Just like fashion and home decor, houseplants follow trends. Social media has played a big role in popularizing specific houseplants by allowing gardeners and plant enthusiasts to share pictures and tips. Some classic plants have maintained their popularity, while a few new favorites have emerged. Here’s a look at some of the top trending houseplants in the United States right now.
Monstera
Monstera plants, especially the Monstera deliciosa, have been a hit in American homes for years, but social media platforms like Instagram have boosted their popularity to new levels. With hashtags like #monsteramonday, this large, leafy plant has become a must-have for plant lovers. Monstera thrives in a high-humidity environment and indirect sunlight, as too much sun can scorch its leaves. As a vining plant, it may need occasional staking and pruning to maintain its shape.
Pothos
Pothos is a favorite in American households because of its resilience and ease of care. Known as one of the most difficult plants to kill, it can survive in low light, bright light, and even with minimal care. Often called Devil’s Ivy, pothos is available in various colors, from deep green to light chartreuse and creamy white. No matter the variety, pothos is easy to grow and propagate, making it a go-to plant for novice gardeners.
Prayer Plant
The prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura) has become a sensation on social media due to its eye-catching leaves and unique movements. The plant’s leaves open up to catch sunlight during the day and close at night, resembling hands in prayer. Its dramatic foliage makes it a favorite among plant enthusiasts. Other plants with similar sun-tracking movements include zebra plants, rattlesnake plants (both calathea species), and oxalis (shamrock plant).
Philodendron
Often confused with pothos, philodendron is another low-maintenance houseplant that’s perfect for beginner gardeners. Not only do philodendrons help purify indoor air, but they come in a variety of colors, including jade green, silver-flecked green, and bright chartreuse. These plants can be trained to climb trellises or allowed to cascade from hanging baskets, making them versatile for indoor decor.
Tillandsia (Air Plants)
Air plants like tillandsia have become synonymous with this category of soil-free plants. Their unique, spindly appearance and the fact that they don’t need to root in soil make them a popular choice for decorative glass globes or dish displays. They thrive in bright light and require regular watering, usually by submerging them in water a couple of times a week and misting them occasionally. For those interested in easy-to-care-for, stylish plants, tillandsia is an ideal option.
Staghorn Fern
The staghorn fern is another houseplant that has exploded in popularity thanks to its Instagram-friendly appearance. Resembling a stag’s antlers, this plant is often mounted on boards and hung on walls as a living piece of decor. While it can be a bit tricky to care for—overwatering or underwatering can be fatal—it offers a striking, dramatic look for those with green thumbs and a bit of plant experience.
Spider Plant
The spider plant remains one of the most popular houseplants in the U.S. because of its resilience and ease of propagation. It tolerates a range of growing conditions and regularly produces “baby” plants, which can be snipped off, replanted, and shared with friends and neighbors. This quality has made the spider plant a long-standing favorite in households across the country.
These trending houseplants not only add greenery and freshness to homes but also offer various levels of care to suit both new and seasoned gardeners. Whether you’re looking for something low-maintenance or a plant that makes a bold statement, there’s something for everyone in the world of houseplants.
Jade
Jade plants are one of the most well-loved succulents in American homes. Aside from their hardiness and attractive growth, they carry a reputation for good luck. Known as the Money Plant in Feng Shui, jade is believed to attract wealth when placed in homes or businesses. Whether or not gardeners believe in its luck-bringing properties, the jade plant’s easy care, rapid growth, and striking appearance make it a favorite in indoor gardens.
Pilea
Though less well-known than some other plants, pilea has recently become a trending houseplant, thanks to its appearances on gardening blogs and social media. Pilea plants, often called Chinese Money Plants, feature round, coin-shaped leaves that can grow quite large with proper care. They can be tricky to find at some garden centers due to high demand. To keep a pilea healthy, allow the soil to dry out between waterings and avoid overwatering—drooping leaves are a sign it’s time to water again.
Money Tree
Like the jade plant, the money tree (Pachira aquatica) is believed to bring prosperity to any household. These plants often feature braided trunks and do well in bright, indirect light. Money trees thrive in high humidity, so misting the leaves in the morning or placing the plant on a tray with water and rocks can help mimic its ideal growing environment. The evaporating water will keep the plant properly hydrated, especially in homes with low humidity.
Boston Fern
Boston ferns are a classic choice for indoor gardeners looking to add lush greenery to their space. While they’re one of the easier ferns to care for, Boston ferns do require some attention, particularly when it comes to humidity. In their natural environment, ferns thrive in rainforest-like conditions, so keeping the soil moist and providing adequate humidity is key to keeping them healthy. Place them in indirect light to avoid scorching their delicate fronds, and with proper care, Boston ferns will reward you with a thick, vibrant display of foliage.
These houseplants are popular not just because of their beauty, but also because of their various levels of care. From hardy succulents like jade to humidity-loving ferns, each plant brings a unique charm to any indoor garden.
