Houseplant Varieties: 33 Popular Types and How to Care for Them

Walk into any garden center and you will see hundreds of houseplants, many with confusing names. The good news: almost all of them fall into a handful of groups, and plants in the same group need roughly the same care. Learn the groups, match them to the light in your home, and choosing (and keeping alive) a new plant becomes much easier.

Short answer: Houseplants fall into six main types: trailing and climbing plants (like pothos), upright statement plants (like snake plant and monstera), patterned-leaf plants (like Chinese evergreen), succulents and cacti (like jade and aloe), flowering plants (like peace lily and orchids) and palms and ferns. For beginners, the easiest varieties are pothos, snake plant, ZZ plant, spider plant and heartleaf philodendron. Always choose by the light you have first, then by looks.

In this guide

The 6 main types of houseplants

Type	What they are like	Best for
Trailing and climbing	Long vines; fast-growing; easy to propagate	Shelves, hanging baskets, moss poles
Upright and statement	Height and big leaves; some are very tough	Floors and corners
Patterned leaves	Colorful, striped or spotted foliage; often compact	Desks, tables, shelves
Succulents and cacti	Store water; need sun and very little watering	Sunny windowsills; forgetful waterers
Flowering	Grown for blooms; usually need more light	Bright rooms; adding color
Palms, ferns and others	Soft, leafy texture; ferns like humidity	Bathrooms, living rooms, adding softness

All 33 varieties at a glance

Use this table to shortlist plants, then read the notes below. Difficulty assumes you give the plant the light it needs.

Variety	Light	Difficulty	Pets
Pothos	Low to bright, indirect	Easy	Toxic
Heartleaf philodendron	Low to bright, indirect	Easy	Toxic
Hoya (wax plant)	Bright, indirect; some gentle sun	Easy	Safe
Tradescantia (inch plant)	Bright, indirect	Easy	Toxic
String of pearls	Bright light, some direct sun	Needs more care	Toxic
Snake plant	Low to bright	Easy	Toxic
ZZ plant	Low to bright, indirect	Easy	Toxic
Monstera	Bright, indirect	Easy	Toxic
Rubber plant	Bright, indirect	Easy	Toxic
Dracaena	Medium to bright, indirect	Easy	Toxic
Fiddle leaf fig	Very bright, some direct sun	Needs more care	Toxic
Bird of paradise	Very bright, direct sun	Medium	Toxic
Chinese evergreen	Low to medium, indirect	Easy	Toxic
Peperomia	Medium to bright, indirect	Easy	Safe
Prayer plant	Medium, indirect	Medium	Safe
Calathea	Medium, indirect	Needs more care	Safe
Polka dot plant	Bright, indirect	Medium	Safe
Jade plant	Bright, with direct sun	Easy	Toxic
Aloe vera	Bright, with direct sun	Easy	Toxic
Haworthia (zebra plant)	Bright, indirect to some sun	Easy	Safe
Echeveria	Bright, direct sun	Medium	Safe
Christmas cactus	Bright, indirect	Easy	Safe
Peace lily	Low to medium, indirect	Easy	Toxic
Moth orchid	Bright, indirect	Medium	Safe
Anthurium	Bright, indirect	Medium	Toxic
African violet	Bright, indirect	Medium	Safe
Bromeliad	Bright, indirect	Easy	Safe
Spider plant	Medium to bright, indirect	Easy	Safe
Parlor palm	Low to medium, indirect	Easy	Safe
Boston fern	Medium to bright, indirect	Needs more care	Safe
Bird’s nest fern	Medium, indirect	Easy	Safe
Lucky bamboo	Low to medium, indirect	Easy	Toxic
Air plant	Bright, indirect	Medium	Likely safe

Pet safety is based on the ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plant list. If you have cats or dogs, see our full list of pet-friendly houseplants.

Trailing and climbing plants

Vines that spill over shelves, hang from baskets or climb a moss pole. Most grow fast, so you see results quickly, and you can root the cuttings to make more plants.

Pothos

Epipremnum aureum. The classic starter plant. Heart-shaped leaves in green, gold or marbled white, and it grows almost anywhere except full darkness. It droops when thirsty and perks up within hours of watering.

Light: Low to bright, indirect
Water: When the top 1 to 2 inches are dry
Difficulty: Easy
Pets: Toxic to pets
Full care: see our pothos care guide

Heartleaf philodendron

Philodendron hederaceum. Softer, thinner leaves than pothos and just as easy. Copes well with lower light and roots easily in water.

Light: Low to bright, indirect
Water: When the top inch is dry
Difficulty: Easy
Pets: Toxic to pets
Full care: see our philodendron care guide

Hoya (wax plant)

Hoya carnosa and relatives. Thick, waxy leaves on long vines, and mature plants produce clusters of sweet-scented, star-shaped flowers. Leave the old flower stalks on, because new blooms grow from them.

Light: Bright, indirect; some gentle sun
Water: When the soil is mostly dry
Difficulty: Easy
Pets: Pet-safe
Full care: see our hoya care guide

Tradescantia (inch plant)

Tradescantia zebrina, T. fluminensis. Fast-growing trailer with purple, silver or pink striped leaves. Needs brighter light to keep its color and benefits from regular pinching to stay full.

Light: Bright, indirect
Water: Keep lightly moist
Difficulty: Easy
Pets: Toxic to pets

String of pearls

Curio rowleyanus (Senecio). A succulent with bead-like leaves on thin trailing stems. Beautiful but fussier than it looks: it wants bright light and rots quickly if overwatered.

Light: Bright light, some direct sun
Water: When the soil is completely dry
Difficulty: Needs more care
Pets: Toxic to pets

Upright and statement plants

Plants with height and presence for a floor or corner. Some, like the snake plant and ZZ plant, are nearly indestructible; others, like the fiddle leaf fig, reward a bright, steady spot.

Snake plant

Dracaena trifasciata (Sansevieria). Stiff, upright leaves that tolerate low light, dry air and weeks without water. Overwatering is the only real way to kill it.

Light: Low to bright
Water: When the soil is completely dry
Difficulty: Easy
Pets: Toxic to pets
Full care: see our snake plant care guide

ZZ plant

Zamioculcas zamiifolia. Glossy leaves on thick stems that store water in underground rhizomes. One of the best plants for dim rooms and forgetful waterers.

Light: Low to bright, indirect
Water: Every 2 to 4 weeks, when completely dry
Difficulty: Easy
Pets: Toxic to pets
Full care: see our ZZ plant care guide

Monstera

Monstera deliciosa. The famous split-leaf plant. Grows big and fast in good light, and the holes (fenestrations) appear as the plant matures. Give it a moss pole to climb.

Light: Bright, indirect
Water: When the top 2 inches are dry
Difficulty: Easy
Pets: Toxic to pets
Full care: see our monstera care guide

Rubber plant

Ficus elastica. Thick, glossy leaves in dark green, burgundy or variegated pink. Forgiving, and pruning makes it branch into a fuller tree.

Light: Bright, indirect
Water: When the top 1 to 2 inches are dry
Difficulty: Easy
Pets: Toxic to pets
Full care: see our rubber plant care guide

Dracaena

Dracaena fragrans, D. marginata and others. Corn plant, dragon tree and ‘Janet Craig’ form slim trees with strappy leaves. Tolerant of lower light; use filtered water if the tips brown.

Light: Medium to bright, indirect
Water: When the top 1 to 2 inches are dry
Difficulty: Easy
Pets: Toxic to pets

Fiddle leaf fig

Ficus lyrata. Huge, violin-shaped leaves and a reputation for drama. It needs very bright light, steady watering and to be left in one spot; moving it often causes leaf drop.

Light: Very bright, some direct sun
Water: When the top 2 inches are dry
Difficulty: Needs more care
Pets: Toxic to pets
Full care: see our fiddle leaf fig care guide

Bird of paradise

Strelitzia nicolai, S. reginae. Large, banana-like leaves that bring a tropical look. Needs your brightest spot, ideally with some direct sun, to grow well indoors.

Light: Very bright, direct sun
Water: When the top 2 inches are dry
Difficulty: Medium
Pets: Toxic to pets
Full care: see our bird of paradise care guide

Plants with patterned or colorful leaves

Grown for their leaf markings rather than flowers. Many are naturally compact, which makes them great for desks and shelves.

Chinese evergreen

Aglaonema. Silver, pink or red patterned leaves and a very forgiving nature. Dark green types handle low light; colorful ones need more.

Light: Low to medium, indirect
Water: When the top inch is dry
Difficulty: Easy
Pets: Toxic to pets

Peperomia

Peperomia obtusifolia, P. argyreia and others. A big family of small, thick-leaved plants, from the round ‘baby rubber plant’ to striped watermelon peperomia. Compact and tolerant of missed waterings.

Light: Medium to bright, indirect
Water: When the top half of the soil is dry
Difficulty: Easy
Pets: Pet-safe

Prayer plant

Maranta leuconeura. Painted leaves that fold up at night like hands in prayer. Likes evenly moist soil, humidity and no direct sun.

Light: Medium, indirect
Water: Keep lightly moist
Difficulty: Medium
Pets: Pet-safe

Calathea

Goeppertia (Calathea) species. Some of the most striking leaves of any houseplant, but sensitive: crispy edges appear with dry air, tap water or uneven watering.

Light: Medium, indirect
Water: Keep evenly moist; use filtered water
Difficulty: Needs more care
Pets: Pet-safe
Full care: see our calathea care guide

Polka dot plant

Hypoestes phyllostachya. Small leaves splashed with pink, red or white. Fast-growing and cheerful; pinch the tips to keep it bushy.

Light: Bright, indirect
Water: Keep lightly moist
Difficulty: Medium
Pets: Pet-safe

Succulents and cacti

Plants that store water in thick leaves or stems. They need a bright, sunny window and very little water, which makes them ideal for people who travel or forget to water, and a poor choice for dim rooms.

Jade plant

Crassula ovata. Thick, glossy leaves on a woody trunk that slowly becomes a miniature tree. Can live for decades.

Light: Bright, with direct sun
Water: When the soil is completely dry
Difficulty: Easy
Pets: Toxic to pets
Full care: see our jade plant care guide

Aloe vera

Aloe vera. Spiky, upright rosettes that produce baby plants (pups) you can pot up. Needs your sunniest window to stay firm and upright.

Light: Bright, with direct sun
Water: When the soil is completely dry
Difficulty: Easy
Pets: Toxic to pets
Full care: see our aloe vera care guide

Haworthia (zebra plant)

Haworthiopsis attenuata and relatives. A small, striped succulent that, unlike most, tolerates a bit less light. Perfect for a windowsill or desk.

Light: Bright, indirect to some sun
Water: When the soil is completely dry
Difficulty: Easy
Pets: Pet-safe

Echeveria

Echeveria species. Rosettes shaped like roses, in blue, pink, purple or green. Beautiful but needs strong sun indoors or it stretches and loses color.

Light: Bright, direct sun
Water: When the soil is completely dry
Difficulty: Medium
Pets: Pet-safe

Christmas cactus

Schlumbergera. A forest cactus with flat, segmented stems that flowers in winter. Unlike desert cacti, it likes a little more water and no harsh sun.

Light: Bright, indirect
Water: When the top inch is dry
Difficulty: Easy
Pets: Pet-safe

Flowering houseplants

Plants you grow for blooms as well as leaves. Most need more light than foliage plants to flower well, and some need a seasonal change to bloom again.

Peace lily

Spathiphyllum. White, sail-like flowers and glossy leaves. Tolerates lower light (with fewer flowers) and droops clearly when it needs water.

Light: Low to medium, indirect
Water: When the top inch is dry or it starts to droop
Difficulty: Easy
Pets: Toxic to pets
Full care: see our peace lily care guide

Moth orchid

Phalaenopsis. The supermarket orchid, and the easiest one to keep. Flowers last for months, and it grows in bark, not soil.

Light: Bright, indirect
Water: About weekly, when the bark is nearly dry
Difficulty: Medium
Pets: Pet-safe
Full care: see our orchid care guide

Anthurium

Anthurium andraeanum. Glossy, heart-shaped red, pink or white ‘flowers’ (actually spathes) that last for weeks. Blooms nearly all year in bright, indirect light.

Light: Bright, indirect
Water: When the top inch is dry
Difficulty: Medium
Pets: Toxic to pets

African violet

Saintpaulia (Streptocarpus sect. Saintpaulia). Small, fuzzy-leaved plants that flower again and again. Water from below with room-temperature water, since cold water spots the leaves.

Light: Bright, indirect
Water: Keep lightly moist; water from below
Difficulty: Medium
Pets: Pet-safe

Bromeliad

Guzmania, Vriesea, Aechmea and others. Bold, colorful flower spikes that last for months. Each rosette flowers once, then produces pups that will flower in time.

Light: Bright, indirect
Water: Keep soil just moist; a little water in the central cup
Difficulty: Easy
Pets: Pet-safe

Palms, ferns and other favorites

Soft, leafy plants that add texture, plus a few beginner favorites that don’t fit neatly anywhere else.

Spider plant

Chlorophytum comosum. Arching striped leaves and dangling baby plants that root in days. Tough, fast and one of the best pet-safe choices.

Light: Medium to bright, indirect
Water: When the top inch is dry
Difficulty: Easy
Pets: Pet-safe
Full care: see our spider plant care guide

Parlor palm

Chamaedorea elegans. A small, feathery palm that, unlike most palms, is happy away from the window.

Light: Low to medium, indirect
Water: When the top inch is dry
Difficulty: Easy
Pets: Pet-safe

Boston fern

Nephrolepis exaltata. Lush, arching fronds that look stunning in a hanging basket. Needs humidity and never dries out completely, or it sheds leaflets everywhere.

Light: Medium to bright, indirect
Water: Keep evenly moist
Difficulty: Needs more care
Pets: Pet-safe
Full care: see our Boston fern care guide

Bird’s nest fern

Asplenium nidus. Wavy, bright green fronds that grow from a central ‘nest’. Much easier than most ferns and fine in medium light.

Light: Medium, indirect
Water: When the top inch is dry; water the soil, not the center
Difficulty: Easy
Pets: Pet-safe

Lucky bamboo

Dracaena sanderiana. Not a real bamboo. Grows in water or soil and actually prefers shade, which makes it a great desk plant.

Light: Low to medium, indirect
Water: Keep roots covered; change water every 1 to 2 weeks
Difficulty: Easy
Pets: Toxic to pets
Full care: see our lucky bamboo care guide

Air plant

Tillandsia. Grows without soil, attached to wood, shells or a stand. Soak it in water for 20 to 30 minutes every 1 to 2 weeks, then let it dry upside down.

Light: Bright, indirect
Water: Soak every 1 to 2 weeks
Difficulty: Medium
Pets: Not on the ASPCA list; generally considered safe

How to choose the right variety

The most common beginner mistake is choosing a plant for its looks and then putting it wherever there is space. Work the other way round: find the spot first, then pick a plant that suits it.

Which houseplant variety suits which spot: low light, bright indirect, sunny window, bathroom, pets

Check the light. Stand where the plant will go at midday and hold your hand a foot above the spot. A sharp shadow means bright light, a soft shadow means medium light, and a faint shadow means low light. Our lighting guide explains this in detail.
Be honest about watering. If you travel or forget, choose succulents, snake plants or ZZ plants. If you like to water often, ferns, prayer plants and peace lilies will enjoy the attention.
Think about pets and children. Choose pet-safe varieties for floors and low tables, and keep toxic ones up high.
Consider size. Monstera, bird of paradise and fiddle leaf fig get big. Peperomia, haworthia and African violets stay small.
Start with two or three easy plants. Get comfortable with watering and light before adding fussier varieties like calathea or string of pearls.

Houseplant varieties sorted by difficulty: easy, medium and needs more care

If your spot is…	Good varieties
A dim corner or north window	ZZ plant, snake plant, pothos, heartleaf philodendron, Chinese evergreen, parlor palm
Bright, but no direct sun	Monstera, rubber plant, hoya, peperomia, moth orchid, anthurium, spider plant
A sunny south or west window	Jade, aloe, echeveria, bird of paradise, fiddle leaf fig, string of pearls
A humid bathroom with a window	Boston fern, bird’s nest fern, prayer plant, calathea, pothos

New to plants? Start with our list of the best houseplants for beginners, or if your home is dark, our best low-light houseplants.

Common names vs botanical names

One plant can have several common names, and one common name can be used for completely different plants. ‘Zebra plant’, for example, is used for both a haworthia succulent and an aphelandra, which need very different care. That is why plant labels and this guide also give the botanical (Latin) name.

When you search for care advice, use the botanical name for accurate results.
Botanical names sometimes change as scientists reclassify plants. Snake plant moved from Sansevieria to Dracaena, and calatheas are now mostly Goeppertia, but shops still use the old names.
Check pet safety by botanical name too, since lists such as the ASPCA’s use them.

What to check before you buy

Leaves: firm, evenly colored and free of yellow patches, brown spots or holes.
Pests: look under leaves and where leaves join stems for webbing, sticky residue, white cotton-like fluff or tiny moving dots.
New growth: fresh leaves or buds are a sign of a healthy, actively growing plant.
Soil: should not smell sour or be soggy, and should not have mushroom-like growths or a cloud of tiny flies (fungus gnats).
Roots: a few roots poking out of the bottom is fine; a solid mat of roots means the plant needs repotting soon.
Label: make sure it includes the plant’s name, so you can look up the right care.

Spotted something on a plant you already own? Our guides to houseplant pests and fungus gnats will help.

Your first week with a new plant

Keep it apart from your other plants for a week or two and check for pests.
Put it in its permanent spot straight away, and avoid moving it around.
Don’t repot immediately. Let it settle for a few weeks first, unless it is badly root-bound or the soil is waterlogged. When the time comes, see our repotting guide.
Water only when needed. Check the soil with your finger rather than watering on a schedule. Our watering guide explains how.
Expect a leaf or two to yellow. Plants often drop an older leaf as they adjust to a new home. That is normal.

Quick action checklist

Check the light where the plant will live before you buy
Pick varieties that match that light and your watering habits
Choose pet-safe plants if you have cats or dogs
Note the botanical name so you can look up the right care
Inspect leaves, soil and roots for pests and problems
Start with two or three easy plants before trying fussier ones
Let a new plant settle for a few weeks before repotting

Save this for later: pin the infographic below to your Pinterest plant board.

Houseplant varieties 101 cheat sheet infographic for Pinterest

New plant already looking unhappy?

The Houseplant Rescue Guide matches 26 common plant problems to a clear photo, then gives you simple steps to fix each one and stop it coming back. No jargon, 50 pages, with printable checklists.

See what is inside the guide →

Houseplant varieties FAQ

What are the main types of houseplants?

The main groups are trailing and climbing plants, upright statement plants, patterned-leaf plants, succulents and cacti, flowering plants, and palms and ferns. Plants in the same group usually need similar care.

What is the easiest houseplant variety for beginners?

Pothos, snake plant, ZZ plant, spider plant and heartleaf philodendron are the easiest. They tolerate a range of light and forgive missed waterings.

Which houseplant varieties are safe for cats and dogs?

Spider plant, parlor palm, Boston fern, bird’s nest fern, peperomia, hoya, prayer plant, calathea, African violet, moth orchid, bromeliad, haworthia and Christmas cactus are listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA.

Which houseplants grow well in low light?

ZZ plant, snake plant, pothos, heartleaf philodendron, Chinese evergreen and parlor palm all cope with low light. No plant can grow in complete darkness, though.

Which houseplants need the most sun?

Succulents and cacti such as jade, aloe and echeveria, plus bird of paradise and fiddle leaf fig, need your brightest window with some direct sun.

Why do some plants have more than one name?

Common names vary by region and shop, and the same name is sometimes used for different plants. The botanical (Latin) name identifies the exact plant.

How many houseplants should a beginner start with?

Two or three easy varieties is a good start. It is easier to learn watering and light with a few plants before adding more.

Sources and further reading

Want to go deeper? These university extension and expert resources cover the same topic:

University of Illinois Extension: Houseplant varieties and light needs
Clemson Cooperative Extension: Pet-safe indoor houseplants
Clemson Cooperative Extension: Exciting houseplant selections for beginners
University of Minnesota Extension: Lighting for indoor plants
ASPCA: Toxic and non-toxic plants list