Today’s plant enthusiasts have so many options when selecting a new houseplant to buy. Nurseries today stock a variety of plants ranging in different sizes and colors to fit any preference. And while trends may come and go, dark green plants have been proven to be a timeless choice for buyers.
Many plants with dark green leaves are actually easier to grow as well. Scientifically speaking, plants with dark leaves contain more chlorophyll, making them much more efficient at turning light into energy. This allows dark green plants to grow in lower light conditions, making them more ideal if you don’t have access to the bright light conditions lighter plants need to survive.
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In this list of the best dark green plants that are easy to grow, we’ll feature a few of our favorite plants that look great in any decor setting while being easily available – and affordable – at your local nursery or plant store. The plants on this list are also simple to care for, making it a great starting point for new plant parents, or those considering plants as a gift.
ZZ Plant
The beautiful Zamioculcas zamiifolia – better known as the ZZ Plant – immediately draws your attention with its long vertical stems and dark waxy leaves that fan out in a dramatic display. You can call it the “tall dark and handsome” member of your plant collection.
Beyond their looks, ZZ Plants are incredibly easy to care for. Underneath the soil, they have a large rhizome root structure designed to stores water for prolonged periods, meaning this plant loves staying on the dry side. They can thrive in low to bright indirect light, allowing them to grow in a variety of homes. In fact, the ZZ Plant is one of our top picks for the best low light houseplants. With their low light tolerance, ZZ Plants can also help enhance a dark corner where other plants may struggle to thrive. The mellow nature of the ZZ Plant matched with its amazing looks make it one of the best dark green plants that are easy to grow.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
Once impossible to find, the Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) has finally gotten mass-market adoption, and is beloved by interior designers and plant hobbyists alike. A member of the ficus family, these plants can be purchased in smaller, bushier formats comprised of multiple plants, or as larger, single stalks that are truer to its tree-like nature. In either case, you can enjoy their large flat leaves that mimic the fiddles they were named after. Prices have also come down in recent years, and it should be easy to find a local fiddle at your local nursery or garden center.
The gorgeous leaves of the Fiddle Leaf Fig that make them among the best dark green plants that are easy to grow are also a little more challenging to keep looking perfect. Because of their large size, these plants require a lot of energy, meaning they prefer lots of bright, indirect light to stay healthy. Ficus lyrata also prefer to stay on the drier side, requiring the soil to dry out between waterings. Water them generously a few times a month, and ensure your container allows drainage to ensure water doesn’t stand in the container causing root rot. Mastering the needs of the Fiddle Leaf Fig will ensure you have a large, gorgeous plant that will easily become the centerpiece of your collection.
Monstera Deliciosa
Monstera Deliciousa literally means “delicious monster.” The “delicious” references the fruit mature plants produce – tasting like something between a banana and an orange – and the “monster” refers to how quickly these plants can grow into ginormous beasts, taking over your living room with gorgeous dark green foliage. Once somewhat rare, the Monstera Deliciosa has become a commercial staple, and can be easily found at garden centers and nurseries worldwide. This plant craves as much indirect light as it can get, to produce its signature dark green leaves. In the right conditions, the leaves will also have detailed cutouts and ornate holes – fenestrations the plant evolved to ensure it’s large pancake-like leaves would not break in wind storms, while also allowing diffused light to reach lower leaves of the plant.
We love the Monstera Deliciosa because it can thrive in a variety of home environments and looks stunning when given the right care. It’s also a great introduction to rarer members of the Monstera family, like the Monstera Albo or the Thai Constellation Monstera which are rarer but just as beautiful (and still very expensive). Whichever Monstera you choose, you’ll be happy with a plant that we consider to be one of the best dark green plants that are easy to grow.
Sansevieria ‘Frozen’
We love Sansevieria plants – better known as Snake Plants – for being absolutely easy to grow. Some members of the Sansevieria family, namely the ‘Frozen’ variant, produce beautiful dark green leaves that add texture and intrigue to any interior. These plants love to stay on the drier side. I water mine once a month, and even if I’m a few days late, my plant has never let me know. Snake plants are also great at tolerating low light conditions through bright indirect light – making them easy to grow in dark corners or sunny widow sills alike.
I personally love using Sansevieria plants to add some green decor where other plants may struggle, like darker corners or next to entryways. It’s no surprise that the Sansevieria is one of our top picks for a great low light plant, as well as one of the best air purifying houseplants. They are terrific plants, even for those who aren’t the best at providing regular care to plants. With their absolute flexibility and stunning green leaves, it’s no surprise why so many people rank Snake Plants as some of the best dark green plants that are easy to grow.
Fairy Castle Cactus
We wanted to round out this list with a member of the cactus family in case tropical plants with dense leaves aren’t your thing. The Fairy Castle Cactus – or Cereus tetragonus – is a commonly available cactus plant named for its dense stems that mimic the look of an ornate castle with spiky, dark green turrets. As with other cacti, the Fairy Castle Cactus loves bright indirect light, can can also be grown outdoors with access to direct sunlight. It can be watered when the soil is dry, and will need a container with great drainage to ensure water doesn’t stand in the container, causing root rot.
In garden centers, you should be able to find small versions of this cactus in starter pots, sometimes with fake flowers glued to the ends. I prefer to carefully remove these, as they could stunt the plant from growing. By perfecting the water and light conditions, the Fairy Castle Cactus will turn into a gorgeous plant that isn’t your run-of-the-mill cactus.
Wrapping Up the Best Dark Green Plants that are Easy to Grow
We hope this list of the best dark green plants that are easy to grow help you select your next houseplant! Dark green plants can thrive in a variety of lighting conditions, thanks to their coloration helping them better photosynthesize and use light more efficiently. With so many plants to choose from, it’s never been a better time to take the plunge and bring home a plant to add some greenery to your home. Be sure to take a look at our other plant guides or lists to broaden your understanding of the best plants for your style.