Top 10 Houseplants of 2021
A houseplant is similar to a pet, except that we not only take care of them, but they also take care of us. They can transform a room into a rainforest or a tropical paradise, depending on the type of plant you choose. Not only are houseplants colorful and interesting to look at, but their leaves also produce oxygen and filter out harsh chemicals. There is no denying that houseplants are growing in popularity, and we assure you that they are not going anywhere any time soon. Here are the houseplants that we think are must-haves in 2021.
Spider Plant
Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are resilient! Plants like this thrive even when they are forgotten about for a while because they are so beautiful. Although they are so beautiful, it is hard to ever forget them. They need moist soil and bright to moderate light. Make sure to avoid placing them near direct sunlight because their foliage will burn. Fertilize your spider plant twice a month during spring and summer. You should fertilize them during the summer to allow them to reach their full potential. In the winter, however, be wary of feeding them because they are in growth dormancy, and can be damaged if fed.
Fun Facts
Spider plants are known for removing carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene from the air. This implies that the unsanitary chemicals and toxins found in your home are filtered out by the spider plant.
It is also imperative to do ample research when choosing plants to bring into your home as pets may be harmed by some of them. Using the method will prevent pets and children from getting hurt. Spider plants are a pet-friendly plant. However, spider plants can cause mild hallucinations in cats. Pets can eat this plant safely as long as they do not consume too much. If your cat eats too much they could have a mild reaction.
Alocasia
Aloes (Alocasia maharani) look as if they have been draped in velvet, and the elephant-ear-shaped dark leaves make an impressive statement when placed against white or light backgrounds. This plant prefers moist, well-draining soil and bright, indirect sunlight, and to be fed with an all-purpose indoor plant food every two years. You could pot your Alocasia in a white pot to give your home a clean, crisp, modern look.
Fun Facts
The plant is native to subtropical Asia and eastern Australia. There are many varieties available, and they range in colors from pale green to chartreuse and almost black. This plant becomes the centerpiece of any room it’s placed in.
You read this right, the aloe plant will communicate with you when it has too much or too little water. How does it do this? It will sweat when given too much water. In a process known as Guttation, this plant would lose any excess moisture it has retained. Overwatering your plant won’t do any harm. Next time, give it less water than before, and you will be able to have a happy plant again.
Golden Pothos
Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) plants are easily one of the most popular houseplants around. Despite almost no care needed, they are extremely popular due to their low-maintenance nature. No matter if you have a pink thumb, blue thumb, red thumb, or any other colored thumb, you can still maintain this plant. Plants grow best in low light and thrive when allowed to dry in between waterings.
Fun Facts
Almost all houseplants suffer from root rot, a problem caused by root sitting in standing water for long periods of time. Golden Pothos, however, is not usually affected by root rot. When your plants’ leaves droop, you can tell they need water. Usually, the droopy leaves will perk back up after you give them thorough water. In the case of drooping leaves caused by watering, your plant may have outgrown its container and needs a larger home.
It’s also one of the best air-purifying plants. It helps with allergies, asthma, etc. The combination of a beautiful vining plant and an air purifier is what makes this plant appealing.
Snake Plant
Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) adds a unique look to your decor with its upright, leather strap-like leaves. Snake plants are low-maintenance, low-maintenance, and hardy houseplants. They prefer bright light, but they can tolerate low-light conditions. Infrequent watering is also fine for this houseplant.
Fun Facts
The NASA Clean Air Study was conducted in association with the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) to explore ways to clean the air in space stations. Snake plants are found in the NASA list of houseplants that clean and filter indoor air. According to this study, there are almost 20 plant species that purify the air.
Animals cannot eat Snake Plant leaves. Animals that ingest their leaves can suffer nausea and vomiting. Snake plants will not harm your pets as long as they are kept in a space far from them.
Chinese Money Plant
Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides) is loved for its impressive and unique foliage. Houseplants with its rounded leaves and glossy appearance look like little medallions. It has incredibly easy growing qualities and can even bloom tiny pink flowers. The Pilea peperomioides plant comes from the provinces of Yunnan and Sichuan in southern China and prefers well-draining soil and a moderate watering schedule. Chinese money plants should only be fertilized once a month during their growing season. Avoid fertilizing them during the winter.
Fun Facts
Money plants are considered to bring prosperity, good luck, and positive energy to their surroundings. Money plants are well-known for their effect on financial well-being. In addition to its benefits of happiness and financial rewards, this plant also offers air-purification and is one of the best plants to energize the home by increasing oxygen flow.
This plant is also known as the Pancake Plant. It has large, flay, circular leaves that resemble pancakes. Of course, we don’t recommend you eat the leaves since they probably won’t taste like real pancakes.
String of Hearts
String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii) is a creeping semi-succulent vine. Their trailing vine can grow up to four feet long, and their leaves are shaped like hearts, hence their name. They are native to southwest Africa. Plants grow beautifully on a shelf or window sill when placed on indirect, bright light so the plant can trail down as it grows. They thrive best when their soil dries out between watering.
Fun Facts
A string of hearts can grow at a fast rate and is fairly resistant to pests and diseases. It’s possible to grow it for several years without suffering any issues. Beautiful vines of heart-shaped foliage will reward you for years with these plants if you take good care of them.
String of Hearts plants are safe to leave around pets! They are classified as non-toxic to animals. Although we do not recommend that your pets eat your beautiful plants, if they nibble a bit, they will not be in any danger.
Bamboo Palm
Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea) plants are the perfect tropical plant to add to your home. It’s also known as the Parlor palm and prefers bright light, moisture, and well-draining soil. They can survive even in low light areas, provided there’s enough water. Bamboo palms are non-toxic to pets, which means they can be placed virtually anywhere you know it will flourish and look great! However, be careful not to overwater your bamboo palm.
Fun Facts
Although it can be difficult to recreate the humidity of the outdoors in your home, there are some ways you can do so to keep your palm happy. You can place the palm on a tray full of pebbles and water. By misting your plants or purchasing a mini-humidifier, you can ensure that their soil absorbs small amounts of water slowly. The misting effect will mimic humidity perfectly.
You may not have heard about the airborne formaldehyde that comes with new furniture, but it exists! Bamboo palms are wonderful at reducing formaldehyde. Among the air-purifying plants, this palm will help keep your home’s air clean, especially from one particular chemical.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) is a common plant and has been in homes and gardens for many years. Plants that flourish in bright indirect light, moist soil, and minimal watering schedule are commonly used as household plants, both for their looks and for their medicinal benefits. Aloe Vera grows naturally in southern Africa, where it is now widely used for both its looks and medical benefits.
Fun Facts
An Aloe Vera plant produces a gel-like sap which is known to heal cuts and burns. You can buy Aloe Vera products at the store and put them on your sunburns. You can drink Aloe Vera water to cleanse your body.
The small plantlets produced by Aloe Vera plants can be carefully pruned and used to start a new plant. Since Aloe Vera plants produce plantlets, propagation is easy.
Monstera Deliciosa
Split Leaf Philodendron (Monstera deliciosa) is known as one of the most popular houseplant options. The Monstera plant can grow up to 36 inches with support and its heart-shaped leaves can reach over a foot long and wide when fully mature. A native of Central America, this plant’s leaves grow full and then develop splits and holes known as fenestrations. The plant is easy to care for and has few serious pest or disease problems.
Fun Facts
A Monstera Deliciosa tree in the wild produces tasty fruit. This tropical fruit tastes like pineapple, mango, strawberries, and passion fruit, all in one. It is uncommon for indoor Monsteras to ever bear fruit.
Monstera leaves produce holes to protect themselves from damage during periods of heavy rainfall and high winds in their natural habitat, tropical rainforests.
Peperomia
Peperomia plants (Peperomia pellucida) come in over 1,000 varieties! It is possible to have several varieties of the same plant in your home as long as they follow the same care instructions. The leaves of peperomia are striped with white and green. Peperomia plants grow most efficiently in areas with low to moderate light, moist soil and well-draining conditions. They work well in small spaces because they won’t reach a height exceeding 18 inches.
Fun Facts
It can be used to remove formaldehyde from the air. This plant not only adds a touch of natural greenery, but can also help remove formaldehyde from your home.
Pets and children are not affected by Peperomia. If you have children or pets, you should always do your research to determine which plants are safe to keep inside before bringing them into your home.