If you take a leisurely scroll through Instagram (Get it? Scroll. Stroll. ?) then you’ll notice that the indoor jungle has become a major trend. Accounts like and are inspiring us to bring a little greenery into our homes. And I’m not talking that faux stuff. I mean real, honest-to-goodness, tropical house plants! But unless you’re a plant connoisseur, finding out the names to some of these leafy greens can be quite the challenge. Cause let’s be honest, what are you going to Google? “What is the name of the plant with big leaves?” ? So I’m here to help with a beginner’s guide to some of the most popular house plants on Instagram!

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Monstera Deliciosa

Also known as a split leaf philodendron or swiss cheese plant, the Monstera has become so popular on the Gram that it even has it’s own hashtag: ! It’s easily recognizable by its large, glossy leaves with deep splits and holes. This plant is easy to grow and under the right conditions can double and triple in size. It does best in high humidity with indirect sunlight. Keep in mind the Monstera Deliciosa (like most tropical plants) is poisonous to animals.

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Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree

The Fiddle Fig or Ficus Lyrata is the cool kid of Instagram. Yet probably one of the most finicky house plants that I own. With large veiny leaves, this tree needs lots of bright, indirect sunlight and regular dusting to stay healthy. Avoid drafty areas or moving the plant around too often. (Even for photoshoots!) Keep the Fiddle Fig’s leaves moist and happy by misting them every other day.

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Snake Plant

Commonly referred to as mother-in-law’s tongue or sansevieria, the snake plant is perfect for people who can’t keep anything else alive! Known for their long, hardy leaves (that look like tongues ?), this plant acts as an air purifier to improve your home’s air quality. The best part is that snake plants seem to thrive when you forget about them! They do well in indirect light but can even tolerate the lowest of light conditions. Just be sure to put them in a pot with a drainage hole to avoid root rot.

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Pothos Plant

Sometimes known as Devil’s Ivy the Pothos is a vining plant that can withstand low light conditions. They come in many different varieties. Some of my favorites being: Neon and Satin. Pothos are such a common plant that you can often find them at your local Lowes or Home Depot. They can survive in both soil or water and are super easy to propogate. Avoid ingestion as they are toxic to animals and children.

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Fern

The fern is another plant that comes in many varieties. It is easily recognizable by it’s feathery leaves that almost look like a head of hair! Great for outdoors, they prefer shade over direct sunlight. They like an evenly moist soil with regular waterings. So be ready to soak your fern in the tub or sink in order to keep it happy and healthy! They love high humidity so mist them often.

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Bird of Paradise

Also referred to as a Strelitzia, the bird of paradise is a statement plant with it’s large paddle-shaped leaves. Even indoors, these tropical plants can reach a height of 6-7 feet! Unlike the outdoor varieties, an indoor Bird of Paradise plant rarely blooms. It requires very bright sunlight and in the Spring and Summer be sure to keep the soil moist. My tip? Invest in a grow light! It’s the best thing I ever did for my Bird of Paradise!

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Rubber Tree

Formally called the ficus elastica, the rubber tree has quickly overtaken the fig tree in my book, Why? Cause it’s just so dang easy to maintain! With it’s dark green (and sometimes pink!) leaves, this plant loves bright but indirect sunlight. Keep the rubber tree moist with consistent watering and misting. And the best part? You can cut off the top in order to encourage branch growth! ?

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Cactus

Fun fact: all cacti are succulents but all succulents aren’t cacti! These bad boys are perfect for neglectful plant parents because they don’t need a lot of water or care! Put them in bright, indirect sunlight (just like people, plants can get sunburnt), and only water them when the soil is completely dry. There are many different types of cactus and some even flower!

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Majesty Palm

I had a palm plant once before I killed it faster than you can say ravena rivularis (It’s formal name). Not for the faint of heart, the Majesty Palm requires bright indirect light at all times. It must be consistently kept moist – try not to let it dry out in between waterings! The upside to the palm? It’s a non-poisonous houseplant! So if you’re not easily frustrated and want to test your plant parent skills, give the Majesty Palm a try.

 

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