20 Favorite Houseplants to Grow, by Type
Discover the best orchids, succulents, ferns and other popular indoor plants that will add beauty and life to your home
Whether you’re new to houseplants or looking to enhance what you already have, check out this list of 20 favorite varieties to grow, organized by type. You’ll find flowering plants and those with standout foliage. There are also options for darker corners and sun-drenched spots. Read on to discover the perfect plant for every area in your home.
2. Cymbidium. While they aren’t as omnipresent as moth orchids, cymbidiums are also a great choice for an orchid houseplant. With multiple blooms on a single stem, they offer a lot of flowers in a small space. Look for miniature and dwarf varieties that generally prefer being inside.
Care tips: Grow a cymbidium in bright, indirect light; an ideal location would get afternoon shade or mottled light. Water weekly from spring through fall, making sure that the water drains completely. Cut back on water during the winter. Feed with a liquid orchid fertilizer at one-quarter strength every time you water from January to June; cut back to every other week from July through December.
See how to grow cymbidium
Care tips: Grow a cymbidium in bright, indirect light; an ideal location would get afternoon shade or mottled light. Water weekly from spring through fall, making sure that the water drains completely. Cut back on water during the winter. Feed with a liquid orchid fertilizer at one-quarter strength every time you water from January to June; cut back to every other week from July through December.
See how to grow cymbidium
Succulents
Thanks to their standout looks and easy-care regimens, many succulents make great houseplants.
3. Aloe vera. Beautiful and practical, aloe vera adds a green accent to any room. It is particularly at home in kitchens and bathrooms. Not only does the plant appreciate some humidity, but you can easily cut a leaf and use the inside to soothe minor burns.
Care tips: Plant aloe vera in well-draining soil and place it in a spot that gets bright, indirect light. Water about every three weeks, or when the soil is dry about 1 to 2 inches deep, and let the water drain thoroughly; the plant should never sit in water. Water less in winter. Feed with a balanced fertilizer at half strength every four to six weeks in spring and summer.
Caution: Aloe vera can be toxic to pets if ingested.
Browse indoors pots and planters
Thanks to their standout looks and easy-care regimens, many succulents make great houseplants.
3. Aloe vera. Beautiful and practical, aloe vera adds a green accent to any room. It is particularly at home in kitchens and bathrooms. Not only does the plant appreciate some humidity, but you can easily cut a leaf and use the inside to soothe minor burns.
Care tips: Plant aloe vera in well-draining soil and place it in a spot that gets bright, indirect light. Water about every three weeks, or when the soil is dry about 1 to 2 inches deep, and let the water drain thoroughly; the plant should never sit in water. Water less in winter. Feed with a balanced fertilizer at half strength every four to six weeks in spring and summer.
Caution: Aloe vera can be toxic to pets if ingested.
Browse indoors pots and planters
4. Jade plant. Jade plants (Crassula ovata) have been used as houseplants for years. They’re sturdy, with plump green or variegated leaves that form a canopy over a thick trunk. Give the plant room to grow, as it can reach 4 feet tall.
Care tips: Plant in a wide, sturdy pot, as the plant can become top-heavy. Place where it will get at least four hours of sunshine a day, such as near a south-facing window. Water thoroughly when the top soil is dry, usually once or twice a month, and let the water drain completely. Feed every other month with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer at half strength.
Caution: Jade plant can be toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
5 Favorite Succulents to Grow Indoors
Care tips: Plant in a wide, sturdy pot, as the plant can become top-heavy. Place where it will get at least four hours of sunshine a day, such as near a south-facing window. Water thoroughly when the top soil is dry, usually once or twice a month, and let the water drain completely. Feed every other month with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer at half strength.
Caution: Jade plant can be toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
5 Favorite Succulents to Grow Indoors
Ferns
Ferns have a reputation for being more challenging than other popular houseplants, but their soft, airy foliage makes them worth considering for your collection.
5. Maidenhair fern. Maidenhair ferns (Adiantum spp.) are beautiful houseplants that can brighten any space. Place one on a table or stand where you can enjoy its delicate, lightly arching fronds up close. Because this plant loves humidity, it also does well in a terrarium.
Care tips: Choose a slightly shady spot or one with bright indirect light, but keep the plant out of direct sunlight. Maintain even soil moisture and, if possible, provide extra humidity. Feed weekly with a diluted fertilizer during spring and summer.
See how to grow maidenhair fern
Ferns have a reputation for being more challenging than other popular houseplants, but their soft, airy foliage makes them worth considering for your collection.
5. Maidenhair fern. Maidenhair ferns (Adiantum spp.) are beautiful houseplants that can brighten any space. Place one on a table or stand where you can enjoy its delicate, lightly arching fronds up close. Because this plant loves humidity, it also does well in a terrarium.
Care tips: Choose a slightly shady spot or one with bright indirect light, but keep the plant out of direct sunlight. Maintain even soil moisture and, if possible, provide extra humidity. Feed weekly with a diluted fertilizer during spring and summer.
See how to grow maidenhair fern
6. Boston fern. Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Bostoniensis’) is relatively unfussy for a fern. It’s also large enough to make an impact in a room, reaching from 1 foot to 4 feet tall and wide. You’ll want to show off its 3-foot-long arching fronds by placing it on a plant stand or hanging it from your ceiling, especially in a bathroom.
Care tips: Provide very light shade to bright indirect light. Water regularly, although the plant can handle slightly dry soil for a short time. It also can handle normal indoor humidity levels, although it would prefer a bit more humidity.
See how to grow Boston fern
Care tips: Provide very light shade to bright indirect light. Water regularly, although the plant can handle slightly dry soil for a short time. It also can handle normal indoor humidity levels, although it would prefer a bit more humidity.
See how to grow Boston fern
Leafy Favorites
These two favorites fit the bill for a lush, full houseplant with that classic leafy look. They’re both also easy to care for, making them a great choice for those who don’t have the greenest of thumbs.
7. Heartleaf philodendron. If you’re new to the houseplant world, start your journey with a heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum or P. scandens). It will quickly fill a pot with heart-shaped leaves, which you can train to climb, let trail over the edge of the pot or pinch back for an even bushier plant. It will grow nearly anywhere in a home.
Care tips: The ideal spot gets bright indirect light, but the plant can handle locations with less light. Water when the top inch of soil is dry, approximately once a week. Feed with a diluted fertilizer two or three times during spring and summer.
Caution: Heartleaf philodendron can be toxic to people and pets if ingested.
10 Favorite Easy-Care Houseplants to Grow Now
These two favorites fit the bill for a lush, full houseplant with that classic leafy look. They’re both also easy to care for, making them a great choice for those who don’t have the greenest of thumbs.
7. Heartleaf philodendron. If you’re new to the houseplant world, start your journey with a heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum or P. scandens). It will quickly fill a pot with heart-shaped leaves, which you can train to climb, let trail over the edge of the pot or pinch back for an even bushier plant. It will grow nearly anywhere in a home.
Care tips: The ideal spot gets bright indirect light, but the plant can handle locations with less light. Water when the top inch of soil is dry, approximately once a week. Feed with a diluted fertilizer two or three times during spring and summer.
Caution: Heartleaf philodendron can be toxic to people and pets if ingested.
10 Favorite Easy-Care Houseplants to Grow Now
8. Chinese evergreen. Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema commutatum), sometimes called Philippine evergreen, can reach from 1 foot to 3 feet tall. It’s known for its closely packed leaves that range in color from dark green to marbled green and yellow, gray and silver. It’s a great choice for a dark room, as it doesn’t mind not having a good deal of light.
Care tips: Place Chinese evergreen in indirect or filtered light. Let the soil dry out before watering and don’t let the plant sit in water. Feed once in spring and once again in summer with a houseplant fertilizer at half strength.
Caution: The berries and sap can be toxic to people and pets if ingested.
Consider These 10 Pet-Safe Houseplants
Care tips: Place Chinese evergreen in indirect or filtered light. Let the soil dry out before watering and don’t let the plant sit in water. Feed once in spring and once again in summer with a houseplant fertilizer at half strength.
Caution: The berries and sap can be toxic to people and pets if ingested.
Consider These 10 Pet-Safe Houseplants
Striking Foliage
These two favorite houseplants are known for their eye-catching foliage.
9. Peacock plant (zebra plant). The leaves of the different species of peacock plant (Calathea spp.) provide an impressive array of patterns in shades of green, yellow and red. The plants can be a bit fussy about growing conditions; in the right spot, they can reach 2 feet tall.
Both peacock plant and the very similar prayer plant (Maranta spp.) are often mislabeled, so check to be sure which one you have before purchasing.
Care tips: The plant is happy in low light but more particular about other aspects of its care. Provide a bit more water, preferably distilled, and slightly higher ambient temperatures and humidity levels. Feed monthly with a balanced fertilizer at half strength.
Caution: Peacock plant can be toxic to people and pets if ingested.
These two favorite houseplants are known for their eye-catching foliage.
9. Peacock plant (zebra plant). The leaves of the different species of peacock plant (Calathea spp.) provide an impressive array of patterns in shades of green, yellow and red. The plants can be a bit fussy about growing conditions; in the right spot, they can reach 2 feet tall.
Both peacock plant and the very similar prayer plant (Maranta spp.) are often mislabeled, so check to be sure which one you have before purchasing.
Care tips: The plant is happy in low light but more particular about other aspects of its care. Provide a bit more water, preferably distilled, and slightly higher ambient temperatures and humidity levels. Feed monthly with a balanced fertilizer at half strength.
Caution: Peacock plant can be toxic to people and pets if ingested.
10. Croton. When it comes to standout foliage, croton (Codiaeum variegatum) offers a lot. Its leaves can range in color from green to yellow, orange, pink, red, cream or a combination of these hues. The leaves are just as diverse: short or long, skinny or wide.
Care tips: Place croton in a bright spot, especially if the leaves are multiple colors. Water when the soil is dry to the touch about an inch below the top, and allow the water to drain thoroughly. Crotons prefer a room with high humidity, such as a bathroom. Feed with a balanced fertilizer at half strength twice a month.
Caution: Croton can be toxic to people and pets if ingested and can cause mild skin irritation.
Care tips: Place croton in a bright spot, especially if the leaves are multiple colors. Water when the soil is dry to the touch about an inch below the top, and allow the water to drain thoroughly. Crotons prefer a room with high humidity, such as a bathroom. Feed with a balanced fertilizer at half strength twice a month.
Caution: Croton can be toxic to people and pets if ingested and can cause mild skin irritation.
Palms
Palm trees help give a home a tropical feel, even in cold-climate areas. These two easy-care favorites top our list.
11. Parlor palm. A favorite plant for Victorian parlors, hence its common name, parlor palm (Chamaedorea elegans) is equally at home in both traditional and modern interiors. Its airy foliage has a fresh, open feel, and it tops out at about 3 to 4 feet tall.
Care tips: This palm does well in low to moderately bright light. If its leaves turn yellowish green, move it to a spot with less light. Provide good drainage, and let the soil get slightly dry between waterings. Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly in spring and summer and every other month in fall and winter.
See how to grow parlor palm
Palm trees help give a home a tropical feel, even in cold-climate areas. These two easy-care favorites top our list.
11. Parlor palm. A favorite plant for Victorian parlors, hence its common name, parlor palm (Chamaedorea elegans) is equally at home in both traditional and modern interiors. Its airy foliage has a fresh, open feel, and it tops out at about 3 to 4 feet tall.
Care tips: This palm does well in low to moderately bright light. If its leaves turn yellowish green, move it to a spot with less light. Provide good drainage, and let the soil get slightly dry between waterings. Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly in spring and summer and every other month in fall and winter.
See how to grow parlor palm
12. Kentia palm. Kentia palm (Howea forsteriana) resembles parlor palm, but it can grow up to 10 feet tall. It’s also hardier, able to handle low light (such as in a dark corner), air conditioning and indoor heating. It even can survive a bit of neglect. Kentia palms suit many spaces and design styles, from a formal living room to a beach-inspired bedroom. Just be sure you give it plenty of room to grow.
Care tips: Grow in moderate light. Water approximately every week and allow the top 3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Plant in a well-draining soil mix and provide good drainage to prevent palm root rot.
See how to grow kentia palm
Care tips: Grow in moderate light. Water approximately every week and allow the top 3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Plant in a well-draining soil mix and provide good drainage to prevent palm root rot.
See how to grow kentia palm
Statement Plants
You don’t have to fill your home with houseplants to make an impact. Sometimes a single plant that truly stands out is all you need.
13. Bird-of-paradise. Bird-of-paradise (Strelitzia reginae) brings drama to any room. Not only can it reach 6 feet tall, but its oversize leaves spread out to form a tree-like canopy.
Care tips: Place bird-of-paradise in bright light, such as in a west-facing window. Use a light curtain to shield it from direct or otherwise overly intense light. Water thoroughly, but let the soil dry out between waterings and allow it to get almost dry in winter. Water more often if the plant is in an exceptionally bright location. Feed with a fertilizer at half strength twice a month in spring and fall.
Caution: Bird-of-paradise can be toxic to people and pets if ingested.
See how to grow bird-of-paradise
You don’t have to fill your home with houseplants to make an impact. Sometimes a single plant that truly stands out is all you need.
13. Bird-of-paradise. Bird-of-paradise (Strelitzia reginae) brings drama to any room. Not only can it reach 6 feet tall, but its oversize leaves spread out to form a tree-like canopy.
Care tips: Place bird-of-paradise in bright light, such as in a west-facing window. Use a light curtain to shield it from direct or otherwise overly intense light. Water thoroughly, but let the soil dry out between waterings and allow it to get almost dry in winter. Water more often if the plant is in an exceptionally bright location. Feed with a fertilizer at half strength twice a month in spring and fall.
Caution: Bird-of-paradise can be toxic to people and pets if ingested.
See how to grow bird-of-paradise
14. Ponytail palm. The unusual look of ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata) makes it hard to ignore, even when it is relatively small. It really shines once it reaches its full height, which is usually around 6 feet when grown indoors. Be forewarned: The plant is extremely slow-growing, so if you want a specimen houseplant, you’ll need to buy it when it is already large.
Care tips: Ponytail palms are succulents, so care for them accordingly. They prefer bright, indirect light, although they may be able to handle some full sunlight. Water when the top inch of soil is dry and avoid overwatering. Cut back on watering in the winter when the plant is dormant. Feed once in spring with a fertilizer tailored to cactuses and succulents.
10 Large, Dramatic Houseplants to Beautify Your Home
Care tips: Ponytail palms are succulents, so care for them accordingly. They prefer bright, indirect light, although they may be able to handle some full sunlight. Water when the top inch of soil is dry and avoid overwatering. Cut back on watering in the winter when the plant is dormant. Feed once in spring with a fertilizer tailored to cactuses and succulents.
10 Large, Dramatic Houseplants to Beautify Your Home
Flowering Favorites
Flowering plants aren’t as common indoors, but there are some favorites that can thrive and provide a pop of color.
15. Geranium. The familiar geranium (Pelargonium spp.) is often dismissed, but it’s hard to beat for its range of colors, interesting foliage and easy care. Grow geraniums on a sunny windowsill, let them anchor a tabletop display or pop them into a hanging pot to brighten up a corner.
Care tips: Geraniums love the sun, so they’re ideal for a west-facing window. Water thoroughly, let the soil drain completely, then let it dry out a bit before watering again. In winter, water slightly less often, but don’t let the roots get completely dry.
Feed with a fertilizer at half strength every two weeks or a quarter-strength fertilizer every week from spring through fall. Deadhead regularly and pinch back the stems to maintain a bushy shape.
Caution: Geranium can be toxic to people and pets if ingested.
Flowering plants aren’t as common indoors, but there are some favorites that can thrive and provide a pop of color.
15. Geranium. The familiar geranium (Pelargonium spp.) is often dismissed, but it’s hard to beat for its range of colors, interesting foliage and easy care. Grow geraniums on a sunny windowsill, let them anchor a tabletop display or pop them into a hanging pot to brighten up a corner.
Care tips: Geraniums love the sun, so they’re ideal for a west-facing window. Water thoroughly, let the soil drain completely, then let it dry out a bit before watering again. In winter, water slightly less often, but don’t let the roots get completely dry.
Feed with a fertilizer at half strength every two weeks or a quarter-strength fertilizer every week from spring through fall. Deadhead regularly and pinch back the stems to maintain a bushy shape.
Caution: Geranium can be toxic to people and pets if ingested.
16. Holiday cactus. Holiday cactuses (Schlumbergera spp. and Hatiora gaertneri) show off their blooms in shades of pink, red and white from late fall to spring. Their slightly arching, cascading segmented “leaves,” which are actually stems, make them eye-catching houseplants year-round.
Care tips: Choose a shady to bright spot with indirect light. Water once a week in spring and summer, keeping the soil moist while providing good drainage. Cut back on watering in fall and winter. Feed weekly with a fertilizer at quarter strength from spring through summer.
Care tips: Choose a shady to bright spot with indirect light. Water once a week in spring and summer, keeping the soil moist while providing good drainage. Cut back on watering in fall and winter. Feed weekly with a fertilizer at quarter strength from spring through summer.
Low-Light Lovers
Brighten a dark corner with a houseplant that thrives in low light.
17. Dragon tree. The bendy stalks of dragon tree (Dracaena marginata) are one of its defining characteristics. They’re also the ideal support for the plant’s palm-like thin leaves — green with a hint or more of red — that cluster at the top of each stalk. The bottom leaves naturally drop off as the plant grows. Plant two, three or more in a single pot for a full display that can grow slowly to reach up to 15 feet tall.
Care tips: Grow in low to moderate indirect light. Water thoroughly with tepid water when the soil feels slightly dry at a depth of 2 inches, usually weekly from spring to fall. In winter, let the soil dry out before watering. Empty the drainage tray beneath the pot about an hour after watering. Feed lightly at the beginning of spring with a balanced, controlled-release liquid fertilizer.
Caution: Dracaena can be toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
See how to grow dragon tree
Brighten a dark corner with a houseplant that thrives in low light.
17. Dragon tree. The bendy stalks of dragon tree (Dracaena marginata) are one of its defining characteristics. They’re also the ideal support for the plant’s palm-like thin leaves — green with a hint or more of red — that cluster at the top of each stalk. The bottom leaves naturally drop off as the plant grows. Plant two, three or more in a single pot for a full display that can grow slowly to reach up to 15 feet tall.
Care tips: Grow in low to moderate indirect light. Water thoroughly with tepid water when the soil feels slightly dry at a depth of 2 inches, usually weekly from spring to fall. In winter, let the soil dry out before watering. Empty the drainage tray beneath the pot about an hour after watering. Feed lightly at the beginning of spring with a balanced, controlled-release liquid fertilizer.
Caution: Dracaena can be toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
See how to grow dragon tree
18. Cast iron plant. The well-named cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) can handle conditions other houseplants hate. The more you ignore it, the happier it is. Its 4-inch-wide upright oval leaves can be either dark green or variegated and will reach 2 to 3 feet tall. It’s a slow grower, so choose a larger plant, find a low-light spot, provide some basic care and then leave it alone.
Care tips: Cast iron plants thrive in a north-facing window but can also handle bright, indirect light. In spring and summer, let the soil dry out completely before watering. Water even less in fall and winter. Feed with a water-soluble fertilizer at half strength once in spring and then, if needed, again in summer.
Care tips: Cast iron plants thrive in a north-facing window but can also handle bright, indirect light. In spring and summer, let the soil dry out completely before watering. Water even less in fall and winter. Feed with a water-soluble fertilizer at half strength once in spring and then, if needed, again in summer.
Sun Worshippers
Have a sunny location? While it might be too bright for many houseplants, these sun lovers will thrive there.
19. Coleus. Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides) shows off its colors in the bright sun. Its velvety foliage comes in shades including green, yellow, orange, red, maroon and purple. Place the plant in a west-facing window and watch it shine.
Care tips: Place a coleus where it can enjoy the sunlight, which will help intensify the leaf colors (provide a light filter or move it slightly if the the tips start to burn). Water regularly so the soil stays moist, but don’t let the plant stand in water. Feed every two weeks from spring through fall with a half-strength fertilizer; cut back in winter.
Caution: Coleus can be toxic to dogs and cats if ingested and can cause skin irritation.
Have a sunny location? While it might be too bright for many houseplants, these sun lovers will thrive there.
19. Coleus. Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides) shows off its colors in the bright sun. Its velvety foliage comes in shades including green, yellow, orange, red, maroon and purple. Place the plant in a west-facing window and watch it shine.
Care tips: Place a coleus where it can enjoy the sunlight, which will help intensify the leaf colors (provide a light filter or move it slightly if the the tips start to burn). Water regularly so the soil stays moist, but don’t let the plant stand in water. Feed every two weeks from spring through fall with a half-strength fertilizer; cut back in winter.
Caution: Coleus can be toxic to dogs and cats if ingested and can cause skin irritation.
20. Dwarf citrus. Dwarf lemon, orange and kumquat trees (Citrus spp.) bring bright leaves, occasional fruit and incredible fragrance to a sunny indoor spot, especially welcome in winter.
Be forewarned: A citrus tree can be extremely fussy. It also can reach 6 feet tall in a location it loves, so plan ahead.
Care tips: Provide at least eight hours of full sun, especially if you want the plant to set fruit. Water thoroughly, then let the soil get reasonably dry before watering again. Apply a citrus fertilizer monthly from spring through summer; feed less, or even not at all, during fall and winter. If possible, move the plant outdoors during the summer.
Caution: Citrus is known for its thorns, so keep it away from high-traffic areas.
See how to grow dwarf citrus
More on Houzz
Read more guides to growing houseplants
Find a pro in your area
Shop for home decor
Be forewarned: A citrus tree can be extremely fussy. It also can reach 6 feet tall in a location it loves, so plan ahead.
Care tips: Provide at least eight hours of full sun, especially if you want the plant to set fruit. Water thoroughly, then let the soil get reasonably dry before watering again. Apply a citrus fertilizer monthly from spring through summer; feed less, or even not at all, during fall and winter. If possible, move the plant outdoors during the summer.
Caution: Citrus is known for its thorns, so keep it away from high-traffic areas.
See how to grow dwarf citrus
More on Houzz
Read more guides to growing houseplants
Find a pro in your area
Shop for home decor
Orchids have a reputation among some for being fussy and difficult to grow. These two popular orchids are here to bust that myth.
1. Moth orchid. Moth orchids (Phalaenopsis spp.) are surprisingly easy to grow. They also come in an almost bewildering number of colors and with a great many markings. Their blooms last for months, making them a long-lasting alternative to a traditional bouquet. Once the flowers drop, you can also get them to rebloom with the right location and a bit of care.
Care tips: Place a blooming moth orchid in any spot where you need a bit of color. Water when the roots are silver and the potting mix is barely damp, letting the plant drain thoroughly. Moth orchids also enjoy being misted in the morning or being placed on a pebble tray. You can feed with about a quarter-strength liquid fertilizer every three to four weeks.
To get a moth orchid to bloom again, snip off the flower spike after blooming finishes, either just under the first bloom (above the second node) or at the base. Move the plant to a bright location, preferably one with a north- or east-facing window. Water weekly. Feed with a quarter-strength liquid fertilizer weekly as well.
See how to grow moth orchid
Find a pro for your project on Houzz