42 Most Popular Houseplants

If you yearn to be a plant parent, you'll want to know about these popular houseplants. Whether you're an experienced gardener or a new pet parent, there is a houseplant out there for you.

While most require minimal care, some varieties need more maintenance than others. That said, as long you give the houseplant the proper growing and care it asks for, it is sure to thrive.

Read on and choose from the most popular houseplants, whether you're looking for a plant that can bring you good luck, grow in low light, purify the air, bring you colorful blooms year-round, and more.

Warning

Some of the following houseplants may be toxic to humans or animals as noted below.

01 of 42
Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)

The Spruce / Corinne Bryson

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.
- Light: Bright light
- Soil: Loamy, medium moisture, well-draining
- Water: Dry between waterings
- Color Varieties: A variegated cultivar has creamy leaf margins
02 of 42
Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)

The Spruce / Krystal Slagle

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.
- Light: Indirect light
- Soil: Well-draining
- Water: Regular watering
- Color Varieties: Green
03 of 42
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

The Spruce / Krystal Slagle

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. The arching leaves make these plants great for pedestals or hanging baskets.
- Light: Indirect light
- Soil: Loamy, well-drained
- Water: Average to dry
- Color Varieties: 'Bonnie Variegated' has white striping
04 of 42
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)

The Spruce / Cara Cormack

The graceful white spathes of the peace lily (Spathiphyllum spp.) 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.
- Light: Low light
- Soil: Moist but well-drained
- Water: Moist
- Color Varieties: 'Domino' has white stippling on leaves
Continue to 5 of 42 below
05 of 42
Air Plant (Tillandsia)

The Spruce / Cori Sears

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.
- Light: Bright light
- Soil: None
- 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 42
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)

The Spruce / Michael Marquand

The gel from cut aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis 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.
- Light: High
- Soil: Sandy
- Water: Dry
- Color Varieties: 'Christmas Carol' has red leaf edges; 'Walmsley's Variegated' has cream streaks
07 of 42
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)

The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

You can't go wrong with a jade plant (Crassula ovata) in a bright room. One of the trendiest houseplants, the jade plant makes a statement. Water sparingly and add supplemental lighting if a leaf drop occurs. Jade is toxic to pets.
- Light: High
- Soil: Well-drained
- Water: Dry
- Color Varieties: 'Calico Kitten' has pink and cream leaves; 'Variegata' has cream streaking
08 of 42
African Violet (Saintpaulia ionantha)

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

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.
- Light: Indirect light
- Soil: Well-drained but moist
- 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 42 below
09 of 42
Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)

The Spruce / Alonda Baird

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.
- Light: Low to high
- Soil: Sandy, well-drained
- Water: Low
- Color Varieties: 'Bantel's Sensation' has cream leaves; 'Black Gold' has thin gold edging; 'Gold Hahnii' has wide gold bands
10 of 42
Bromeliad (Bromeliaceae genera)

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

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.
- Light: Filtered or indirect
- Soil: Well-draining
- Water: Medium
- Color Varieties: Orange, yellow, red, white, pink, and purple varieties available
11 of 42
Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)

The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

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.
- Light: Low
- Soil: Moist but well-drained soil
- Water: High
- Color Varieties: Green
12 of 42
English Ivy (Hedera helix)

The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong

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.
- Light: Medium to high
- Soil: Fertile, moist
- Water: Medium
- Color Varieties: Green, variegated
Continue to 13 of 42 below
13 of 42
Dumb Cane Plant (Dieffenbachia)

The Spruce / Krystal Slagle

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.
- Light: Medium to bright
- Soil: Well-drained
- Water: Medium
- Color Varieties: 'Honeydew' has gold leaves; 'Mary' has splotches of cream; 'Snow' has white speckles
14 of 42
Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

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.
- Light: Bright
- Soil: Slightly rich
- Water: Moist
- Color Varieties: 'Dark Opal' and 'Purple Ruffles' have purple foliage
15 of 42
Umbrella Plant (Schefflera arboricola)

The Spruce / Kara Riley

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.
- Light: High
- Soil: Rich, moderately moist
- Water: Medium
- Color Varieties: 'Sun Burst' is a gold variegated type; 'Janine' is a white variegated type
16 of 42
Croton (Codiaeum variegatum)

The Spruce / Kara Riley

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.
- Light: High
- Soil: Moist and well-drained
- Water: Medium
- Color Varieties: Orange, white, yellow, red, pink, purple
Continue to 17 of 42 below
17 of 42
Heart-Leaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)

The Spruce / Margot Cavin

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.
- Light: Low to high
- Soil: Well-drained, acidic to neutral
- Water: Medium
- Color Varieties: 'Brandi' has silver variegation; 'Micans' has purple-tinted leaves; 'Prince of Orange' has orange-tinted leaves
18 of 42
Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera Deliciosa)

The Spruce / LetÃcia Almeida

The Swiss cheese plant, also known as Monstera deliciosa and a split-leaf philodendron, is a tropical plant that can be grown right inside your home. It's an easy-to-grow houseplant that loves partial sun and well-drained, acidic soil.
- Light: Partial sun
- Soil: Well-drained and acidic
- Water: A regular schedule, every one to two weeks
- Color Varieties: Bright green
19 of 42
Calathea (Calathea)

The Spruce / Kara Riley

Calathea is a stunning indoor houseplant known for its oblong leaves that often feature an array of different colors. A tropical plant, it cannot tolerate cold temperatures so keep this in mind. It thrives in partial sun and shade and requires loamy, moist, and well-drained soil.
- Light: Partial sun, shade
- Soil: Loamy, moist, well-drained
- Water: Medium
- Color Varieties: Purple, yellow, green, white
20 of 42
Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia Obtusifolia)

The Spruce / Missy Schrott Boylan

The baby rubber plant is an adorably small houseplant that is low maintenance and pet-friendly. As the plant gets older, it can develop a trailing habit, which would look great in a hanging basket or placed on a shelf. It does best in partial light with clay, sandy, and loam soil.
- Light: Partial
- Soil: Clay, sandy, loam
- Water: Light
- Color Varieties: Bright green
Continue to 21 of 42 below
21 of 42
Peperomia Pixie Lime (Peperomia orba)

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

The peperomia pixie lime is a semi-succulent that is a common houseplant. It loves lots of light, well-draining soil, and warm temperatures. The light green leaves provide a nice pop of color to any room it finds itself in.
- Light: Full, partial
- Soil: Well-drained
- Water: Infrequent but deep watering
- Color Varieties: Light green
22 of 42
N’joy pothos (Epipremnum aureum 'n'joy')

The Spruce / Cori Sears

The n'joy pothos is a tender variety of pothos with stunning variegated leaves that twist and turn in a vining growth habit. This is an easy-to-grow and low-maintenance houseplant which makes it an excellent choice for beginners. It can be styled in various ways, from hanging baskets to beautiful planters on a bookshelf. Pothos are toxic to pets.
- Light: Partial
- Soil: Moist and well-drained
- Water: Medium
- Color Varieties: Green, white
23 of 42
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

If a low-maintenance houseplant is what you're looking for, check out the ZZ plant. The ZZ plant is a tropical plant with shiny, green leaves and an upright growth pattern. Also, if you're worried about killing this plant, don't fret; there's a reason it's also known as the Eternity Plant, as it is incredibly hard to kill.
- Light: Bright to low and indirect light
- Soil: Well-draining
- Water: Light
- Color Varieties: Green
24 of 42
Orchid (Orchidaceae)

The Spruce / Alonda Baird

Orchids are a popular houseplant for a reason; they're truly breathtaking and come in a range of colors from pink to purple to white to red and more. There are thousands of different orchid species but most require the same type of maintenance.
- Light: Partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained
- Water: Twice weekly during warmer months; allow soil dry out completely in-between waterings
- Color Varieties: Pink, purple, white, red, yellow, orange, green
Continue to 25 of 42 below
25 of 42
Anthurium (Anthurium spp.)

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

Native to Central America, Anthurium is a type of houseplant that is often grown indoors or in greenhouses. These growth slowly or moderately, depending on the amount of light the plant receives. Anthurium grow similarly to orchids.
- Light: Partial
- Soil: Well-drained
- Water: Medium
- Color Varieties: Red, pink, white, green
26 of 42
Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia)

The Spruce / K. Dave

The bird of paradise (strelitzia) is a beautiful plant that is native to warm and tropical South Africa but can be grown indoors as a houseplant. Keep indoor temperatures and humidity high to help this plant live its best life.
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-draining and loamy
- Water: Medium
- Color Varieties: Orange, yellow, green, white
27 of 42
String of Pearls (Curio rowleyanus)

The Spruce / Kara Riley

A vining succulent, the string of pearls has tiny, pea-shaped leaves that trail off the plant's stems. These look beautiful in planters or hanging baskets because of their growth habit. Be prepared; this plant grows quickly, adding five to 15 inches per year.
- Light: Full, partial
- Soil: Sandy and well-drained
- Water: Light
- Color Varieties: Green
28 of 42
Hoya (Hoya carnosa)

The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong

Native to Asia, hoya, also known as wax plants, porcelain flowers, or honey plants, have lightly fragrant, beautiful flowers that grow in a cluster pattern. Hoya requires minimal care. They thrive in bright and indirect light and need six hours every single day.
- Light: Bright, indirect
- Soil: Well-draining
- Water: Once weekly; allow to dry completely before watering again
- Color Varieties: Yellow, orange, pink, white, purple
Continue to 29 of 42 below
29 of 42
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema commutatum)

Leticia Almeida / The Spruce

The Chinese Evergreen is a low-maintenance houseplant. A tropical, evergreen plant, it has distinctly stunning features, such as its large, glossy, lance-shaped or oval leaves. It comes in a variety of different colors.
- Light: Partial, full
- Soil: Well-draining
- Water: Light
- Color Varieties: Green, silver, white, red, purple, and cream
30 of 42
Rex Begonia (Begonia rex-cultorum)

The Spruce / Krystal Slagle

If you want a pop of vibrant color, look no further than the rex begonia. Also known as a painted-leaf begonia or fancy-leaf begonia, rex begonias have variegated leaves that vary in color including green, red, silver, and purple. These houseplants can be tricky to grow due to their specific temperature needs.
- Light: Partial, shade
- Soil: Well-drained and acidic
- Water: Regular watering (be careful to not overwater)
- Color Varieties: green, red, silver, and purple
31 of 42
Chinese Fan Palm (Livistona chinensis)

The Spruce / Kara Riley

The Chinese fan palm, also known as the fountain palm due to its sprouting fronds that resemble the water of a fountain, is a slow-growing plant that is often used outdoors but can grow inside as well. Its unique shape makes a fun statement in any room.
- Light: Full to partial
- Soil: Loamy, moist, well-drained
- Water: Medium
- Color Varieties: Green, white
32 of 42
Marble Queen Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

The Spruce / Phoebe Cheongï»¿

The marble queen pothos is an ideal plant for new plant parents because it is easy to grow and easy to care for given its adaptable nature. However, do remember that because it is a pothos, it is toxic to pets and humans if ingested.
- Light: Partial
- Soil: Loamy, moist but well-draining
- Water: Consistent
- Color Varieties: Green
Continue to 33 of 42 below
33 of 42
Cat Palm (Chamaedorea cataractarum)

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

The cat palm, also known as a cascade palm or cataract palm, is a tropical houseplant with stunning green fronds. Grown indoors, the cat palm will take about 10 years to reach its mature size of around three feet tall. These are perfect plants for beginners and are low-maintenance.
- Light: Partial
- Soil: Loose and well-drained
- Water: Regular watering (just don't overwater)
- Color Varieties: Green
34 of 42
Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)

The Spruce / Krystal Slagle

The parlor palm is a lush tropical plant that is a perfect palm for beginners to grow. The vibrant green fronds add a nice touch of color to any space. Parlor palms enjoy bright and indirect sunlight.
- Light: Bright, indirect sunlight
- Soil: Peaty soil-based potting mix
- Water: Light (very sensitive to overwatering)
- Color Varieties: Green
35 of 42
Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)

The Spruce / Krystal Slagle

The weeping fig is an evergreen tree but is often grown as a houseplant. Place a weeping fig somewhere in your home that receives bright, indirect sunlight. Because the weeping fig is native to tropical and subtropical environments, it thrives in high humidity. You can achieve this by regularly misting the leaves.
- Light: Filtered, bright sun
- Soil: Rich, fast-draining potting soil
- Water: Regular watering during its growth season; keep dry during the late fall and winter
- Color Varieties: Green
36 of 42
Neon Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

The Spruce / Candace Madonna

The neon pothos lives up to its name; its bright, eye-catching green leaves are impossible to miss. Growing in a vining habit, the neon pothos are beautiful in a planter or hanging basket. This is a low-maintenance plant.
- Light: Bright and indirect
- Soil: Moist but well-drained
- Water: Semi-regular watering (drought-tolerant)
- Color Varieties: Bright green
Continue to 37 of 42 below
37 of 42
Satin Pothos (Scindapsus pictus)

The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

The satin pothos is an evergreen tropical vine that is easy to grow and care for, even for beginners. The satin pothos have heart-shaped leaves that appear painted with silvery splotches. Satin pothos has vines that will latch on to whatever is around it, including furniture, shelves, etc.
- Light: Partial
- Soil: Well-drained
- Water: Water as needed, when top two inches of soil are dry; do not overwater
- Color Varieties: Green, silver
38 of 42
Bromeliads (Bromeliaceae)

The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

Bromeliads are low-maintenance houseplants that can grow without soil because it is considered to be an air plant. No special tools or fertilizers are required to grow bromeliads. These houseplants come in a variety of beautiful colors. Do know that bromeliads only flower once during their lifetime (under the right conditions).
- Light: Partial
- Soil: Well-draining
- Water: As needed; mist regularly
- Color Varieties: Red, green, purple, orange, yellow
39 of 42
Cordyline (Cordyline terminalis)

The Spruce / Cara Cormack

The cordyline, also known as ti, is a tropical indoor houseplant that provides a pop of color. The color you get will depend on the variety of cordyline you choose. Ti loves high humidity environments and full to partial sun exposure.
- Light: Full sun, partial sun
- Soil: Well-draining
- Water: As needed, when surface soil feels dry
- Color Varieties: Green, red, yellow, white, purple, and purplish-red
40 of 42
Monstera Peru (Monstera karstenianum)

The Spruce / Cori Sears

The monstera Peru has an upward, vining growth habit. An epiphyte, this houseplant is slow-growing and low-maintenance, which is a great plant for beginners to start with. It loves bright, indirect sunlight.
- Light: Partial
- Soil: Loamy, well-draining
- Water: Allow to dry completely between waterings
- Color Varieties: Green
Continue to 41 of 42 below
41 of 42
Philodendron Billietiae (Philodendron billietiae)

The Spruce / Michelle Becker

A well-loved tropical houseplant, the Philodendron billietiae is considered to be rare and rather difficult to find. It loves plenty of humidity, partial light, and moist but well-drained soil. Its known for its large, vibrant green leaves.
- Light: Partial
- Soil: Moist but well-drained
- Water: Keep consistently moist but do not overwater
- Color Varieties: Green
42 of 42
Monstera Obliqua (Monstera obliqua)

The Spruce / Anastasia Tretiak

The Monstera obliqua is a rare type of Monstera plant that is vining. Because this houseplant is fussy about its growing conditions and can be a bit high maintenance, this may not be a good choice if you're a newer plant parent.
- Light: Partial
- Soil: Moist but well-drained
- Water: Medium (keep evenly moist, not soaking)
- Color Varieties: Green

FAQ

What is considered to be the best indoor plant?

Many types of philodendrons are popular indoor plants but the classic heart-leaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) is often considered the best indoor plant because it continues growing and trailing regardless of care. If you have pets, consider a non-toxic houseplant that even flowers and thrives in low light, like the African violet.
What is the easiest plant to care for indoors?

A drought-tolerant plant is probably the easiest to care for indoors for those of you who are forgetful about watering. For example, aloe and snake houseplants tend to thrive on neglect.
Which indoor plant is impossible to kill?

Cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) may be the most unkillable plant. This simple green plant only needs water once a month and can live in almost any light or environment.

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.