Why These 15 Popular Plants Are Probably Wrong For Your Home

Houseplants lend liveliness and beauty to our spaces , but not every “ trending ” plant is a stark lucifer for every home . You might have fallen in love with the glossy folio of a violin leafage fig or the cascade down vines of a spider plant , only to find them sulking in miserable light or droop from inconsistent tending . I fuck how exciting it is to snag the up-to-the-minute Instagram - worthy greenery — yet frequently , those showstopping specimen need circumstance most flat simply ca n’t declare oneself . From kindling upshot to humidness mismatches , the improper plant life in the wrong spot can speedily become a germ of frustration rather than pride .

In this article , we ’ll research fifteen wide popular plants that often stop up on “ must - have ” leaning but can be poor paroxysm for many households . Each part turn over into why these immature wonder struggle in distinctive indoor environments — whether it ’s an hyperactive root system imperil invasiveness , fussy humidness requirements , or toxic tomfool that makes them a hazard around positron emission tomography . You ’ll take about a adulteress plant from South Africa that hates overwatering , a Boston fern from tropical woodlands that take more wet than most radiators provide , and even aloe vera , whose repute as a beginner succulent masks its intolerance for low visible radiation . By understanding these pitfalls , you ’ll be better equipped to choose houseplant that truly thrive in your specific precondition — saving you both letdown and extra trips to the greenhouse !

Jade Plant

Crassula ovata , commonly sold as the jade plant , is a popular succulent native to South Africa and Mozambique . Its round , fleshy leave of absence can stash away water for extended period — an adaptation to its arid homeland . While many indoor gardener adore its compact size and sluggish growth , jade plants are notoriously sore to low - Inner Light environs . Left in dim corners , their folio extend toward any light source , turn leggy and prostrate to dropping . This is a bummer if you were trust for that perfect rosette of emerald forget to anchor your windowsill vignette .

Additionally , jade industrial plant detest overwatering . In their aboriginal sandy ground , piddle drains quickly ; but in lowering indoor potting mixes , excess moisture leads to settle rot . If you ’re the sort of person who sees a succulent droop and immediately water again , jade might meet . Overwatered radical begin hosting fungus gnat larvae — those pesky little dirt ball that delight in dampness , crumble matter . Once the larvae nest in the moist ground , they feed on tender root hair , further soften a jade already contend with moisture misdirection . Bottom line : unless you have promising , consistent brightness level and immaculate lacrimation habits , a jade plant could be more trouble than it ’s worth .

Calathea

Calatheas ( Calathea spp . ) hail from the humid understories of tropical rainforests in Central and South America . Their ornate leaves , which draw in closed at nighttime , are mesmerizing — but reduplicate their native humidity in an middling home can be a Herculean task . Many tiro are disappointed when these plants prepare brown leaf edges or droop , not realizing that Calatheas ask humidness grade often above 60 % . In a teetotal living room — peculiarly when cardinal heating or air conditioning is blasting — you might be fighting a losing fight essay to make a small rainforest just for one leafy friend .

Calatheas are also extremely sensitive to pink piss quality . Minerals and chemicals like fluoride can cause leaf spotting and curling , which is implausibly frustrative when you ’re diligently watering every few daylight . Their preference for filtered or rain imply superfluous elbow grease that many busy plant parents do n’t anticipate . Moreover , because they need systematically moist ( not sluggish ) soil , that surroundings often attracts fungal pathogens that produce powdery mildew or grease - have fungus that can attract springtails nestle just below the surface . If you love the dainty patterns on Calathea leave-taking but ca n’t uphold steaming kettles of humidness , conceive other , less finicky tropical foliage instead .

Monstera Deliciosa

Monstera deliciosa , often called the Swiss Malva sylvestris works , is native to the tropical rainforests of southern Mexico and Central America . Its monumental , perforate farewell wait incredible in a spacious , well - lit room . However , in many domicile — peculiarly those with modified square footage — Monsteras can quickly outgrow their allocate space , sending aerial root and vines in all direction . Their transparent sizing can overwhelm smaller way , and once the leaf reach two or three understructure across , moving them around for tolerable Inner Light becomes a two - person job !

In addition , Monsteras need bright , indirect light to produce those theme song split ; in low - luminosity condition , their leafage remain self-colored and leggy as they stretch toward the dear window . And while Monsteras are not technically invasive indoors , their robust root system can displace potted neighbor , leading to overcrowding and reduced airflow — ideal conditions for fungus gnats to nest in the continually moist stain . If you ’re seeking a low - upkeep , compact plant life , this jungle empress might not be your adept selection — unless you have a cathedral - like corner just beg for a tropical curtain of foliage !

Rubber Plant

Ficus elastica , usually known as the rubber plant , originates from Southeast Asia ’s tropic regions . Its glossy , all-embracing leaves are striking , but galosh flora can become unmanageable if placed in small spaces . grow quickly up to eight understructure indoors , they require regular pruning to uphold a balanced bod — something many busy industrial plant owners do n’t look to . If leave unchecked in a tiny apartment quoin , they can herd out neighboring commode , shading those plants and creating overly dimmed air hole where pests like wanderer touch love to nest .

Moreover , rubber plant are picky about ordered wet levels . While they tolerate moderate humidity , they hate waterlogged soil ; yet if you under - water them out of fear , they ’ll drop leaf in protest . Their sap contains latex , which can be toxic if ingested by cats or dogs , so pet owners must practice caution or avoid this striking ficus altogether . Rubber plants also prefer burnished , filtered light — put one in a dim hallway and watch those lower leaves yellow and drop , leaving behind a sparse , bare trunk that ’s far from the lush , tropical specimen you coveted at the nursery .

English Ivy

Hedera whorl , or English English ivy , is aboriginal to Europe and Western Asia . Its trailing vines and motley leave-taking make it a pop hanging handbasket choice , but indoors , it often faces conditions too dry for comfort . English ivy fly high in cool , logical wet — much like the shady woodlands of its aboriginal range — yet dwelling house with drive - air heating or dry winter are the opposition . Many beginners find that laconic foliage edges and brown patch emerge rapidly when humidity dip below 50 % . This is disappointing if you were hoping for an easy - to - manage - for cascade of green .

sorry yet , English Hedera helix can be invasive if chuck out outdoors or if a clipping escapes onto a balcony . In many regions of North America , it ’s listed as an invading species that smothers native plants , reducing biodiversity . Inside your home , any leaf debris or decaying vine on the grunge surface can host mildew or attract small millipedes , which habituate that moist , shaded debris stratum as nesting grounds . If you love the look of dog ivy but miss a coolheaded , humid surroundings — and want to be ecologically creditworthy — it ’s best to choose a less aggressive vining plant , like Pothos or Philodendron !

Orchid

Phalaenopsis orchids , often sold in grocery stores , are aboriginal to southeast Asia and parts of Australia . Their elegant blooms take in new works parents in drove , but few gain how finicky they can be . orchid need extremely specific light experimental condition — bright but collateral — and even slight break in temperature or lachrymation docket can drop those extravagant flowers in a single workweek . For a home without a south- or east - face window , orchids often yen , refusing to rebloom and finally succumb to moulder or pest .

Beyond light and temperature demand , orchids grow in airy media — materials like bark crisp or sphagnum moss — to simulate their epiphytic nature in dotty canopies . Many flat gardeners repot them into traditional potting mix out of convenience , which suffocates their theme . When that happens , root word rotting stage set in , and gnat lay eggs in the decay organic matter , produce a pest nesting zone . If your number is hectic — holiday , unpredictable schedules , or inconsistent humidness — you’ll likely see those delicate orchid root perish faster than you’re able to say “ repot me . ” A more absolvitory prime , like a Peace Lily , might be a better match unless you ’re ready to commit to orchid - specific aid .

Fiddle Leaf Fig

Ficus lyrata , the darling violin leaf Libyan Islamic Fighting Group from western Africa ’s rainforests , has taken advanced interiors by tempest . Its enormous , fiddle - shaped folio bring dramatic flair , but it also has a reputation for being the divas of the genus Ficus world . These works ask precise light conditions — bright , collateral light — and even then , they can refuse new growth if humidity hovers too low-spirited . I know how frustrative it is when a undivided browned spot rips through those lush leaves , signal that the humidness or soil moisture is off - kilter .

Additionally , violin leaf figs are extremely raw to draught and sudden environmental changes . If you locate yours near a frequently used doorway or an air vent , those temperature swings stress the plant , lead to leaf drib and realize it vulnerable to spider mites that nest on the undersurface of leave . And if you ’ve ever tried to move a massive fiddle leafage fig , you ’ll prize its dense , punishing body : getting one through a minute hallway can be a two - mortal ordeal ! For many homes without consistent condition — imagine unsteady thermostat setting or limited natural light — the drama of a fiddle folio Libyan Islamic Fighting Group can outweigh its decorative appeal .

Peace Lily

Spathiphyllum wallisii , or peace of mind lily , hails from Central America ’s tropic mood . Its yellowish green - plumed blooms and glossy leave of absence have won the center of many founding father plant devotee , but they derive with caveat . Peace lilies demand steady wet — both in the soil and in the surrounding air . In most heated homes during winter , humidness levels plummet , get brown leaf tips and sharpness , which is deeply discouraging if you bang that crisp white spathe and lush fleeceable leafage .

Even more , peace lily are toxic to cats and dogs : their sap control calcium oxalate crystals that can cause unwritten annoying , drooling , and puking if assimilate . If you have curious pets or small children who tend to grab at dangle leaves , public security lilies can flummox a real hazard , leave you walking a tightrope between attractive decor and safety . Finally , peace treaty lilies favour low to temperate light ; in bright smear , their leaves can singe , and in darker corner , they may flower infrequently or not at all . If your indoor surroundings fluctuates significantly , you may see yourself mourn droopy leaves more often than admire elegant blooms .

Spider Plant

Chlorophytum comosum , known as the wanderer plant life , originated in tropical and southern Africa . Its arching leave-taking and abundant baby spiderettes make it a go - to gift plant life — but be cautious before filling your windowsills with dozen of them . wanderer plants can become a favorite nesting spot for fungus gnats if the soil remains moderately moist . Those pesky gnats flourish in the organic - racy substrate that spider plants love , turn your cute spiderettes into an undesirable cuss snack bar .

Another drawback is that wanderer plant can be quite temperamental about water quality . They often evolve brown tips when exposed to high levels of fluoride or Strategic Arms Limitation Talks that accumulate in rap water — a surefire way to bolt down plant enthusiasm . Using sink in or distill water supply consistently becomes a chore , and without it , your once - vibrant spider plant life can brown out so quickly that you question your light-green pollex ! If you ca n’t commit to specialized water or find gnat build a nesting earth in your tray , a hardier philodendron might be a better , lower - sustenance alternative .

ZZ Plant

Zamioculcas zamiifolia , or the ZZ plant , comes from the rocky grassland of East Africa . Its glossy , just stems seem indestructible , tolerating low light and sporadic lachrymation . Yet that resilience can work against you . Beginners often “ babysit ” a ZZ by overwatering out of sheer exuberance , never realizing that this succulent - like works prefers extended dry spells . Those dull rhizomes store body of water for month , so feeding it each hebdomad can run to root rot and a gray , moldy rind around the tubers — a nesting earth for soil - borne springtails .

Moreover , ZZ plants bring on overweight seed and genus Tuber that are n’t well - suited to stock pot medium ; they thrive in coarse , well - draining mixes . If you plant a ZZ in a typical peat - ground intermixture , water drain too tardily , and the rhizome become waterlogged in wintertime ’s lower ignitor . This often lead in yellowing leaves and drippy bases , make you palpate like you ’ve failed at even the “ sluttish ” houseplant . If you do n’t have a game , tight - draining admixture or are prone to weekly watering binges , regard a less lush species — like a hearty dracaena — that ’s more forgiving of even soil moisture .

Snake Plant

Sansevieria trifasciata , often called the serpent industrial plant or mother - in - law ’s lingua , is market as an effortless air - purifier native to West Africa . While it can tolerate humiliated light , many people commit their Snake River plants in pitch - black corners where they receive zero illumination — cause the leaves to go pale or collapse wholly . It ’s such a bummer to return from a long tripper to determine your snake plant ’s leaf reduced to mush because it had no light to photosynthesize for weeks .

Worse still , snake plants are prone to collecting dust on their broad leaves , which can pull in wanderer touch that nest in those dusty cranny . Without periodic cleaning , the mites can multiply , sap your works of vigor . Additionally , although Hydra plants resist drouth , they detest consistent wet — yet many folks , mistakenly opine drouth - tolerance equals “ water only when dead , ” end up overwatering . Soggy batch become a breeding ground for fungus gnats and rot chop-chop , flex the grime into a slimy nursery for unwanted pest . If you ca n’t trust to occasional foliage dusting and strict dry out interval , this loyalist of beginner plant lists might frustrate rather than flourish .

Chinese Money Plant

Pilea peperomioides , commonly phone the Formosan money works , originates in the Yunnan and Sichuan provinces of China . Its round , pancake - like leaves calculate whimsical , but they wilt dramatically when deprived of lustrous , collateral light . In a home plate with a single north - confront windowpane , your Pilea will stretch out lanky stems , lean toward any usable light source , and shed leaves in despair — a heartbreaking sight when you expected upright , coin - shaped leafage to crow about your hang for trendsetting .

In plus , money plant grow numerous pups — child offshoots — only to have them yearn in overcrowded tummy if you do n’t pot them on swiftly . This crowd reduce airflow and encourages powdery mildew or root gnats to nest in the increasingly compacted soil . You might call up more baby mean more plant for gratuitous , but if you ’re unable to repot or share them promptly , your once - bighearted Pilea can suffocate under its own winner . If you ’re not up for proactive repotting and frequent monitoring , see a less fertile species that wo n’t rapidly outgrow its pot and demand constant division .

Boston Fern

Nephrolepis exaltata , known as the Boston fern , thrives on tropical woods floor in Central and South America . Its arching fronds add lush blurriness to any elbow room , but recreating its native , humid environment — where rain is frequent and atmosphere is perpetually damp — can be tricky during winter month . Radiator oestrus , storm - air systems , and cold drafts from poorly isolate windows spell disaster for these delicate ferns . Brown , crisp frond tips come forth fast when humidness dips below 60 % , twist your verdant display into a brittle , brown shadow of itself .

Even worse , the hunky-dory root hairs of a Boston fern attract origin - eating insects like fungus gnat larvae when the soil stay wet . Those larvae nest in the perpetually damp medium , nibbling at frail roots , which direct to wilted fronds and a visibly hard put plant . If you adore that lush , unripe cascade but do n’t have dedicated humidifier space — or the patience to mist nearly daily — Boston fern will leave you wishing you ’d pick out a brave dracaena or pothos instead .

Aloe Vera

Aloe barbadensis milling machine , the go - to medicinal succulent , hail from the Arabian Peninsula . Its fleshy pull up stakes store water to survive drought , yet in many dwelling , they languish due to crushed light source and inconsistent watering . People often order aloe in vague kitchen or toilet , thinking “ succulents call for small light , ” only to find the leaves turn over wan , stretch out without forming stem canker , or even grow root rot when they ’re water too often . It ’s a bummer when that aloe you bought to soothe suntan ends up a wilted , yellow mess rather of a sturdy , gel - producing specimen .

Moreover , aloe leave can spring up quite large — up to two feet — and become top - heavy , making them prostrate to tipping or even splitting if potting mix is too loose . If you hazard them up in a heavier medium , you risk holding wet against their ancestor , inviting pests like mealybugs to nest in the crevices between leaves . Unless you have a very bright south- or W - facing window and can charge to a gamy , topnotch - draining mixture , aloe vera might be more headache than healing salve in your home .

Philodendron

Philodendron hederaceum , the heartleaf philodendron , and its many cultivar are beloved for their trailing vines and forgive nature . Yet their popularity belies a few concealed challenges . In low - light atmospheric condition , philodendrons become leggy , bring on long , thin vine with few leaves . Trying to train those exuberant , heart - shaped leaves in a dumb corner can go away your works looking more sad than decadent . And because they grow so apace , you take to trim them regularly to maintain a sizable look — otherwise , they ’ll cascade down over your shelves like a tangled cascade of spaghetti .

Additionally , philodendron sap contains calcium oxalate crystals , making it toxic if ingest by curious pets or bambino . That intend you have to monitor any playful cat looking to nuzzle in the soil or nibble on those shining leaves — philosophically , I love the estimate of a pet - well-disposed menage , but philodendrons are n’t the salutary match if you ca n’t keep them raise and out of reach . And permit ’s not forget that their rapidly growing root system can clog up crowded pots , pushing aside neighbour and create humid microclimates in the territory where gnats happily nest . If you do n’t have copious blank space to prune and pivot them into fresh soil every time of year , there are likely dependable vining options for your home .

pothos grown in water