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The most compatible houseplants for your home

Having plants isn’t just for people with large, lush backyards. Amateur gardening is for everyone, even those that have grass-free landscaping or live in an apartment. Houseplants are the answer to your wish for an indoor forest! There are quite a few plants that thrive indoors and add a lavish touch to any space.

Woman tending to potted plants indoors
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What are the best indoor plants?

Deciding on the “best” indoor plant is dependent on, well … you! Where is your dwelling located in terms of the sun? Does it get direct sun exposure through any window? How much experience do you have with horticulture? Are you interested in putting your plants outside for part of the year? All of these factors should be taken into account when picking a houseplant that will grow great with your fostering.

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With that in mind, here are a few plants that generally do well indoors (although they aren’t all the simplest to care for!):

  • Anthurium: Light green leaves and cupped greenish-pink flowers
  • Brazilian fireworks: Demanding plant with long green leaves and deep red flowers
  • Oxalis: Dark purple leaves and light lavender blooms
  • Peace lily: Bright green leaves and spiked, cupped white flowers
  • Silver vase: White and green striped leaves and pink blooms with many petals

What are some great low-maintenance houseplants?

If you’re new to gardening, you might be interested in starting off with a plant that is relatively easy to care for. “Easy to care for” here means plants that aren’t particular about their soil, don’t need a lot of water, and don’t have to be moved between the sun and shade often, if at all. Here are some options that fit this criteria:

  • Aloe vera: Air-purifying, skin-soothing spiky succulent that loves the sun
  • Croton: Orange and yellow marked red and green leaves; needs indirect light
  • Monstera deliciosa: Beautiful, large, green leaves with a cutout appearance; only needs indirect light and occasional watering
  • Philodendron: Trailing, deep green, heart-shaped leaves; exceptionally easy to care for and can be aptly pruned
  • Pothos: Air filter that can also grow to be quite long, with bright green leaves

Should you grow different houseplants in the same pot?

Different houseplants can definitely be grown in the same pot. Just be mindful that the plants you choose to share a home must have the same growth requirements; that is, they should require a similar amount of water and light and a similar type of soil. Having houseplants share a container can get complicated, though — they may need to be transferred to a larger pot or separated if their root systems start to get entangled.

Remember that if you place two plants in the same container, neither will grow as large as they would if they were grown individually. Growing plants together may be more time consuming and error prone than if growing them separately.

Which houseplants grow well together?

Ideas for various plants to grow together include these types:

  • African violets
  • Creeping plants (like ivy)
  • Herbs
  • Orchids
  • Succulents (cacti, aloe vera)

Don’t grow all of those together! Just grow types of each together. You will probably find that your miniature biomes thrive as a group. These unique group gardens work great in themed rooms and as presents for plant-loving people.

Row of cacti and succulent plants in pots
Image used with permission by copyright holder

How are houseplants cared for?

The most important part of growing houseplants successfully is closely replicating the plants’ natural living conditions. For instance, plants that are native to tropical regions probably need humidity for ideal growth. Don’t be disappointed if a plant that is non-native to your area is difficult to grow indoors. Research the growth requirements of each plant you plan to grow before purchasing seeds or seedlings.

But generally, most plants only need to be watered when their soil is dry — and succulents even less than that. Transfer greens to new containers when they appear to outgrow their current homes. There should be at least a few inches of soil surrounding a plant’s stem.

Growing and maintaining houseplants doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be a painless process to make your living space greener. Enjoy your interior landscaping venture; hopefully, one plant will be the start of a grand garden!

The best autumn houseplants for adding color to your home
Give your home autumn vibes with these colorful houseplants
Red and green croton plant

For many people, the vibrant reds and golds of autumn are the best part of the season. As the season goes on, however, the colors fade as more leaves fall and begin to decompose. While these leaves are great for your garden, you might find yourself missing their beautiful colors. Luckily, there's a way to enjoy these colors even after the season ends. Bringing home an autumn houseplant is an excellent way to create a cozy and seasonal atmosphere. From the bright colors of croton and coleus to the more subtle accents of peperomia, these are our favorite autumn houseplants for any season.
Croton

Enter a garden center during the late summer or autumn and you’ll encounter a croton plant. While these fall plants are ubiquitous, they are by no means boring. They typically flaunt dark, lance-shaped leaves with splashes of yellow, red, and orange. Some varieties feature more lobe-shaped foliage, albeit in similar colors. Crotons are relatively easy to care for, but you definitely want to avoid leaving them by drafty windows — this is a surefire way to get falling leaves, and not in a good way.  Be sure to place them in gritty, loose soil, as they may attract fungus gnats and get root rot in a heavy and water-retentive medium.
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Cast iron plant

Cast iron pans are popular for cooking, and cast iron plants are popular houseplants! Named for their impressively hardy nature, these plants are perfect for beginners or gardeners who haven’t had much luck with more high-maintenance plants. With glossy leaves that resemble peace lilies, cast iron plants are perfect for adding life and greenery to any room.

If you want to add this lovely plant to your home, this guide is for you. We’ll explain what you need to know about these delightful and easy-to-grow foliage plants so that you can enjoy your new houseplant without any worry or stress.
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There's no easier way to bring a pop of life to your home office than by adding a beautiful yet easy-care plant in the corner. A fast-growing houseplant that isn't too finicky lends your workspace a fresh and calming view. From aloe veras to philodendrons, we've compiled a list of the best home office plants.

No matter how much space you have available, how much light your office gets, or what kinds of plants you enjoy, something on this list will surely be a good fit for you. If you've been looking for foliage that grows quickly with minimal care, keep reading to learn all about our favorites.
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