A quick little thought: I grew up watching my parents potter about the garden while the kids muttered to ourselves about the hot sun and then even more when ‘weeding’, pulling weeds from the garden, became part of the household chore list.
If there was something to drag our feet and grumble about, it was delaying Saturday morning cartoons because of ugh, the garden work. Time passed, school turned into jobs and now, weeding is so flippin’ therapeutic! I’d love to tell them now, “I totally get it!”
Gardening is a chore but a lovely one. Funny how the action is the same but the perspective is different, eh?
Whether you live in Malaysia and are looking for plants yourself or you’re thinking about sending a lovely plant-gift to someone in the country, this is your guide to must-have indoor plants in Malaysia.
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1. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus Lyrata) – A personal favorite
If your social media has an algorithm skewed towards indoor plants, you’ve definitely come across this beauty, it’s the #1 must-have plant and easily on the list of trendiest house plants. The fiddle leaf fig is on the larger side of the collection of indoor plants in Malaysia and makes an excellent statement piece with it’s leathery violin-shaped leaves. There is a miniature species called the Bambino Fiddle Leaf Fig which grows to an average maximum of 3ft – 6ft but a regular Fiddle Leaf Fig can reach 12ft indoors and if transplanted into the ground outdoors, it has a maximum record of achieving 60ft. Although, this is rare and will take years.
Fun fact, if you look it up, you’ll find that the Fiddle Leaf Fig is a flower species but from research and experience, it rarely flowers outside of its native African origin. So if you’re looking for blooms, this might not be the best choice.
2. Peace Lily
Common, fuss-free, and is on the list of air-purifying plants as researched by NASA. The peace lily produces beautiful white blooms throughout the year and sits beautifully on any table top or in a woven basket as a floor piece. It’s a fantastic gift for beginners as the plant can easily thrive in low-light and tolerate most conditions.
3. Pilea Peperomioides (Chinese Money Plant)
Do you believe that the symbolism of plants can help your general wellbeing? The Chinese Money Plant got its name thanks to the springy coin-shaped leaves, leading to the belief that having it in your home can bring good fortune and monetary gain!
Whether you think it’s true or not, this plant is a great table top plant for kitchens, dining tables, and living rooms. It only requires water when the soil is dry and loves a sunny spot.
4. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas Zamiifolia)
If you’re unsure about plants and don’t know where to begin with plant care, the ZZ plant makes the top 3 on my list of the easiest plants to care for. It’s almost indestructible thanks to its thick, shiny leaves and low maintenance care. There are many types of ZZ plants so if you’re looking for something unique and special, this ZZ Black Raven is a winner. Black leave plants are few and far in between, making them a nice addition to your home, especially when placed amongst lush greenery.
While the ZZ is a common indoor plant in Malaysia, known for being a medium sized plant, you can sometimes find them growing outdoors in neighbourhoods, reaching up to 4 feet in height!
5. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) – Most common indoor plant in Malaysia!
Did you know there are over 50 types of snake plants? They make fantastic house plants and are the most popular choice in Malaysia. The snake plant is super low maintenance and is up there on the indestructible list with ZZ. If you’re unsure if the person you’re gifting to can handle plant care, this is your 100% go-to plant.
The green snake plant is the most common indoor plant in Malaysia and you can find typically find them everywhere, including in outdoor spaces like parks and curbsides. Of all the varieties, I personally love the less common varieties; the Moonshine Snake Plant for its soft, light green colouring and the Whale Fin Snake Plant for its singularity and minimalism. They’re just *chefs kiss* beautiful.
If you’re looking to buy to buy this as an indoor plant in Malaysia, I recommend this one. From personal experience, I’ve bought this as a gift and had it shipped to a friend in the city, great service and packaging – a win all around.
6. Calathea Peacock Plant
Okay this one is for the green fingers! Typically, I’d say anyone can grow anything, it’s just about learning the right tips and tricks. But the calathea species (there are over 60!) can be pretty tricky as they need medium light and consistent moist soil. This makes them a fantastic plant in tropical countries like Southeast Asia, South and Central America and Africa.
However, with the boom in plant interest, they’re now found all over the world and in cool, dry climates, they just need a little bit more love and attention. But trust me, the work is worth it, the calathea peacock plant is a stunner! It has beautiful markings on its brightly coloured leaves and is a lush grower, making it a great centrepiece in any home or office.
Did you know there are many, great benefits to having plants indoors? From helping purify the air to supporting mental health, plants are truly an underrated support system. Read about their benefits here.
7. Areca Palm
One of the more common indoor plants in Malaysia is the Areca Palm, easily known as the definition of a tropical plant thanks to its lovely wispy, rustling leaves. Smaller than the yellow palm, it doesn’t like direct scorching sun as its leaves can burn so it does great indoors in a spot that receives bright, indirect light. Since it’s leaves are finer than most plants, it doesn’t trap as much dust making maintenance a wee bit easier. From an aesthetic point of view, the palm fits into most decor styles, adding a lovely beach feel that livens up any living space. What’s not to love?
8. Money Plant(Epipremnum aureum)
Easily the best indestructible plant known to mankind. It’s super easy to care for, fuss-free and fertiliser is nice to have but it can survive without it. It’s especially loved for being a trailing plant, adding a lovely aesthetic touch to bedrooms and more.
The money-plant is also a fast grower and can be propagated in all ways whether you pinch off the stem and poke it in soil or cut it and place it in water. This means being able to make new plants easily so it’s really a gift that keeps on giving!
9. Philodendron Heartleaf
This is truly a personal favourite from this list of indoor plants in Malaysia. The heart-shaped leaves are lush and have a shade of green that is seemingly unique and just like most philodendrons, it’s easy to care for and requires very little maintenance. I recommend this one from a store in Malaysia – good reviews, trusted seller and you know my favorite point, super affordable!
This is also a trailing plant and when paired with the money plant, it makes a lovely combination and beautifies grills, windows and is especially lovely when trailing down shelves and cabinets.
Bonus: From the same family is the Philodendron Brasil, almost the same but this plant boasts a two-toned leaf which is 100% gorgeous. I absolutely love this plant for its vibrancy and low maintainence. It also does well in low light conditions.
10. Herb Plants
Sweet basil, thyme, and rosemary. The 3 herb plants that grow in many homes across Malaysia and are on my personal list of the best plants to grow indoors. They make a fantastic choice as an indoor plant since these aren’t just a gift of aesthetics and function, they’re practical too! Your grocery list will be a little bit shorter, a little bit cheaper and your dishes will be aromatic and flavorful!
If you’re looking to get an indoor plant for someone who enjoys cooking or looking to get started, there’s nothing to think about, you can’t go wrong with a herb plant or two.
11. Caladium Lindenii
Famed for its large, striped leaves, the Caladium Lindenii is a great indoor plant, especially in humid countries like Malaysia. It grows well in pots and can tolerate shaded light so it’s a lovely addition to living rooms, bedrooms and office spaces. I love having a pot of two next to my workstation, it helps with focus and gives me something nice to look at after staring at screens.
From the same seller as the ZZ plant, get your Caladium Lindenii from this recommended seller – free shipping, free returns – always a win in my plant books.
12. Monstera
I have to note that this list is in no particular order. The Monstera Delicosa entered homes by a storm at one point when the monstera plant was such a trend that its leaves were used as print motifs on everything. Admittedly, it’s still the wallpaper on my phone and one of my favorite plants at homes, simply because it boasts big, waxy leaves and seems to be pretty self-sufficient.
As with most indoor plants, it makes a lovely addition to your home or as a gift. You can find it online here, complete with all the necessary precautions you need from an online plant seller. If gifiting, this may be better than a commercial bouquet of roses and chocolates! (Okay, maybe not the chocolates).
13. Calathea Lutea
Native to tropical countries like Mexico and Carribean Islands, Calathea Lutea is lush, green foliage that have large leaves and grow closely together giving you everything you could want from a plant. You get shade, fresh air, privacy when used as a fence, jungle vibes and that soft natural green to stare at.
In Malaysia, the Calathea Lutea plant is often found outdoors and planted in the ground or in containers along gates and the edges of homes. This is simply because of its size, it can filter sunlight, keep the compound cool and for homes with open fences, it really does work as a privacy screen! However, in keeping with the topic of this article, they’re definitely able to thrive indoors with access to partial sunlight, the only issue would be having to trim it often to maintain its size!
If you’re looking for a plant for a landed home, this Calethea Lutea is the perfect choice!
Common Questions about Indoor Plants in Malaysia
What are the cheapest indoor plants?
Money plant, snake plant, fittonia, syngonium and succulents (cactus) are some of the most affordable plants in Malaysia. However, if you’re on a budget or just don’t want to invest in plants, here are some ways to get them for free!
- Check out Free Tree Society for their free giveaways or visit and volunteer to receive a free plant
- Join swap groups on Facebook where you can request for plants or exchange cuttings/saplings with other people
- Chat with your neighbours and offer to swap cuttings, seeds or plants
- Propagate plants from your kitchen scraps – carrot tops, pak choy bottoms, onions, garlic, ginger, etc.
- Get seeds from your groceries such as chillis, tomatoes, long beans, eggplant and more
What plants are the best for the bedroom?
Snake plant, peace lily, spider plant, money plant and rubber plant are the best for indoor spaces like the bedroom. They’re easy to maintain and have been studied by NASA to have some of the best air purifying properties.
What are some of the best plants to have indoors?
Monstera, peace lily, ZZ plant, snake plant, philodendrons, rubber plant and spider plants. For something trendy and trailing, find a list of hanging plants that do well with low-light here.
We hope this list was helpful and that you’re ready to breathe life into your home with some lovely plants. As always, let’s grow!
