All of the most popular houseplants you need for the new year, along with tips on how to care for each.
Ficus umbellata
“There’s so much fiddle leaf fig overload that as people are searching for the next thing, and this plant has nominated itself as a contender,” Grubb says. That said, Ficus umbellata is so new to the trade, Grubb notes, that few really know what a 15-year-old one will look like in your house.
Care: Don’t let it go completely dry before watering. Bright, indirect light.
Philodendron ‘Birkin’
“Such a super trendy plant,” Grubb says, pointing out that until they became more available, a Philodendron ‘Birkin’ could cost $1,000 online.
Care: Keep soil moist. Bright, indirect light.
Alocasia ‘Regal Shields’
With leaves that resemble shields, this Alocasia can grow up to 6 feet tall indoors. “They look so cheerful to me,” says Grubb.
Care: Water more and fertilize if you want larger leaves, less if you want a smaller plant. Bright, indirect light.
Gasteraloe ‘Green Ice’
“These rare, little succulent houseplants look like they’ve been hand-painted by an artist,” Grubb says.
Care: Water when completely dry. Very bright, indirect light.
Monkey Tail
A weeping cactus, Cleistocactus colademononis grows several feet down the side of a pot. Bonus points if you want to break down the name in Latin. (Cola means tail; mono means monkey.)
Care: Water when completely dry. Very bright direct or indirect light.
Pilea peperomioides
Also known as a money plant, this “starts as a cute little plant, but then the coin-shaped leaves get bigger and bigger until they reach about 2½ inches,” says Grubb.
Care: Water deeply when topsoil is dry. Can tolerate medium to bright light.