How do you pick between all the indoor plants with various names? Check out this list for inspiration of what plant to get next! I’ve included a few categories so you can read the ones that you’re most interested in.
Succulents are an ideal indoor plant and becoming more and more popular. They’re no longer just the classic plant, you can grow them in arid, dry gardens, hanging planters, floral arrangements, and more. ‘Succulent’ is a very broad umbrella term, it refers to plants which store usable water in fleshy mass like trunks or leaves, around 5-6- different plant families contain succulents. It’s estimated that there’s over 10,000 different types of succulent plants across the world, with about 10% of those being cacti.
Here are some of the more popular succulents that you might come across:
Echeveria
Scientific name
Echeveria is the term to describe one of the largest genus of flowering plants, there’s a ton of options in this genus perfect for all types of plant parents.
Common names
These plants are commonly known as Hens & Chicks because of their tendency to produce lots of babies.
Plant Family
Crassulaceae
Native environment
Echeveria are native to Central and South America.
Extra information
They are characterized by their spirals of rosettes which can either be smooth or hairy and come in a range of colors and sizes. Some Echeveria will also bloom and can have orange, yellow or pink flowers. Echeveria are a good choice if you want your succulent to stay cute and compact because they don’t grow tall.
Haworthia
Scientific name
Haworthia
Common names
These plants are often called Zebra Cactus because they commonly have stripes on their leaves, created by the rows of spines.
Plant Family
Asphodeloideae
Native environment
Haworthia are also native to South Africa
Extra information
Haworthia are very similar looking to Aloe Vera, these succulents have thick foliage but grow spines on the leaves rather than on the edges of the leaves, Haworthia also have pointer, longer leaves than Haworthia do.
Aeonium
Scientific name
Aeonium
Common names
Tree houseleek
Plant Family
Crassulaceae
Native environment
Central and South America
Extra information
These succulents are very easily confused with Echeveria as they look super similar. They require slightly more care to look after them, they can grow up to four feet tall and their rosette heads can get really big. The main difference between this succulent type and others is that they like a slightly more moist soil meaning they need watering more often, hence why I have rated them as higher maintenance than other succulents.
Aloe Vera
Scientific name
Aloe Barbdanesis Miller
Common names
Aloe Vera, Burn plant, medicinal aloe or Barbados aloe
Plant Family
Asphodeloideae
Native environment
Arabian Peninsula
Extra information
It is popular for its uses in medicine and cosmetics. For more specific information about how to look after an Aloe Vera we have a great guide with loads of great tips.
Aloe Humilis
Scientific name
Aloe Humilis
Common names
This aloe is called the Spider aloe or the Hedgehog Aloe.
Plant Family
Asphodeloideae
Native environment
The species is native to South Africa
Extra information
Across the leaves there are white spots, spines and bumps, the markings when coupled with the thick curved leaves make this aloe look a lot like a cactus. It can be hard to tell the difference between Haworthia and the Spider Aloe but there is a trick. Feel the edges of the leaves, gently, and see if it feels rough or smooth. A smooth edge means the plant is most likely a Haworthia which grows bumps and has patterns but generally not along the margins of the plant. Small spikes indicate your plant is likely an aloe, whilst the spikes are not dangerous or sharp like a cactus might be, make sure to be gentle and take care.
Euphorbia
Scientific name
Euphorbia
Common names
This term refers to an entire genus of flowering plants, that are often called Spurge, African Milk Cactus or African Milk Tree
Plant Family
Euphorbiaceae
Native environment
Central Africa
Extra information
These are great because they grow so quickly so you can get a small one for cheap and quickly have a huge houseplant. Beware that these plants have a poisonous sap that leaks out, it looks like milk, hence the name!
Golden Barrel Cactus
Scientific name
Echinocactus grusonii or Kroenlein grusonii,
Common names
Golden Barrel Cactus or mother-in-law’s cushion
Plant Family
Cactaceae
Native environment
Mexico
Extra information
They’re pretty easy to care for, the main problem you might run into is that they are not cold hardy and will be damaged if they get colder than about 20ºF or -7ºC.
Lithops
Scientific name
Lithops
Common names
Living stones
Plant Family
Aizoaceae
Native environment
They are native to hot dry regions in South Africa
Extra information
A succulent that disguise themselves as stones in order to avoid being eaten by animals in the wild. To achieve this appearance they are completely stemless and grow almost completely flush against the soil. Some of them get all of their moisture just from the air. Lithop species come in a range of striking colors but they are light brown or tan in direct sunlight to help them blend in even more. Lithops were ‘discovered’ and described in 1811 by Willian Burchell, since then over 40 varieties have been classified.
Kalanchoe
Scientific name
Kalanchoe
Common names
Widow’s thrill
Plant Family
Crassulaceae
Native environment
Madagascar and tropical regions of Africa
Extra information
These plants are beautiful, they’re famous for their colorful blooms and they are super easy to find. We have them in all our grocery shops as well as florists and plant shops.For specific information about this succulent look no further than our kalanchoe care guide.
Ponytail Palm
Scientific name
Beaucarnea recurvata
Common names
Ponytail palm
Plant Family
Asparagaceae
Native environment
Eastern Mexico
Extra information
The ponytail palm, which is not really a palm, or a tree is related to agave plants which are succulents! It is known for its unique shape which comes from the fact it grows nearly as wide as it does tall. Its thick trunk stores water meaning the plant needs very little maintenance and can be left alone for the most part.
Crassula Ovata
Scientific name
Crassula Ovata
Common names
Jade Plant, lucky plant, money plant or money tree
Plant Family
Crassulaceae
Native environment
South Africa and mozambique
Extra information
This is the commonly named Jade Plant, it belongs to the same family as the Echeveria and Aeonium, but looks quite different. These succulents are great because they are so easy to propagate . The leaves sometimes develop a red hue which is stunning against the rest of the bright green plant, and if you’re lucky you might see your Jade Plant flower.
What Are Some Unique Carnivorous Houseplants?
Carnivorous plants can absolutely be happily grown as indoor plants and actually are great options to keep as a houseplant because they’re fun, unusual but also relatively easy to look after.
Venus Fly Trap
Scientific name
Dionaea muscipula
Common names
Venus fly trap
Plant Family
Vulnerable
Native environment
East Coast of the USA especially in north and south Carolina.
Extra information
The venus fly trap is a carnivorous plant, with a mouth/trap made from two hinged lobe pieces at the end of each side of the leaf. They have little hairs on the outer
Pitcher Plant
Scientific name
Nepenthes distillatoria
Common names
Pitcher plants, sun pitchers or marsh pitchers
Plant Family
Sarraceniaceae
Native environment
Madagascar, Southeast Asia and Australia
Extra information
Pitcher plants like to grow in very acidic soil but some of them are epiphytes (meaning that they grow on other plants, usually trees)
Bladderwort
Scientific name
Utricularia
Common names
Bladderwort
Plant Family
Lentibulariaceae
Native environment
Every continent except Antarctica
Extra information
They grow in freshwater and wet soil and there is around 233 different species of bladderwort
Sundews
Scientific name
Drosera
Common names
Sundews
Plant Family
Droseraceae
Native environment
The genus is thought to have originated in Africa or Australia
Extra information
The Drosera genus includes around 152 species of plants spread through tropical warm habitats, they love bogs with acidic soil
Butterworts
Scientific name
Pinguicula
Common names
Butterworts
Plant Family
Lentibulariaceae
Native environment
Likely central America
Extra information
These plants are only carnivorous during the summer season, during the winter/ resting season the rosette is actually made of non-carnivorous leaves
What Are Some Big Plants Suitable for a Home?
Bird of Paradise
Scientific name
Strelitzia Nicolai
Common names
Bird of Paradise
Plant Family
Strelitziaceae
Native environment
South Africa
Extra information
This plant is, in the wild, pollinated by birds!
Fiddle Leaf Fig
Scientific name
Ficus lyrata
Common names
Fiddle leaf fig
Plant Family
Moraceae (the mulberry and fig family)
Native environment
West Africa
Extra information
Fiddle leaf figs don’t have too many different cultivars available but you can get a dwarf fiddle, called a Ficus Lyrata bambino which will only grow to around 2-3 feet tall. You can also find a variegated fiddle leaf fig which is an incredibly beautiful plant, if you have the opportunity I urge you to get one before they get super expensive and trendy!
Coconut Palm
Scientific name
Cocos nucifera
Common names
Coconut palm
Plant Family
Arecaceae (the palm family)
Native environment
Tropical islands found across the western Pacific
Extra information
These indoor plants love warmth and humidity
Rubber Plant
Scientific name
Ficus elastica
Common names
Rubber fig, rubber bush, rubber tree, rubber plant or indian rubber bush
Plant Family
Moraceae
Native environment
Southeast Asia
Extra information
In the wild this plant can grow up to 60 meters tall
Weeping Fig
Scientific name
Ficus Benjamina
Common names
Weeping Fig, benjamin fig or ficus tree
Plant Family
Moraceae
Native environment
Asia and Australia
Extra information
Fun fact – this plant is Bangkok’s official tree
Philodendron Prince of Orange
Scientific name
Philodendron erubescens ‘Prince of Orange’
Common names
Philodendron Orange or Prince of orange plant
Plant Family
Araceae
Native environment
South america
Extra information
The name comes from the coloring of the leaves, the start out yellow and fade to a orange then copper, before turning green when they are mature
What Are the Most Interesting Pet Friendly Houseplants?
Kentia Palm
Scientific name
Howea forsteriana
Common names
Kentia palm, thatch palm, palm court palm
Plant Family
Arecaceae
Native environment
South Pacific
Extra information
A great indoor plant because they are a bit more resistant to the lower light conditions and lower temperatures
Pilea
Scientific name
Pilea peperomioides
Common names
Chinese money plant, pancake plant, UFO plant, friendship plant
Plant Family
Urticaceae
Native environment
Southern China
Extra information
This plant is sometimes called the pass it on plant because it’s so easy to propagate, the plant does it for you and babies will pop up almost constantly when the plant is happy.
String of Hearts
Scientific name
Ceropegia woodii
Common names
String of hearts
Plant Family
Apocynaceae
Native environment
Africa, southern Asia and Australia
Extra information
String of hearts are the most beautiful plant when they’re variegated, and make such a nice gift especially since they are very easy to propagate
Maidenhair Fern
Scientific name
Adiantum
Common names
Maidenhair fern
Plant Family
Pteridaceae
Native environment
Forests of North America
Extra information
This plant is sold as a really fussy, difficult plant, in my experience as long as you know what it needs it’s not too demanding, there’s just a lot of misinformation!
Fishbone Cactus
Scientific name
Disocactus anguliger
Common names
Fishbone cactus or zig zag cactus
Plant Family
Cactaceae
Native environment
Mexico
Extra information
These cacti bloom only at night, and the flowers will only last one day
Burro’s tail
Scientific name
Sedum morganianum
Common names
Donkey’s tail or burro’s tail
Plant Family
Crassulaceae
Native environment
Southern Mexico
Extra information
This is a great indoor plant for people with pets as it is non toxic
Fittonia
Scientific name
Fittonia
Common names
Nerve plant, mosaic plant or net plant
Plant Family
Acanthaceae
Native environment
South America, mainly Peru
Extra information
These plants come in a gorgeous array of colors with contrasting viens
Boston Fern
Scientific name
Nephrolepis exaltata
Common names
Sword fern or boston fern
Plant Family
Lomariopsidaceae
Native environment
The Americas
Extra information
Boston ferns are the perfect bathroom plant as long as you have a window that gets a fair bit of natural light
Trailing Jade
Scientific name
Peperomia Rotundifolia
Common names
Vining jade, weeping jade
Plant Family
Crassulaceae
Native environment
Tanzania and Kenya
Extra information
The trailing jade only grows about 2 inches each year
African Violets
Scientific name
Streptocarpus (formerly Saintpaulia)
Common names
African violets
Plant Family
Gesneriaceae
Native environment
Tropical east Africa
Extra information
Whilst some may view African violets as an outdated house plant I disagree. They were popularized in the 1960s and 70s but recently have gained new popularity. There’s now a whole range of colors that were previously nonexistent thanks to innovative new growing techniques.
Which Low Light Plants Are Suitable for My Home?
ZZ Plant
Scientific name
Zamioculcas zamiifolia
Common names
ZZ plant, Zanzibar gem
Plant Family
Araceae
Native environment
Eastern Africa
Extra information
ZZ plants come in a fun cultivar called ZZ Raven where the leaves start off green and turn black as they reach maturity
Parlor Palm
Scientific name
Chamaedorea elegans
Common names
The neanthe bella palm or parlour palm
Plant Family
Arecaceae
Native environment
Southern Mexico and Guatemala
Extra information
Parlor palm or Chamaedorea elegans is one of the most common types of palms available as a houseplant. This particular type of palm likes less light than the others, doing best in a shadier spot with high humidity.
Yucca Palm
Scientific name
Yucca brevifolia
Common names
Joshua tree, palm tree yucca or yucca palm
Plant Family
Asparagaceae
Native environment
South America
Extra information
Whilst yucca plants can be grown indoors in low light conditions, if you give them a little extra light and love they might flower!
Majesty Palm
Scientific name
Ravenea rivularis
Common names
The majesty palm or majesty palm
Plant Family
Arecaceae
Native environment
Madagascar
Extra information
Majesty Palms are incredible plants which can grow up to 98 feet tall in the wild or around 12 feet tall indoors, these palms like more sunlight than the other types and will be happy with some bright light
Cast Iron Plant
Scientific name
Aspidistra elatior
Common names
The cast-iron-plant or bar-room plant
Plant Family
Asparagaceae
Native environment
China and Japan
Extra information
This plant is one of the few houseplants which is completely non-toxic
Spider Plant
Scientific name
Chlorophytum comosum
Common names
Spider plant or common spider plant
Plant Family
Asparagaceae
Native environment
Tropical West Africa
Extra information
Spider plants grow little babies which you can just gently rest back into the soil and they’ll root and establish themselves.
Sansevieria Gracilis
Scientific name
Dracaena trifasciata
Common names
Snake plant, Saint George’s sword, mother-in-law’s tongue, viper’s bowstring hemp
Plant Family
Asparagaceae
Native environment
Tropical Africa
Extra information
This cultivar of snake plant is more unique looking and compact compared to the other options. This is a great option if you want something fun but that will fit well in a smaller space and won’t need repotting and major upkeep. It produces flowers later in the growing season and tends to bloom in clusters of white flowers.
Sansevieria Canaliculata
Scientific name
Sansevieria Canaliculata
Common names
Fernwood
Plant Family
Asparagaceae
Native environment
Madagascar
Extra information
Unlike the others, this snake plant enjoys bright, filtered light and is not tolerant to cold weather periods. Whilst some snake plants might be okay in your garden over the winter, this one definitely needs to come indoors.
The leaves can grow up to six feet tall and they can be grown into many shapes by braiding or twisting the leaves as they grow.
Sansevieria Masoniana
Scientific name
Sansevieria masoniana
Common names
Whale fin or shark fin snake plant.
Plant Family
Asparagaceae
Native environment
Africa
Extra information
This cultivar has broad leaves and needs more bright light than the other types we’ve looked at. The way to identify this plant is from the purple hue at the base of the leaves.
Calathea Orbifolia
Scientific name
Calathea orbifolia
Common names
Prayer plant
Plant Family
Marantaceae
Native environment
Bolivia
Extra information
Calatheas are great examples of plants which can move, they have a joint where the stem ends which means they can move their leaves to capture the most light during the day
Which Rare Plants Can I Find?
Monstera Variegata – Thai Consetllation
Scientific name
Monstera variegata
Common names
Thai constellation, swiss cheese plant
Plant Family
Arums
Native environment
South Mexico and Panama
Extra information
Possibly the most popular wishlist plant for all plant lovers right now – I dream that my monstera will pop out a white leaf and I’ll be blessed but it hasn’t happened yet. The pattern is caused by a genetic mutation that very rarely occurs, causing the plant to underproduce chlorophyll, resulting in white patches.
Variegated String of Pearls
Scientific name
Senecio rowleyanus f. variegatus
Common names
Variegated string of pearls
Plant Family
Asparagaceae
Native environment
South Africa
Extra information
This plant is so rare, and hard to come by there’s only one grower of the variegated string of pearls across the USA
This plant is named because of its amazing foliage which resembles a dragon’s skin. It is so amazing that it’s considered a Jewel Alocasia
What are the Top Picks for Easy to Care for Plants?
Devil’s Ivy – Scindapsus Aureus
Scientific name
Epipremnum aureum
Common names
Devil’s ivy, pothos, golden pothos, hunter’s rove
Plant Family
Araceae
Native environment
South East Asia
Extra information
I am in love with this plant, it’s my absolute go to as a recommendation for new plant owners or anyone who wants to quickly make their house look like a jungle.
This particular pothos is a cultivar of the Marble Queen Pothos
Peace Lily
Scientific name
Spathiphyllum
Common names
Peace lily
Plant Family
Araceae
Native environment
Tropical regions of the Americas and southeast Asia
Extra information
These plants are really sensitive to chemicals in tap water so try to use filtered water or rain water if you can
Money Tree
Scientific name
Pachira aquatica
Common names
Money tree, money plant, water chestnut, malabar chestnut
Plant Family
Malvaceae
Native environment
Central and South America
Extra information
The branches of this plant are often intertwined, it is said that by doing this you trap the good luck and positivity into the plant
Tradescantia Zebrina
Scientific name
Tradescantia zebrina
Common names
Wandering Jew plant, silver inch plant, wandering dude
Plant Family
Spiderworts
Native environment
Mexico
Extra information
You can find a really cool cultivar of this plant called the Tradescantia zebrina Burgundy with deeper hues and less green
String of Hearts
Scientific name
Ceropegia woodii
Common names
String of hearts, bushman’s pipevine, lantern flower, rosary vine
Plant Family
Dogbanes
Native environment
Africa, Australia, southern Asia
Extra information
String of hearts can grow over 10 feet long!
Hoya Kerrii
Scientific name
Hoya kerrii
Common names
Sweetheart plant, hoya hearts, lucky-heart
Plant Family
Dogbanes
Native environment
Southeast Asia
Extra information
These plants are often sold as just one single heart with no stem, unfortunately ones sold that way will never grow another more, this is called a zombie plant.
Monstera Adansonii – Monkey Mask
Scientific name
Monstera adansonii
Common names
The Adanson’s monstera, swiss cheese plant, five holes plant, monkey mask
Plant Family
Araceae
Native environment
South and Central America
Extra information
This plant is often mixed up with the adansonii obliqua but that’s not right!
Umbrella Plant
Scientific name
Schefflera actinophylla
Common names
Dwarf Umbrella Tree, parasol plant
Plant Family
Araliaceae
Native environment
Australia, New Guinea and Java
Extra information
There’s three main varieties available, bonsai, regular and variegated
English Ivy
Scientific name
Hedera Helix
Common names
English Ivy, Common Ivy
Plant Family
Araliaceae
Native environment
Most of europe and western Asia
Extra information
Hedera Helix is great for gardens since it attracts bees and pollinators
Which Challenging Plants are Worth the Hard Work?
Orchids
Scientific name
Orchidaceae, Phalanaenopsis is the name of the most common orchid
Common names
Orchid
Plant Family
Orchidaceae
Native environment
Orchids are found in every region except glacial environments
Extra information
There’s around 28 thousand types of orchids and this group of plants is so wife it encompasses epiphytes, terrestrial plants and orchids that can’t photosynthesise and have to get energy by relying on fungi
Staghorn Fern
Scientific name
Platycerium bifurcatum
Common names
Staghorn fern or elkhorn fern
Plant Family
Polypodiaceae
Native environment
Africa, Southeast Asia and Australia
Extra information
Staghorn ferns are epiphytes and grow entirely off other trees, absorbing nutrients through their fronds.
Elephant’s Ear
Scientific name
Alocasia amazonica Polly
Common names
Elephant ear
Plant Family
Arums
Native environment
Southeast Asia
Extra information
This plant is actually a hybrid of Alocasia longiloba and A. sanderiana
Which Houseplants Would Look Great in YOUR Home?
It’s so exciting that now our options for easy-to-find houseplants are more than just the traditional snake plants or peace lilies and we can own plants in an amazing variety of colors, sizes, species! Whether you have just a few or an indoor jungle there’s always something new to try, so if you’re feeling up for it, why don’t you branch out and try growing something you would have never previously considered! I’m going to try growing orchids again since I’ve struggled with them in the past!
Enjoyed Learning About These Cool Houseplants?
Let us know your thoughts and feedback – here. We love to talk plants! Ready to care for your own at home?
Katie’s love of plants began at a young age, in fact it was the first time she went camping and discovered the medicinal wonders of a dock leaf that the fascination with all things botanical took hold. Spending time in nature and frequently visiting the Kew Gardens, she became obsessed with the diversity of plants you could grow at home.
Her favorite things to grow are herbs and vegetables outdoors as well as her prized fiddle leaf fig and calathea orbifolia. Hundreds of mistakes later she has become well versed in how not to kill a houseplant. Her passions now involve sharing her love of nature and all things green to help other people keep their plants happy and healthy.
If you want to start your plant journey on the right foot, you need the best quality plants, whether you’re a beginner or a veteran. Check out the most popular and unique plants available from Léon & George, the most reputable folks in the plant world. Click below!
