Most Popular House Plants: Choose the One for You!

Have you ever been jealous of your friend’s apartment looking like an urban jungle, full of different plants, flowers, and weird-looking shrubs? Ever thought, “I wish I had something like this, but I don’t have a green thumb?”

Worry no more! Whether you found yourself here to choose one little fern to put on your desk or are planning to turn your whole home office into Central Park, here’s a list of the most popular house plants for rentals.

Easy and Low Light Plants

Let’s start with a few plants for complete beginners. If you need some greenery at your apartment, but the last piece of plant you had was a rotten basil twig in your fridge, check out these options.

ZZ Plant

If you search for a plant with rich green leaves that is impossible to destroy, meet Zamioculcas zamiifolia or ZZ plant, as called by ordinary people. ZZ plant is one of the most low-maintenance plants you can possibly get — it’s fine in any lighting conditions, although it would prefer brighter corners and requires watering only once in a couple of weeks. And, great news for any forgetful plant owners — it can survive months without water thanks to their rhizome stems. 

Pothos

Pothos deserved the nickname “devil’s ivy” for a reason! This is yet another plant that can survive almost any conditions, from being in dark corners to irregular watering. It can also be used as a great piece of decor for your shelf, as it quickly grows long vines when happy with its environment. Just remember to keep it away from pets and little kids, as pothos is quite toxic (another justification for the evil nickname!)

More like this: Tips to Keep the Humidity and Moisture in Your Home in Check

Spathiphyllum

Are you searching for a low-maintenance plant that will bloom from time to time? Take a closer look at Spathiphyllum, aka peace lily. Although it does not actually come from a lily family, it has small flowers that will be able to brighten up any corner of your home. Spathiphyllum does not require much light, although, coming from the rainforest, it does need the soil to be moist, so choose this plant if you can handle some watering,

Asparagus Fern

Asparagus fern is a fluffy plant that does not have many requirements when it comes to lighting and can be grown both indoors and in the apartment. If you feel like this green cloud is exactly what you need in your life right now, you can handle it even as a complete beginner. However, keep in mind that asparagus fern thrives in humidity, so you should brace yourself for regular watering and even some misting. 

Snake Plant

Here comes the plant that’s almost impossible to kill, either for those who travel a lot or those who simply forget to water their shrubs for weeks — the snake plant. Snake plants grow well regardless of the amount of sun they get, from shady corners to sunlit windowsills. Actually, the only harm you can do to it is to water it too much. Keep that in mind if you decide to overcompensate by pouring water every second day coming after your trip!

Most Popular House Plants

Now, here are some most common plants. you can encounter almost at any home. Some of them will be great for beginners as well, whereas some other require extra care.

Spider Plant

You’ve probably seen this guy so many times already, and it’s because this is one of the most common plants to get! First of all, it is a great choice for beginners, as it does not require much care (although regular watering and some sunlight is necessary!) What’s more, spider plants are believed to purify the air and look cute if you put them in a hanging planter. 

Weeping Fig

Although weeping fig, or Ficus benjamina, is another popular plant for homes and offices around the world, it requires some care and attention, otherwise, it can easily drop leaves. Weeping fig needs to grow in the well-lit room and be watered consistently. Think twice if you have your eyes on this plant but do not have any prior experience with any greenery! You might also want to reconsider if you have a pet, as weeping fig is toxic for cats and dogs. 

More like this: Apartment Decor Ideas for Your Rental

African Violet

African violet might be among the most common flowering plants, but you should be aware that this plant is pretty whimsical (although you can always learn how to handle it.) This plant has to be placed at the most sunlit window of your apartment, as it requires lots of light, and it would highly appreciate regular misting with lukewarm water in addition to the watering. In return, your African violet will please you with vivid flowers full of color. Plus, these small guys are easy to take with you if you move into a new apartment!

Phalaenopsis Orchid

Orchid is a flowering beauty that might be a better choice for plant owners with some experience, although phalaenopsis is a great place to start if you have your mind set on orchids. It might take you some time to come up with a perfect routine to take care of this plant — it needs good light but absolutely no direct sunlight, regular watering but no water staying around the stem, and so on. But phalaenopsis orchids won many plant lovers’ hearts with their ability to bloom for weeks!

Pet-Friendly Houseplants

Are you torn between having an indoor garden and keeping your furry companion safe? Sure, many plants may be toxic for cats and dogs, but there are plenty of low-maintenance, good-looking, and pet-safe indoor plants. Pick any of the following options and have peace of mind even if your cat will play bite it!

Calathea

The whole family of calathea plats is considered pet-friendly, so you can get any species you want and choose among various leaf shapes, colors, and sizes. Some of the most popular calathea species are Calathea lancifolia, commonly known as Rattlesnake Plant, Calathea roseopicta, which will add a pop of color to your windowsill with its rich green leaves and deep pink veins, and Calathea medallion, which slightly resembles beets (but is way cuter!). All calatheas prefer indirect light, the amount and intensity of which depends on the species and are really easy to take care of.

Boston Fern

Most ferns are not safe for pets, but you don’t have to give up on your dream of getting a fluffy green cloud for your place — there is a Boston fern. It will become a great addition to any room, as this plant will look perfect on the windowsill, coffee table, or on your desk — as long as it gets a lot of indirect light. Don’t forget to water it and fertilize it from time to time, and it will reward you with lovely leaves and some joy. Also, prepare that your pet might be especially excited by Boston fern — its shaggy leaves are perfect for playing or chewing them.

Nerve Plant

Nerve plant or mosaic plant — these are common names of Fittonia albivenis. This is yet another very common house plant that will not hurt your four-legged friend. Although fittonia can seem a little demanding at first, it is easy to learn its needs. Remember that it’s not suitable for those owners who forget about the existence of the houseplant for days or tend to go on lengthy trips. Nerve plant requires regular watering and misting, and it will “faint” to remind you to water the plant if you happen to forget. Luckily, fittonia will revive in no time after it gets what it wants. 

Friendship Plant

Pilea involucrata deserved its common name thanks to the ease of cultivating — you can give a cutting to your friends, and it will quickly grow roots and settle in. It is an easy to grow plant that doesn’t require much of your attention — the friendship plant only needs some light, warm temperature, and consistent watering. This little guy has soft velvety leaves and will bloom in summer if you take good care of it.

Note: Some of the houseplants we’ve mentioned before will also be safe for your pet. African violets and Phalaenopsis Orchids will cause no harm to your cat or dog. Also, Spider Plant is listed as non-toxic on the ASPCA list (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), although some people say that it might hurt your pet if they chew on it too much.

---

Hopefully, this will make it easy for you to choose your next plant, no matter if it’s your first shrub ever or just a new addition to the vast windowsill garden. And, if you decide to look for a new place for you and your greenery, check out Rentberry!

About The Author