Creating a lush indoor sanctuary doesn't have to be a full-time job. For Kiwis with busy lives, forgetful watering schedules, or less-than-ideal lighting, the secret is choosing the right plant. This guide is your definitive resource for finding the hardiest, most forgiving, and most beautiful low maintenance indoor plants NZ has to offer, and importantly, where to source them. We’ve done the research to help you bypass the guesswork and start your plant journey with confidence.
We will explore the best places to find these resilient botanical beauties, from well-known nationwide retailers to specialised online nurseries that deliver directly to your door. Each entry will detail what makes that supplier a great choice within the New Zealand context, highlighting their unique selection of indestructible houseplants perfect for our local conditions. You'll find direct links and practical advice to ensure your new green companion not only survives but truly thrives in your home. This curated list is designed to help you effortlessly greenify your space, connecting you with the perfect plant that suits your lifestyle and home environment. Let's find your ideal green addition.
1. Jungle Story: The Ultimate Online Marketplace
Jungle Story has firmly established itself as New Zealand's premier online destination for sourcing low maintenance indoor plants NZ wide. Rather than operating as a single nursery, it functions as a comprehensive marketplace, connecting discerning plant lovers with a curated network of trusted local sellers from across Aotearoa. This multi-vendor model is its core strength, offering an unparalleled diversity of both common and hard-to-find plants in one convenient, user-friendly platform.
Whether you are a beginner looking for a classic, near-indestructible Snake Plant or a seasoned collector hunting for a specific low-care Philodendron, Jungle Story’s extensive catalogue is designed to meet your needs. The platform's commitment to supporting Kiwi gardeners is evident through its detailed, NZ-specific care guides that accompany purchases, providing relevant advice tailored to our local climate and conditions.
Key Features and Practical Benefits
Jungle Story excels by integrating a robust feature set that simplifies the process of buying plants online. The platform is engineered to build confidence and ensure a successful gardening journey from the very first click.
- Unmatched Selection: The marketplace model grants access to inventory from numerous specialist growers. This means you’re more likely to find the exact plant you want, from a robust Zamioculcas zamiifolia (ZZ Plant) to various cultivars of Sansevieria.
- Localised Expertise: A significant advantage is the focus on New Zealand-centric care information. Instead of generic advice, you receive guidance that considers our specific seasons and environmental factors, ensuring your plants thrive. For example, their blog provides practical tutorials, such as this guide on how to propagate Snake Plants in New Zealand.
- Streamlined Experience: The website boasts a clean, intuitive interface that makes searching and filtering for specific easy-care plants effortless. Secure payment options, including Visa, Mastercard, and Shop Pay, combined with a responsive customer service team, create a seamless and trustworthy purchasing process.
- Specialised Nationwide Delivery: Shipping live plants requires expertise, and Jungle Story has perfected its nationwide delivery system to ensure plants arrive quickly and in excellent condition, no matter your location in New Zealand.
| Feature Analysis | Strength & Advantage |
|---|---|
| Multi-Vendor Marketplace | Offers superior variety and competitive pricing. |
| NZ-Specific Care Guides | Provides actionable, climate-appropriate advice for success. |
| Secure Payment & Support | Builds user trust and simplifies the transaction process. |
| Optimised Plant Shipping | Guarantees healthy plant arrival, reducing risk for the buyer. |
Pros:
- Incredible variety of low-maintenance plants from multiple sellers.
- Strong focus on localised care advice tailored for the NZ climate.
- User-friendly interface simplifies the search for the perfect plant.
Cons:
- Stock levels and pricing can vary between different sellers on the marketplace.
- The sheer volume of choice might be overwhelming for absolute beginners.
Find your next plant at: https://junglestory.co.nz/
2. Mitre 10 (NZ)
For many Kiwis, Mitre 10 is the go-to destination for DIY projects, but it's also a surprisingly robust source for finding some of the best low maintenance indoor plants in NZ. As a national hardware and garden chain, it offers the immense convenience of being a one-stop shop. You can easily purchase a resilient snake plant or a forgiving pothos and grab the perfect pot, specialty potting mix, and fertiliser all in the same visit or online order.
Why It Stands Out
Mitre 10's key advantage is its nationwide physical presence combined with a straightforward online delivery service. While not every plant you see in-store is available for delivery, their curated online selection focuses on popular, hardy houseplants that travel well. This makes it an ideal starting point for beginners who want to purchase their first plant without feeling overwhelmed.
The platform's flat-rate shipping is a significant plus, removing the guesswork from delivery costs. They also offer a clear replacement policy for plants that arrive in poor condition, providing peace of mind for online buyers.
Navigating the Platform
- Online vs. In-Store: Use the website to browse the core collection of delivery-eligible plants. For a much wider variety, including more unique or larger specimens, visiting your local store is your best bet.
- Click & Collect: If a plant you want isn't available for delivery, the Click & Collect option is a fantastic alternative, letting you secure your purchase online and pick it up at your convenience.
- Gardening Hub: Don't overlook their online "Gardening Hub," which contains helpful guides and articles specifically for Kiwi gardeners to supplement your knowledge.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Selection | Curated online range of popular, easy-care plants. A much larger selection is available in physical stores. |
| Shipping | Flat-rate delivery: $7 metro, $12.50 rural. Fulfilled from the nearest store with stock. |
| Returns | No change-of-mind returns on live plants. Damaged or dead-on-arrival plants are replaced with proof of purchase. |
| Unique Selling Point | The ultimate convenience of buying plants, pots, soil, and tools from a single, trusted national retailer. |
Website: https://www.mitre10.co.nz/
3. Bunnings New Zealand
Another giant in the NZ home and garden scene, Bunnings is an essential stop for anyone looking for low maintenance indoor plants in NZ. Similar to its main competitor, Bunnings provides the convenience of a vast national network where you can find everything needed for your indoor jungle in one place. From hardy beginner favourites like the ZZ plant to trailing pothos, their selection is geared towards accessibility and reliability.
Why It Stands Out
Bunnings excels by combining its huge in-store plant sections with a user-friendly website that serves as both an educational resource and a purchasing platform. Their online guides offer advice specifically tailored for New Zealand conditions, helping beginners choose the right plant for their home environment and build confidence in their plant care abilities.
The platform offers flexible fulfilment options with both Click & Collect and Click & Deliver, allowing customers to check local store availability online. This hybrid approach caters to those who prefer to inspect their plants in person and those who value the convenience of home delivery for both plants and heavier gardening supplies.
Navigating the Platform
- Check Local Stock: The website allows you to set your local store to check stock levels for specific plants before visiting. This is a crucial feature as live plant availability varies significantly between locations.
- Utilise the Guides: Before purchasing, explore the gardening advice section on their website. It’s packed with NZ-specific care tips that can help you succeed with your new green companions.
- Delivery vs. Collection: While Click & Deliver is available, the range can be limited depending on your location. Click & Collect is often the more reliable option for securing a specific plant you’ve found online.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Selection | A wide variety of popular, easy-care plants in-store. Online selection for delivery varies by location. |
| Shipping | Click & Deliver and Click & Collect options available. Delivery typically takes 2-5 business days. |
| Returns | Faulty, damaged, or unsafe products can be returned. Change-of-mind returns are less clear for live plants. |
| Unique Selling Point | Strong educational content with NZ-specific plant care guides, combined with a massive nationwide footprint. |
Website: https://www.bunnings.co.nz/
4. Palmers Garden Centre (NZ chain)
As a household name in New Zealand gardening, Palmers Garden Centre has cultivated a reputation for quality and expertise that extends seamlessly to its online platform. For those searching for low maintenance indoor plants in NZ, Palmers offers a trusted and reliable source, backed by decades of horticultural experience. Their selection is thoughtfully curated, ensuring that whether you order online or visit a local centre, you're getting a healthy, robust plant ready to thrive.
Why It Stands Out
The standout feature that provides incredible peace of mind, especially for beginners, is the "Palmers Promise." This 12-month replacement guarantee means that if your plant fails to grow within a year (with proof of purchase), they will replace it. This level of assurance is rare in the plant retail space and demonstrates their confidence in the quality of their stock, removing much of the financial risk associated with starting an indoor garden.
Beyond the guarantee, Palmers is known for its practical care advice available both online and from the knowledgeable staff in their physical stores. Their shipping policy is also designed with plant health in mind, dispatching orders only from Monday to Thursday to prevent live plants from sitting in a depot over the weekend, a crucial consideration for our climate.
Navigating the Platform
- Check Delivery Zones: Before you start shopping, review their shipping matrix. Delivery costs are region-based and can vary significantly, particularly for inter-island shipping to the South Island.
- Leverage the Palmers Promise: Keep your proof of purchase. This guarantee is an excellent safety net, allowing you to try a new plant with confidence. It's a key reason why they are a top choice for purchasing low maintenance indoor plants.
- Click & Collect for Variety: Similar to other chains, the online selection is a curated subset of what's available in-store. If an item is out of stock for delivery, use the Click & Collect option to secure it at your nearest garden centre.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Selection | A strong, curated range of popular and hardy indoor plants available online. A more extensive and varied selection is found in physical centres. |
| Shipping | Region-based delivery charges (e.g., $10 Auckland, $20 Wellington). Shipping Mon-Thurs to protect plant health. |
| Returns | The "Palmers Promise" provides a 12-month replacement guarantee for any plant that fails to grow (with proof of purchase). |
| Unique Selling Point | The 12-month plant replacement guarantee offers unmatched reassurance for new and experienced plant owners alike. |
Website: https://www.palmers.co.nz/
5. Oderings Garden Centres
As one of New Zealand’s oldest horticultural businesses, Oderings Garden Centres brings a unique "grower-to-customer" advantage to the houseplant market. With their own nurseries, they offer a level of quality control and local expertise that sets them apart. This makes them a trusted source for finding healthy and well-acclimatised low maintenance indoor plants in NZ, often cultivated right here in local conditions.
Why It Stands Out
Oderings’ primary strength lies in its heritage as a grower. When you buy from them, you're often getting a plant that has been nurtured by their team, ensuring it’s robust and ready for a Kiwi home. Their online platform is particularly strong, featuring an extensive houseplant care library with guides on everything from lighting and pet safety to propagation, all tailored for New Zealand gardeners.
The online shopping experience is transparent, with clear shipping targets (typically 3-4 working days from their Christchurch base) and explicit notes on which larger plants are available in-store only. This helps manage expectations and ensures you know exactly what you're getting, making it an excellent choice for both new and experienced plant owners.
Navigating the Platform
- Houseplant Finder: Use the well-organised categories on their website to filter plants by room, light conditions, or care level. This is perfect for quickly identifying an easy-care option for a specific spot in your home.
- Check Regional Availability: Before getting your heart set on a specific plant, be aware that stock and pricing can vary between their physical stores. The website is the best guide for nationally available stock.
- Care Guides: Leverage their free online care guides. If you've just bought a plant, their specific, NZ-focused advice on seasonal care can be invaluable for ensuring it thrives in your space.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Selection | Excellent range of self-grown, high-quality houseplants. Larger or more delicate specimens are often in-store exclusives. |
| Shipping | Shipped nationwide from Christchurch. Orders typically arrive within 3-4 working days. |
| Returns | Contact customer service within 7 days for issues with damaged plants. Proof of purchase and photos are required. |
| Unique Selling Point | A trusted grower-retailer offering locally nurtured plants and expert NZ-specific care advice. Afterpay is available. |
Website: https://www.oderings.co.nz/
6. Trade Me Marketplace – Indoor Plants Category (NZ)
As New Zealand's largest online marketplace, Trade Me is a treasure trove for anyone hunting down low maintenance indoor plants in NZ. It connects thousands of individual sellers, from hobbyist propagators to specialist nurseries, with buyers across the country. This creates a dynamic, ever-changing selection where you can find anything from a common Spider Plant cutting to a more established, hard-to-find Zanzibar Gem, often at very competitive prices.
Why It Stands Out
The sheer variety and potential for a great deal make Trade Me unique. Unlike traditional retailers, you can source plants directly from other Kiwi gardeners who have successfully grown them in local conditions. This is an excellent way to acquire well-acclimatised plants, fresh cuttings, or even 'rescue' plants that just need a little TLC, making it a budget-friendly and sustainable option.
The platform's strength lies in its community-driven nature. While this means quality and packaging can vary, it also opens the door to discovering rare or unusual easy-care varieties not found in mainstream stores. The ability to filter by location and arrange local pickup is a massive advantage, allowing you to inspect the plant beforehand and completely avoid the stress and risk of shipping.
Navigating the Platform
- Filter Smartly: Use the filters to your advantage. Narrow your search by region to find local sellers for easy pickup, or set a maximum price if you're hunting for a bargain.
- Check Seller Feedback: This is crucial. Always review a seller's feedback history to gauge their reliability, the quality of their plants, and how well they package items for shipping. A seller with consistently positive reviews is a much safer bet.
- Ask Questions: Don't hesitate to use the "Ask a question" feature. Enquire about the plant's current condition, its care routine, or ask for more recent photos before committing to a purchase.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Selection | Massive and varied, from common starter plants and cuttings to rare and established specimens from a wide range of individual sellers. |
| Shipping | Varies by seller. Many offer local pickup, while others provide nationwide courier at different rates. |
| Returns | Buyer Protection does not cover plants, seeds, or bulbs. All sales are final; issues must be resolved directly with the seller. |
| Unique Selling Point | Unmatched variety and the ability to find bargains or rare plants directly from other Kiwi gardeners, with a strong local pickup culture. |
Website: https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketplace/home-living/outdoor-garden-conservatory/plants-trees/indoor
7. PlantHouse (NZ online specialist nursery + store)
As a dedicated houseplant specialist, PlantHouse is a premier online destination for Kiwis seeking low maintenance indoor plants in NZ. This retailer focuses exclusively on houseplants, shipping healthy, nursery-grown specimens nationwide from its Auckland base. Their curated collection is perfect for modern living, featuring trendy yet hardy plants like snake plants, ZZ plants, and various philodendrons that thrive in apartments and offices with minimal fuss.
Why It Stands Out
PlantHouse excels by combining specialist knowledge with a seamless online shopping experience. Unlike general garden centres, its entire operation is optimised for shipping live plants, with countless customer reviews praising the careful packaging and excellent condition of plants on arrival. This focus ensures that even delicate-looking but resilient plants arrive ready to thrive.
Their physical store in Grey Lynn, Auckland, offers a wonderful in-person experience, but their nationwide, nursery-direct shipping model makes them accessible to everyone. The site often features spend-based discounts, offering extra value for those looking to build an instant indoor garden.
Navigating the Platform
- Check "New Arrivals": PlantHouse frequently updates its stock. The "New Arrivals" section is the best place to find recently added easy-care varieties before they sell out.
- Filter by "Easy Care": Use the website’s filtering options to narrow your search specifically to low-maintenance plants. This is a quick way to find beginner-friendly options like cacti and succulents.
- Auckland-Based Buyers: If you're in Auckland, take advantage of the physical store. You can inspect plants in person and get immediate advice from their knowledgeable staff.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Selection | Specialised, curated range of trendy and popular low-maintenance houseplants, including cacti, succulents, and aroids. |
| Shipping | Nationwide nursery-direct shipping. Orders are carefully packaged to ensure plant health during transit. |
| Returns | Contact within 48 hours with photos for issues related to plant health on arrival. No change-of-mind returns. |
| Unique Selling Point | A dedicated houseplant specialist with a purpose-built online store, ensuring high-quality plants and expert packaging. |
Website: https://planthouse.co.nz/
Low Maintenance Indoor Plants: 7-Source Comparison
| Item | Implementation Complexity 🔄 | Resource Requirements ⚡ | Expected Outcomes 📊 | Ideal Use Cases 💡 | Key Advantages ⭐ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snake Plant 'Hahnii' | Very low; easy to care for and grow | Minimal; low light and infrequent watering | Improved air quality and aesthetic indoor greenery | Small spaces, novice plant owners, low-maintenance decor | Compact size, air-purifying, expert support |
| Mitre 10 (NZ) | Low; straightforward plant and supply shopping | Moderate; delivery fees and store network | Convenient plant acquisition with moderate plant variety | Beginners wanting one-stop garden & plant shopping | Nationwide delivery, bundled supplies, predictable fees |
| Bunnings New Zealand | Low; easy online ordering and in-store pickup | Moderate; wide store footprint and delivery options | Access to broad plant range with NZ-tailored care advice | Beginners needing local availability and care guidance | Flexible fulfillment, beginner-friendly advice |
| Palmers Garden Centre (NZ chain) | Moderate; regional delivery policies and care support | Moderate to high; shipping charges and replacement guarantee | Reliable plant health and satisfaction with replacement | Buyers seeking plant assurance and nationwide delivery | 12-month replacement promise, strong reputation |
| Oderings Garden Centres (NZ chain) | Moderate; clear shipping policies and grower expertise | Moderate; regional availability limits | High-quality NZ-grown plants with expert care support | Customers wanting grower quality and NZ-specific guidance | Grower heritage, clear policies, quality assurance |
| Trade Me Marketplace (NZ) | Variable; depends on seller reliability | Low to moderate; local pickup or shipping by seller | Wide plant variety at competitive prices with risk factor | Bargain hunters and collectors willing to research sellers | Large selection, local pickup, budget-friendly |
| PlantHouse (NZ online specialist) | Moderate; nursery direct shipping and care optimized | Moderate; home delivery with specialist packaging | Trendy, healthy low-maintenance plants for indoor spaces | Apartment/office dwellers wanting expert houseplant selection | Specialist focus, nursery direct, good care guidance |
Your Perfect Low-Maintenance Plant Awaits
Navigating the world of indoor gardening in New Zealand can feel overwhelming, but as we've explored, finding the perfect green companion for your home doesn't have to be a chore. The key to success lies in matching the right plant to your environment and lifestyle, and then sourcing it from a supplier who understands our unique Kiwi conditions. We’ve journeyed through a variety of options, from almost indestructible plants like the ZZ plant to the vast and varied selections offered by nationwide retailers and specialised local growers.
The journey to becoming a confident plant parent is built on two foundational pillars: knowledge and quality sourcing. This guide has armed you with the first, detailing some of the best low maintenance indoor plants NZ has to offer. The second pillar involves choosing where you buy. Whether you value the convenience of Bunnings and Mitre 10, the curated expertise of specialists like Palmers, Oderings, and PlantHouse, or the treasure hunt of Trade Me, you have excellent local avenues to find healthy, thriving specimens.
Key Takeaways for Your Plant Journey
To set yourself up for a rewarding experience, keep these final points in mind:
- Assess Your Space First: Before you fall in love with a plant, analyse your home. Note the direction your windows face, how much direct or indirect sunlight each room receives, and the general humidity levels. Choosing a plant that naturally suits your environment is the single most important step.
- Start with a 'Forgiving' Plant: If you're new to indoor gardening, begin with one of the ultra-resilient options like the Snake Plant or ZZ Plant. Building your confidence with a plant that can tolerate a missed watering or less-than-ideal light will make the hobby more enjoyable and less stressful.
- Inspect Before You Buy: When purchasing from a physical store, always give the plant a quick health check. Look for vibrant, firm leaves, check for any signs of pests under the foliage, and ensure the soil isn't waterlogged or overly dry. A healthy start makes all the difference.
Your Action Plan for a Greener Home
Ready to bring some greenery indoors? Here’s your simple, actionable plan to get started. First, select one or two locations from our list that best suit your shopping style, be it online convenience or an in-person browse. Next, armed with your knowledge of your home's lighting and your personal care capacity, choose a plant from our guide that aligns with those conditions. Finally, commit to a simple care routine. Set a weekly reminder on your phone just to check the soil moisture, and that’s often all it takes to keep these low-maintenance beauties happy. By starting smart and sourcing well, you’re not just buying a plant; you’re investing in a greener, more vibrant living space that will bring you joy for years to come.
Ready to find your perfect green match from a curated collection? For an exceptional range of healthy, hand-selected low maintenance indoor plants nz, explore the stunning selection at Jungle Story. We specialise in delivering top-quality, thriving plants directly to your door, complete with the specific care advice you need to succeed.