A houseplant is an ornamental plant that is grown indoors. It is also known as a pot, potted, or indoor plant. As such, they can be found in places such as homes and offices, primarily for decorative purposes. Plants grown indoors have different requirements than plants grown outdoors. They will thrive if you use suitable potting soil.
Most indoor plants require soil structure that retains moisture and drains well, allowing plant roots access to air and water. Water transports nutrients between roots and leaves. Plant leaves require water, nutrients, and sunlight to produce their food during photosynthesis. Water also aids a plant’s ability to stay calm. As a result, here are the top 10 best indoor water plants in Malaysia in 2025.
What Is The Method Of Watering Indoor Plants?
Most tap water should be fine for houseplants unless it has been softened because it contains salts that can accumulate in the soil and cause problems over time. Although chlorinated water is safe for most houseplants, having a filtration system is much better for your plants.
What Causes The Yellowing Of Indoor Plants?
The leading cause of yellow leaves is a lack of water, either too much or too little. Roots cannot breathe in excessively wet soil. They suffocate, shut down, and stop supplying the water and nutrients that plants require. Underwatering, also known as drought, has a similar effect.
10 Best Indoor Water Plants in Malaysia 2025
1. Lucky Bamboo
Lucky bamboo is susceptible to chlorine and other common chemicals in tap water. Unless you have hard water, you can use tap water (containing many minerals). As a result, only use bottled or distilled water or tap water left out for 24 hours to allow the chlorine to evaporate to water your lucky bamboo. Most lucky bamboo arrangements require only one drop of liquid fertiliser per month. Speciality lucky bamboo fertilisers are also available.
Specifications:
- Mature Size: 1–5 ft. tall, 1–2 ft. wide
- Soil Type: Water or moist but well-drained soil
- Sun exposure: Partial shade
Pros:
✅Different size option
✅Well-drained plant
✅Weekly watering
Price: RM5.50 – RM7.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
2. Fittonia
If the Fittonia plant is allowed to dry out, it will collapse. Although it will quickly recover if thoroughly watered, repeated fainting spells will eventually harm the plant. Fittonia plants that are allowed to sit in water for an extended period will develop yellowed, limp leaves. During the growing season, give plants a weak dose of liquid fertiliser formulated for tropical plants once a week.
Specifications:
- Mature Size: 3–6 in. tall, 12-18 in. spread
- Soil Type: Moist but well-drained
- Sun exposure: Partial shade
Pros:
✅ Can put in the bathroom
✅ Using a room humidifier
✅ Different type of options
Price: RM8.50 – RM10.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
3. Calathea
Calathea requires regular watering to keep the soil moist (but not soggy). Calatheas enjoy a lot of water, but they don’t like being wet. Calatheas prefer organically rich soil that is loamy or humusy. The soil’s pH should range from slightly acidic to neutral. Calatheas prefer filtered light or shade, which may seem counterintuitive for a tropical plant. So keep your Calathea out of direct sunlight, as it can burn the leaves and fade their vibrant patterns.
Specifications:
- Mature Size: 1–2 ft. tall, 1–2 ft. wide
- Soil Type: Loamy, moist, well-drained
- Sun exposure: Partial shade
Pros:
✅ Suitable in normal room temperature
✅ Once a month with a liquid balanced fertiliser
✅ Don’t require regular pruning
Price: RM15.00 – RM70.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
4. Aglaonema
Aglaonema is another name for Chinese Evergreen. The Chinese evergreen plant grows best in moist but not wet soil. To achieve this balance, thoroughly water your plant, then allow it to dry before watering again. This cadence can be maintained, but never let the plant dry out completely. Feed your Chinese evergreen with slow-release pellets or liquid fertiliser twice a year, at the beginning and end of the growing season, for the best results.
Specifications:
- Mature Size: 1–3 ft. tall, 1–3 ft. wide
- Soil Type: Well-drained
- Sun exposure: Partial shade, full
Pros:
✅ Standard peat-based potting mix
✅ Can be placed at kitchen or bathroom
✅ Can grow in near-shade
Price: RM10.00 – RM50.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
5. Monstera Adansonii
The Monstera Adansonii plant (Swiss Cheese) enjoys climbing. Aerial roots grow downward from the plant stem, bracing it against the ground or any available support. Although not drenched, these plants prefer to be kept moist. Before watering your Swiss cheese plant, insert your finger about an inch into the soil. It’s time to water the plant if the soil feels nearly dry. Irrigate until water runs out of the drainage holes in the container.
Specifications:
- Mature Size: 3–8 ft. tall, 1–3 ft. wide
- Soil Type: Moist, well-drained
- Sun exposure: Partial shade
Pros:
✅ Climber plant
✅ Can be placed at well-lit bathroom
Any container with drainage holes
Price: RM8.99 – RM12.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
6. Asplenium Nidus
Asplenium Nidus (Bird’s Nest Fern) prefers consistent soil moisture but does not thrive in soggy soil. Water the soil when the top inch is completely dry. Watering directly into the plant’s core can encourage mould growth and rot in the dense nest. To avoid wetting the fern’s fronds, direct water to the soil. Once a month, use a balanced liquid fertiliser diluted to half strength. Apply fertiliser to the soil rather than the fronds, as direct contact with fertiliser can burn the foliage.
Specifications:
- Mature Size: 3–5 ft. tall, 2–3 ft. wide
- Soil Type: Loamy, moist, well-drained
- Sun exposure: Partial shade
Pros:
✅ Must be potted in a container with ample drainage holes
✅ Uses minimal potting media
✅ No serious disease or pest problems affect
Price: RM12.00 – RM25.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
7. Anthurium
Anthurium soil should be kept slightly moist but never completely dry. Place the pot in a tray filled with water-soaked rocks or gravel. The plant’s water can drain there, helping to maintain higher humidity levels around the plant. Allow the soil’s surface to dry out before watering again. This happens about once a week indoors. When watering outside on hot days, every two or three days is sufficient.
Specifications:
- Mature Size: 3–5 ft. tall, 2–3 ft. wide
- Soil Type: Loamy, moist, well-drained
- Sun exposure: Partial shade
Pros:
✅ Prefers high humidity
✅ Uses phosphorus-rich fertiliser
✅ Repotting necessary every two years
Price: RM12.99 – RM15.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
8. Philodendron
When determining how frequently to water your philodendron, check its soil for the proper watering schedule. When the top inch of soil has dried out, water this plant. These plants prefer a moderate level of soil moisture. Overwatering and underwatering can cause the leaves to droop, so water when the soil is dry rather than when the leaves are dry. Philodendrons do not thrive in wet soil, as this can cause root rot. The non-climbing varieties are more drought-tolerant than the vining species.
Specifications:
- Mature Size: 3–5 ft. tall, 2–3 ft. wide
- Soil Type: Loamy, moist, well-drained
- Sun exposure: Partial shade
Pros:
✅ Use a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly
✅ Easy to propagate from stem cuttings and division
✅ Don’t have any serious issues with pests or diseases
Price: RM8.00 – RM26.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
9. Begonia Rex
Begonia Rex requires regular watering but should not be overwatered. They thrive in humidity, but if you mist the leaves, ensure they don’t get too wet and encourage powdery mildew. Before watering, allow the soil surface to dry to the touch. However, if the soil becomes too dry, the plant will begin to wither. Water the soil until it feels slightly moist but evenly moist.
Specifications:
- Mature Size: 12-18 in. tall, similar spread
- Soil Type: Porous
- Sun exposure: Part shade to full shade
Pros:
✅ Not aggressive bloomers
✅ Tolerate less light
✅ Do best in moderate temperatures
Price: RM15.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
10. Monstera Rhaphidophora
Monstera Rhaphidophora is a tropical plant native to Asia and Africa that prefers consistent moisture and watering. Because their delicate roots are sensitive to underwatering and overwatering, keeping the soil consistently moist rather than soaking is best. Plant your mini monstera in a nutrient-rich, slightly acidic soil mixture that is moist but well-draining. Avoid exposing the leaves of this tropical understory plant to direct sunlight, as they can quickly burn.
Specifications:
- Mature Size: 6-8 ft. tall
- Soil Type: Moist but well-draining
- Sun exposure: Partial
Pros:
✅ Should be fertilised regularly
✅ Propagated by stem cuttings
✅ Climbing plant
Price: RM13.99 – RM18.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
Disclosure: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. The sequence of brands is in no particular order so if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us support@myweekendplan.com.my. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.
