Thanks to their meteoric rise in popularity in recent years, everyone now knows that bringing plants into your house is the perfect way to reinvigorate an indoor space. Large or small, houseplants help make a room feel put together and way more fun. Houseplant trends may come and go, but one thing is certain—nothing revives a room like a bit of green (or pink!).
We’ve come up with a list of houseplants that you might have overlooked during a visit to our Plant Shops but that are worthy of your attention. Here are our favorite interesting, easy-care plants that will thrive in Pacific Northwest homes and last for years to come!
1. Staghorn Fern – Platycerium bifurcatum
Whether mounted on the wall, hanging in macrame, or set in a sleek cache pot, we think Staghorn ferns are phenomenal houseplants. These fuzzy, grey-green plants have charismatic, branched leaves that are reminiscent of antlers. Their architectural, unique shapes make them an instant hit for plant lovers looking for a houseplant with character.
A true epiphyte, Staghorn ferns don’t need soil to grow which means they can be displayed indoors in a wide variety of ways. Best of all, these gorgeous plants are surprisingly resilient—Staghorn ferns thrive with a routine spritz of moisture and very little additional care.
2. Rubber Tree – Ficus elastica
Most plant enthusiasts are probably familiar with Rubber Trees and may have even grown one years ago. But we think that when it comes to indoor plants that have a fast growth rate, are easy to care for, and make a statement with their striking leaves, Ficus elastica really can’t be beat. We cannot get enough of the rich green and merlot tones of the ‘Burgundy’ form and are completely wild about the Pantone Peachy edges of Ficus elastica ‘Ruby’. For folks who lean green, the creamy variegation of ‘Tineke’ are a great fit for more traditional aesthetics.
Rubber Trees are happiest when grown in medium to bright light but can tolerate less light than many people realize. Water them regularly, and Rubber Trees will reward you with consistent growth and very little fuss.
3. Bird of Paradise – Strelitzia nicolai and Strelitzia reginae
Architectural and modern, the Bird of Paradise is quickly becoming one of our go-to statement houseplants. With their arching, strong petioles and huge, healthy leaves, Strelitzia look fantastic in the corner of a room in a large, elevated pot. We appreciate how Strelitzia nicolai brings the height and drama, and that Strelitzia reginae offers the same look but in a more space-saving package.
To make them shine, clean the leaves of your Bird of Paradise periodically with a wipe to remove dust. Check moisture levels of the soil before you water, and when dry, give them a proper soak and then let them dry down again.
4. Chinese Evergreen – Aglaonema sp.
For bold, exciting variegation across multiple healthy leaves, look no further than Chinese Evergreen. These shrubby, easy plants are perfect for bringing a splash of color to virtually any indoor environment. Aglaonema varieties like ‘Cutless’ and ‘Silver Bay’ add cool, silvery hues, and ‘Spring Snow’ sparkles with speckled white foliage. If you’re craving something a bit brighter, ‘Lady Valentine’ and ‘Ruby Ray’ have fantastic peachy-pink tones to contrast the vibrant green color on their striking leaves.
Chinese Evergreen is one of the few indoor plants that can tolerate low light levels. Give them some regular water and a bit of fertilizer during summer months, and Aglaonemas will reward you with a multitude of gorgeous leaves.
5. Peperomia – Peperomia sp.
With round leaves that are shiny, quilted, or striped, Peperomia deserves some recognition for being incredibly diverse, while still managing to be the perfect indoor plant for your favorite little cache pot. These charismatic cuties are beloved in any form, with the classic Chinese Money Plant topping the charts in terms of ease-of-care and adorability. But don’t overlook the less common varieties, which feature fun colors, textures, and leaf shapes in a huge spectrum of styles. We particularly love ‘Hope’ for its bubbly, matte-green leaves, ‘Raindrop’ for its perfectly glossy, tear-drop foliage, and any of the coral-red foliaged forms like ‘Quito’ and ‘Schumi Red’. Not to mention Peperomia prostrata a.k.a. String of Turtles, one of the most charming houseplants of all time!
Care for Peperomia by providing consistent water while resisting the urge to overwater. Wipe down their leaves periodically to avoid pests and keep them looking their finest. Best of all, Peperomia are completely non-toxic, making them a great choice for homes with pets and kids.
6. Begonia – Begonia sp.
Take a walk on the wild side with an indoor Begonia! Arguably one of the most impulse-purchase-worthy plants on the market today, Begonias are a budget-friendly, easy-care plant that nearly every person can grow. The snail-like foliage of Rex Begonias comes in a dazzling range of hues including purples, greys, limes, reds, and greens. Specialty forms like ‘Ferox’ and ‘Amelia’s Kaleidoscope’ mean that even collectors can revisit Begonias to add a bit of fun to their collections.
Begonias appreciate bright, indirect light, consistent water, and soil that doesn’t bog them down (literally—don’t overwater your Begonias!). Be sensitive to their desire to avoid big moves from room to room, and you’ll find success with these delightful indoor plants.
7. Anthurium – Anthurium sp.
If its former status as the “shopping mall plant du jour” has caused you to overlook Anthuriums, then this is your official invitation to look again! No offense to the bright, red-flowering varieties, but it’s the peachy tones of Anthurium ‘Rainbow’ and the cute white and soft pink options that we are drawn to at the moment. But what really has our heart is the fabulous diversity found in the foliar forms of its many varied species. Anthurium ‘Quilted Hearts’ is an instant favorite, with its beautifully textured, rich green leaves and maroon petioles. For the collector, there is truly no end to the thrilling and unique species of Anthurium available at select locations.
Anthuriums adore humidity, so use a pebble tray, humidifier, or our favorite option—other plants (!) to increase the relative humidity in their proximity. Give them medium light, some regular misting, and check for water needs routinely to make the most of your new favorite Anthurium.