25 Common House Plants | Classics And New Favorites

When it comes to indoor gardening, classic house plants are a tried-and-true choice. These low-maintenance options are perfect for busy homeowners and office dwellers alike, as they require minimal care to thrive. For a stress-free plant experience, consider adding one of these dependable and popular houseplants to your space.

Spider plant

The spider plant, scientifically known as Chlorophytum comosum, is a unique houseplant that has earned its name due to the plantlets it produces, which resemble dangling spider legs. This low-maintenance indoor plant requires minimal attention and thrives in conditions that are surprisingly easy to replicate.

One of the key factors for a spider plant’s success is providing it with the right amount of light.

While they do well in bright conditions, they prefer filtered sunlight, which helps prevent scorching. Watering should be moderate, as these plants enjoy moist soil that drains quickly. It’s also essential to ensure good air circulation around the roots.

Some key details about this plant include its botanical name, Chlorophytum comosum, and its light requirements, which involve bright but filtered light.

As for soil type, spider plants prefer well-draining, all-purpose soil that allows for healthy growth.

Norfolk Island Pine

The Norfolk Pine is a stunning member of the Araucariaceae family, characterized by its striking upright trunk and tiered growth pattern. When cultivated indoors as bonsai trees, frequent pruning is essential to maintain their aesthetic appeal.

As a house plant, the Norfolk Pine requires minimal care. Average watering levels are sufficient, while bright but filtered light is ideal. They thrive in well-draining potting soil with proper drainage capabilities.

Botanical Name: Araucaria heterophylla
Light Requirement: Bright but indirect light
Soil Type: Well-draining, potting soil

Inch Plant

Inch plants, with their remarkable foliage and rapid growth rate, are undeniably charming. Their unique characteristic is the ability to grow one inch per day, earning them their name. These low-maintenance plants thrive in average lighting conditions with bright, filtered light. Watering should be done when the soil mix starts to dry, but they can survive minor neglect. With a botanical name of Tradescantia zebrina, inch plants require well-draining potting soil and prefer indirect light.

Snake Plant

The snake plant has earned its reputation as a low-maintenance favorite among homeowners. Its striking sword-shaped leaves, adorned with intricate patterns, make it a visually appealing addition to any room. But what truly sets this plant apart is its remarkable resilience – it’s almost impossible to kill! Snake plants can thrive in a wide range of climates and conditions, from dry spells to full sun exposure.

They’re also surprisingly adaptable when it comes to soil quality, preferring well-draining potting mixes that prevent waterlogged roots. With its botanical name Sansevieria trifasciata, this hardy plant requires moderate light levels, tolerating both direct and indirect sunlight. Its unique characteristics have solidified the snake plant’s place as a top choice for busy or novice gardeners.

Chinese money plant

The Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides) is a stunning houseplant that can effortlessly elevate the aesthetic of any living space. Its striking feature is its large, flat green leaves which resemble pancakes in appearance. But what truly sets it apart are the charming white flowers that bloom on stems adorned with delicate pink hues. Growing this plant indoors is relatively straightforward. While its leaves can tolerate some direct sunlight, they thrive in areas with bright, filtered light.

Watering should be done at a moderate level to ensure optimal health.

Arrowhead Plant

The Arrowhead plant, also known as the Arrowhead vine, is a member of the aroid family and is distinguished by its large green leaves that take on an arrowhead shape. One of the benefits of this species is its ease of cultivation indoors, requiring minimal attention to thrive in a variety of climates. While they can tolerate low light conditions, they typically perform best in bright, filtered sunlight. Watering should be done once a week, allowing the soil to dry slightly between applications.

The botanical name for the Arrowhead plant is Syngonium podophyllum, and it prefers well-draining potting soil mix with moderate light requirements.

Corn Plant

The Dracaena fragrans, also known as the corn plant, is a slow-growing perennial native to Africa. This tropical ornamental flowering plant boasts air-purifying properties, making it an excellent addition to indoor spaces. When grown indoors, the plant will develop into a small tree with dark green leaves carried by its woody trunk. Notably, the Dracaena fragrans can withstand neglect for up to two weeks.

However, regular watering is still crucial, with optimal levels maintained once every 7-10 days. As for lighting, filtered or indirect sunlight that’s still bright is ideal. In terms of soil requirements, a loose and well-draining loamy mix provides the perfect foundation for this plant to thrive. Its botanical name is Dracaena fragrans, and it thrives in environments with bright to light shade conditions.

Jade Plant

The jade plant, also known as the lucky plant, is a popular choice among houseplant enthusiasts. With its small green leaves and thick woody stems, this succulent boasts an understated yet striking appearance. Notably, jade plants are incredibly low-maintenance, capable of thriving for weeks without water due to their drought-tolerant nature. When watering does become necessary, it’s recommended to do so every 2-3 weeks.

As mature jade plants reach maturity, they can comfortably tolerate direct sunlight, although some partial shade is also suitable. In terms of cultivation, the botanical name Crassula ovata indicates a preference for loose, well-draining succulent soil mix.

Cast Iron Plant

The Aspidistra elatior, also known as the cast iron plant, is a remarkable ornamental plant that has earned its reputation for being incredibly resilient. Its stunning foliage, characterized by long and stiff leaves with vibrant yellow or white patterns, is a major drawcard. What’s more impressive is that this plant can thrive in a range of conditions, including high levels of neglect, low light, and almost any climate.

With the ability to withstand such adversity, it’s no wonder why Aspidistra elatior has gained popularity among plant enthusiasts.

From a botanical standpoint, Aspidistra elatior requires bright but indirect sunlight, which makes it well-suited for indoor spaces. In terms of soil quality, this plant prefers loose, rich, and well-draining acidic soil, providing the necessary foundation for optimal growth.

Pothos

Pothos, also known as devil’s ivy, is a unique and popular houseplant that thrives in the right conditions. As a member of the Arum family, pothos plants are naturally inclined to trail or vine, making them perfect for hanging baskets where they can cascade down beautifully.

While they can tolerate some direct sunlight, pothos plants typically prefer bright but filtered light, which makes them ideal for rooms with skylights or east-facing windows.

When it comes to watering, these adaptable plants are happy with a good soaking once every 1-2 weeks, as long as the soil drains well.

Some key facts about pothos include their botanical name, Epipremnum aureum, and their light requirement – bright but indirect sunlight. They also do well in well-draining, soilless mixes.

English Ivy

The Hedera helix, also known as English ivy, is a rapid-growing vining plant distinguished by its striking triangular leaves. Its stems are robust and capable of supporting a trailing habit. A notable feature of this plant is its umbrella-shaped green flowers, which add an extra layer of visual interest to its overall appearance. When cultivating Hedera helix, it’s essential to provide it with areas that receive bright but filtered sunlight.

Watering should be done on a weekly basis, with the soil allowed to dry out slightly before the next watering. In terms of its specific growing requirements, Hedera helix thrives in rich, well-draining, and loose soil.

Moth Orchid

The Phalaenopsis genus, commonly referred to as moth orchids, is a staple in many indoor gardens due to their unique color palette and compact growth habit. These epiphytic plants require minimal maintenance, making them an ideal choice for busy plant enthusiasts. One key consideration when caring for moth orchids is the need to periodically hydrate their roots. This involves submerging the roots in water once every seven days.

In addition to proper root care, it’s essential to provide these plants with bright but indirect sunlight. A well-draining soilless mix also helps to prevent overwatering and promotes healthy growth. With these simple requirements met, moth orchids can thrive in a variety of indoor environments.

Calathea

Calatheas, also known as prayer plants, are a striking addition to any room with their intricately patterned leaves. The unique variegations and designs on each leaf species create a visually appealing display that’s hard to ignore. As an added bonus, Calatheas are relatively low-maintenance and can thrive in less-than-ideal conditions. They’re tolerant of low light and can even survive minor neglect, making them a great choice for busy plant enthusiasts.

Proper watering is key, but don’t worry – it only needs to be done once every 7 days. When it comes to their growing requirements, Calatheas are quite straightforward: they prefer well-draining potting soil mix and can tolerate light levels ranging from full shade to partial shade. With a botanical name of Calathea Sp., these plants are sure to bring a touch of elegance to any space.

Rubber Tree

The Ficus elastica, commonly known as the rubber tree, is a popular houseplant recognized by its striking deep green leaves with a glossy finish. As part of the Moraceae family, this exotic plant also boasts aerial roots. When cultivated indoors, the rubber tree typically reaches a controlled height of 2 to 10 inches. To thrive, it requires bright but indirect sunlight and moderate watering.

Its botanical name is Ficus elastica, and its ideal growing conditions include well-draining potting soil and filtered sunlight.

ZZ plant

The ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia), also known as the gem plant or ZZ plant, is a testament to the durability of houseplants. Its unique characteristic lies in its thick, woody stem that supports deep green leaves, which can be slightly askew due to the natural tilting of the stem. This feature adds to its tropical charm. This low-maintenance plant thrives in most temperature conditions and can tolerate areas with limited lighting.

It’s also surprisingly resilient when it comes to neglect, able to survive for several weeks without attention. In terms of specific requirements, the ZZ plant prefers partial shade and a well-draining, acidic soil mix.

Dumb canes

Dieffenbachia, also known as dumb canes, are a one-of-a-kind plant species that can thrive indoors with minimal maintenance. The name ‘dumb canes’ is derived from their striking leaf patterns and cane-like stems, which are quite eye-catching. However, the sap of the canes contains compounds that can cause discomfort when ingested, leading to temporary difficulty speaking. When cultivating dumb canes indoors, it’s essential to keep them out of reach of children or pets due to potential hazards.

Watering is crucial, but make sure the soil remains consistently moist rather than waterlogged. Interestingly, these plants are quite tolerant of low-light conditions and can even survive with partial shade. With proper care, Dieffenbachia species can flourish in a variety of environments.

Heart-leaf philodendron

Philodendrons are a popular choice for indoor spaces, boasting unique heart-shaped leaves with a leathery texture. Native to the tropical regions of Central America, these versatile plants have adapted to thrive in various climates. One notable feature is their ability to adjust to different lighting conditions – they can tolerate low light as well as bright sunlight. When it comes to watering, consistency is key, with once-weekly watering sessions being sufficient for optimal growth.

The Heart-leaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) is a great example of this plant’s adaptability. Its botanical name reflects its close relationship to the common ivy (hedera), highlighting its ability to thrive in a range of environments. In terms of specific requirements, it prefers acidic, well-draining potting soil and can tolerate low to bright sunlight.

Wax plant

The Hoya carnosa, also known as the wax plant, is a perennial climber that thrives in indoor conditions. Its trailing habit makes it an ideal choice for growing in hanging baskets or containers with good drainage. One of its most striking features is its fragrant and radiant pink flowers, which are produced regularly. Despite being relatively low-maintenance, Hoyas still require some care – they should be watered once a week to keep the soil consistently moist.

When it comes to lighting, they do well in partial shade to bright sunlight, making them suitable for a variety of indoor spaces. With its unique characteristics and adaptable nature, the Hoya carnosa is a popular choice among plant enthusiasts. Botanically speaking, this plant is known as Hoya carnosa, and its ideal growing conditions include medium to bright sunlight, well-draining soil with a mix of cactus or orchid ingredients.

Australia Umbrella Tree

The umbrella tree is an intriguing houseplant that can thrive indoors as a compact tree. Its most striking feature is its glossy green leaves, which radiate from the stem like an actual umbrella’s canopy.Despite their exotic appearance, Australian umbrella trees are surprisingly low-maintenance and adaptable to indoor conditions. They flourish in moist soil and can tolerate bright but filtered sunlight, making them a great choice for rooms with varying light levels.

Fiddle-leaf fig

The fiddle-leaf fig (Ficus lyrata), a member of the Moraceae family and native to West Africa, has gained immense popularity as an indoor plant. Its most distinctive feature is its broad, green leaves that resemble the shape of a violin, hence the name ‘fiddle-leaf’. This species thrives in environments with some direct sunlight exposure, but it’s also capable of adapting to low-light conditions.

In terms of watering, it’s essential to ensure the roots are moist and not waterlogged, allowing the soil to dry slightly between each watering session. For optimal growth, the fiddle-leaf fig prefers well-draining loam soil.

Goldfish plant

The Goldfish plant, with its botanical name Columnea gloriosa, is a stunning addition to any home. The secret to its unique beauty lies in the vibrant orange blooms that emerge during the spring and summer seasons, complemented by dark green leaves. This flowering plant thrives when grown indoors under bright but filtered sunlight, making it an ideal choice for indoor gardens.

When watering your Goldfish plant, it’s essential to be mindful of its delicate roots and avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Simply water every two weeks, and your plant will flourish in a well-draining soilless mix.

Weeping fig

The weeping fig plant (Ficus Benjamina) is a sight to behold, with its delicate flowers and tear-shaped leaves that will captivate your senses. Its unique appearance can greatly enhance the aesthetic appeal of your living space. One notable characteristic is its ability to thrive in conditions that don’t require constant attention – it’s not too finicky when it comes to watering, needing only average amounts once a week.

The ideal setting for this plant is bright but filtered sunlight, which provides the perfect balance between light and shade. It’s also important to note that weeping figs are sensitive to cold temperatures and do best in environments that are warm and cozy.

Widow’s thrill

Kalanchoes are renowned for their breathtaking beauty and low-maintenance requirements, making them a popular choice among garden enthusiasts. During the winter season, these plants produce vibrant blooms that burst with color, ranging from fiery red to sunny yellow, delicate pink, and warm orange. With their striking appearance, Kalanchoes can effortlessly elevate any living space. To thrive, Widow’s thrill prefers bright but filtered sunlight.

Watering is straightforward – a weekly soak should suffice. For optimal growth, choose well-draining potting soil. The botanical name for this stunning plant is Kalanchoe, while its light requirement and preferred soil type are both bright but filtered sunlight and well-draining potting soil, respectively.

Swiss cheese plant

The Monstera adansonii is a sought-after houseplant renowned for its striking foliage. Its leaves are a deep green hue and often feature a heart-shaped design, punctuated by characteristic holes that give the plant a distinctive ‘Swiss cheese’ appearance. To thrive, Adansonii monstera requires well-draining soil that is consistently kept moist. It does well in bright, indirect or filtered light conditions.

Ponytail palm plant

The ponytail palm, belonging to the Asparagaceae family and also known as the elephant’s foot due to its robust trunk, is a succulent houseplant that can add an exotic touch to any home or office setting. Its unique characteristic lies in being able to retain water within its stem or trunk, making it a low-maintenance option that doesn’t require frequent watering. Furthermore, these plants are capable of thriving in bright direct sunlight, providing an added layer of versatility.

The botanical name for this plant is Beaucarnea recurvata, and it prefers well-draining, sandy soil to grow healthily.

Frequently Asked Questions

When it comes to starting your plant parenting journey, you’re spoiled for choice with so many beginner-friendly options available. The ZZ plant and snake plant are two excellent choices that can thrive in low-maintenance conditions. If you’re looking for something a bit more exotic, the Calathea ornata, also known as the striped plant, is a stunning addition to any room. Its unique striped pattern makes it stand out among other houseplants.

Another popular choice is the Swiss cheese plant, which gets its name from its characteristic holes or fenestrations on its leaves. However, if you’re looking for a more dramatic impact, the ponytail palm plant is a showstopper. Not only do they add a touch of elegance to any space, but their unique shape and beautiful foliage make them hard to ignore. On the flip side, if you’re new to houseplants, it’s essential to be aware that not all plants are created equal.

The dumb canes or dieffenbachias are some of the most toxic houseplants out there, so exercise caution when growing them indoors.