The 9 Most Popular Houseplants of 2023, According to Pros

Burgundy rubber tree (Ficus elastica)

Plants with dramatic leaves have continued to evolve as an ongoing houseplant trend, and that’s not going to change in 2023.

“This year, plants with variegated and darker foliage will have a moment as plant parents move toward this foliage mix,” predicts Lindsay Pangborn, a plant expert at Bloomscape. “The burgundy rubber tree is a great choice for this trend, making a statement with its dark, glossy leaves colored in a moody palette.” She adds that this ficus is also quite adaptable and can add beauty to all types of interior aesthetics.

Care Tips:

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight
• Soil: light, well-drained soil
• Water: It is watered when 75% of its soil volume dries
• Temperature: 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit
• Humidity: 60 to 80%

“Burgundy rubber trees are sensitive to moving around multiple areas, so make sure the spot you choose is one where they can remain for long periods of time,” Pangborn adds. “Multiple changes in position can cause it to drop its leaves.”

Peperomia hope (Peperomia dibiana x quadrifolia)

Ideal for small spaces, Peperomia Hope is a compact plant that typically grows to about six to eight inches tall. It is actually a hybrid plant created by crossing the Debiana and Quadrifolia species of Peperomia.

“This plant has round, fleshy leaves that are usually green with white or silver stripes,” says Puneet Sabharwal, co-founder and CEO of Horti. “The leaves are a little thicker than those of some other peperomia species, which helps the plant retain moisture.” Like many other peperomia species, hope is a low-maintenance plant that is relatively easy to care for.

Care Tips:

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight
• Soil: light, well-drained soil
• Water: Water when the top of the soil feels dry
• Temperature: 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit
• Humidity: 40 to 50%

Inch plant (Tradescantia zebrina)

Given the popularity of hanging planters, it’s no surprise that inch plants are having a real moment in 2023. Their striking purple, green and white leaves leave a trail downward as they mature. It even produces small flowers at the tips of the stem from time to time.

“Whether your home decor style is more minimalist, or you love filling your space with bright colors, the beautiful markings and texture of this plant are sure to pop,” says Rebecca Sears, plant expert and marketing director at Ferry-Morse. “Inch plants do very well, so I recommend growing them in a hanging basket so you can better display those cascading leaves.”

Care Tips:

• Light: Medium to bright light
• Soil: Loose, well-drained soil
• Water: Keep the top of the soil moist
• Temperature: 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit
• Humidity: 45%+

Spotted Begonia (Begonia maculata)

Native to Brazil, spot begonia grows on a reed-like stem with long emerald green leaves and a few silver spots. The back of the leaf is red, and the plant blooms with dense clusters of white flowers. It has an almost cartoonish aesthetic, making it the star of any space.

“Because this plant thrives in humidity, it is high maintenance,” says Carrie Wagner, director of experiments and workshops at Flowers for Dreams. “However, with great care, this plant will reward you with stunning foliage.” “It can sometimes be hard to find, because it’s not available year-round. Pay attention to home improvement stores, and if you see it in a store, pick it up.”

Care Tips:

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight
• Soil: light soil or sandy loam
• Water: Leave it until it dries completely, then soak it; No fog
• Temperature: 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit
• Humidity: 20 to 50%

Bromeliad (Bromeliacea)

If you want a bit of a tropical touch, look no further than these gorgeous bromeliads bursting with colour. Thanks to their easy nature, they are a great way to add a natural, warm glow to your space.

“Bold, bright colors are a botanical trend that never goes out of style, but what makes bromeliads special are their flowering spines, which bloom once in their life and can last for months,” says Pangborn. “Each plant produces new baby plants called ‘pups’ that eventually have their own bloom.”

The young will eventually replace the parent plant, and can be cut and moved to another pot or kept with the mother plant to take over that pot.

Care Tips:

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight
• Soil: Potting soil that dries quickly and still retains moisture
• Water: “Bromeliads have a special vase in the center of their plant structures that can capture and absorb water,” Pangborn says. “Make sure to always fill the vase halfway with water and water the plant when its soil volume is 75-100% dry.”
• Temperature: 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit
• Humidity: 40 to 60%

Cat Palm (Chamedoria Waterfall)

With its tall, dense palm trees and tropical appearance, the cat palm instantly brings a dose of jungle vibes to your space. “This plant is a great way to create a green oasis in your home,” says Pangborn.

It can be an economical option, too. “As we see the cost of living increasing for consumers everywhere, plant parents looking for adaptable plants that can thrive indoors and outdoors will want to keep their eyes on cat palms,” Pangborn adds.

Care Tips:

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight
• Soil: Loose, well-drained soil
• Water: It is watered when 50% of its soil volume dries.
• Temperature: 50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit
• Humidity: 50%+

Sweetheart plant (Hoya keri)

Hoya kerri is a beautiful succulent plant native to Thailand. A quick glance at the heart-shaped design will tell you how this popular houseplant got its name. Not only is it very attractive, making it a #PlantTok star, but it is a low-maintenance plant that dries completely between waterings.

Succulents, in general, have remained a mainstay of houseplants, Sears says. “It’s not just desk decor, you can also use it in a centerpiece for your table or plant a few different varieties in a large picture frame for a living piece of art,” she says. “Juicers also have air purifying properties.”

Like some of the other popular houseplants on this list, the hoya keri can be difficult to find in supermarkets. So, you may want to visit boutique plant stores or Etsy to get one of these.

Care Tips:

• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Soil: Well-drained, well-aerated soil
• Water: Leave it until it dries completely, then soak it; Fog sometimes
• Temperature: 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit
• Humidity: 40 to 70%

Calathea Medallion (Calathea roseospecta)

Calathea Medallion is a showpiece with its large, dark green leaves with silver and emerald green bands and deep purplish-red undersides.

“For people looking for a stunning plant that can also handle low light, this is an ideal plant,” says Sabharwal. “One of the most interesting features of the Calathea medallion is that its leaves move and respond to changes in light and temperature. At night, the leaves fold, and by day they unfold to capture more light.

Interestingly, this movement – ​​referred to as nyctinasty – is thought to help the plant conserve moisture and protect itself from excessive sunlight.

Care Tips:

• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Soil: spongy, well-drained soil
• Water: Water when the top of the soil feels dry
• Temperature: 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit
• Humidity: 40 to 60%

Anthurium bird’s nest (Anthurium superbum)

Known colloquially as the bird’s nest anthurium (not to be confused with the bird’s nest fern) the dazzling Anthurium superpum is recognized by its shiny, iron-clad leaves. Originating in Ecuador, it is an excellent “gateway plant” for those who want to get more comfortable growing other members of the anthurium genus, Jason Opgenorth, director of horticulture at LiveTrends Design Group, tells us.

“Some of the distinguishing characteristics are the new, bronze-colored foliage and the thick, skeletal roots above the soil,” says Opgenorth. “The superplant is a slow-growing species that is endangered in its native habitat, so make sure it has not been collected from the wild and grow one yourself to keep the genetics alive,” he adds.

Care Tips:

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight
• Soil: light, well-drained soil
• Water: Keep moist but not soaked; Fog often
• Temperature: 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit
• Humidity: 65 to 80%