The houseplant market is exploding in popularity—start with these common houseplants that gardeners love to grow.
11 Common Houseplants That Are Popular for a Reason
Published on Dec. 16, 2024
Pothos/Devil’s Ivy
Epipremnum aureum
These are the common houseplants you see decoratively draping along bookshelves. They can twine 6 feet or more with almost heart-shaped leaves, that may be stippled or marbled in cream, silver, or gold. Fun fact: while they are happy hanging or climbing, their leaves will get bigger and lusher as the plant matures and is allowed to climb or grow upward. They prefer medium light and even moisture.
Why we love it: It’s absurdly easy to propagate pothos: put a cutting 4 to 6 inches long in a container filled with potting mix and watch it grow. You’ll be sharing non patented varieties with friends in no time.
Snake Plant
Dracaena trifasciata, formerly Sansevieria trifasciata
Snake plants’ vertical architectural appearance pairs perfectly with modern interiors. They ask for very little care. Snake plants can tolerate low light but will grow faster with some direct sun. They range in size from about 18 inches to 3 feet tall and can be solid green, or edged in silver or gold.
Why we love it: These common houseplants are surprisingly drought tolerant. You are much more likely to overwater than underwater them.
Monstera or Swiss Cheese Plant
Monstera spp.
With distinctive foliage, monsteras have become the iconic symbol of the houseplant renaissance. The large plants have a vining habit and can be supported with a moss pole. They love typical home temperatures of 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit but enjoy extra humidity. A humidity tray filled with gravel and a little water helps. The pot should be elevated on the pebbles above any water in the tray.
Why we love it: These adaptable houseplants can grow in low- to medium-light exposure, look dramatic cut in a vase, and propagate easily.
Jade Plant
Crassula ovata
This beloved succulent wants full sun and excellent drainage. It can be trained into a tree shape and looks wildly elegant in bloom. Set it directly in a full sun window, and water only sparingly. Elongated growth or leaf drop is your sign to add light while collapsing stems signal overwatering.
Why we love it: Jade plants can live 20 years or more in proper conditions and are very easy to propagate by stem or leaf cuttings. Place cuttings atop soil to callus for three days before planting in cactus soil.
ZZ Plant
Zamioculcas zamiifolia
The ZZ plant is just a cool-looking houseplant that grows well even in low light. It can go without water for weeks due to its tuber-like rhizomes. Add the snake plant above and you’ve got an easy-care duo that can go almost anywhere in your home.
Why we love it: New varieties like gothic near-black ‘Raven’ (above) expand your houseplant palette.
Moth/Phalaenopsis Orchid
Phalaenopsis spp.
There’s a reason these are a classic: the blooms, in sherbet colors, last for months, and in mature plants, you’ll see a repeat bloom with a second or third stalk. They can reach 2 feet tall or higher, especially when blooming. Their ideal spot is in medium to high (but not hot afternoon) sunlight and excellent drainage.
Why we love it: While their blossoms look delicate, the stylish plants are the best of the orchids suited to typical home conditions.
Peperomia
Peperomia spp.
These plants are generally compact, with thick shiny foliage in green or green and gold that may be upright or trailing depending on the species. They like warm temperatures and higher humidity but most prefer drier soil between waterings.
Why we love it: These plants are an easy way to add a spot of life and color in most rooms. Keeping in bright indirect light will maintain high color on variegated types.
Chinese Evergreen
Aglaonema commutatum
This is a great “first home” gift for the non-gardener. It offers many foliage options, typically green splashed with pink, white or silver. Warm humid spots are perfect, like a bathroom with a window or skylight.
Why we love it: Chinese evergreen can tolerate indirect light and grows slowly while staying compact, making it a great plant for a console or mantel.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera
The spiky appearance belies aloe vera’s easy growth and usefulness. The leaves are the source of the same gel used to treat burns and in aloe water. A desert plant, aloe vera needs direct sun or a grow light to thrive and can go several weeks without water.
Why we love it: Aloe makes a nice choice for anyone interested in wellness and home remedies—or who needs an easy-care plant!
Peace Lily
Spathiphyllum spp. and hybrids
An ideal plant to start your houseplant journey, peace lily is one of the easier houseplant choices for those that tend to overwater. Its wide dark leaves can span 3 feet tall and wide, occasionally throwing dramatic white flowers that look like spoons. It’s happiest in warm temperatures, high humidity, and even soil moisture.
Why we love it: Peace lily will droop to let you know when it’s gotten too thirsty—but should perk up again after a drink. Repeated drought stress like this can result in yellow and brown leaves and eventually death of the plant.
Rubber Plant
Ficus elastica
These common houseplants offer a rich mix of red, burgundy, green and variegated types, with colorful stems and new growth They prefer medium- to high light, even moisture moderate humidity, and some fertilizer during the growing season for a showy display. Rubber plants are multi-stemmed statement plants, reaching 4 to 8 feet depending on the variety.
Why we love it: If you find other ficus too fussy, try the easy-going rubber plant; its thick leaves make it more resilient to dry air. Avoid sudden temperature changes in either direction, however.
Word of Caution
Many common houseplants, including several on this list, have some level of toxicity to people and pets if ingested. To learn more, see the ASPCA’ list of toxic and nontoxic plants and the Poison Control Center’s plant list regarding adverse effects to pets and humans.
Sources
