Just like people, houseplants have their own unique personalities that can range from laid back to absolute diva. Finding the plant that will fit well into your loved ones’ home, lifestyle, and skillset is an art.
Luckily, the horticulturalists at the William T. Kemper Center for Home Gardening know just what you’re looking for and have created this guide to help you find houseplants everyone can enjoy. Whether your loved one considers themselves a plant parent or they are just dipping their toe into the soil, there is a plant for everyone on your list this holiday season.
ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia). Photo by David Stang / Missouri Botanical Garden.
For the cave dweller: ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Although no houseplant can actually be grown in total darkness, ZZ plants (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) are an excellent choice for rooms with only indirect light.
They are also generally easy-care plants: tolerating drought, low humidity, and suffering from very few attacks by common houseplant pests.
Haworthia attenuata. Photo by Suzann Gille/ Missouri Botanical Garden.
For the traveler: zebra plant (Haworthia attenuata)
Like many succulents, Haworthias store water in their foliage and only need a thorough watering once every few weeks, making them perfect for those who find themselves away from home often, or who just always forget to water their plants.
They make excellent houseplants due to their relatively low light requirements, meaning that they will do well in bright to moderate indirect light, whereas most other succulents do best indoors with at least some direct light.
Umbrellaa plant (Cyperus alternifolius). Photo by David Stang/ Missouri Botanical Garden.
For the over-waterer: Umbrella Plant (Cyperus alternifolius)
A houseplant can’t be overwatered, right?
It’s true! But these relatives of papyrus prefer soil that stays evenly moist and does not dry out, even tolerating standing water.
They do require plenty of light to grow well. Place the pot outdoors for summer and overwinter indoors near a bright, sunny window.
Snake plant Sansevieria trifasciata inside the Emerson Conservatory as part of the Holiday Floral Show. Photo by tom Incrocci/ Missouri Botanical Garden.
For the houseplant newbie: Snake plant (Sansevieria)
Tolerant of drought, dry air, and general neglect, snake plants are an excellent choice for the first-time houseplant owner.
They grow slowly and prefer to be slightly rootbound, meaning that repotting is required only infrequently. Common houseplant pests such as mealy bugs and scale also tend to leave snake plants alone.
Elephant ear (Alocasia). Photo by tom Incrocci/ Missouri Botanical Garden.
For the houseplant expert: Elephant’s ear (Alocasia)
These leafy tropical plants are primarily grown for their showy foliage which often exhibits distinctive veining, markings, and/or coloration.
However, their sensitivity to dry, indoor air and propensity to attract spider mites among other common pests makes them a challenging houseplant to grow. This is a great plant for experience houseplant owners looking for a challenge.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Neon’) Photo by Daria McKelvey/ Missouri Botanical Garden.
For the trend-setter: yellow variegation
Market research has indicated the next trend in houseplants will be plants with yellow or chartreuse colorations.
Classics such as Epipremnum aureum ‘Neon’ pothos, and newcomers such as E. aureum ‘Lemon Meringue’ and Z. zamiifolia ‘Chameleon’ (ZZ plant), would make excellent gifts for someone who is always chasing the next “it” look in houseplants.
Need help with your plants?
If you do give one of these featured plants or any other plants this holiday season, make sure you tell your loved one about our Plant Doctor and Horticulture Answer Service. We will be happy to answer any questions they have about their new houseplant.
Plant Doctor
Expert Garden staff and Master Gardener volunteers are available in person to answer your gardening questions. This walk-in service is available free with admission.
- April – October: Open 7-days a week, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- November – March: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Closed weekends
Horticulture Answer Service
Garden staff and Master Gardener volunteers provide personalized answers to your specific gardening questions over the phone or through e-mail.
- Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Phone: 314-577-5143
- E-mail: plantinformation@mobot.org
Written by Justine Kandra, Horticulturalist with the William T. Kemper Center for Home Gardening.
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