17 Popular Houseplants Even Brown Thumbs Can Grow (2024)

Gardening

Houseplants

Types of Houseplants

• 01 of 17

  Fiddle Leaf Fig

  

  Homeowners rely on the fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) to provide a fresh, modern twist to their decor, even in smaller spaces. Natural light is important for the large leaves to engage in photosynthesis, so place it close to a south or east-facing window. Allow soil to dry between waterings. Fiddle leaf is toxic to pets.

  • Name: Fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata)
  • Light: Bright light
  • Water: Dry between waterings
  • Color Varieties: A variegated cultivar has creamy leaf margins

• 02 of 17

  See Also

  38 Low-Maintenance Indoor Plants That Won't Require Your Constant AttentionThe 20 Homemade Fertilizer For Indoor Plants15 Easy Indoor Plants That Anyone Can Grow16 Gorgeous Indoor Plants for Homes of All Sizes—and How to Take Care of Them

  Chinese Money Plant

  

  Pilea peperomiodes is at home in minimalist and contemporary surroundings. The circular leaves grow abundantly in average soil and indirect light. Mature Chinese money plants have a slightly cascading habit that looks great in hanging baskets.

  • Name: Chinese money plant (Pilea peperomioides)
  • Light: Indirect light
  • Water: Regular watering
  • Color Varieties: Green

• 03 of 17

  Spider Plant

  

  The spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) has been a popular houseplant for decades. This throwback plant is still relevant in any setting where you desire a low-maintenance specimen that also purifies the air. The arching leaves make these plants great for pedestals or hanging baskets.

  • Name: Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
  • Light: Indirect light
  • Water: Average to dry
  • Color Varieties: 'Bonnie Variegated' has white striping

• 04 of 17

  Peace Lily

  

  The graceful white spathes of the peace lily (Spathiphyllumspp.) have long been rendered in silk plants, but there's no reason to go fake when the living specimens of Spathiphyllum are so easy to grow. Peace lilies do well in low light but need regular moisture. It's toxic to humans and pets.

  • Name: Peace lily (Spathiphyllumspp.)
  • Light: Low light
  • Water: Moist
  • Color Varieties: 'Domino' has white stippling on leaves

  Continue to 5 of 17 below

• 05 of 17

  Air Plant

  

  The Tillandsia genus has breathed new life into the terrarium hobby. Although all types of air plants grow without any soil, they still need bright light and weekly watering, which you can achieve with a heavy spritz from a spray bottle or by dunking the whole plant in water.

  • Name: Air plant (Tillandsia)
  • Light: Bright light
  • Water: Weekly misting
  • Color Varieties: 'Tricolor' has reddish leaves; 'Abdita' has pink leaves that darken to red upon flowering; 'Huamelula' has salmon leaf tips

• 06 of 17

  Aloe Vera

  

  The gel from cut aloe vera (Aloebarbadensis miller) leaves is widely used topically in first aid remedies and cosmetics, adding function to its form as a houseplant. Like most succulents, it prefers dry sandy soil and bright light. Healthy plants will produce pup offsets to replace any leaves you might harvest. Aloe vera is toxic to humans and pets.

  • Name: Aloe vera (Aloebarbadensis miller)
  • Light: High
  • Water: Dry
  • Color Varieties: 'Christmas Carol' has red leaf edges; 'Walmsley's Variegated' has cream streaks

• 07 of 17

  Jade Plant

  

  You can't go wrong with a jade plant (Crassula ovata) in a bright room: It's every bit as pretty as those trendy faux plants you see at the hobby store, only fake plants don't continue to grow and become more stately over time as real jade plants do. Water sparingly and add supplemental lighting if leaf drop occurs. Jade is toxic to pets.

  • Name: Jade plant (Crassula ovata)
  • Light: High
  • Water: Dry
  • Color Varieties: 'Calico Kitten' has pink and cream leaves; 'Variegata' has cream streaking

• 08 of 17

  African Violet

  

  Although referred to as a single specimen, the Streptocarpus genus, better known as African violets (Saintpaulia ionantha), encompasses about 20 species and many more hybrids to bring delicate blooms to your home or office. Use a soil-free mix to encourage good air circulation, and water moderately at the soil level to prevent spotting on the leaves.

  • Name: African violets (Saintpaulia ionantha)
  • Light: Indirect light
  • Water: Light, regular moisture
  • Color Varieties: Thousands of cultivars available; flowers may be pink, blue, purple, or white, with picotee or stippling

  Continue to 9 of 17 below

• 09 of 17

  Snake Plant

  

  Snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata) is about as close as it gets to a plant-it-and-forget-it houseplant. The plant tolerates a wide range of moisture, soil, and light conditions. You can find variegated types, and the plants also look great grown in metal or concrete containers for industrial chic. The snake plant is toxic to pets.

  • Name: Snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata)
  • Light: Low to high
  • Water: Low
  • Color Varieties: 'Bantel's Sensation' has cream leaves; 'Black Gold' has thin gold edging; 'Gold Hahnii' has wide gold bands

• 10 of 17

  Bromeliad

  

  In their native habitat, bromeliad plants in the Bromeliaceae family grow as epiphytes nestled in trees. That means two things for their care: they like filtered light and good aeration around their roots. Orchid potting medium works well. Fill their stiff leaves with distilled water to further mimic nature's way.

  • Name: Bromeliad (Bromeliaceae genera)
  • Light: Filtered or indirect
  • Water: Medium
  • Color Varieties: Orange, yellow, red, white, pink, and purple varieties available

  See Also

  Azaleas indoors / RHS Gardening

• 11 of 17

  Lucky Bamboo

  

  The ability to grow in water and the pliable stems that can be woven into grids or braids make lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) a handsome statement in any small space. Lucky bamboo ceases to grow when you clip the top, making it easy to manage, unlike the bamboo that grows outdoors. Grow in low light or artificial light. All Dracaena, including lucky bamboo, is toxic to pets.

  • Name: Lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
  • Light: Low
  • Water: High
  • Color Varieties: Green

• 12 of 17

  English Ivy

  

  A container of trailing English ivy (Hedera helix) is an instant upgrade for your kitchen, bathroom, or anywhere you have bright light and some humidity. Cooler rooms that remain at or below 70 degrees Fahrenheit will also extend the life of these Northern European natives. English ivy is toxic to animals and humans.

  • Name: English ivy (Hedera helix)
  • Light: Medium to high
  • Water: Medium
  • Color Varieties: Green, variegated

  Continue to 13 of 17 below

• 13 of 17

  Dumb Cane Plant

  

  The common name 'dumb cane' doesn't do much to describe the elegant Dieffenbachia, which exhibits large speckled and splotched leaves in humid areas with bright light. Provide moderate moisture, and keep the toxic leaves away from kids and pets.

  • Name: Dumb cane (Dieffenbachia)
  • Light: Medium to bright
  • Water: Medium
  • Color Varieties: 'Honeydew' has gold leaves; 'Mary' has splotches of cream; 'Snow' has white speckles

• 14 of 17

  Basil

  

  Your favorite herb can become your favorite houseplant. Basil (Ocimum basilicum) loves warm temperatures and lots of light. Trim off flowers to keep those fragrant leaves coming. Try cinnamon basil or purple basil for something different.

  • Name: Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
  • Light: Bright
  • Water: Moist
  • Color Varieties: 'Dark Opal' and 'Purple Ruffles' have purple foliage

• 15 of 17

  Umbrella Plant

  

  If you have a yen for tropical plants, consider the umbrella plant (Schefflera arboricola) which can grow up to 10 feet tall in the jungles of Taiwan. You can check this growth in containers, especially with slow-growing variegated cultivars like 'Gold Capella' or 'Sunburst.' The plant is mildly toxic to pets and people.

  • Name: Umbrella plant (Schefflera arboricola)
  • Light: High
  • Water: Medium
  • Color Varieties: 'Sun Burst' is a gold variegated type; 'Janine' is a white variegated type

• 16 of 17

  Croton

  

  Croton (Codiaeum variegatum) plants offer that punch of color that neutral gray or taupe rooms need. Bright light is essential for good leaf coloration and plant health. Leaf form varies from paddle-like to grassy and narrow, but all have stripes or splotches of yellow, red, orange, or pink. This plant is toxic to humans and animals.

  • Name: Croton (Codiaeum variegatum)
  • Light: High
  • Water: Medium
  • Color Varieties: Orange, white, yellow, red, pink, purple

  Continue to 17 of 17 below

• 17 of 17

  Heart-Leaf Philodendron

  

  Whether trailing from a basket or growing up a trellis, heart-leaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) is the classic low-care houseplant that thrives in all light conditions. You might see the heart-shaped leaves growing to giant proportions outdoors in frost-free zones, but it's just as happy in your bedroom. The plant is toxic to humans and animals.

  • Name: Heart-leaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
  • Light: Low to high
  • Water: Medium
  • Color Varieties: 'Brandi' has silver variegation; 'Micans' has purple-tinted leaves; 'Prince of Orange' has orange-tinted leaves