Pandemic houseplants are a thing! We’re all stuck inside and many of us who don’t have yards to play in are longing for more green in our lives. Additionally, many of us have more time on our hands to care for and truly enjoy indoor gardening. The result is an explosion in indoor plant sales. That’s excellent news because studies have shown that indoor plants improve quality of life. Many of these varieties aren’t huge and therefore don’t require a ton of space. If you want to add a splash of color to your home that’s also a bit of a hobby, go ahead and get a green friend. Your kids will love learning about them and helping out too. We’ve curated a list of 25 indoor plants we absolutely love and want to fill every sunny corner with.
Polka Dot Begonia – Begonia Maculata
This Begonia is a splashy show-stopper that looks fantastic with its dark green leaves and contrasting spots. It’s a houseplant that is likely to turn heads in your home, and thankfully it isn’t too difficult to care for. She loves humidity and needs a little pruning every now and again. Again, bright, indirect light is the name of the game.
UFO Plant – Pilea Peperomioides
The UFO was the “it plant” for several years because it’s so fun-looking and it’s easy to care for. It’s also known as the Chinese money plant. It’s a species of flowering plant in the nettle family Urticaceae, native to Yunnan and Sichuan provinces in southern China. Bright, indirect sun is ideal for this plant.
ZZ Plant – Zamioculcas Zamiifolia
ZZ plants require less water than a lot of plants, so if you tend to neglect yours, rather than overwatering them. you’ll do well with this one. It’ll thrive in bright, indirect light, but it can also tolerate low light if you have a less-than-sunny spot you want to keep it in. The one pictured here is huge, but it’s several years old.
Dwarf Umbrella Tree – Schefflera Arboricola
If you are looking for a smaller version of the larger Umbrella Trees (Schefflera actinophylla) than the Mini Schefflera arbicola could be the right choice. These indoor plants grow to be about five to six feet indoors, in optimal conditions. They can be pruned back if they get leggy or too tall and thin. This one loves humidity, but that doesn’t mean you should overwater it. It prefers to dry out between waterings.
Bird’s Nest Fern – Asplenium Nidus
The bird’s nest fern plant gets its name from the fact that the center of the plant resembles a bird’s nest. It is also occasionally called a crow’s nest fern. Bird’s nest ferns (Asplenium nidus) are identified by their flat, wavy or crinkly fronds. Their appearance can bring to mind a seaweed plant growing on dry land. These ferns don’t require as much humidity as other ferns. This plant prefers low light and moist soil.
Red Aglaonema – Aglaonema Commutatum
Not only does this plant showcase pretty, bright pink stems and leaves, but it’s also super simple to care for. It’ll grow in low, moderate, and bright light, but you’ll likely notice more color when it’s grown in medium light. It’s a forgiving plant so if you forget to water her, it’ll be just fine.
Rubber Plant – Ficus Elastica
Like most of the plants on this list, the rubber plant requires bright, indirect light. You should only water it when the soil is dry. Rubber plants have the added perk of being one of the best natural air-cleaners out there. Place them near your preferred seating area to enjoy the fresh air.
String of Pearls – Senecio Rowleyanus
There’s so much drama here! You’ll quickly have lengthy strands of pearls by leaving this plant in bright, indirect light with enough water to keep the soil steadily moist. Put yours in a hanging pot or on a plant stand or stool that allows the plant to cascade over the sides. This plant is in high demand at the moment so be sure to call ahead and check availability before making a trip.
Fiddle-Leaf Fig – Ficus Lyrata
Bright, indirect light is ideal. Only water this plant when the top inch of the soil is dry. Place it in a corner to create a dramatic focal point. Who needs expensive works of art when this plant offers so much visual appeal? Even this dog is a fan.
Yucca Plant – Yucca Gigantea
Yucca plants do best in bright, indirect light. If it’s too direct, however, and their leaves might burn. They will still grow in low light, just at a much slower pace. It doesn’t require a lot of water, and you’ll know it’s thirsty by checking if the top half of the soil is dry. The occasional misting won’t hurt, either.
Widow’s Thrill – Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana
A perfect mood booster for the kitchen, low humidity is a friend of this plant, which will even bloom in the wintertime. Water thoroughly, then leave it to dry out. They love bright, indirect light. They can bloom for six months out of the year!
Rose Painted Calatheas – Calathea Roseopicta
Go with indirect sunlight. If it’s too direct and the leaf color will fade. Evenly moist soil that’s not wet or dry. Choose a white or black pot to contrast the vivid colors of its leaves.
Split Leaf Philodendrons – Monstera Deliciosa
The Split Leaf Philodendron also called Monstera deliciosa or swiss cheese plant is a large, popular, easy-care houseplant that is not really in the philodendron family. This gorgeous plant love bright, indirect light and can even handle low light, but it will grow more slowly.
Asparagus Fern – Asparagus Setaceus
Indirect light is best and you should also give them plenty of water, being careful not to over-saturate the soil. It’s a favorite in plant hangers and terrariums because it doesn’t take much soil to keep her growing.
Variegated Elephant Ear – Alocasia Macrorrhiza Variegata
Variegated Alocasia Elephant Ear plants are very rare and collectible tropical house plants. Prized for their stunning green and white variegated leaves and thick glossy foliage, Elephant Ear is a must-have for plant enthusiasts. This is one of the more pricey plants on the list, so expect to drop $100 or more for this beauty. This one likes to stay moist and prefers bright and even direct light.
Spider Plant – Chlorophytum Comosum
Bright, indirect light, and occasional watering make the spider plant one of the easiest to care for. Show off the curved leaves with a hanging planter for even more excitement. It’s the chandelier of houseplants!
Urn Plant – Bromeliad Aechmea
This tropical plant will forgive you if you forget to water it, since it’s adapted to withstand drought conditions. It’s perfect for a sunroom, but you can also use one to add life to the living or family room. This plant likes to be misted with fertilizer because it absorbs nutrients through its leaves.
Kentia Palm – Howea Forsteriana
Sunlight and regular waterings keep indoor palms happy. While many others require high humidity, impractical as far as the indoors go, the Kentia is relatively low-maintenance. It will add a splash of green and some beautiful lines to any space.
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Madagascar Palm – Pachypodium Lamerei
It is a stem succulent, photosynthesizing mainly through its trunk, and comes from the island of Madagascar, off the east coast of Africa. It has large thorns and leaves mostly at the top of the plant, and occasional large, fragrant flowers. It loves bright light and little water, as is true with most cacti.
Spiderweb Plant – Fatsia Japonica Variegata
This thrilling looking plant can thrive in low to bright, indirect light. It likes to dry out a bit between waterings and the leaves will begin to droop a little bit when it’s ready for a drink. We love the speckled leaves and their beautiful shape.
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Purple Heart Plant – Tradescantia Pallida
A fast-growing plant that can get long and leggy if left untended, the Purple Heart is a showstopper. Pinch back the stems to promote bushiness. Water to drench the roots, allow to drain and dry out thoroughly before watering again.
Marbled Pothos Plant – Epipremnum Aureum
Marbled Pothos like their soil to be kept on the drier side. Water enough to keep the soil slightly damp. During the spring and summer, water well and then allow the top 50% of the soil to dry out before watering again. The gorgeous marbled leaves do best in moderate, indirect light.
Prickly Pear – Opuntia Ficus-Indica
How cute is this Prickly Pear? We want one on every windowsill. This cactus loves bright, direct light, and not a lot to drink. These absolutely love the sun so feel free to move him outside on warm, summer days to soak it up, just ensure there’s no rain in the forecast.
Nerve Plant – Fittonia Albivenis
The Nerve plant is a wonderful tropical houseplant for tabletops, hanging baskets, and terrariums. It adds a distinctive touch to indoor decor because nerve plant’s rich green leaves are touched with bright pink, red, or white veins. It like moderate, indirect light and moist soil.
Philodendron Black Cardinal – Philodendron Erubescens
Philodendron Black Cardinal has deep burgundy almost black upright facing leaves and red stems. If you’re into dark houseplants, you’re going to love this one. These plants do extremely well in offices or buildings where they can live away from windows or natural light. Water when the soil gets dry to avoid the leaves turning brown.
There you go! 25 houseplant we think you’ll absolutely love. Indoor plants are much easier to care for than you think. If you’ve had bad luck in the past, start with just one. Ask your local plant store for recommendations and they’ll be able to give you detailed instructions.