, your watering habits areā¦ inconsistent (letās be honest), and the Nairobi dust has declared war on your indoor surfaces? I feel you.
When I started my plant journey, I was full of vibes and zero knowledge. I bought plants just because they looked cute on Pinterest. Within two weeks? Wilted. Yellow. Gone. RIP to the snake plant I named “Hope.”
If youāve been there ā or are trying to avoid it ā hereās a no-stress, no-judgement guide to the best low-maintenance houseplants in Kenya. These are the plants thatāll love you even if you forget to love them back (sometimes).
šæ 1. Snake Plant (Mother-in-Lawās Tongue) ā The Survivor
If plants were people, this one would be that no-nonsense aunty who survives anything ā drought, bad vibes, and you forgetting it exists for a week.
Why itās perfect:
- Thrives in low light or bright light
- Doesnāt mind dry soil
- Filters air (good for Nairobi’s dusty vibes)
- Basically immortal if you donāt overwater
š Get one here ā itāll forgive you for forgetting to water it
šµ 2. Succulents ā Tiny but Mighty
These ones are small, stylish, and full of attitude. Just one on your windowsill will make your whole kitchen look like a Pinterest board.
Why youāll love them:
- Need watering once a week (sometimes less)
- Come in cute shapes and sizes
- Look great in any room, from bedsitter to mansion
- Can survive that one long weekend when you travel and forget them
š Pro Tip: Use fast-draining soil and avoid plastic pots that trap moisture.
š Find mixed succulent packs here
š“ 3. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) ā The Boss Babe of Plants
This one doesnāt beg for attention. It just grows ā sleek, shiny, and confident. Ideal for that corner in your living room that barely gets light.
Why Kenyans love it:
- It tolerates neglect (yes, even two weeks with no water)
- Low light? No problem
- Hard to kill and beautiful to look at
- Grows slowly, so no surprise overgrowth
This one is for the āI love plants but donāt have timeā crew.
š 4. Pothos (Money Plant) ā The Trailblazer
Want something leafy and dramatic without being high-maintenance? Pothos is your plant. It vines, trails, and grows easily ā basically the influencer of the plant world.
Why itās in every Kenyan home:
- Easy to propagate (just snip and replant)
- Adapts to most indoor light levels
- Tells you when it needs water (its leaves droop like itās in a telenovela)
- Gorgeous as a hanging plant or shelf decor
š Shop pothos-ready planters here
šæ 5. Peace Lily ā The Soft Girl Plant
Low-maintenance but gives you flowers? Say less. Peace lilies are the perfect plant if you want beauty and chill energy.
Why itās ideal for beginners:
- Shows clear signs when itās thirsty (droops dramatically then bounces back)
- Doesnāt need too much sunlight
- Purifies indoor air
- Can bloom indoors!
š Just keep it away from pets ā itās not chew-friendly.
šŖ“ Quick Tips for Beginner Plant Parents in Kenya:
- Start with one or two plants. Get to know their needs before expanding.
- Use breathable pots (with drainage holes!) ā avoid those decorative pots without airflow.
- Avoid overwatering. If unsure, itās better to under-water than drown.
- Clean leaves monthly. Nairobi dust is real ā a quick wipe keeps them thriving.
- Set reminders (or use a plant care app if youāre forgetful like me).
š Final Thoughts: Plant Parenthood Isnāt That Deep ā Just Start
You donāt need to be an expert to grow a little jungle in your house. All you need is the right plant for your lifestyle. Whether youāre a full-time worker, student, or a chilled-out creative, thereās a plant thatās perfect for you.
šæ Ready to start? Browse Kenyaās easiest indoor plants and find your green soulmate today.
