Putting plants on top of cabinets can turn somewhere quite boring into something a lot more interesting. But not all plants work in such an elevated spot.
How much light they get, how easy it is to maintain and care for them and how they grow are all factors you need to keep in mind when choosing a plant or plants for the top of your cabinet.
So after years of growing and caring for houseplants I’ve put together a list of the top plants that grow best above cabinets.
1. Golden Pothos
Golden Pothos is a favorite with gardeners and those who love houseplants because of how well it adapts and its trailing vines. It has beautiful heart shaped leaves with golden variegation that will make wherever they’re put look more elegant.
Why It’s Ideal:
- Thrives in low to medium light which makes it work in areas above cabinets that might not get a lot of direct light.
- Don’t mind a little neglect, perfect for those who might forget to water regularly.
- The fact that it trails lets the vines cascade beautifully over the edges of the cabinet.
Care Tips:
- Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Rotate the plant occasionally to make sure it grows the same on every side.
- Prune the vines to the length you like and to encourage the plant to grow more bushy.
For more help see our pothos care guide.
2. Snake Plant
Commonly known as the Snake Plant it’s known for being tough, hard to kill and its noticeable upright leaves.
Why It’s Ideal:
- Tolerates low light, suitable for places above cabinets with little light.
- Doesn’t need a lot of watering, which means you don’t need to put in much effort to look after it.
- Its growth up which adds some height to your decor.
Care Tips:
- Let the soil dry out between watering to stop root rot.
- Dust the leaves occasionally to keep them looking their best.
- Put it in indirect light to get it to grow best, though it can survive in low light.
3. ZZ Plant
The ZZ Plant is very popular as it has lovely glossy and deep green leaves as well as being resilient.
Why It’s Ideal:
- Does well in low light, so works in spaces above cabinets.
- Able to survive without much water so it won’t suffer if you don’t water it frequently.
- The way it grows fits well in tight vertical spaces.
Care Tips:
- Water sparingly; overwatering can cause root rot.
- Wipe leaves with a cloth to keep them looking shiny.
- Keep in temperatures above 60°F (15°C) for the best health.
For more help see our ZZ plant care guide.
4. Heartleaf Philodendron
This Philodendron variety has heart shaped leaves and trails. It’s a charming addition to put above cabinets.
Why It’s Ideal:
- Adaptable to various light, from low to bright indirect light.
- Its trailing vines can drape over the edges of cabinets.
- Low maintenance, good if you’re busy.
Care Tips:
- Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Fertilize every month during the growing season.
- Prune stems to control how long the plant is and to help it grow more bushy.
5. English Ivy
English Ivy is known for its trailing foliage and adds a classic touch to interiors.
Why It’s Ideal:
- Likes indirect light, suitable for spots away from the direct sun.
- Its cascading vines look graceful over cabinet edges.
- Helps improve the quality of the air indoors.
Care Tips:
- Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Mist occasionally so the humidity levels stay consistent.
- Trim regularly to stop it from getting leggy and help it to grow full.
6. Spider Plant
Spider Plants are appreciated for their arching, striped leaves and how easy they are to care for.
Why It’s Ideal:
- Happy in a range of light conditions, from low to bright indirect light.
- Produces “spiderettes” that dangle and look interesting.
- Low maintenance and tough, ideal for busy households.
Care Tips:
- Water when the top inch of soil is dry and don’t overwater.
- Occasionally mist them to keep the leaves fresh, especially if you’re home is dry.
- Trim any brown tips to keep them healthy.
For more help see our spider plant care guide.
7. String of Pearls
String of Pearls is one of the most eye catching plants you can put above cabinets. They have trailing stems and cascade beautifully.
Why It’s Ideal:
- Grows well in bright, indirect light, making it great for somewhere up high.
- Only needs a little watering, perfect for busy plant owners.
- Its unique appearance means it’s striking and noticeable.
Care Tips:
- Water deeply but let the soil dry out completely between each time.
- Put near a window with indirect sunlight to get the best growth.
- Trim occasionally to keep it from becoming too long.
8. Bird’s Nest Fern
If you want a plant with bold, wavy leaves, the Bird’s Nest Fern is a top choice. It’s got a tropical feel and looks great on cabinets.
Why It’s Ideal:
- Deals well with lower light and is perfect for the top of cabinets.
- Its unique foliage looks wonderful.
- Doesn’t need very frequent watering, meaning you don’t have to put much effort in to caring for it.
Care Tips:
- Water when the top inch of soil is dry but don’t soak it.
- Keep it somewhere humid or mist it occasionally.
- Don’t put it in direct sunlight as it can burn the leaves.
9. Chinese Money Plant
This plant, with its round, coin-shaped leaves, brings a playful and modern touch to interiors.
Why It’s Ideal:
- Grows well in bright, indirect light, perfect for a spot up high.
- Compact size makes it easy to put on cabinets.
- Fast growing and easy to propagate.
Care Tips:
- Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Rotate regularly to so the growth is even.
- Wipe the leaves occasionally to remove dust and keep them looking shiny.
10. Air Plants
If you want greenery without any soil then air plants are the perfect choice. These plants absorb moisture and nutrients from the air making them very easy to look after
Why They’re Ideal:
- Do not require soil so no mess.
- Can be put directly on surfaces or in decorative holders.
- Doesn’t need much watering which makes them good for cabinets that are very high and harder to reach.
Care Tips:
- Soak in water for 15 to 30 minutes once a week.
- Give it bright, indirect light.
- Allow air to flow around the plant to stop rot.
11. Swiss Cheese Plant
This is the smaller cousin of the Monstera plant and has distinctive hole filled leaves. Its vines can spill over the edges of cabinets and looks great.
Why It’s Ideal:
- Thrives in bright, indirect light but can cope with lower light levels too.
- Easy to grow and maintain.
- Trailing growth gives a jungle sort of look.
Care Tips:
- Water when the top inch of soil dries out.
- Give the plant a moss pole or let the vines cascade naturally.
- Prune as needed so it keeps its shape.
12. Cast Iron Plant
If you need a practically indestructible plant the Cast Iron Plant is a great option. It doesn’t need a lot of looking after and still looks fantastic.
Why It’s Ideal:
- Grows in low light so good for dim spots on tops of cabinets.
- Only needs minimal watering and grows well even when neglected.
- Doesn’t mind the temperature fluctuating or the air circulation being poor.
Care Tips:
- Water when soil is completely dry.
- Dust the leaves occasionally to keep them looking fresh.
- Don’t put it in direct sunlight as it will burn the leaves.
13. Hoya
Known as the wax plant, Hoya has thick, glossy leaves that trail. Some varieties even give you star shaped flowers with a lovely scent. You have to give them when enough light for this to happen though.
Why It’s Ideal:
- Low maintenance and can grow with little water.
- Look great when cascading over the tops of cabinets.
- Can bloom under the right conditions.
Care Tips:
- Let the soil dry out between waterings.
- Give the plant bright, indirect light for best growth and to get it flowering.
- Trim the vines to keep it’s shape and get bushier growth.
14. Jade Plant
Jade Plants are slow growing succulents with thick, glossy leaves that store water. This makes them need very little in the way of care if maintenance. Their compact growth makes them great for high shelves and cabinets.
Why It’s Ideal:
- Stores water in its leaves, so doesn’t need to be watered very often.
- Grows well in bright, indirect light.
- Easy to care for and lives a long time.
Care Tips:
- Water only when the soil is completely dry.
- Make sure it has good drainage so it doesn’t get root rot.
- Keep it somewhere warm with plenty of indirect sunlight.
15. Boston Fern
If want something a little more soft and with some texture the Boston Fern is a classic choice. Its cascading and beautiful in the way it grows and looks.
Why It’s Ideal:
- Does very well in indirect light and high humidity.
- Perfect for kitchens and bathrooms with more moisture.
- Creates a soft, cascading look over cabinet edges.
Care Tips:
- Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
- Make sure it stays humid by misting the plant regularly or putting it near a humidifier.
- Trim it’s dead fronds to keep the plant looking tidy.
How to Choose the Right Plant for Your Cabinet
Light Availability
Check how much light the top of your cabinet receives throughout the day. Some plants, like pothos and snake plants, can grow fine with less light but others, such as string of pearls, need bright, indirect light to grow well.
Maintenance Level
If you don’t want to climb up frequently for watering choose plants that don’t need much in the way of water like ZZ plants or air plants.
Growth Habit
Trailing plants like ivy or pothos create a cascading effect, while upright plants like snake plants give more structure. Choose based on what would look best on your cabinet or which you like the look of.
Humidity Needs
Kitchens and bathrooms tend to be more humid which makes them great for ferns and spider plants. In drier places succulents and cacti are better.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overwatering
One of the biggest mistakes is giving plants too much water. As there tends to be less air at the top of cabinets it means excess moisture can lead to root rot.
Ignoring Dust Build Up
Being up high means the planes will collect more dust. Wipe down leaves regularly to keep plants healthy and so they can still photosynthesize.
Choosing Plants That Need Frequent Care
Unless you’re willing to climb up regularly don’t get a plant or plants that need to be pruning all the time or misting a lot – like ferns or calatheas.
Final Thoughts
Adding plants to the top of a cabinet is a great way to have some greenery in your office or somewhere unexpected. It means you don’t have to take up any counter or floor space either.
By choosing the right plants based on light, maintenance and growth habits you can makes your home or office look that much better.
