These Are the Finest (and Worst) Houseplants, Our Editors Say

It is no shock that our editors at The Spruce are positively plant folks—and many people are longtime plant mother and father, too.

We love the enjoyment of bringing residence a brand new plant after visiting someplace particular, putting it within the cutest planter, and setting it up in a nook of our residence to stay completely.

We have been by way of the trials and tribulations of underwatering, overwatering, moisture points, and horrible pest strain ( you, fungus gnats), which is why we’re bringing you a non-definitive checklist of a few of our favourite—and least favourite—houseplants.

Interested in which vegetation we expect are the most effective and the worst? Learn on to get our editor’s tackle their prized possessions and which vegetation ought to keep on the nursery.

Our Editor’s Favourite Houseplants

Snake Plant

“I really like a very good snake plant. They’re principally indestructible and are available in so many stunning varieties. They thrive in low mild, so I can add them to the darkest corners of my residence for a little bit little bit of greenery.” —Kate McKenna, senior editor

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Philodendrons

“That is like asking somebody to select their favourite baby. I do love my philodendrons—heartleaf and Brasil. The heartleaf began as only one stem and has been propagated right into a full, sprawling little plant that appears decided to be greater than it truly is. The Brasil has such fascinating foliage, and the brand new leaves begin crimson and alter coloration.” —Jenny Hughes, senior editor

Monstera Deliciosa

“My monstera is my proudest plant guardian possession. After studying that watering from any aerial roots periodically was key, she has been thriving for years. She offers me a exercise however she’s value it.” —Jamie Abarca, senior editorial undertaking supervisor

“The plant I am most happy with is my monstera deliciosa. I’ve had it for 3 years and it simply began getting leaves with fenestrations a 12 months or so in the past.” —Jenny Hughes, senior editor

ZZ Plant

“My ZZ plant is the best-growing plant in my residence that I’ve had the longest—we’re happening 3 years collectively! It is so full and leafy, and likes to be within the shade, which is nice for any nook of your private home.” —Mia Ingui, editor 

Golden Pothos

“It is a tie between my golden pothos that I rescued from my accomplice’s care (and is now flourishing) and my Chinese language evergreen that has weathered any storm I throw its means. They’re each very resilient vegetation and forgiving after I forgot to water them for every week or two.” —Aliyah Rodriguez, affiliate editor

Polka Dot Plant

“I completely love the way in which polka dot vegetation look—they’re so fairly and enjoyable with their pink leaves and inexperienced specks. They’re the right type of houseplant so as to add to your house when you want some greenery and a burst of coloration.” —Jane Kim, affiliate editor

Haworthia

“My haworthia that I’ve had for nearly 8 years is certainly my favourite. It began off as a little bit pup, and now it is ginormous and simply retains rising.” —Candace Madonna, senior visible editor

String of Pearls

“I really like the distinctive string of pearls plant. It is a cool-looking houseplant that may path down a container for a sculpted and crowd pleasing look. You possibly can propagate it simply too, so the container it is in will grow to be lush and stuffed with many strings of plump, inexperienced pearls. Plus, in case you have success with protecting this succulent alive, you’ll be able to simply develop a String of Bananas or a String of Cash as effectively.” —Sara Brown, affiliate social media editor

Our Editor’s Least Favourite Houseplants

Calathea

“Any calathea is the worst. They’re so fairly, however I’ve by no means owned one that did not get completely overrun with spider mites. They’re additionally not very forgiving—when you do not water them on an actual schedule and exactly once they want it, the leaves will get brown and crispy on the ends.”—Kate McKenna, senior editor

“Completely calathea. I had a stupendous calathea orbitfolia that I sadly needed to let go of some months in the past. Its leaves yellowed and browned with out a positive motive, and I discover that the upkeep of those vegetation is way past my plant guardian expertise.” —Mia Ingui, editor

“I’ll by no means get one other calathea once more. The soil is evenly moist, the humidity is nice, and but, the leaves flip brown and crisp. I must do witchcraft to maintain one in every of these alive.” —Jenny Hughes, senior editor

Peace Lily

“The award for many dramatic plant goes to my peace lily. Like a toddler, you have to add water for an prompt perk up. Acceptance is essential to her emo tendencies: at all times on the brink of dying at first sight till she lastly will get what she needs. No watering schedule has ever tamed her methods, however that is okay with me. She’s nonetheless alive. ” —Jamie Abarca, senior editorial undertaking supervisor

Monstera Deliciosa

“Monsteras are my least favourite plant, when you might consider it. I simply hate the way in which their leaves look—particularly variegated ones. There’s simply one thing about these holes/gaps that mechanically make my mind assume, “This isn’t a wholesome plant.” —Aliyah Rodriguez, affiliate editor

Snake Plant

“This one has to go to the snake plant (I am sorry, snake plant mother and father). Do not get me mistaken, their coloration variation is nice. However, I’m not an enormous fan of the way in which their leaves look. They’re too upright, and it seems to be unnatural.” —Jane Kim, affiliate editor

Begonia

“I really like how begonias look however cannot maintain mine alive. I are inclined to do effectively with succulents, in order that is likely to be my difficulty. It is such a stunning sort of plant with so many types, however it will not final lengthy in my residence.” —Sara Brown, affiliate social media editor

Triostar Stromanthe

“I purchased a triostar stromanthe once they began turning into stylish. Do not get me mistaken, I believe their pink leaves are completely beautiful, however I couldn’t maintain mine alive, sadly.” —Candace Madonna, senior visible editor