Introducing plants into your home can bring benefits like increased happiness and satisfaction as well as reduced stress and anxiety.

Native Australian plants have the additional advantage of being well-suited to our unforgiving climate, making them generally easier to grow.

Most native plants are drought-tolerant, and if outside can usually survive on rainwater alone, making them perfect for a low maintenance garden or interior. They also rarely need fertilisers or pesticides, which can damage waterways and harm aquatic life.

Native Australian plants also provide habitat, food and shelter for local wildlife such as birds, bees, butterflies, bats, small mammals and lizards.

So, if you’re in search of a new plant, think about opting for a native Australian species. Here are seven options that make for easy growing in your home or garden.

Kentia palm (howea forsteriana)

Also known as: forster sentry palm, thatch palm, palm court palm

Indoor suitable: yes

The tall, drooping Kentia palm makes for a perfect indoor plant. They can survive in low light and dry air, which in part made them wildly popular amongst European nobility in the late 1800s. Queen Victoria even left instructions for Kentia palms to be placed around her coffin at her funeral.

If you plant them outside, Kentia palms can reach heights of 20 metres! Just make sure to avoid placing them in warm spots if there is little light.

If you have pets, do not worry! Kentia palms are non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Coastal rosemary (westringia fruticosa)

Also known as: native rosemary

Indoor suitable: yes

Coastal rosemary is a charming shrub that can look great indoors, with grey-green leaves and delicate white, or pale-lavender flowers.

But don’t let the name confuse you! Coastal rosemary is not something that tastes great with lamb. Unlike its fragrant cousin, this shrub is inedible (though not toxic).

The compact nature of coastal rosemary also makes it a popular hedge, as it responds beautifully to clipping and shaping. Its ability to withstand salt spray also makes this native plant highly suited to seaside areas.

Wax vine (hoya australis)

Also known as: native hoya, porcelain flower

Indoor suitable: yes

If you’re looking for something that can climb up your shelf (or wall), a hoya australis might be the native plant for you.

With thick, glossy leaves and fragrant white flowers, hoyas thrive in tropical and subtropical areas.

You might be lucky enough to see its gorgeous white and pink star-shaped flowers bloom! You’ll have to be patient though, as the plant needs to be fully mature, which typically takes 5 to 7 years.

Hoyas are another plant that is suited for pets. They are non-toxic to people and animals. Just keep an eye on the milky sap in their leaves. It can cause minor skin irritation.

Palm-lily (cordyline stricta)

Also known as: slender palm lily, narrow-leaved palm lily

Indoor suitable: yes

The palm-lily is native to south-eastern Australia and is known for its purple flowers and deep, glossy green leaves.

Palm-lilies are evergreen, growing in sun or shade. They are also highly drought-tolerant once established.

Just keep an eye on it in your garden though! The palm-lily will take as much real estate as you allow it.

These plants are not cat or dog friendly, as palm-lily leaves contain toxic saponins.

Native violet (viola hederacea)

Also known as: Australian violet, ivy-leaf

Indoor suitable: yes

Native violet is a stunning houseplant with beautiful purple and white flowers. If you like fine dining, you have probably seen them in the form of a carefully arranged garnish.

These versatile plants are simple to care for and can even be used as an environmentally friendly lawn substitute for areas with low foot traffic.

Even though native violet might look good in a salad, it is toxic to cats and dogs.

Karkalla (carpobrotus rossii)

Also known as: beach banana, pigface, sea fig

Indoor suitable: yes

Karkalla thrives amidst the sand dunes and striking cliffs of the Australian coast. Their vivid purple, pink, or violet flowers bring a splash of colour that brightens up any sunny kitchen window or hanging basket.

Inspired by Indigenous Australian traditions, the culinary world is starting to embrace Karkalla as a food source. Its mildly salty leaves add a tasty crunch to salads and stir-fries.

The Karkalla plant is edible for both humans and animals, so you don’t need to worry about it poisoning your pet.

Kangaroo fern (microsorum pustulatum)

Also known as: kangaroo paw fern, kangaroo foot fern

Indoor suitable: yes

If you're on the hunt for a lush, tropical addition to your plant collection, look no further than the kangaroo fern.

A native to both Australia and New Zealand, the kangaroo fern is known for its robust, leathery foliage, making it a hardier choice compared to a lot of other ferns that grow indoors.

For optimal growth, provide your kangaroo fern with a humid environment and indirect light. It can tolerate partial shade, but you want to avoid placing it in direct sunlight.

Kangaroo ferns are not toxic to humans, cats or dogs, making them a safe choice for families.