Houseplants are a must-have for interior design. They add that elegant—or even wild—touch to the rooms in your apartment or house. They come in all kinds, shapes, and colors. Some long-forgotten houseplants that used to be found in our grandparents’ homes are making a comeback. Other lesser-known varieties are becoming trendy thanks to their striking foliage and majestic appearance. Want to add some greenery to your home but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry—we’ve got plenty of tips to share! Here are 7 affordable and easy-to-care-for plants to get you started.
Monstera deliciosa
You’ve surely come across it before, even if you’ve never noticed it. Native to South America, it’s a very popular plant found in many offices or in your dentist’s waiting room. And for good reason: it’s easy to care for and thrives just as well in dark rooms as in bright ones. However, for faster growth, it’s best to place it near a light source without direct sunlight. What makes it special? Its lacy leaves, which give it a unique, attractive appearance. Fun fact: the leaves of the Monstera deliciosa are lacy—even perforated—to protect the plant from the wind (so the leaves don’t tear) and to let light through. The older the plant, the larger and more perforated its leaves will be. That’s the magic of the Monstera—it never ceases to amaze us. You can easily find it year-round at any garden center. Its price varies depending on the plant’s maturity, but it remains very affordable!
Sanseveria, or mother-in-law's tongue
Native to Africa, the sansevieria belongs to the category of “indestructible” plants (or almost…). A slow-growing succulent, it is known for its air-purifying properties. There are nearly 70 varieties, but the most common is Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Laurentii,’ which is recognizable by its green leaves edged in yellow. It’s easy to find at garden centers, and sometimes even in supermarkets. Its stiff leaves grow upright. Be careful not to snap the tips, as this can halt its growth.
Pilea peperomioides, or Chinese money plant
There are many varieties of Pilea, but the most common is Pilea peperomioides, also known as the Chinese money plant. As its name suggests, it is native to China. Although less common than the two previous plants, it is still a plant that is frequently found in stores. It often produces offshoots, which allows it to be propagated quickly. As a result, it’s easy to find for sale among private sellers. This plant, with its airy, delicate appearance, is unlike any other. Its leaves reach toward the light. So, to help it maintain a harmonious shape, don’t hesitate to rotate it from time to time. Placed near a light source without direct sunlight, it will grow relatively quickly. If it thrives in its environment, it can reach 60 cm in height in a short time (though it will still take 2 to 3 years). Although it is a succulent, unlike Sansevieria, you need to pay closer attention to watering—but be careful not to overwater it.
Tradescantia or "misery"
Here’s a plant that offers all the benefits when it comes to care: it grows quickly and thrives in both sunny and low-light environments (although its foliage displays more vibrant colors when placed in a bright spot). In addition, it adapts very well to low humidity. Spider plants are vines that grow with trailing foliage. They’re therefore ideal in pots placed high up so you can enjoy their trailing leaves. Here, too, there are nearly sixty varieties. But the most common one is Tradescantia zebrina. It’s a plant that’s very easy to propagate from cuttings. Simply cut a stem with nodes, place it in water, and after a few days, you should already see roots growing. Perfect for propagating it at home or sharing it with others. Propagating Tradescantia by cuttings can be very useful, given that this plant’s drawback is that it eventually becomes sparse at the base. By replanting new stems at the base, you can restore its appearance. It’s the ideal plant for any beginner who’s hesitant to get started with indoor gardening.
Ficus or fig tree
Native to Asia, ficus plants are very popular, particularly two varieties: Ficus elastica and Ficus benjamina, and, somewhat less commonly, Ficus lyrata. Ficus elastica, or rubber plant, is recognizable by its dark green, stiff leaves. It grows upright and thrives in humid conditions: you can mist it with soft water. It will also thrive when placed on moist clay pellets. Ficus benjamina, or weeping fig, is a shrub with dense foliage. It thrives in a bright spot year-round. Under favorable conditions, it can grow to over two meters in height. Be sure to find a suitable spot for the ficus and avoid moving it around too much, as it does not handle changes in environment very well. Good to know: ficus plants are among those believed to have air-purifying properties!Dracaena or dragon tree
Among the most classic is the dracaena, which resembles a small palm tree with colorful leaves. It’s a slow-growing plant that requires little maintenance, much like the sanseveria or tradescantia. It will forgive you if you forget to water it, but it still appreciates humidity. It prefers to be placed near a light source for healthy growth and thrives in full sun during the fall and winter. To keep the trunk straight, it’s advisable to rotate it regularly to ensure balanced light exposure. Dracaena grows vertically and tends to be bare at the base. There are various species of dracaena with leaves of different colors and lengths. The one most commonly found in garden centers or big-box stores is Dracaena marginata, recognizable by its tricolor striped leaves.
Calathea
Finally, the Calathea—the big star of the moment, thanks to its wide variety of striking and distinctive varieties. Native to South America, there are about a hundred species of Calathea.It’s a bit of a lottery at garden centers—they’re easy to find, but the selection varies depending on the season. Care is fairly standard: ideally, place them in a bright spot out of direct sunlight, with good humidity. Calatheas have the unique trait of closing their leaves at night and reopening them in the morning light.Of all the plants featured here, this certainly isn’t the easiest to care for, but each species is unique, and you’re sure to find at least one that appeals to you.Among the most common varieties are Calathea zebrina, orbifolia, lancifolia, and White Star.
We hope you'll find something you like to create your own indoor jungle!
Naturally, Alice by Kipli