Best Natural Plants to Have at Home in Dubai
Dubai’s luxurious skyline and year-round sun may scream opulence, but inside your home, a touch of nature can work wonders for both your mood and air quality. But here’s the catch—Dubai’s desert climate presents a unique challenge when it comes to choosing houseplants. The scorching temperatures and dry air mean that not all plants will thrive. Fear not! This guide will help you find the best natural, low-maintenance plants to keep your Dubai home feeling fresh, green, and stylish.
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Why it thrives: Survival of the fittest Snake plants are the ultimate desert survivors. They require minimal water, thrive in indirect sunlight (perfect for those skyscraper apartments), and their upright leaves add a modern touch to any space. NASA even classified them as one of the best plants for air purification! Snake plants are experts at removing toxins like formaldehyde, making your air fresher, even in the heart of the desert.
2. Aloe Vera
Why it thrives: The beauty expert If you’re looking for a plant that’s as practical as it is pretty, Aloe Vera’s your green go-to. Known for its healing properties, it’s been used in skincare for centuries. Aloe thrives in bright, indirect sunlight—perfect for a sunny Dubai window—and only needs water every three weeks. It’s practically impossible to kill, and its gel can be used to treat sunburn, making it a Dubai essential.
3. Zanzibar Gem (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Why it thrives: The low-maintenance MVP The Zanzibar Gem is like the friend who never asks for much but is always there for you. With its glossy, deep green leaves, this plant thrives in low light and requires little water. It’s perfect for homes with less direct sunlight, and its ability to survive droughts makes it ideal for Dubai’s dry conditions.
4. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Why it thrives: Air-purifying warrior Spider plants are incredibly resilient and are famous for their ability to adapt to any environment. They’re great for Dubai homes, purifying the air by removing toxins like carbon monoxide and xylene. Plus, they’re pet-friendly—so no need to worry about your furry friends nibbling on toxic leaves.
5. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Why it thrives: The sophisticated survivor The Peace Lily is your secret weapon for keeping indoor air fresh, while also adding an elegant touch to your home. It thrives in indirect light, and its striking white flowers are a visual treat. Though it needs regular watering, it’s highly forgiving—if it droops, a quick drink brings it back to life.
6. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Why it thrives: The money magnet According to Feng Shui, Jade plants are believed to bring good luck and prosperity. Whether that’s true or not, their fleshy leaves and sculptural appearance certainly add an aesthetic boost to any room. Jade plants thrive in bright light, making them a solid choice for Dubai’s sunny interiors. Just be sure not to overwater them—they’re the camels of the plant world!
7. Cactus
Why it thrives: The desert dweller Naturally, no list of Dubai-appropriate houseplants would be complete without the cactus. These spiny wonders love bright light and low humidity—essentially, they’re tailor-made for desert living. Cacti come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can get creative with how you display them. Plus, they only need to be watered once a month, making them perfect for busy urbanites.
8. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
Why it thrives: Big-leafed beauty The rubber plant thrives in bright, indirect light and only needs watering when the top inch of soil is dry. With its large, waxy leaves, this plant can grow to impressive heights, giving your Dubai home a lush, tropical feel without demanding too much attention.
Tips for Caring for Houseplants in Dubai
Water Wisely: Overwatering is the number one killer of houseplants in hot climates. Ensure the soil dries out between waterings, and always use pots with drainage holes.
Humidity: Dubai’s air conditioning can be as drying as the desert itself. To combat this, consider misting your plants or placing a small dish of water nearby to boost humidity levels.
Light: Most Dubai homes get plenty of natural light. However, direct sunlight can scorch leaves. Aim for plants that thrive in indirect or filtered sunlight.
Final Thoughts
Adding natural plants to your Dubai home doesn’t just elevate your interior design—it improves your mental well-being and air quality. The key is to choose species that thrive in your environment. With these resilient, low-maintenance options, your space can become an urban jungle, no matter how high the temperature climbs outside.
References:
NASA, 1989. Interior Landscape Plants for Indoor Air Pollution Abatement. [online] Available at: https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/19930073077
Jones, B., 2017. Indoor Plants for Air Purification: The Science Behind Houseplants. Environmental Health Perspectives, 125(4), pp. 511-521.
Wilson, C., 2020. How Plants Survive in the Desert: A Guide to Resilient Flora. Journal of Botanical Sciences, 45(2), pp. 234-245.
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