February 9, 2026, 3:05 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Houseplants are not only attractive but can also enhance the decor of a room, and they contribute to a healthier indoor climate. However, not every plant is suitable for indoor spaces.
Three out of four people in Germany have at least one houseplant. They thrive to varying degrees. The latter can be due to the fact that not every plant is suitable for the home. myHOMEBOOK presents five plants that are less comfortable indoors.
1. Lavender
Even though we might enjoy its scent in the home office, lavender is not suitable for the desk. The plant may grow indoors under certain conditions, but it is not really ideal as a permanent houseplant. It requires a lot of light, which most homes cannot provide. If lavender gets too little light, it is too weak to produce flowers and is more susceptible to pests. In summer, lavender should definitely be placed outside.
2. Oleander
Oleander can occasionally be found in living rooms and conservatories. While it can be cultivated as a houseplant, it is not recommended. It needs plenty of sun and warmth; without these, it may form buds but not flowers. Additionally, oleander is a poisonous plant. Even touching it can cause skin irritation.
3. Chrysanthemum
The chrysanthemum is a popular plant with many flowers. However, this abundance of blooms is best enjoyed outside, as it is not among the plants suitable for the home. It is better to place it on the balcony or in a garden bed. After its single bloom, it takes a break and enjoys its winter rest. Next year, it will delight us again with many flowers.
4. Rose
Small roses in overly small pots are occasionally seen in flower shops. They are also not suitable as houseplants. Roses need a lot of light, which is rarely available indoors. Additionally, roses are more susceptible to spider mites indoors. It’s worth a try, but one should intervene promptly if the plant shows signs of distress.
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5. Cyclamen
They are pretty to look at and add a nice splash of color to the living room table, but cyclamen should not be cultivated as houseplants. For one, this plant is poisonous, especially its tuber. Families with children or pets should plant cyclamen on the balcony or in the garden.
But it’s not just for our sake that the plant is unsuitable as a houseplant. It’s too warm for them indoors. Cyclamen prefer temperatures between ten and fifteen degrees, and it’s rare for us to heat our living rooms to this temperature.
Why Not Every Houseplant Is Truly Suitable for the Home
Many plants are not native to our environment. They may require more light than we can provide on the windowsill. Some plants also prefer high humidity and temperatures that would turn our home into a sauna. We often underestimate how large some plants can grow. They don’t have the necessary space to thrive optimally.