Top 10 Indoor House Plants for Sunshine Coast Homes & Workspaces
Picking indoor plants on the Sunshine Coast isn’t quite the same as doing it anywhere else. Our homes have their own unique quirks — bright, coastal light streaming through the windows, warm and easy-going winters, little pockets of humidity, and that lovely breezy airflow from open windows.
Some plants absolutely thrive in these conditions, while others… not so much. That’s where we come in. At iki + moss, we grow and handpick plants that genuinely love Sunshine Coast homes — the ones that stay lush, green, and effortlessly sculptural all year long.
Curious to see which plants make the cut? We’ve put together our definitive list of the Top 10 Indoor Plants for Sunshine Coast Homes.
Tropical, timeless, trouble-free — no wonder Kentia Palm tops the Sunshine Coast charts.
1. Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana (botanical name), Paradise Palm, Sentry Palm, Thatch Palm)
On-Trend | Popular | Elegant | Iconic | Coastal-friendly
The Kentia Palm is one of the most beloved indoor palms here on the Sunshine Coast. Its graceful, arching fronds and elegant vertical silhouette make it a favourite not only with interior designers and stylists, but also with plant lovers who want a statement piece that lasts. It’s the kind of plant that instantly adds breezy, tropical sophistication to any space.
What makes Kentias so popular is their incredible adaptability and hardiness. They thrive in bright, indirect light — perfect for our coastal homes — and tolerate occasional neglect without losing their lush, vibrant look. Unlike some more delicate palms, they handle our warm, humid winters beautifully, and their slow, steady growth means they stay manageable while still creating a real presence in a room.
Why It Thrives on the Sunny Coast
Looks lush, elegant and beautiful
Loves humidity and warm winters
Handles bright, filtered coastal light
Tolerates airflow from open windows
Slow-growing and long-lasting
Styling Tip: The Kentia Palm’s classical shape suits all Tropical Edit pots. At Iki + Moss, we love styling it in the Curve Pot. Its elegant fronds complement the pot’s soft, curved lines, creating a sculptural, balanced silhouette that feels intentional and refined—perfect for modern coastal, Japandi, and minimalist interiors.
ZZ - thrives in homes with minimal natural light & it’s easy to propagate
2. Zanzibar (Zanzibar Gem / Zamioculcas zamiifolia (botanical name) ZZ Plant (very widely used), Zuzu Plant, Zammi Plant, Aroid Palm
Unkillable | Glossy | Low-light tolerant | Very green
The ZZ Plant is the ultimate low-maintenance greenery. Its glossy, deep green leaves almost seem to glow, and it thrives in homes with minimal natural light or spots that don’t get consistent attention. That’s why it’s a favourite for rentals, offices, or those tricky corners that never see direct sun.
Part of what makes the Zanzibar Gem so remarkable is its rhizomes — thick, underground stems that store water and nutrients. These are what give the plant its legendary “unkillable” reputation. Even if you forget to water it for a while, the ZZ will quietly keep growing. And here’s the fun part: those rhizomes also make it easy to propagate, so one healthy plant can become multiple hardy plants over time. Perfect for anyone wanting to grow their indoor jungle slowly, sustainably, and with minimal fuss.
Why It Thrives Indoors
Tolerates low to medium light | Handles variable humidity
Drought tolerant | Extremely resilient
Styling Tip: ZZ Plants have upright, gently arching stems that create a tall, elegant silhouette. Pairing them with a Curve Pot featuring a round, classic shape, softens those vertical lines and adds balance, letting the plant’s sculptural form stand out while keeping the overall look timeless and refined.
Cast Iron is perfect for busy homes or filming conditions like on The Block.
3. Aspidistra | Cast Iron Plant (most popular common name) Aspidistra elatior (botanical name) Bar Room Plant, Bar Room Lily (older/common nickname, especially in the UK), Iron Plant (shortened version) Hardy Aspidistra, Corn–Lily (less common, older reference)
Classic | Indestructible | Shade-loving | Dark Green Foliage
The Cast Iron Plant, or Aspidistra, has quietly become a designer’s favourite—and it’s easy to see why. It thrives even in low-light corners, keeps its glossy leaves looking fresh, and doesn’t mind a missed watering or two—perfect for busy homes or filming conditions like on The Block.
With its structured, evergreen foliage, it photographs beautifully and blends effortlessly with any interior style, from modern coastal to Japandi. It fills corners without feeling overpowering, stays tidy without dropping leaves, and instantly lifts a space, making it just as loved in real homes as it is on TV.
Why It Thrives Here
Handles inconsistent watering
Prefers cooler, shaded indoor locations
Perfect for apartments and darker rooms
Best Spots
Bedrooms
Shady living corners
Hallways
Styling Tip: The Cast Iron Plant’s bold, glossy leaves and upright yet slightly arching stems make it incredibly versatile—but the right pot can really elevate its presence. iki + Moss’s Stripe Pot is the ideal vessel if you want a modern, graphic touch. The striped design adds texture and contrast, making the glossy green leaves pop. Works best in minimal, contemporary interiors where you want the plant to stand out visually.
Swiss Cheese Plant - A Sunshine Coast favourite because it thrives in our humid, bright but indirect light conditions.
4. Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant, Windowleaf, Split-leaf Philodendron (older/common nickname, though it’s not actually a Philodendron))
Iconic | Fast-growing | Humidity-loving
A Sunshine Coast favourite because it thrives in our humid, bright but indirect light conditions. Monstera plants are everywhere in Sunny Coast homes, and it’s easy to see why. Their large, glossy leaves add a touch of tropical style, and they thrive in the bright, sunny conditions the area offers. While classic Monsteras are low-maintenance, the trend for variegated Monsteras—those striking green-and-white leaves—has grown, giving plant lovers a showpiece that requires a bit more care but delivers a big visual impact.
Why It Thrives
Loves coastal humidity
Fast, bold growth indoors
Tolerates warm winters
Best Spots
Living rooms
Bedrooms
Bathrooms (they adore steam)
Styling Tip: Pair your Monstera with iki + Moss’s Curve Pot for a modern, statement look. The rounded shape complements the plant’s natural curves, creating a subtle yet striking focal point in minimal, contemporary interiors.
Hope - Its cascading, crinkly-shaped leaves bring a soft, lush vibe to any space
5. Philodendron Hope (Philodendron selloum, Philodendron selloum, Tree philodendron, Split-leaf philodendron)
Architectural | Hardy | Tropical | Lush
Philodendron ‘Hope’ is an often overlooked gem that deserves a place in the spotlight. Its lush, deeply textured leaves create a soft, cascading look that instantly adds warmth to a space. With its relaxed, spreading growth habit, it works beautifully on shelves, in decorative pots, or as a statement tabletop plant. Thriving in bright, indirect light and known for being easygoing, ‘Hope’ is a low-effort way to bring rich, leafy greenery into your home.
It’s important not to confuse it with Philodendron ‘Xanadu,’ which is much smaller, has a rougher leaf texture, and a more compact, upright form—definitely a very different look and feel.
Why It Thrives
Loves filtered light
Lush green and uber tropical
Very forgiving
Great in warm spaces
Styling Tip: Pair your Philodendron ‘Hope’ with iki + Moss’s Tall Pot to highlight its elegant trails. The tall, smooth pot echoes the plant’s soft, cascading leaves, creating a relaxed yet stylish focal point in minimal, contemporary interiors.
Rhaphis A gorgeous, architectural palm with fine, fan-like foliage that brings gentle elegance into any room
6. Rhaphis Palm (Rhaphis excelsa, Lady Palm, Broadleaf Lady Palm)
Refined | Slow-growing | Textural
A gorgeous, architectural palm with fine, fan-like foliage that brings gentle elegance into any room. Slow-growing and long-lived, it develops a graceful presence over time, making it a subtle statement piece rather than a quick-fix addition. Best suited for container growth, as it can be difficult to transplant if planted in the ground.
Why It Thrives
Loves humidity
Ideal for soft coastal light
Slow and steady grower
Best Spots
Living rooms
Bedrooms
Calm relaxation spaces
Styling Tip: Pair this palm with iki + Moss’s Stripe Pot to add a modern, graphic touch. The clean lines and contrasting stripes highlight the plant’s elegant leaves, creating a striking focal point in minimal or contemporary interiors.
Soft, bamboo-like fronds make this palm ideal for smaller Sunshine Coast homes, apartments, or offices
7. Seizrizzi Bamboo Palm (fern rhapis, ground rattan cane, Japanese peace palm, lady palm, miniature fan palm, slender lady palm)
Compact | Fresh | Easy-care
Soft, bamboo-like fronds make this palm ideal for smaller Sunshine Coast homes, apartments, or offices where you want a touch of greenery without overwhelming the space. Its compact, upright growth allows it to fit neatly into corners or on tabletops, while still adding a sense of calm and tropical elegance.
Why It Thrives Here
Enjoys humidity
Loves indirect light
Easy to care for
Best Spots
Compact living areas
Corners
Offices
Styling Tip: Pair your Seizrizzi Bamboo Palm with iki + Moss’s Tall Pot to emphasize its vertical form. The sleek, elongated design of the pot complements the palm’s delicate fronds, creating a stylish focal point in contemporary or minimalist interiors.
Its dramatic, banana-like leaves bring a lush, tropical vibe, making it a striking statement of greenery indoors.
8. Strelitzia Nicolai (Giant Bird of Paradise, White Bird of Paradise, Natal Wild Banana)
Architectural | Bold | Sun-tolerant | Versatile
Strelitzia nicolai (Giant/White Bird of Paradise) is quickly becoming a popular feature in many Sunshine Coast homes — and it’s easy to see why. Its dramatic, banana-like leaves bring a lush, tropical vibe, making it a striking statement of greenery indoors.
There’s currently high demand for larger indoor specimens across the Sunshine Coast, making well-sized plants a sought-after addition to any home.
Keeping it in a nursery pot is the perfect way to enjoy this plant indoors. Potted plants remain more manageable, allowing you to control their size and simplify care. They can be moved to follow the best light, and potting also provides better control over soil drainage, helping to prevent the waterlogging that this species dislikes.
Why It Thrives
Loves warm temperatures
Handles bright indoor light well
Tough, sculptural leaves
Best Spots
Sunrooms
Open-plan living areas
Indoor/outdoor transition zones
Styling Tip: Pair your Strelitzia nicolai with iki + Moss’s Stripe Pot to enhance its bold, upright form. The graphic, modern pattern of the pot contrasts beautifully with the deep green leaves, creating a contemporary focal point that works especially well in minimal or tropical-inspired interiors.This is one of the most dramatic indoor plants for Sunshine Coast living. Whether indoors or in a bright alfresco space, Strelitzia Nicolai thrives in our climate.
Mother-in-Law’s Tongue’s upright, architectural leaves make a striking, on-trend statement
9. Sansevieria Snake Plant (Snake Plant, Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, Saint George’s Sword, Viper’s Bowstring Hemp)
Foolproof | Air-purifying | Sculptural
Sansevieria (Snake Plant) is a plant with a bit of a dual personality. In some parts of Queensland, it’s considered a weed — yet on the Sunshine Coast, it’s one of the most popular indoor plants, and it’s easy to see why. Its upright, architectural leaves make a striking, on-trend statement, while its reputation as a high-oxygen, air-purifying plant adds real functional value.
The Snake Plant thrives with minimal care, making it perfect for office environments and for people who travel, forget to water, or simply prefer ultra-low-maintenance greenery. Sansevieria is one of the easiest plants to grow indoors in coastal homes, bringing both style and resilience to any space.
Why It Thrives
Tolerates low light
Prefers to dry out between watering
Handles temperature fluctuations
Best Spots
Bedrooms
Offices
Entryways
Styling Tip: Pair your Snake Plant with iki + Moss’s Tall Pot to emphasise its vertical form. The sleek, elongated shape of the pot complements the plant’s upright leaves, creating a modern, sculptural focal point that works beautifully in minimalist or contemporary interiors.
Yucca - Traditionally grown outdoors, this plant works beautifully indoors too, bringing a tropical edge to living rooms, offices, or sunrooms.
10. Yucca Elephantis (Spineless Yucca, Giant Yucca, Madagascar Yucca, Cane Yucca)
Striking | Hardy | Minimalist | Easy to love
Yucca elephantipes is bold, sun-hardy, and architectural — making it a standout choice for modern Sunshine Coast interiors and bright indoor spaces. Traditionally grown outdoors, this plant works beautifully indoors too, bringing a sculptural, tropical edge to living rooms, offices, or sunrooms. Its dramatic, upright leaves make a striking statement, though a few “spiky” tips can occasionally be sharp or scratchy — easily managed by trimming the ends to keep it safe and tidy.
Why It Thrives Here
Loves bright light
Tolerates some indoor sun
Drought tolerant
Best Spots
Sunrooms
Living rooms
Offices
Entryways
Indoor–outdoor zones
Styling Tip: Pair your Yucca elephantipes with iki + Moss’s Stripe Pot for a modern, organic look. The stripy, oversized, shape of the pot complements the plant’s architectural form, creating a stylish focal point that works especially well in minimalist or contemporary interiors.
Water less than you think - Humidity means slower drying. Overwatering is the most common issue.
Plant care Sunshine Coast
1. Water less than you think
Humidity means slower drying. Overwatering is the most common issue.
2. Keep plants in their nursery pots
This helps with:
drainage
watering consistency
root health
longevity
easy styling and rotation
3. Always use drip trays / saucers
Why? Because saucers:
Protect surfaces from water damage, stains, or warping
Prevent soil and water mess
Reduce risk of root rot by allowing proper drainage
Helps to monitor soil and plant health, and controls watering (if there’s always water in the saucer, it’s a sign you’re overwatering)
Keeps pets and children safe from spills or slippery surfaces
4. Choose fibrestone pots
Because they are:
Lightweight – Easy to move and reposition, even with larger plants.
Durable – Resistant to cracks, chips, and coastal weather conditions.
Perfect for coastal homes – Withstands sun, wind, and salty air while maintaining a stylish look.
Low maintenance – Easy to clean and long-lasting, keeping your plants looking great year-round.
See our blog Why Fibrestone Pots Are the Best Choice for Sunshine Coast Homes & Gardens
