9 Houseplants Perfect for Minimalist Décor, According to Professional Stylists

ZZ Plant

You can't get any simpler than the ZZ plant. It's an easy-going plant with rounded, thick leaves that come off a bulb. These leaves look beautiful against basic textures or solid colors—Esquivel suggests using a planter with these features to really spotlight the ZZ. They also don't need a lot of light or water.

• Size: 24 to 48 inches tall x 12 to 24 inches wide
• Growing requirements: indirect light; well-draining soil
  

Natal Fig

Native to Uganda and Kenya, the natal fig is a lesser-known ficus. It's easier to care for than the fiddle-leaf fig but can grow just as tall indoors. Its large, paddle-shaped leaves make it a statement piece against an empty wall, provided you give it enough light.

"When there's a lot of wall space, we love using plants or trees with bigger leaves or more wild shapes, because we have the space to work with," says Val Esquivel, plant stylist and founder of Plantitas Verdes. "These plants often feel like sculptures, as they take up more space and really fill up empty areas."

• Size: 6 feet tall or more
• Growing requirements: bright indirect light; fertile, well-draining soil
  

Snake Plant

Snake plants are a staple for minimalist households, and it's easy to see why. Their thin, vertical leaves only grow taller, giving them a streamlined, elegant look. These plants don't need much light either and prefer it if you forget to water them. If you have a lot of horizontal objects, a snake plant is a great way to break up the interior design flow.

"These plants are beautiful anywhere, but especially somewhere that has open, vertical space," says Lindsay Wallstrum, plant stylist and founder of Leaf and Lolo. "They grow quite tall, and their leaves have a beautiful structure."

• Size: 24 to 60 inches tall x 2 to 3 inches wide
• Growing requirements: indirect light; sandy, well-draining soil
  

Rubber Tree

There are many species of ficus in the world, and not all have big green leaves. Ficus elastica, or the rubber tree, has a few different varieties, but one of the most minimalist is the burgundy-leaved version. This variety has big, thick, rounded leaves that stem off a central branch and make for a beautiful silhouette wherever you have bright light.

"Known for their deep, dark green leaves, rubber plants are perfect in minimalist spaces," says Wallstrum. "Style them next to a bookcase or standing mirrors, as these plants grow quickly in height." They're easy to care for overall—just be sure to avoid overwatering in the winter.

• Size: More than 10 feet tall
• Growing requirements: indirect light; fertile, well-draining soil
  

Umbrella Plant

Schefflera has been extremely popular for decades. They're easy to care for and provide beautiful foliage in just about any space. "Commonly known as the umbrella plant, these are perfect in a minimalist space, as it will really let their fun leaves stand out," says Wallstrum. These plants can be easily pruned to fit any room and can become a statement piece when paired with a simple terracotta pot.

• Size: 6 feet or taller, depending on care, 3 to 4 feet wide
• Growing requirements: indirect light; sandy, fertile, well-draining soil
  

Blue Star Fern

Many ferns are dainty and have the look of a lace doily. The blue star fern is different: Its large, turquoise fronds fan out in simple, star-shaped patterns, and the blades are thick and fairly curvilinear. They won't shrivel up when the humidity drops, like a maidenhair fern might, and they can be trimmed to not seem as bushy if you want to create a more streamlined look.

• Size: 24 to 36 inches tall
• Growing requirements: indirect light; acidic, well-draining soil
  

Chinese Money Plant

Chinese money plants, sometimes called friendship plants, are easy to propagate and have round, plate-like foliage. In a spare space, a money plant can add a bit of movement—without feeling overwhelming. "They're perfect in a minimalist space, as it really lets their fun leaves stand out," says Wallstrum.

Money plants need more humidity, and their soil must be kept moist. They can be a little fussy if their soil is too dry or too wet.

• Size: 12 inches tall x 12 inches wide
• Growing requirements: indirect light; fertile, well-draining soil
  

Bird of Paradise

You'll always recognize a bird of paradise because it has large, palm-like leaves that reach several feet into the air. Each leaf can be several inches wide and long, so it resembles a green paddle coming out of a pot. Because of its height and relative ease of care, a bird of paradise can feel like a tropical escape but also a living sculpture.

"If you have a free corner or open space that receives ample light, this is a great space for a statement plant like a bird of paradise," says Wallstrum. In addition to light, these plants need moist soil and a lot of warmth to stay happy.

• Size: 48 inches tall or more x 12 inches wide
• Growing requirements: bright indirect light; fertile, well-draining soil
  

Prickly Pear

Prickly pear plants, like other cacti, can be incredibly easy to care for—they're tolerant of many conditions, even if they prefer full sun. Against a clean wall, their rounded form breaks up any super straight lines you may have, whether it's a long credenza or a tall shelf. If you want to move them to the patio, they can also handle very cold circumstances outdoors.

• Size: 8 feet tall
• Growing requirements: indirect light; acidic, well-draining soil