Houseplants are plants grown indoors for their foliage, flowers or simply the pleasure of tending something alive. Most of them are not special indoor species at all. They are tropical and subtropical plants whose natural homes stay warm all year, which is why they tolerate the steady temperatures of a living room.
Many popular houseplants come from the floor of tropical rainforests, where they evolved in the dappled shade beneath taller trees. Others are desert succulents that store water in their leaves and stems, and a few are flowering plants forced into bloom by greenhouses. Their origins explain their needs, from the high humidity of ferns to the bright sun and dry soil of cacti.
Light is the factor that matters most. The University of Florida notes that a north-facing window may never reach 400 foot-candles even when outdoor winter light at noon exceeds 4,000. Choosing a plant that matches the light in a room is the surest way to keep it healthy, and overwatering is the most common cause of houseplant death.
Houseplants are also valued for their effect on people. Research has linked indoor plants to lower stress and better mood, even though their ability to clean indoor air is far smaller than once claimed. The 76 houseplants below include foliage plants, succulents, ferns, vines, palms and flowering plants, and each entry notes where the plant is native.
1. Snake Plant
The snake plant is one of the most popular and forgiving houseplants. Its leaves are stiff, upright and sword-shaped. They are dark green with lighter gray-green bands. Many forms have bright yellow edges. It grows 1 to 4 feet tall. It spreads slowly by underground stems.
The University of Minnesota lists it as a low-light plant and notes that it grows as an understory plant in its native lands. It opens its leaf pores mainly at night to save water. It can survive weeks without water. Overwatering is the easiest way to kill it. It is mildly toxic to pets. It is native to tropical Africa, Madagascar and southern Asia.
2. ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant is a glossy, nearly indestructible houseplant. Its leaves are waxy and dark green. They grow in two neat rows along stiff, upright stems. The plant stores water in thick underground stems. It grows 2 to 3 feet tall. It grows slowly.
It tolerates low light and long dry spells. It became widely available in the 1990s and quickly became a favorite. It needs water only every few weeks. Its glossy leaves need occasional dusting. It is toxic to pets if chewed. It is native to eastern Africa, from Kenya to South Africa.
3. Golden Pothos
Golden pothos is one of the best-selling houseplants in the world. Its leaves are heart-shaped and glossy green. They are marbled with yellow. Its vines trail from shelves and hanging pots. It grows quickly. Its stems can reach many feet long.
It tolerates low light, though its variegation fades in dim spots. It roots easily from cuttings in a glass of water. It is also called devil’s ivy because it is so hard to kill. It is toxic to pets if chewed. In the tropics it climbs trees and grows huge leaves. It is native to Mo’orea in French Polynesia.
4. Heartleaf Philodendron
Heartleaf philodendron is a classic trailing vine. Its leaves are heart-shaped and glossy green. The vines trail from shelves or climb a support. It grows quickly. It tolerates moving and missed waterings. It is often confused with pothos.
Its leaves are thinner and softer than those of pothos. It tolerates low to medium light. Pinching the tips keeps it bushy. It is toxic to pets if chewed. It roots easily from cuttings. It is native to Central America, the Caribbean and northern South America.
5. Pink Princess Philodendron
Pink Princess philodendron is a collector’s favorite with splashes of pink. Its leaves are dark green to nearly black. They are marked with bright pink patches. Some leaves are half pink or entirely pink. It climbs a pole as it grows. It reaches 2 to 4 feet indoors.
Its pink color comes from variegation and varies from leaf to leaf. It needs bright, indirect light to keep its pink. Leaves that are fully pink cannot feed the plant. It is toxic to pets. It prefers well-drained, airy soil. It is a selection of a species native to the rainforests of Colombia.
6. Monstera
Monstera is the iconic split-leaf houseplant. Its leaves are large, glossy and heart-shaped. Mature leaves develop deep cuts and holes. It climbs with thick aerial roots. It can grow 6 to 8 feet tall indoors. It is also called Swiss cheese plant.
It needs bright, indirect light to develop its splits. A moss pole helps it grow upright and produce larger leaves. It is toxic to pets if chewed. In the wild it produces a long fruit that is edible only when fully ripe. It grows quickly in warm rooms. It is native to tropical forests from southern Mexico to Panama.
7. Swiss Cheese Vine
Swiss cheese vine is a smaller relative of monstera. Its leaves are heart-shaped and bright green. Each is perforated with oval holes. The vines trail or climb a pole. It grows quickly. It suits hanging baskets and shelves.
It tolerates medium light. It prefers moist soil and some humidity. Its holes appear even on young leaves. It is toxic to pets. It roots easily from cuttings. It is native to the tropical forests of Central and South America.
8. Fiddle-Leaf Fig
The fiddle-leaf fig is a fashionable indoor tree. Its leaves are very large and shaped like a violin. They are leathery and strongly veined. It can grow 6 to 10 feet tall indoors. It grows on a single upright trunk. It branches when pruned.
It needs bright, steady light near a window. It is famous for dropping leaves when moved or chilled. Dust should be wiped from its leaves regularly. It is toxic to pets if chewed. It dislikes both drought and soggy soil. It is native to the lowland rainforests of western Africa.
9. Rubber Plant
The rubber plant is a bold, easy indoor tree. Its leaves are large, thick and glossy. They are dark green, burgundy or variegated. New leaves emerge from red sheaths. It can grow 6 to 10 feet tall indoors. It branches when pruned.
It tolerates moderate light better than the fiddle-leaf fig. Dark-leaved forms handle lower light than variegated ones. Its milky sap can irritate skin. It is toxic to pets. It was once tapped for rubber in Asia. It is native from northeastern India and Nepal to Myanmar, southern China, Malaysia and Indonesia.
10. Weeping Fig
The weeping fig is a graceful indoor tree. Its leaves are small, glossy and pointed. Its branches arch gently. It grows 4 to 10 feet tall indoors. Its trunks are often braided. It is also called benjamin fig.
It needs bright, indirect light and steady conditions. It drops leaves when moved, chilled or exposed to drafts. It usually recovers once settled. Its sap can irritate skin and pets. It can be trained as a bonsai. It is native to southern and southeastern Asia and northern Australia.
11. Spider Plant
The spider plant is one of the easiest houseplants to grow. Its leaves are long, narrow and arching. They are green, often with white stripes. Mature plants send out long stems with small white flowers. Baby plantlets form at the ends of those stems. It looks best in a hanging basket.
It tolerates a wide range of light and temperature. It is safe for cats and dogs. Its leaf tips brown with fluoride in tap water. Its plantlets root easily to make new plants. It is often the first houseplant people grow. It is native to tropical and southern Africa.
12. Peace Lily
The peace lily is a popular flowering foliage plant. Its leaves are glossy, dark green and lance-shaped. Its flowers are white hoods around a cream spike. It grows 1 to 3 feet tall. It droops visibly when it needs water. It recovers quickly once watered.
It tolerates low light better than most flowering plants. It blooms more in brighter spots. Its leaves irritate the mouth of pets and children. It prefers evenly moist soil. Brown leaf tips often mean dry air or fluoride in water. It is native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America.
13. Chinese Evergreen
Chinese evergreen is a colorful, low-light foliage plant. Its leaves are oval and pointed. They are patterned in green, silver, cream, pink or red. The plant forms a dense clump. It grows 1 to 3 feet tall. It tolerates neglect.
Green and silver forms tolerate the least light. Red and pink forms need brighter spots. It dislikes cold drafts. It is toxic to pets. It grows slowly and needs little pruning. It is native to the tropical forests of southeastern Asia and New Guinea.
14. Cast-Iron Plant
The cast-iron plant earned its name by surviving almost anything. Its leaves are long, broad and dark green. They rise directly from the soil. The plant forms a dense clump. It grows 2 to 3 feet tall. It grows very slowly.
Mississippi State University lists it among plants suited to low light of 25 to 75 foot-candles. It tolerates deep shade, dry air, cool rooms and irregular watering. It was a favorite in dim Victorian parlors. It is safe for pets. Its small purple flowers bloom at soil level. It is native to Japan and Taiwan.
15. Parlor Palm
The parlor palm is a small, graceful palm. Its fronds are delicate and feathery. It grows on slender, cane-like stems. It reaches 2 to 4 feet tall indoors. It grows slowly. It is often sold as several seedlings in one pot.
It is one of the best palms for low light. It has been a popular houseplant since Victorian times. It is safe for pets. It prefers evenly moist soil. Spider mites can attack it in dry air. It is native to the rainforests of southern Mexico and Guatemala.
16. Kentia Palm
The kentia palm is an elegant palm for living rooms. Its fronds are long, dark green and arching. It grows from a single slender trunk. It can reach 10 feet indoors over many years. It grows slowly. It tolerates dry indoor air.
It became fashionable in Victorian parlors and remains popular today. It tolerates moderate to low light. It is safe for pets. It dislikes soggy soil. Its slow growth makes large plants expensive. It is native only to Lord Howe Island, between Australia and New Zealand.
17. Areca Palm
The areca palm is a feathery, clumping palm. Its fronds arch outward. Its stems are yellowish and ringed like bamboo. It grows 6 to 8 feet tall indoors. It is also called butterfly palm. It forms dense clumps.
It needs bright, indirect light. It releases a good deal of moisture into the air. It is safe for pets. It prefers evenly moist, well-drained soil. Its leaf tips brown in dry air or with fluoride. It is native to Madagascar.
18. Ponytail Palm
The ponytail palm is a succulent, not a true palm. Its trunk swells at the base to store water. A fountain of long, narrow leaves sprouts from the top. The leaves curl and cascade like a ponytail. It grows slowly to 3 to 6 feet indoors. It can live for decades.
It needs bright light and very little water. It tolerates dry indoor air well. It is safe for pets. Overwatering causes its trunk to rot. Outdoors in its homeland it becomes a large tree. It is native to eastern Mexico.
19. Janet Craig Dracaena
Janet Craig dracaena is a tough, leafy houseplant. Its leaves are glossy, dark green and strap-shaped. They grow in rosettes on upright canes. It grows 3 to 6 feet tall indoors. It grows very slowly. It holds its leaves for years.
It tolerates low light better than most dracaenas. It is widely used in offices and homes. Its leaf tips brown in dry air or with fluoride. It is toxic to pets. It needs watering only when the topsoil dries. It is native to tropical Africa.
20. Corn Plant
The corn plant is a classic cane-style dracaena. Its leaves are broad, arching and corn-like. The popular form has a yellow stripe down each leaf. It grows on thick, woody canes. It can reach 6 feet or more. It is also called mass cane.
It tolerates low to medium light. Mature plants sometimes produce fragrant white flowers at night. It is toxic to pets. It needs well-drained soil. Its lower leaves yellow and drop as it grows. It is native to tropical Africa, from Sudan to Mozambique and west to the Ivory Coast.
21. Dragon Tree
The dragon tree is a slender, palm-like dracaena. Its leaves are narrow and stiff. They are green with red edges. They form tufts on the tips of thin, twisting stems. It grows 5 to 8 feet tall indoors. It is also called red-edged dracaena.
It is one of the most drought-tolerant dracaenas. It tolerates moderate light. Its stems can be trained into curves. It is toxic to pets. It sheds lower leaves as it grows. It is native to Madagascar.
22. Lucky Bamboo
Lucky bamboo is a dracaena that looks like bamboo. Its stems are green and jointed. Its leaves are narrow and twisted. It is often grown in water with pebbles. Its stems are trained into spirals and braids. It stays small on a table.
It is associated with good fortune in Chinese tradition. It tolerates low light. Its water should be changed every week or two. It is toxic to pets. It is often sold as a gift. It is native to Central Africa, especially Cameroon.
23. Jade Plant
The jade plant is a long-lived succulent shrub. Its leaves are thick, oval and glossy green. They often turn red at the edges in sun. The plant grows thick, woody trunks. It reaches 2 to 3 feet indoors. It can live for many decades.
North Carolina State University describes it as a popular, low-maintenance houseplant worldwide. It needs bright light and dry soil between waterings. Mature plants bloom with small pink or white flowers in winter. It is mildly toxic to pets. It roots easily from a single leaf. It is native to the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa.
24. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a succulent known for its soothing gel. Its leaves are thick, fleshy and gray-green. They have small teeth along the edges. The plant forms a stemless rosette. It grows 1 to 2 feet tall. It produces offsets around its base.
It needs bright light and very little water. Its gel is used on minor burns and skin irritation. The yellow sap under its skin is toxic to pets. It suits sunny windowsills. Its offsets can be separated to make new plants. It is thought to be native to the Arabian Peninsula.
25. Echeveria
Echeverias are rosette-forming succulents. Their leaves are thick and arranged like petals of a rose. They come in blue, gray, green, pink, purple and nearly black. Many have colored edges. They grow a few inches to a foot across. They bloom on arching stalks.
They need very bright light to keep their shape and color. In low light they stretch toward the window. They need water only when the soil is completely dry. They are generally considered safe for pets. Hundreds of hybrids exist. They are native to Mexico, Central America and northwestern South America.
26. Zebra Haworthia
Zebra haworthia is a small, striped succulent. Its leaves are thick, pointed and dark green. They are banded with raised white stripes. The plant forms a tight rosette. It grows only a few inches tall. It spreads by offsets.
It tolerates lower light than most succulents. That makes it ideal for windowsills and desks. It needs water only every few weeks. It is safe for pets. Its compact size suits small pots. It is native to the Eastern Cape of South Africa.
27. String of Pearls
String of pearls is a trailing succulent with bead-like leaves. Its leaves are round, green and the size of peas. They line thin stems like a necklace. The stems trail several feet from hanging pots. It produces small white flowers with a cinnamon scent. It grows moderately fast.
It needs bright light and very well-drained soil. Its shallow roots rot easily if overwatered. Its beads shrivel when it needs water. It is toxic to pets. It roots easily from stem pieces laid on soil. It is native to the dry regions of southern Africa.
28. Burro’s Tail
Burro’s tail is a trailing succulent with plump leaves. Its leaves are blue-green, fleshy and teardrop-shaped. They overlap tightly along hanging stems. The stems can trail 2 to 3 feet. It may produce pink or red flowers at the stem tips. It grows slowly.
Its leaves fall off at the slightest touch. Each fallen leaf can root into a new plant. It needs bright light and little water. It is safe for pets. It is best hung where it will not be bumped. It is native to southern Mexico.
29. Christmas Cactus
The Christmas cactus is a flowering succulent. Its stems are flat and segmented. They arch and trail. Its flowers are tubular and pink, red, white or orange. They bloom at the stem tips in winter. A plant can live for decades.
The University of Connecticut lists it among houseplants that take in carbon dioxide at night. It needs cool nights and long darkness in fall to set buds. It prefers more water than desert cacti. It is safe for pets. It is often passed down through families. It is native to the coastal mountains of southeastern Brazil.
30. Moth Orchid
The moth orchid is the most popular flowering houseplant. Its flowers are flat and moth-shaped. They come in white, pink, purple, yellow and patterns. They bloom on long, arching stalks. Blooms can last two to three months. Its leaves are broad and fleshy.
It needs bright, indirect light. It grows in loose bark mix instead of soil. It reblooms when exposed to cooler nights in fall. It is safe for pets. Its silvery roots turn green when watered. It is native to southeastern Asia, the Philippines and northern Australia.
31. African Violet
The African violet is a classic flowering windowsill plant. Its leaves are round, fuzzy and dark green. Its flowers are purple, blue, pink, white or bicolored. They bloom in clusters above the leaves. It stays under a foot across. It can bloom most of the year.
It needs bright, indirect light. Its leaves spot if splashed with cold water. Many growers water it from below. It is safe for pets. Thousands of named varieties exist. It is native to the mountain forests of Tanzania and southeastern Kenya.
32. Anthurium
The anthurium is a glossy flowering plant. Its flowers are heart-shaped, waxy bracts. They come in red, pink, white or purple. A spike rises from the center of each bract. Its leaves are dark green and heart-shaped. Each bloom lasts for weeks.
It needs bright, indirect light and humidity. It blooms most of the year in good conditions. Its sap irritates the mouth. It is toxic to pets. It is also called flamingo flower. It is native to the rainforests of Colombia and Ecuador.
33. Bromeliad
Bromeliads are colorful plants with stiff leaf rosettes. The most common types have bright red, orange, pink or yellow flower bracts. The bracts last for months. The leaves form a central cup that holds water. Each rosette flowers once and then produces offsets. They grow 1 to 2 feet tall.
They need bright, indirect light. Their central cup should be refreshed with clean water. They need little water at the roots. They are safe for pets. Pineapple is a member of the same family. They are native to the tropical Americas, from Mexico to Brazil.
34. Air Plant
Air plants grow without soil. Their leaves are gray-green and often silvery. They are covered in tiny scales that absorb water. Many turn red or pink before flowering. Most stay a few inches tall. They come in hundreds of shapes.
They can be displayed on wood, shells, glass or wire. They need bright, indirect light. They should be soaked or misted regularly. They are safe for pets. Each plant flowers once and produces offsets. They are native from the southern United States through Mexico, Central America and South America.
35. Boston Fern
The Boston fern is a lush, feathery fern. Its fronds are long, arching and bright green. They are divided into many small leaflets. The plant forms a full, rounded mound. It grows 2 to 3 feet across. It looks best in a hanging basket.
It needs high humidity and evenly moist soil. Dry air causes it to drop leaflets. It was a popular porch and parlor plant in the late 1800s. It is safe for pets. It can spend summers outdoors in shade. It is native to tropical regions of the Americas, including Florida and the Caribbean.
36. Maidenhair Fern
The maidenhair fern is one of the most delicate houseplants. Its fronds are made of tiny, fan-shaped leaflets. They are bright green on thin, black stems. The plant forms a soft, airy mound. It grows 1 to 2 feet tall. Its fronds tremble in the slightest breeze.
It needs high humidity and constantly moist soil. A single dry spell can shrivel its fronds. It is safe for pets. It thrives in bathrooms and terrariums. It may regrow from its roots after drying out. It is native to the tropical Americas, from Mexico and the Caribbean to Brazil.
37. Bird’s Nest Fern
The bird’s nest fern has broad, undivided fronds. Its fronds are glossy, bright green and wavy. They grow in a rosette around a central crown. The crown looks like a bird’s nest. It grows 1 to 3 feet across. It grows slowly.
It tolerates drier air than most ferns. It needs medium, indirect light. Water should not be poured into its central crown. It is safe for pets. In the wild it grows high on tree trunks. It is native to tropical Asia, eastern Africa, northern Australia and Polynesia.
38. Staghorn Fern
The staghorn fern is a striking fern that grows on wood. It has two kinds of fronds. Flat, round shield fronds clasp its mount. Long, forked fronds hang down like antlers. It can grow several feet across. It is usually mounted on a board.
It needs bright, indirect light and humidity. It is watered by soaking the mount. It is safe for pets. In the wild it grows on tree trunks and branches. Mature plants produce pups that can be separated. It is native to eastern Australia and New Guinea.
39. English Ivy
English ivy is a classic trailing and climbing vine. Its leaves are dark green, glossy and lobed. Many forms are variegated in white, cream or gold. It climbs by small aerial roots. Indoors it is grown in hanging baskets and on frames. It grows moderately fast.
It prefers cool rooms and bright, indirect light. Warm, dry air invites spider mites. Its leaves are toxic if eaten. Outdoors it is invasive in parts of North America. It can be trained into topiary. It is native to Europe, western Asia and North Africa.
40. Arrowhead Plant
The arrowhead plant is a compact vine with arrow-shaped leaves. Its leaves are green, cream, pink or bronze. Young leaves are arrow-shaped, and older ones become lobed. The plant starts bushy and later trails or climbs. It grows quickly. It is easy to propagate.
It tolerates moderate to low light. Pinching keeps it compact. It is toxic to pets. It prefers evenly moist soil. Pink and white forms are popular with collectors. It is native to tropical forests from Mexico to Bolivia.
41. Dumb Cane
Dumb cane is a bold foliage plant. Its leaves are large and oval. They are green splashed with cream or white. It grows on thick, upright stems. It reaches 3 to 6 feet indoors. It grows fairly quickly.
It tolerates moderate light. Its sap contains crystals that cause painful swelling of the mouth. That reaction gave it its common name. It should be kept away from pets and children. It can be cut back to regrow from the base. It is native to the tropical Americas, from Mexico to Argentina.
42. Prayer Plant
The prayer plant is a colorful plant that moves daily. Its leaves are oval and patterned. They show green blotches and red veins. At night the leaves fold upward like praying hands. It grows about a foot tall. It spreads slowly.
It needs medium light and high humidity. Its leaf edges brown in dry air. It is safe for pets. It prefers evenly moist soil. It is sensitive to minerals in tap water. It is native to the tropical forests of Brazil.
43. Rattlesnake Plant
The rattlesnake plant is a striking patterned foliage plant. Its leaves are long and wavy-edged. They are light green with dark green spots. Their undersides are deep purple. The plant forms an upright clump. It grows 1 to 2 feet tall.
It is related to the prayer plant and also folds its leaves slightly at night. It needs medium, indirect light. It requires humidity and steady moisture. It is safe for pets. Direct sun scorches its leaves. It is native to the rainforests of Brazil.
44. Medallion Calathea
The medallion calathea is a showy patterned plant. Its leaves are large and rounded. They are dark green with silvery-green feathered bands. Their undersides are deep purple. The plant forms a lush clump. It grows 1 to 2 feet tall.
It is grown entirely for its foliage. It needs medium, indirect light and high humidity. Its leaves curl when the air is dry or the soil too wet. It is safe for pets. It prefers distilled or rain water. It is native to the rainforests of Brazil.
45. Stromanthe Triostar
Stromanthe Triostar is one of the most colorful foliage plants. Its leaves are long and pointed. They are splashed with green, cream and bright pink. Their undersides are deep magenta. The plant forms an upright clump. It grows 2 to 3 feet tall.
It is related to the prayer plant and folds its leaves at night. It needs bright, indirect light to keep its pink color. It requires high humidity. It is safe for pets. Its leaf tips brown in dry air. It is a selection of a species native to the rainforests of Brazil.
46. Nerve Plant
The nerve plant is a small, colorful foliage plant. Its leaves are oval and soft. They are netted with bright white, pink or red veins. The plant forms a low, spreading mat. It grows only a few inches tall. It wilts dramatically when dry.
It needs constant moisture and humidity. It recovers quickly once watered. It thrives in terrariums. It is safe for pets. It tolerates low light well. It is native to the rainforests of Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and Bolivia.
47. Polka Dot Plant
The polka dot plant is a small, speckled foliage plant. Its leaves are oval and soft. They are dotted with pink, red or white. The plant forms a bushy mound. It grows about a foot tall. It grows quickly.
It needs bright, indirect light to keep its color. Pinching the tips keeps it compact. It is generally considered safe for pets. It becomes leggy after flowering. It is often used in mixed pots and terrariums. It is native to Madagascar.
48. Baby Rubber Plant
The baby rubber plant is a compact peperomia. Its leaves are thick, round and glossy. They are green or variegated with cream. The plant forms a bushy mound. It grows about a foot tall. It stores water in its leaves.
It tolerates moderate light. It prefers to dry out between waterings. It is safe for pets. It suits desks and shelves. It grows slowly and needs little care. It is native to southern Florida, Mexico, the Caribbean and northern South America.
49. Watermelon Peperomia
Watermelon peperomia is a small plant with striped leaves. Its leaves are round and fleshy. They are striped silver and green like a watermelon rind. They sit on red stems. The plant forms a compact mound. It grows about 6 to 8 inches tall.
It needs medium, indirect light. It prefers to dry slightly between waterings. It is safe for pets. Its leaves can be rooted to make new plants. It suits small pots and terrariums. It is native to tropical South America, including Brazil.
50. Chinese Money Plant
The Chinese money plant is a trendy plant with coin-shaped leaves. Its leaves are round, flat and bright green. Each sits on a long stalk attached near its center. The leaves radiate from an upright stem. The plant grows about a foot tall. It produces many offsets.
It needs bright, indirect light. Turning it regularly keeps it from leaning. It is safe for pets. Its offsets are easy to share. It spread around the world largely through gardeners passing cuttings to friends. It is native to the mountains of Yunnan and Sichuan in southwestern China.
51. Aluminum Plant
The aluminum plant is a foliage plant with silver markings. Its leaves are oval and quilted. They are green with raised, metallic silver patches. The plant forms a bushy clump. It grows about a foot tall. It grows quickly.
It tolerates medium light. Pinching keeps it compact. It prefers evenly moist soil. It is generally considered safe for pets. It becomes leggy if not trimmed. It is native to southern China and Vietnam.
52. String of Hearts
String of hearts is a delicate trailing plant. Its leaves are small, heart-shaped and gray-green. They are marbled with silver and purple undersides. They hang on long, thread-like stems. The stems can trail several feet. It produces small, lantern-shaped pink flowers.
It needs bright, indirect light. It stores water in small tubers along its stems. It prefers to dry out between waterings. It is generally considered safe for pets. Its tubers can be used to grow new plants. It is native to South Africa, Eswatini and Zimbabwe.
53. Hoya
Hoyas are trailing vines with waxy leaves. Their leaves are thick, glossy and oval or heart-shaped. Many are variegated in cream or pink. They produce round clusters of star-shaped flowers. The flowers look like porcelain and are often fragrant. They are also called wax plants.
They need bright, indirect light to bloom. They prefer to dry out between waterings. They bloom from the same spurs year after year, so the spurs should not be cut. They are safe for pets. Collectors grow hundreds of species. They are native to eastern and southeastern Asia, Australia and the Pacific islands.
54. Inch Plant
The inch plant is a fast-growing trailing plant. Its leaves are oval and striped. They are silver and green above and purple beneath. Its stems trail from hanging pots. It grows quickly. It is easy to root.
It needs bright, indirect light to keep its color. In dim light its stems stretch and its stripes fade. Its sap can irritate sensitive skin. Pinching keeps it full. Cuttings root within days. It is native to Mexico and Central America.
55. Purple Heart
Purple heart is a trailing plant with vivid purple leaves. Its leaves are long and slightly fuzzy. Its stems are thick and jointed. It produces small pink flowers. It grows quickly. It spills from pots and baskets.
It needs bright light to keep its color. In low light it turns greenish. Its sap can irritate sensitive skin. It tolerates drought well. It is also grown outdoors as a groundcover in warm climates. It is native to eastern Mexico.
56. Croton
The croton is a vividly colored foliage plant. Its leaves are thick and leathery. They are splashed with red, orange, yellow, green and purple. Leaf shapes range from broad ovals to narrow ribbons. It grows 2 to 4 feet tall indoors. Its colors brighten in strong light.
It needs bright light to keep its colors. It drops leaves when moved or chilled. Its sap is toxic and can irritate skin. It should be kept away from pets and children. It is also popular as a landscape shrub in the tropics. It is native to Indonesia, Malaysia, northern Australia and the western Pacific islands.
57. Rex Begonia
The rex begonia is grown for its spectacular leaves. Its leaves are large and often spiral-shaped. They are patterned in silver, pink, purple, red and green. Many have a metallic sheen. The plant forms a low, bushy clump. It grows about a foot tall.
It needs medium, indirect light and high humidity. Its soil should stay lightly moist but never soggy. Its stems and roots are toxic to pets. Hundreds of named varieties exist. It can be propagated from a single leaf. Its wild ancestors are native to northeastern India, southern China and Vietnam.
58. Angel Wing Begonia
The angel wing begonia is a tall, flowering begonia. Its leaves are long and shaped like wings. They are green, often spotted with silver. Their undersides are often red. It produces hanging clusters of pink, red or white flowers. It grows on bamboo-like canes.
It blooms over a long season in bright, indirect light. Its canes can reach 2 to 4 feet tall. Pruning keeps it bushy. It is toxic to pets. It roots easily from stem cuttings. It was bred from begonia species native to Brazil.
59. Alocasia
Alocasias are bold plants with arrow-shaped leaves. The popular Polly type has dark green leaves with bright white veins. The leaves have wavy edges and a glossy surface. They stand on upright stalks. The plant grows 1 to 2 feet tall. It is also called African mask plant.
It needs bright, indirect light and high humidity. It often drops leaves and goes dormant in winter. It regrows from its underground corm. It is toxic to pets. Spider mites attack it in dry air. Its parent species are native to the tropical forests of southeastern Asia and the Philippines.
60. Caladium
Caladiums are grown for their colorful, papery leaves. Their leaves are heart- or arrow-shaped. They are splashed with pink, red, white and green. They are very thin and almost translucent. The plant grows 1 to 2 feet tall. It grows from a tuber.
It needs bright, indirect light and warmth. It goes dormant in fall and drops its leaves. Its tuber can be stored and replanted in spring. It is toxic to pets. It is also grown outdoors in shady summer gardens. It is native to the tropical forests of South America.
61. Bird of Paradise
The bird of paradise is a large, banana-like houseplant. Its leaves are huge, paddle-shaped and gray-green. They grow in a fan from upright stems. Indoors it can reach 6 feet or more. Mature plants may flower in very bright rooms. Its flowers look like the head of a tropical bird.
It needs bright light and room to spread. Its leaves naturally split in strong air movement. It prefers soil that dries slightly between waterings. It is mildly toxic to pets. Outdoor plants are common in California and Florida. It is native to South Africa.
62. Umbrella Plant
The umbrella plant is a bushy indoor shrub. Its leaves are made of glossy leaflets arranged like umbrella spokes. Many forms are variegated in yellow or cream. It grows 3 to 6 feet tall indoors. It branches readily. It is also called dwarf schefflera.
It tolerates moderate light. It drops leaves if overwatered. It is toxic to pets. It can be trained as a bonsai. It is very tolerant of dry indoor air. It is native to Taiwan and Hainan Island in China.
63. Money Tree
The money tree is a small indoor tree often sold with a braided trunk. Its leaves are glossy and divided into five to seven leaflets. They spread like the fingers of a hand. Indoors it grows 3 to 6 feet tall. Its trunk stores water. It is linked to good fortune in East Asian tradition.
It tolerates medium light. It prefers to dry slightly between waterings. It is generally considered safe for pets. In the wild it produces large pods with edible seeds. It is a popular gift for new homes and businesses. It is native to the wetlands of Central and South America.
64. Norfolk Island Pine
The Norfolk Island pine is a soft-needled indoor conifer. Its branches grow in neat, symmetrical tiers. Its needles are short, soft and bright green. It grows slowly to 3 to 8 feet indoors. It is often sold decorated as a living Christmas tree. It is not a true pine.
The University of Illinois lists it among houseplants needing high or bright light. It needs humidity and evenly moist soil. Its lower branches drop in low light or dry air. It is mildly toxic to pets. In its homeland it grows over 150 feet tall. It is native only to Norfolk Island in the South Pacific.
65. Dwarf Banana
The dwarf banana is a compact banana plant grown indoors. Its leaves are huge, paddle-shaped and bright green. They unfurl from a central stem of wrapped leaf bases. Indoor plants usually grow 4 to 6 feet tall. Very bright rooms may produce flowers and small bananas. Its leaves tear easily but keep growing.
It needs bright light, warmth and plenty of water. It grows quickly in summer and slows in winter. It is safe for pets. It gives rooms a strong tropical look. It needs a large pot as it grows. Edible bananas descend from wild species native to Southeast Asia and New Guinea.
66. Asparagus Fern
The asparagus fern is a feathery relative of asparagus. Its stems are covered in tiny, needle-like leaves. They give the plant a soft, airy look. The stems arch and trail. It grows quickly. It can produce small red berries.
It needs bright, indirect light. Its stems have small thorns. Its berries are toxic to pets. It is invasive outdoors in Florida and Hawaii. It is often used in hanging baskets. It is native to southern Africa.
67. Grape Ivy
Grape ivy is a vigorous climbing vine. Its leaves are divided into three glossy, toothed leaflets. Young growth is covered in reddish-brown hairs. It climbs with curling tendrils. It grows quickly. It suits hanging baskets and trellises.
It tolerates low light and cool rooms. It drops leaves if overwatered. It is generally considered safe for pets. It can be pruned hard to keep it compact. It belongs to the grape family. It is native to tropical forests from Mexico to Brazil.
68. Satin Pothos
Satin pothos is a trailing vine with silvery leaves. Its leaves are heart-shaped and matte dark green. They are speckled with shimmering silver spots. The vines trail from shelves or climb a support. It grows more slowly than golden pothos. It is also called silver vine.
It tolerates moderate to low light. Its leaves curl when it needs water. It is toxic to pets if chewed. It roots easily from stem cuttings. It is not a true pothos but belongs to a related group. It is native to Southeast Asia, from India and Thailand to Malaysia, Borneo and the Philippines.
69. Flaming Katy
Flaming Katy is a popular flowering succulent. Its leaves are thick, glossy and scalloped. Its flowers are small and borne in dense clusters. They come in red, orange, pink, yellow and white. They last for several weeks. The plant stays under a foot tall.
It needs bright light and little water. It reblooms when given long nights in fall. It is toxic to pets. It is often sold as a gift plant. It is a type of kalanchoe. It is native to Madagascar.
70. Poinsettia
The poinsettia is the classic holiday houseplant. Its colorful bracts are modified leaves, not petals. They are usually red but also pink, white, cream and marbled. The true flowers are tiny and yellow at the center. The plant grows 1 to 2 feet tall in pots. It is sold by the millions each December.
It needs bright light and warmth. It drops leaves in cold drafts. It is mildly toxic to pets and is less dangerous than often believed. It reblooms only with weeks of complete darkness each night in fall. In the wild it grows as a shrub up to 10 feet tall. It is native to the Pacific coast of Mexico and Guatemala.
71. Amaryllis
The amaryllis is a bulb grown for its huge winter flowers. Its flowers are trumpet-shaped and up to 8 inches across. They come in red, pink, white, salmon and striped. Two to four blooms open on each tall stalk. Its leaves are long and strap-shaped. The bulb blooms about six to eight weeks after planting.
It needs bright light while growing. After flowering it can be grown on and reflowered the next year. It is toxic to pets, especially the bulb. It is a popular holiday gift. The plant is not the same as the true amaryllis of South Africa. It is native to tropical South America.
72. Florist’s Cyclamen
The florist’s cyclamen is a winter-flowering houseplant. Its flowers have swept-back petals like butterflies. They come in red, pink, purple and white. They rise above heart-shaped, silver-marbled leaves. The plant stays under a foot tall. It grows from a tuber.
It needs cool rooms and bright, indirect light. Warm rooms shorten its blooming season. It goes dormant in summer. It is toxic to pets, especially the tuber. It is often sold as a holiday plant. It is native to the eastern Mediterranean, including Turkey, Lebanon and the Greek islands.
73. Venus Flytrap
The Venus flytrap is a famous carnivorous plant. Its leaves end in hinged traps edged with stiff bristles. The traps snap shut when an insect touches their trigger hairs twice. They are often red inside. The plant stays only a few inches tall. It digests its prey over several days.
It needs very bright light and pure water. Tap water and fertilizer can kill it. It needs a cool winter dormancy to survive for years. It is safe for pets. Triggering the traps for fun weakens the plant. It is native only to a small area of coastal North and South Carolina.
74. Meyer Lemon
The Meyer lemon is a popular indoor fruit tree. Its leaves are glossy and dark green. Its flowers are white and strongly fragrant. Its fruit is round, thin-skinned and sweeter than a regular lemon. It grows 4 to 6 feet tall in pots. It can bloom and fruit at the same time.
It needs very bright light, ideally a south-facing window. It can spend summers outdoors. It needs regular feeding and well-drained soil. It is toxic to pets. It was brought to the United States from China in the early 1900s. It is a natural hybrid that originated in China.
75. Purple Shamrock
The purple shamrock is a plant with triangular, folding leaves. Its leaves are made of three deep purple leaflets. They fold down at night and open in the morning. Small pink or white flowers bloom above them. The plant grows about 6 to 10 inches tall. It grows from small bulbs.
It needs bright, indirect light. It goes dormant and dies back for a few weeks at a time. It regrows after a rest. It contains oxalates and can upset pets in quantity. It is often sold around St. Patrick’s Day. It is native to Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay and Argentina.
76. Bamboo Palm
The bamboo palm is a slender, clumping palm. Its stems are thin and cane-like. Its fronds are dark green and feathery. It grows 4 to 7 feet tall indoors. It forms a narrow, upright clump. It is also called reed palm.
It tolerates lower light than most palms. It is safe for pets. It needs regular watering and good drainage. Spider mites can be a problem in dry air. It suits corners and entryways. It is native to Mexico and Central America.
Further References:
- University of Florida: Light for Houseplants
- University of Minnesota: Light requirements for houseplants
- Mississippi State University: Care and Selection of Indoor Plants
- North Carolina State University: Jade Tree
- University of Connecticut: Houseplants for Healthier Indoor Air
- University of Illinois: Houseplant Lighting