5 Australian Native Plants that Thrive Indoors

Did you know that many popular houseplants are actually Australian natives?

From tall Kentia palms with large fronds to small ferns for bathrooms, the native garden doesn't stop outdoors.

Kentia Palm

Native to Lord Howe Island, the Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana) is a slow-growing indoor plant known for its striking green fronds and low maintenance nature. 

• Lighting: Kentia Palms can tolerate lower light conditions, though it thrives best in medium indirect light. Ensure to adjust your watering by reducing the quantity and frequency in lower light areas. 

• Watering: When the top 3-5cm of soil are dry, give this plant a drink. 

• Humidity: Thrives in the average household humidity. 

• Pet friendly: Yes! Kentia Palms are pet friendly. 

Kangaroo Fern

Also known as Microsorum pustulatum is a large leaved native fern, with distinctive fronds that resemble a kangaroo's paw.

Not only great for an outdoor native garden for underplanting and shade gardens but can also be used in indoor planting either as a standalone plant or underplanting in a cluster of plants such as under a Kentia Palm. 

Birds Nest Fern

Also known as Asplenium australasicum is a common indoor fern variety native to the east coast (From Cape York in Queensland) down to the South Coast of New South Wales. 

• Lighting: Thrives in medium, indirect light or dappled shade if placing on a veranda or outdoors. 

• Watering: Birds Nest Fern appreciate a lot of water, however avoid watering directly in the centre of the crown to avoid rotting it out, instead water on the surface of the soil. 

• Humidity: Loves a humid environment, a dry environment will cause brown edging on the leaves. 

• Pet friendly: Birds Nest Fern is non-toxic to pets. 

Elkhorn Fern 

Also known as the Platycerium bifurcatum is found in the wet sclerophyll forests of coastal QLD, NSW and Lord Howe Island. The elkhorn fern is an 'epiphyte', a plant that grows on the surface of another plant solely as a support system. Ephiphytes get their water from rain and water vapour through their rooms predominately and collect nutrients from the debris that collects on the supporting plants. Elkhorn ferns as a houseplant can be supported by being mounted on driftwood, boards etc or remain in their pot plant.   

• Lighting: In their natural environment, Elkhorn fern's situate themselves high up on other trees or plants and therefore thrive in a more shaded or filtered light area in your home or office. 

• Support System: As the Elkhorn fern in its natural environment attaches itself to other plants, it is ideal to mount them onto a support system.  

• Watering: Dependent on how the Elkhorn fern is planted, there are multiple watering options. If the fern is mounted on a board, soaking the entire plant in water for 10-15 minutes every 1-2 weeks is ideal. If the fern is in its potting mix and pot plant, we recommend watering as per your normal indoor plants every week. Allow the water to drain through the plant and remove excess water from the saucer. 

• Pet friendly: Good news! The Elkhorn fern is pet friendly.  

Umbrella Tree  

Also known as Schefflera actinophylla is native to the tropical rainforests and gallery forests of northern and north-eastern QLD and NT.   

The umbrella tree reaches up to 10 metres in its natural habitat. There are many species of the Schleffera however only three species are found in Australia. 

• Lighting: The ideal location for the Umbrella Tree indoors is next to a bright window with lots of natural light however avoid direct light as this may scorch the leaves. 

• Watering: Water thoroughly when the top half of the soil has dried out, however do not allow all of the soil to dry out as this will cause leaf drop. 

• Pests: Umbrella plants attract spider mites. Ensure to spray with neem oil all over the tops and undersides of the leaves to ensure you cover the pest completely. Repeat regularly to reduce the infestation. 

• Pet friendly: The Umbrella Tree is not pet-friendly. Keep away from curious pets.

Ready to bring the Aussie bush indoors? 

Growing native plants inside is a great way to add resilient, low-maintenance greenery into your home. Visit your local The Grow Centre to greenify your space with native indoor plants.