Houseplants are the perfect way to bring a little bit of nature into your home. They purify the air and boost oxygen levels; can help to reduce stress and increase productivity, as well as make stunning focal points.
Picking the perfect houseplant can be somewhat overwhelming as there are so many different species to choose from. However, certain varieties are particularly popular. This may be due to their ease of care, longevity or general appearance.
In this article, I cover the 10 most common houseplants and their care requirements. Read on to discover which houseplant is right for you.
Types of Common Houseplants
The type of houseplant you choose can drastically change the style of a room.
I have categorized my selection of common houseplants based on their physical appearance, characteristics and growth habits. Understanding these differences and similarities will help you decide which type suits you and your living space best.
Evergreen
Evergreens are popular houseplants because they bring life and colour to any room throughout all seasons because they don’t lose their leaves.
The majority of houseplants are evergreens and are often selected for their unique and striking foliage. Their leaves may be huge, textured, variegated or anything in between. There is certainly an evergreen for everyone.
Flowering
Flowers are a great way to bring another dimension to a houseplant. Although most blooms are short-lived, they inject a splash of colour whilst they are out.
You can choose from clusters of dainty blooms to huge statement flowers. Many blooms also have the added bonus of releasing sweet aromas.
Trailing
Houseplants that have a trailing habit are ideal for homes that have limited floor or surface space.
Trailing plants can be hung from baskets or decorative pots in the corners of rooms or draped over the edges of shelves and bookcases. Their foliage creates soft textures and has the ability to add vibrancy and energy to your indoor space.
Upright
In contrast to those houseplants that grow or trail downwards, there are many potted houseplants that grow in an upright fashion.
Smaller types are perfect for placing on tables, desks or windowsills whilst larger varieties look great placed in the corners of rooms.
Upright houseplants add depth and the illusion of height and space.
10 Varieties of Common House Plants
As you make your way through this list, be sure to make note of each species’ characteristics and growing requirements. The majority of these plants can be easily maintained and require minimal care and attention, so are suitable for anyone.
1. Fiddle Leaf Fig
Scientific Name: Fiscus lyrate
- Ideal Position: Bright, indirect sunlight
- Difficulty: Relatively low maintenance
- Toxicity: Toxic to humans and animals if ingested
- USDA Zones: 9 to 11
Fiddle leaf figs are so-called due to their large, waxy leaves that resemble the shape of a fiddle. The foliage is dark green with lighter veins. This evergreen tree can grow up to 10 feet in height if it is cared for correctly.
Bright, indirect sunlight is required for fiddle leaf figs as direct sunlight can scorch their leaves.
These plants are native to Africa so enjoy warmth and humid environments. Moist, rich soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is best.
These big leaf plants have soared in popularity in recent years, bringing contemporary elegance and making a statement in offices, bedrooms and living spaces alike.
2. Chinese Money Plant
Scientific Name: Pilea peperomioides
- Ideal Position: Bright, indirect sunlight
- Difficulty: Relatively low maintenance
- Toxicity: Non-toxic
- USDA Zones: 9 to 12
The Chinese money plant is thought to bring luck and fortune to its owner and also goes by the name of the pancake plant. This is because it has round, flat, leathery, green leaves that resemble coins or pancakes.
Each leaf is attached to a single leggy yet highly supportive stem, providing the illusion that the foliage is balanced or suspended in mid-air.
These long, leafy stems have a trailing habit and look amazing when they trail over the edges of its pot of container.
This fast growing indoor plant is capable of doubling in size each year if provided with bright, indirect light, moderate humidity, consistent watering and well-draining soil.
3. Spider Plant
Scientific Name: Chlorophytum comosum
- Ideal Position: Bright, indirect sunlight
- Difficulty: Relatively low maintenance
- Toxicity: Non-toxic
- USDA Zones: 9 to 11
Spider plants are one of the easiest houseplants to care for and are well-known for their air-purifying ability. They are named after their long and thin variegated leaves that droop downwards, resembling the legs of spiders. Mature spider plants can bloom delicate white flowers.
Native to the coastal regions of South Africa, spider plants favour warm and tropical climates and cannot tolerate frost. Avoid direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves.
They need well-draining soil that is allowed to dry out a little between each watering.
4. Peace Lily
Scientific Name: Spathiphyllum floribundum
- Ideal Position: Low, indirect sunlight
- Difficulty: Relatively low maintenance
- Toxicity: Toxic to humans and pets if ingested
- USDA Zones: 11 and 12
Despite the name Peace lilies are not true lilies, yet they still bring a touch of elegance and sophistication to a room with their striking foliage and pure white spathes.
Their glossy, dark green leaves remain all year round and during spring, they bloom fragrant white spathes with a visible yellow stamen. These blooms – which are easily confused for flowers – last for a couple of months before turning green.
Native to Central America, the peace lily is used to warm and humid environments. This plant favours low light levels and moist soil. Despite its delicate appearance, the peace lily is surprisingly robust and can withstand a little neglect if underwater.
5. Air Plant
Scientific Name: Tillandsia spp.
- Ideal Position: Bright, indirect sunlight
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Toxicity: Non-toxic
- USDA Zones: 10 and 11
Air plants are fascinating species because they grow without the need for soil. They are native to Mexico and South America where they cling onto trees and rock faces with their short, wiry roots. There are hundreds of air plant species, with most having elongated leaves that grow in a rosette.
The foliage is green and during the spring and summer, they can flower. Blooms range from red to pink to purple. Some varieties even give off scents.
Air plants still require watering and this can be achieved through heavy misting or by submerging the plant in water.
6. Aloe Vera
Scientific Name: Aloe barbadensis miller
- Ideal Position: Full sun
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Toxicity: Non-toxic
- USDA Zones: 8 to 11
Aloe Vera is probably the most common type of Aloe plant and is renowned for its medicinal and healing properties. The leaves contain a gel which can be used to treat minor burns, small cuts, acne, moisturize the skin, reduce dental plaque and can even be consumed.
You can cut off aloe leaves to obtain the gel, and though the cut leaf won’t regenerate new leaves grow from the centre of the plant easily and often.
The leaves of this succulent are thick, triangular and are arranged in rosettes. They have white ‘teeth’ that run along the edges of the leaves.
Native to Africa and Madagascar, aloe vera thrives in well-draining, sandy soils in warm, humid climates and can tolerate periods of drought.
7. Swiss Cheese Plant
Scientific Name: Monstera deliciosa
- Ideal Position: Bright, indirect light
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets if ingested
- USDA Zones: 10 to 12
The Swiss cheese plant or Monstera earned its name due to all the holes in its huge leaves. It’s a dramatic tropical-looking houseplant that is sure to make a statement.
The leaves are palm-shaped and develop holes as they mature, reaching an impressive 3 feet in size when mature.
Swiss cheese plants have a vining habit and aerial roots. Provide this plant with a structure upon which it can cling and climb. Moderate temperature and high humidity levels are best for this plant.
8. African Violets
Scientific Name: Saintpaulia ionantha
- Ideal Position: Bright, indirect light
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Toxicity: Non-toxic
- USDA Zones: 11 and 12
African violets boast delicate blooms that create an air of elegance and softness. This plant is small, compact and low-growing. It has thick, hairy evergreen leaves that may be deep green or green and white variegated.
Under optimal conditions, African violets will continue to bloom for 8 to 10 months per year, with each bloom lasting several weeks.
The delicate flowers come in a variety of colours including purple, pink, red and white. Native to tropical African rainforests, this plant is used to humid but shady environments.
9. String of Pearls
Scientific Name: Senecio Rowleyanus
- Ideal Position: Indirect light to partial shade
- Difficulty: Low maintenance
- Toxicity: Toxic to humans and animals in ingested
- USDA Zones: 11 and 12
Succulents make great houseplants because they are notoriously easy to care for and string of pearls is no exception.
This plant gets its name from its unusual foliage. It has round, green leaves that grow on thin stems, resembling a string of pearls. During the summer this plant blooms tiny white flowers that have a sweet and spicy aroma.
String of pearls has a trailing habit so looks stunning in hanging baskets or when draped over the edges of containers and shelves.
Native to Africa, this succulent can tolerate drought and prefers warm and arid climates.
10. Moth Orchid
Scientific Name: Phalaenopsis spp.
- Ideal Position: Indirect light to partial shade
- Difficulty: Low maintenance
- Toxicity: Non-toxic
- USDA Zones: 10 and 12
Despite their delicate and exotic look, moth orchids are surprisingly easy to care for.
These flowering plants have a few large, leathery green leaves at their base and a long, thin stem. Highly fragrant, waxy, star-shaped flowers adorn the stem. The blooms may be white, pink, purple, yellow, speckled or blotched.
Moth orchids don’t like direct sunlight and prefer dappled sunlight or partial shade. They favour humid environments so avoid warm, arid locations.
In their natural habitat, moth orchids will grow out from under trees. As such, they should be potted in rich, bark soil.
Common Houseplant Care
To get the most out of your houseplants in terms of size, colour, foliage and blooms, it’s important they stay happy and healthy. To help you achieve this, here are some guidelines that are applicable to the majority of common houseplant varieties.
It is important to note, however, that each species will have slightly different requirements to accommodate their specific needs.
Watering Requirements
Most plants prefer to have evenly moist, but not heavily saturated soil. Overwatering can lead to waterlogging which can cause root rot.
The general rule of thumb is to water houseplants when the top inch of soil has completely dried out. In addition, ensure that pots have good-sized drainage holes to allow excess water to seep out of the bottom.
It’s a good idea to water your houseplants in the sink rather than allowing water to pool in catch-trays of decorative pots.
Position
Depending on the species, your houseplant may have high or low light requirements. Typically, houseplants don’t like full, direct sunlight but prefer bright, indirect natural light.
Temperature and Humidity
The majority of houseplants are native to tropical and subtropical environments. As such, temperatures between 65oF and 75oF are recommended.
Humidity levels should be between 40% and 60% for most species. If the climate is too dry you may need to supplement air moisture with misting or investing in a humidifier. Additionally, place humidity-loving plants them away from draughty windows and doors and AC units.
Soil Type
Since houseplants are in containers, ensuring the soil is well draining is very important to avoid waterlogging. Sand, grit, and perlite can be added to good quality store-bought potting soil to help with drainage.
Feeding
Houseplants need only be fed during their growing season. Use a liquid fertilizer that can be diluted in water and fed to the plant whilst you are watering.
Propagation
The most common and easiest way to propagate house plants is through cuttings. Select a healthy stem that has a few leaves on it.
Make a cut just below a node and remove any lower leaves or buds. Place the cut end in a jar of water. Refresh the water weekly.
Once roots have sprouted you can transfer it to some potting soil.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average lifespan of houseplants?
Most houseplants tend to live between 2 and 5 years. However, depending on the species and how well they are cared for, they can last much longer.
What are the benefits of houseplants?
Houseplants can aid your physical well-being by improving the air quality. They also benefit your mental health by reducing anxious, depressive and lethargic moods.
Citations
- Birmingham University – air quality
- RHS – plant care
Ben's horticultural interest grew when graduating from Hertfordshire University in 1997. Having contributed to numerous publications including Better Homes & Gardens, Garden Design Magazine, and The English Garden. He is also the author of Propagating Houseplants Made Easy.
