Looking for the best indoor plants for Queensland humidity? Advance Plants plantscape designer, Kelli Forward shares her top 13 indoor plants for corporate clients in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast.
Plants thrive in humidity. With many originating from jungle environments, ideal levels of humidity lie between 40-60 per cent for most plants. While tropical varieties sit between 60-80 per cent.
Enter Brisbane. With 50 per cent humidity levels in winter and 65-70 per cent in summer, Queensland’s capital city offers perfect conditions for indoor plants to flourish.
But first, Queensland indoor plants require air-conditioning considerations
Alongside high humidity also comes Queenslanders’ love of air-conditioning. Most designers understand that the optimal placement for indoor plants is away from direct jets of air. Fortunately, plants are usually given reprieve from these cooler temperatures outside of business hours.
To maximize Queensland’s humidity, consider placing plants in the larger rooms, foyers, and sunlit hallways where they are less likely to be affected by air-conditioning. Or if they are in a small office room, make sure they are positioned away from air-con vents.
Bearing this in mind, Kelli shares her top 13 indoor plants for the Queensland climate.
1. Kentia Palm
Native to Lord Howe Island in the South Pacific, the Kentia Palm is loved for its tropical beauty.
2. Strelitzia Nicolai (Giant White Bird of Paradise)
Tropical and lush in appearance, the Strelitzia Nicolai is a popular statement plant for Queensland businesses.
3. Zanzibar Gem (ZZ Plant)
Well-loved for its dark, glossy leaves, Zanzibar Gems thrive on neglect.
4. Ficus Lyrata (Fiddle Leaf Fig)
Everyone’s favourite statement plant, the Fiddle Leaf Fig, is loved most for its large violin, shaped leaves.
5. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum or “Spath)
Hardy and forgiving, peace lilies will let you know when they need a drink with their drooping leaves.
6. Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)
Known as one of the easiest indoor plants, Pothos is an attractive trailing plant available in varying coloured leaves.
7. Philodendron Congo
Boasting thick, glossy leaves and low-maintenance care, South America’s Philodendron Congo is perfect for your indoor space.
8. Ficus Elastica (Rubber Plant)
Ficus elastica, also known as the rubber tree plant, is hardy and resilient. Well-loved for its large, glossy leaves.
9. Monstera
The “Swiss cheese plant” or Monstera deliciosa is a fan-favourite for its unique leaves and strong fruit aroma.
10. Happy Plant or “Golden Heart”
Native to tropical Africa, dracaena fragrans (the happy plant) is a striking addition to any dull office corner.
11. Rhapis palm
Also known as the broadleaf lady palm or bamboo palm, the elegant rhapis palm thrives in indirect light.
12. Peperomia
Compact and low maintenance, the peperomia or “baby rubber plant” is the indoor plant you have been looking for.
13. Golden Heart
Sharing the same botanical name as the Happy plant, the Golden Heart focuses on the top end of the Happy with a vertical growth shape.
Looking for plant and pot supply? Rent indoor plant and pot combinations from $25 a week (including maintenance and free plant replacements) – we service Brisbane, The Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Northern NSW – Or find them at your local nursery.
