Houseplants that can grow well on top of your refrigerator are the perfect way to turn unused space into a green corner of your home.
Many modern fridges give off gentle warmth, creating a microclimate where certain hardy plants actually thrive. If you pick the right varieties, they can handle the heat, enjoy the airflow, and still provide fresh foliage and clean air.
In this guide, you’ll find 14 houseplants that love the slightly warmer conditions above a fridge. They’re low-maintenance, adaptable, and stylish enough to add charm to your kitchen.
With just the right light, occasional watering, and a little care, these plants can flourish in a spot you may have overlooked.
#1 Bird’s Nest Fern
The Bird’s Nest Fern is a striking plant with arching fronds that bring a tropical feel indoors. It can live for years when placed in warm, humid spots, making the top of your fridge an excellent choice.
This fern prefers steady moisture, so mist the leaves occasionally to keep them vibrant. Place it where it gets indirect light rather than harsh sun.
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. With the right balance of warmth and humidity, it will reward you with lush, green growth.
#2 Chinese Money Plant
The Chinese Money Plant is admired for its round, coin-shaped leaves that look like little green pancakes. It thrives in bright, indirect light and adapts easily to warm conditions.
A fridge top location suits it well since it doesn’t demand frequent watering. Just keep the soil lightly moist but never soggy. Rotate the pot weekly so it grows evenly.
Besides its charm, many believe this plant brings prosperity and good luck to the home.
#3 Bromeliad
Bromeliads are colorful, exotic plants that thrive in warm, changing environments. With varieties in red, orange, yellow, and purple, they can add a bold accent to your kitchen. They grow happily in small pots and tolerate the warmth above a fridge.
Mist the leaves regularly in summer to mimic their natural habitat. Water into the central cup of the plant instead of the soil. Their bright rosettes make them look like living art perched on your appliance.
#4 Chinese Evergreen
Chinese Evergreen is one of the easiest plants to grow indoors, and its variegated leaves brighten up any dull corner. It loves warmth and humidity, making the fridge top an ideal home.
Keep its soil evenly moist and wipe leaves occasionally to remove dust. Place it where it gets indirect sunlight to maintain its striking colors.
If the leaves pale, move it closer to a light source. This plant will keep your kitchen green with minimal fuss.
#5 Arrowhead Plant
Arrowhead Plant grows with arrow-shaped leaves that change shape as the plant matures. It adapts well to many conditions and thrives with bright, indirect light. The fridge top offers enough warmth to encourage growth without much extra effort.
Water moderately and allow the topsoil to dry before watering again. Trim long vines if you prefer a bushier shape. Even if neglected for a while, it has a way of bouncing back, making it perfect for busy households.
#6 Devil’s Ivy
Devil’s Ivy is nearly indestructible and one of the most forgiving houseplants. It looks especially attractive trailing down the sides of a fridge. This plant handles both shade and bright light, though it prefers indirect sun.
Let the soil dry out between waterings to avoid root rot. You can trim the vines and propagate cuttings in water for more plants. Its resilience and fresh greenery make it a kitchen favorite.
#7 Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a practical choice, doubling as both a plant and a natural healer. The gel inside its plump leaves is packed with vitamins and can soothe burns. On top of the fridge, it enjoys the warmth and bright but indirect light.
Water sparingly, as it dislikes soggy soil. Use a pot with drainage holes to keep roots healthy. This hardy succulent will thrive with little attention, adding both style and usefulness to your home.
#8 Heartleaf Philodendron
Heartleaf Philodendron charms with cascading vines of glossy, heart-shaped leaves. It thrives in warm, indirect light and adapts well to slightly elevated spots like the fridge top. Plant it in well-draining soil and water when the top inch feels dry.
If the vines get too long, you can pinch them back to encourage fullness. Its forgiving nature makes it an excellent option for beginners. A hanging basket will let the vines drape beautifully.
#9 Snake Plant
Snake Plant, also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, is one of the toughest houseplants you can grow. It tolerates neglect, drought, and fluctuating temperatures, which makes the fridge top an easy spot for it.
It prefers low to moderate watering, so let the soil dry completely between drinks. Place it in indirect sunlight for best results.
Snake Plant also cleans the air by filtering toxins, making your kitchen healthier. Its upright leaves bring strong vertical structure to the space.
#10 String of Hearts
The String of Hearts has delicate, trailing vines dotted with heart-shaped leaves that cascade down like a living garland. It thrives in bright, indirect light, which makes the top of your fridge a great location.
Water only when the soil feels dry, as it dislikes too much moisture. Provide well-draining soil to prevent root problems. With its graceful stems, it adds a romantic touch to your kitchen decor.
#11 Peace Lily
Peace Lily is beloved for its elegant white blooms and lush foliage. It grows well in warm, humid conditions, which the top of a fridge can provide. Place it in a spot with indirect light to encourage flowers.
Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering. It also purifies the air, removing harmful chemicals and refreshing your home. A Peace Lily will bring beauty and calm energy to your kitchen.
#12 Cast Iron Plant
The Cast Iron Plant lives up to its name with incredible resilience. It tolerates low light, irregular watering, and a wide range of temperatures. This makes it one of the easiest plants for the top of a fridge.
Water occasionally, allowing the soil to dry in between. It’s also unfazed by artificial lighting, making it suitable for dim kitchens. Its deep green leaves add steady beauty without requiring constant care.
#13 Spider Plant
Spider Plant is a classic choice with arching leaves and small baby offshoots that dangle like little spiders. It grows well in many conditions, including the warmth above a fridge. Water moderately, keeping soil slightly moist but not wet.
It’s also one of the best air-purifying plants, reducing toxins like carbon monoxide. Place it in indirect light for healthy growth. Its playful appearance adds energy and freshness to your kitchen.
#14 Nerve Plant
The Nerve Plant stands out with its colorful leaves patterned in red, white, pink, or green veins. It prefers consistent moisture but not soggy soil, so water carefully.
The top of a fridge suits it well if your kitchen doesn’t get much direct sunlight. Mist occasionally to keep humidity levels up.
With its vibrant foliage, it provides a cheerful burst of color. This plant is small but eye-catching, perfect for filling that overlooked space.