Las Vegas has a very dry climate and, according to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, receives only about 3.5 inches of precipitation per year. With summer temperatures reaching 110 degrees or more, most people spend their time in air-conditioned homes or workplaces. Many indoor plants are not well-suited to the low humidity of Las Vegas. Fortunately, there are some indoor plants that grow very well in a dry environment and some have the added benefit of increasing the air quality in sealed buildings.
Cactus and succulent plants have evolved specifically to thrive in lower humidity climates, making them excellent choices for indoor plants in Las Vegas. They require little maintenance and are also one of the few plants that can handle full sun exposure every day. Aloe vera and the flowering kelanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) make very attractive indoor plants. According to NASA research scientist B.C. Wolverton, in his book “How to Grow Fresh Air,” aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) has the added benefits of having medicinal qualities and being one of the few plants that increases oxygen in the air at night while absorbing carbon dioxide.
Living in the desert climate of Las Vegas can make it challenging to grow indoor plants Between the arid conditions outside and blasting AC inside, many houseplants struggle to survive. But take heart! There are plenty of attractive indoor plant varieties perfectly suited for Las Vegas homes
When selecting indoor plants for Las Vegas, the most important factors to consider are heat tolerance, drought resistance, and low maintenance needs. Varieties that store water in their leaves or stems are ideal. Avoid fussy, delicate plants that require frequent watering and high humidity levels.
Here are the top 12 indoor plants to brighten up your Las Vegas home with vibrant, living greenery:
1. Succulents
Succulents are practically made for growing indoors in Las Vegas. There are endless varieties to choose from, all with chubby leaves or stems that hold onto water. Popular succulents include jade plant, aloe vera, echeveria, hen and chicks, and snake plant. Give them bright light and let the soil dry out between waterings.
2. Air Plants
Air plants are epiphytes not true plants so they absorb moisture through their leaves instead of roots. With no need for soil, display air plants in glass terrariums or mounted on driftwood. Mist them a few times a week and place in bright, indirect light. Air plants add unique texture and interest to any indoor space.
3. ZZ Plant
If you sometimes forget to water your indoor plants, get a ZZ plant. Its swollen underground stems store water much like a camel’s hump. ZZ plants tolerate very low light and irregular watering. Their waxy oval leaves look great in modern, minimalist interiors.
4. Pothos
A classic indoor vine, pothos trails gracefully from shelves, climbs trellises, or cascades from hanging baskets. Varieties like golden pothos and marble queen pothos have variegated white-and-green leaves. Pothos tolerate low humidity and do fine in artificial lighting. Let the soil partially dry out between waterings.
5. Ponytail Palm
The ponytail palm is actually a succulent, not a true palm. Identifiable by its swollen trunk base for storing water it handles extended drought well. Ponytail palms thrive indoors in bright light and well-draining soil. Just don’t overwater this low-maintenance plant.
6. Chinese Evergreen
An easy care option, Chinese evergreen comes in many leaf shapes and patterns. Its colorful foliage ranges from silver to dark green with hints of pink, red, and cream. Chinese evergreen tolerates low light and irregular watering quite well. NASA rates it excellent for removing indoor air pollutants.
7. Snake Plant
Snake plants have stiff, upright sword-like leaves with intriguing patterns. They tolerate very infrequent watering and nearly any indoor lighting conditions except dark corners. Snake plants are also recommended by NASA for their air-purifying abilities.
8. Cast Iron Plant
As its name suggests, you’d have to really work at it to kill a cast iron plant. It grows slowly but steadily in low light and doesn’t mind irregular watering. Cast iron plants have bold, textured foliage that makes a dramatic statement in modern indoor spaces.
9. Dracaena
Popular dracaena varieties include the corn plant, dragon tree, and Janet Craig. Dracaena handle low light and infrequent watering quite well. Their slender leaves range from solid green to variegated, adding visual interest and height to indoor plant displays.
10. Bromeliads
Colorful bromeliads like the flame star are epiphytic plants that grow mounted on tree branches or rocks in tropical areas. They make excellent low-maintenance houseplants and tolerate the arid Las Vegas climate well. Display bromeliads in indirect light and water sparingly.
11. Orchids
Prized for their striking, delicate blooms, orchids thrive with indoor conditions in Las Vegas homes. Oncidium orchids, moth orchids, and phalaenopsis orchids are some popular choices. Orchids need well-draining soil and indirect sunlight. Wait until the roots turn silver before watering again.
12. Peace Lily
A favorite indoor plant, the graceful peace lily tolerates low humidity and artificial light. It produces lush green leaves and showy white blooms that give off a light, pleasant fragrance. Allow the soil to partially dry out between waterings. NASA recommends peace lilies for removing indoor toxins.
With the right plant picks suited to arid climates, you can successfully grow gorgeous indoor plants in your Las Vegas home. Focus on low-maintenance varieties that need minimal watering and can handle both heat and air conditioning fluctuations. Then get ready to enjoy the beauty, clean air, and mood-boosting benefits of indoor plants.
Las Vegas Areca Palms
The areca palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens) is a great choice for the Las Vegas area due to its ease of growth and benefits to the indoor environment. It helps to increase indoor humidity by releasing nearly a quart of water into the air each day. Considering the low humidity of Las Vegas, this palm can help create a more comfortable indoor environment. The areca palm is also an exceptional air purifier and helps to remove common indoor air toxins. Areca palm is fast growing and attractive. It prefers a semi-sun placement.
Pothos Indoor Hanging Plants
Pothos are one of the easiest and versatile indoor hanging plants you can find. They grow quickly and resist insect infestations. Pothos tolerates low light levels and low humidity. They are commonly used in hanging pots but can also be trained to climb or be planted as undergrowth for an indoor tree. This plant is also easily propagated.
Ferns can make some of the most beautiful indoor plants. Unfortunately, they can be difficult to grow, especially in low humidity. The Kimberley queen (Nephroleis obliterata), however, adapts to drier climates more easily than other ferns. Due to its high transpiration rate, it helps to increase indoor humidity. This plant will take a bit more care because the soil should remain moist and the leaves will need misting. The Kimberley queen prefers filtered sunlight.
Plant Shopping in Las Vegas at Interior Gardens
FAQ
What are the best houseplants for Nevada?
Popular houseplants, like the resilient Never Never Plant (Ctenanthe setosa), add vibrant greenery to your indoor spaces. Other houseplants like pothos, snake plants, and peace lilies are low-maintenance choices that suit Nevada’s dry indoor air.
What are the best drought-tolerant plants for Las Vegas?
- Desert Marigold (Baileya multiradiata) …
- Red Yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora): …
- Desert Spoon (Dasylirion wheeleri): …
- Texas Ranger (Leucophyllum frutescens): …
- Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis): …
- Indian Blanket (Gaillardia pulchella):
What is the most beneficial indoor plant?
- English Ivy (Hedera helix) …
- Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) …
- Bamboo Palm (Dypsis lutescens) …
- Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) …
- Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) …
- Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum) …
- Snake Plant (Sansevieria) …
- Weeping Fig (Ficus Benjamina)