It’s that time of year. The holidays are a few weeks away and we all set off into a world of reflection. What can I change to make life better? What can I do to make someone else’s life better? Whether you’re gifting to yourself or others, houseplants are always a holistic option. Nature is essential for happiness, so why not bring it inside?
Our hope is that this list of trending houseplants will give you inspiration for all.the.things plants! Here are our top 9!
- Alocasia ‘Black Velvet’
- Ficus Elastica ‘Rubber Tree’
- Ficus Lyrata ‘Bambino’
- Pothos ‘Global Green’
- Monstera Adansonii ‘Little Swiss’
- Peperomia Caperata ‘Schumi Red’
- Philodendron Erubescens ‘Pink Princess’
- Begonia Maculata ‘Polka Dot’
- Zamioculcas Zamiifolia ‘Raven’
1. Alocasia ‘Black Velvet”
The Alocasia ‘Black Velvet’ is a lover of humidity but does not love wet roots. Watering deeply and allowing the excess to drain is ideal for preventing root rot. Allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry between watering, typically every 1-2 weeks. If unable to place in a warm humid room such as a sunroom or bathroom, maintain humidity levels by misting with a spray bottle. Be mindful of where this plant is placed as it is toxic to both pets and humans.
2. Ficus Elastica ‘Rubber Tree’
The Ficus Elastica ‘Rubber Tree’ thrives in a room with bright, indirect light and high humidity. Throw in temperatures between 60-85°F and this plant will reach its full potential. When the top inch of soil feels dry, thoroughly soak the soil and let drain. If the living environment tends to be dry, the Ficus Elastica ‘Rubber Tree’ would benefit from regular misting with a spray bottle. Be mindful of where this plant is placed as it is toxic to both pets and humans.
3. Ficus Lyrata ‘Bambino’
The Ficus Lyrata ‘Bambino’ prefers a bright location with plenty of indirect light and high humidity. Unlike other varieties, the ‘Bambino’ prefers slightly moist soil at all times and requires watering once the top inch of soil becomes dry. The Ficus Lyrata ‘Bambino’ is considered poisonous and should be kept away from children and animals.
4. Pothos ‘Global Green’
While thriving in bright, indirect light, Pothos ‘Global Green’ will survive in some low light conditions. Placing this plant in a bedroom will benefit air quality as the Pothos ‘Global Green’ is considered to be an effective air purifying plant. Water weekly if the soil feels dry. Keep from humans and pets as all parts of the Pothos ‘Global Green’ are toxic.
5. Monstera Adansonii ‘Little Swiss’
Monstera adansonii ‘Little Swiss’ is a member of the aroid family and produces aerial roots that grow toward the ground. Stabilization of this plant can be achieved by placing a support stake in the center of the pot. Bright, indirect light is essential for proper growth. If indirect light isn’t possible, filtered light through a curtain is a solution. The Monstera adansonii ‘Little Swiss’ grows best in consistently moist soil that isn’t soggy. Water when the top 1/2-1 inch of soil is dry. The ‘Little Swiss’ plant is ideal for small spaces as it rarely grows over 6 feet tall.
6. Peperomia Caperata ‘Schumi Red’
Another low-light plant option is the Peperomia caperata ‘Schumi Red’. Placing this plant in low-light conditions will maintain plant size as growth will be slowed. If more growth is needed, place this plant in bright, indirect light. Natural light isn’t essential as the Peperomia caperata ‘Schumi Red’ grows well under artificial light. Watering this plant can be done every 1-2 weeks, depending on conditions as the leaves are fleshy and hold water. Water the Peperomia ‘Schumi Red’ when the top inch or two of the soil is dry. While this plant grows well in dry soil, it thrives in humidity. Placing it near a humidifier, in a terrarium, or by other houseplants will give it all the humidity it needs.
7. Philodendron Erubescens ‘Pink Princsss’
The Philodendron erubescens ‘Pink Princess’ maintains its variegation when placed in bright, indirect sunlight. Increasing variegation can be achieved by moving the plant into direct light for a few hours each day. If proper lighting conditions aren’t possible, the Philodendron erubescens ‘Pink Princess’, using a grow light is recommended, without it the leaves will lose variegation and turn green. As an aroid, this plant thrives in airy, well-draining soil. Drench when the top half of the soil is dry and let drain. Support the vining nature of the Philodendron erubescens ‘Pink Princess’ by placing a support stake in the middle of the pot. This plant is best for small spaces as it grows to be approximately 24 inches tall. Be mindful of where the plant is placed as all parts are poisonous to pets and humans.
8. Begonia Maculata ‘Polka Dot’
Bright, indirect light is essential for a happy Begonia maculata ‘Polka Dot’, while higher light levels will promote strong growth and variegation. While light is important, humidity is the key to success with the Begonia maculata ‘Polka Dot’. The soil should remain moderately moist with watering being done once top inch of soil is dry, approximately once a week. Grouping this plant with others is an easy way to raise humidity, especially if its location tends to have dryer air. If other plants aren’t around, using a humidifier will be the best solution.
9. Zamioculcas Zamiifolia ‘Raven’
Most plants require regular watering in order to grow. The Zamioculcas zamifolia ‘Raven’ is one of the few opposites. If growth from the plant has slowed, resist watering for up to 2 months. When the plant obtains maximum water storage it goes dormant and slows growth. Restricting water forces the plant out of dormancy and triggers growth. The Zamioculcas zamifolia ‘Raven’ is also one of a few plants that will survive in low-light conditions although growth will be minimal. It is important to rotate this plant as it tends to bend towards the light. Turning the plant 90 degrees with every watering will encourage upright growth.
