There’s nothing like the deep dark of Winter to remind us that houseplants really are the best. Houseplants are vibrant, shimmering bits of green life that we get to bring into our homes, care for, and live side by side with. They cheer us up, they filter the air, and they add a bit of hip sophistication to any indoor space.
While we’ve already introduced you to our 7 Underappreciated Houseplants—a list comprised of golden oldies and weird and wonderful newcomers that might not be on your radar—we wanted to offer up a selection of our favorite varieties within more commonplace groups. These very best houseplants are easy to grow and maintain but are far from boring. Even though the groups might be familiar to you, within each there are cultivars that are interesting, fun, and totally worth trying!
Whether you’re newer to houseplants or have a robust collection, there’s always space for one more plant! Visit our Garden Centers to find gorgeous, high-quality indoor plants that will help add a bit of vibrancy to the dreary Winter.
1. Pothos – Epipremnum sp.
Favorite Varieties: Cebu Blue & Marble Queen
Pothos are quite possibly the easiest to care for (and easiest to come by) houseplant out there. The ultimate beginner plant, this supermarket all-star is often people’s gateway to the big, beautiful world of houseplants. Pothos can’t help but grow and grow, sending multiple, trailing shoots out from their base. They wilt when they are thirsty, tolerate many different light levels, and aren’t fussy about humidity.
Pothos are perfect for creating vertical garden walls and come in many different colors from true green to electric lime, with some varieties bearing fenestrations (re: attractive holes and “cuts” in the sides of leaves). We are particularly captivated by the sophistication of the creamy white, swirling variegation on the leaves of ‘Marble Queen’. And for something a little more unusual in the world of Pothos, we love ‘Cebu Blue’ with its shimmery, elongated leaves and blue-green coloration. Pothos can grow in many light environments but are best in bright, indirect light and thrive with regular, weekly watering.
2. Wax Plant – Hoya sp.
Favorite Varieties: kerrii & pubicalyx ‘Splash’
Hoyas were the overwhelming winner in the houseplant category when we surveyed our plant experts on their favorite plants. Our designers, management, and salespeople called Hoyas charismatic, loving the way they wind themselves up supports or drape themselves over shelves or from baskets. And everyone mentioned how stunning and special it was when their Hoyas bloomed.
While Hoyas might take some specialized care, they are relatively fuss-free, with wilting leaves when thirsty and yellowing leaves when they get too much water. Hoyas have a diverse range of leaf forms and variegation types, and the heart-shaped leaves of kerrii (we really like the variegated form!) make the cutest gift for someone you love. Our houseplant buyers singled out publicalyx ‘Splash’ as being one of the best unusual Hoyas and were drawn to its speckled leaves and stunning pink flowers. Let plants go dry before watering again, and grow in bright, indirect light for the best results.
3. Bird’s Nest Fern – Asplenium nidus
Favorite Varieties: Crispy Wave Fern & Victoria
Ferns as an overarching category are decidedly NOT beginner houseplants, but when it comes to Bird’s Nest Ferns, that disclaimer becomes null and void. Bird’s Nest Ferns are at times adorable, at times architectural, but are always easy to grow. In general, plants with waxy, shiny leaves are better able to withstand indoor environments. The bright green fronds of Asplenium that emerge from the base in concentric circles, creating a little “nest” in the middle, are definitely waxier and sturdier than other fern’s leaves.
You can’t go wrong with any type of Bird’s Nest Fern, but for a bit of extra fun, check out the wavy edges of the variety ‘Victoria’, or pick up our number one best-selling houseplant ‘Crispy Wave Fern’. These unbelievably cute plants look great repeated throughout a room as a frilly accent. Water weekly and keep in bright rooms but out of direct sunlight, and they will reward you with happy green leaves all year round.
4. Swiss Cheese Plant – Monstera sp.
Favorite Varieties: esqueleto & Thai Constellation
We wouldn’t dream of writing a “best houseplants” list and leaving Monstera off it. Monstera deliciosa, the houseplant that singlehandedly kickstarted the indoor plant resurgence, is easy to grow and totally photogenic. With large green leaves, fast growth, and eye-catching fenestrations, Monsteras are beloved for a reason.
For those that are ready to move beyond the classic “Swiss Cheese Plant”, the genus holds many exciting species and cultivars just waiting to find a place in your home. Monstera esqueleto has massive leaves with multiple fenestrations and grows to 6 feet tall, making it a fantastic statement houseplant. Equally stunning is ‘Thai Constellation’, a rare but still accessible form of M. deliciosa, that is spangled with creamy white bursts of variegation that leaves no two leaves alike. Give Monsteras plenty of bright, indirect light and regular water, and they’ll reward you with captivating and unique foliage.
5. Philodendron – Philodendron sp.
Favorite Varieties: cordatum & tortum
Diversity is the name of the game when it comes to Philodendron, a genus that houses houseplants with delightful colorations and leaf forms. In fact, it seems like nothing is off the table when it comes to the look of this broad group of plants—from pink leaves to big bold fenestrations, some of the most exciting houseplants in the market belong to this group.
While some Philodendrons are the darlings of plant collectors and others can be found in big box stores, it’s the species in the middle that have captured our hearts lately. Philodendron cordatum, and its variegated counterpart, has heart-shaped leaves and an attractive trailing habit but is less aggressive and waxy than its lookalike Pothos. Philodendron tortum couldn’t be more different, and we love its incredibly bold, minimalist look with leaves that are large but deeply lobed. Provide bright light to Philodendrons, and rotate your specimens periodically to keep their form even and attractive.
6. ZZ Plant – Zamioculcas zamiifolia
Favorite Varieties: Raven & Obscura
Ask anyone what to grow in a dark, dingy corner and nine times out of ten they’ll point you to a ZZ Plant. Made up of fleshy, shiny composite leaves that look like a fern on steroids, ZZ Plants require very little water, light, and care, making them a great fit for newbies or for anyone with a difficult corner where a plant would really shine. No natural light? ZZ Plant is your go-to!
The straight green variety is a great choice for settings where something more traditional is needed, but for anyone craving something more unusual, we prefer to use dark-leaved varieties like ‘Raven’ or ‘Obscura’. These beauties sport dramatic, nearly-black foliage that looks fantastic against a white wall or used in maximalist, moodier settings. Avoid overwatering your ZZ Plant, and rotate them so that they can make the most of the little light they may receive.
7. Corn Plant or Dragon Tree – Dracaena sp.
Favorite Varieties: Warneckii & Marginata
Tall, statement houseplants help make a home feel complete, and Dracaenas are among the easiest ones to grow. These upright, narrow plants have long, strappy leaves that are shiny and often sport attractive, pinstripe variegation. With the right pot and location, you can avoid the somewhat commercial look that Dracaenas sometimes fall victim to. It all comes down to styling and to finding the right species or variety to suit your aesthetic and space. And fortunately, Dracaenas are a very broad group with excellent options for everyone.
The best Dracaenas for us right now are undoubtedly Warneckii and Marginata. The creamy white variegated margins on warneckii Corn Plants are perfect for adding subtle interest to areas where not as much height is needed. No doubt you’ve seen Dracaena marginata in the past—this houseplant has been around for ages! But we are absolutely over the moon for D. marginata “Wild Form” and think it looks incredibly chic and modern when placed in a cylindrical pot with a matte finish. As with other Dracaenas, give them medium light and err on the lower end of the watering spectrum, and they will reward you with texture and interest all year long!
Dennis’ 7 Dees Garden Centers receive fresh shipments of houseplants from local growers every week, and are proud to have a fantastic selection for newer gardeners and seasoned houseplant collectors alike! Visit us in store and one of our plant experts can help you find the best new houseplant for your own space.