House Plant Types A – Z Index List of House Plants – House Plants Expert by Elyssa Goins 8 months ago by Elyssa Goins Elyssa Goins is an experienced house plant hobbyist who maintains over a hundred plants. She is a gardener, beekeeper, and a proud mother of four. She is a member of the American Horticultural Society, has a published study in the National Social Science Association, and loves to talk about her love of plants. For the past twenty years, she's been all about growing and caring for various fruits, veggies, herbs, livestock, kids, and houseplants. Managing a big garden to feed four growing kids and raising dairy goats has taught her so much about being an excellent plant parent and now is her time to share with you. Published: August 15, 2023Last Updated on December 8, 2023 This article was fact checked. Helpful: 100% Share 0FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail 1.9K Table of Contents Toggle Flowering House PlantsFoliage Type PlantsSucculents and Cacti Caring, propagation, descriptions, and other information for each species are provided. House plants include foliage, flowering, succulents, and cacti. The indoor house plants are given their main common name used and botanical/scientific name. SearchSearch Flowering House Plants Amaryllis – Hippeastrum Bulb flowering type plants produce a cluster of attractive trumpet-like flowers in different color variations. A great houseplant choice. African Violet – Saintpaulia African violet care information guide: Belonging to the Saintpaulia Genus with many species. Growing conditions, possible problems, pictures, and descriptions. Angel Wing Begonia – Begonia Coccinea This plant is from a large genus named Begonia. The Angel Wing Begonia is one of the most popular species from the genus. Barberton Daisy – Gerbera Jamesonii A flowering pot plant displaying striking flowers. What a perfect houseplant. Beach Spider Lily – Hymenocallis Littoralis This amazing bulb-based plant “beach spider lily” enjoys environments that are downright aquatic and easy to maintain. Belladonna Lily – Amaryllis Belladonna Also known as the naked lady because of the bare flower stalks that appear without leaves. Bird Of Paradise – Strelitzia Reginae The Bird of Paradise is a delightfully easy-to-care-for plant that enjoys warm, balmy days year-round. Blushing Bromeliad – Neoregelia Carolinae An interesting species from the bromeliad family produces a red center within the rosette of leaves. Busy Lizzie – Impatiens Walleriana Grown for their attractive blooms outdoors (just about everywhere) and indoors when given enough bright light. Calla Lily – Zantedeschia Aethiopica Keeping this rhizome happy indoors is a matter of paying attention to some very basic growing conditions. Coral Berry Also known as the Christmas berry because it produces bright red berries which last well past Xmas time. Corsage Orchid The Corsage orchid is not the easiest of orchids to care for due to its humidity and temperature needs. Can you grow houseplants like this? Cyclamen Persicum A small and attractive flowering houseplant is grown during the winter. Eternal Flame Named Eternal flame for its attractive yellow bract. False Shamrock A bulbous type species which blooms small trumpet-like flowers and has attractive triangular purple leaves. Flamingo Flower Plant The beautiful waxed effect flaming flower plant (scientific name: Anthurium scherzerianum) makes a great ornamental plant that stands out looking lush. Flaming Sword This species features a red sword-like flower head that can grow up to 2ft tall and attractive mottled leaves. Flowering Maple Plant The flowering maple (scientific name: Abutilon hybridum) is part of a large plant genus of flowering and foliage-type plants. Kaffir Lily Plant Caring advice and description of the kaffir lily plant, (botanical name: Clivia miniata), also the common name bush lily. Lollipop Plant The lollipop plant (Botanical name: Pachystachys Lutea) is a sub-tropical species that produces small white flowers from a beautiful cone-shaped bract. Lycaste Orchid – Lycaste There are around 30 species of Lycaste and many of these are hardy and easily obtainable. Madagascar Jasmine – tephanotis Floribunda A flowering climbing vine that blooms white-colored fragrant flowers in the right conditions. Medusa’s Head Plant – Tillandsia Caput Medusae The Caput Medusae has been added to the unusual plant section for its obvious bizarre look. An air plant is also known as Medusa’s Head. Moth Orchid – Phalaenopsis The moth orchid like other plants from the orchid displays many bright colorful flowers. Ornamental Pepper Plant – Capsicum Annuum A flowering pot-type species grown for its attractive fruit. Peace Lily – Spathiphyllum Wallisii Shiny green leaves and white spathes make this attractive Poinsettia – Euphorbia Pulcherrima The red bract type is the most popular grown for the Christmas holiday period. Poison Primrose – Primula Obconica Small clusters of flowers in different color variations. Queens Tears – Billbergia Nutans The queen’s tears is a bromeliad plant that is easy enough for most growers to grow indoors. Rose Of China – Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis All about the Rose of China (botanical name Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis). Caring, information, and advice. Scarlet Star – Guzmania Lingulata A popular bromeliad species are grown for its green leathery foliage and bright red or orange bract. Slipper Orchid – Paphiopedilum There are more than 80 different species (plus many many hybrids) of paphiopedilum. The One Colored Paphiopedilum Concolor – Paphiopedilum Concolor From the Paphiopedilum genus which is suitable for growing indoors, with the correct conditions and care provided. Urn Plant – Aechmea Fasciata The Urn plant is also known as the silver vase plant (scientific name: Aechmea Fasciata). Winter Cherry – Solanum Capsicastrum You will find it’s a popular ornamental plant to buy at Christmas time, sold in many stores. Foliage Type Plants Aluminum Plant – Pilea CadiereiAn easy-going house plant that is generally simple to please. Areca Palm – Dypsis LutescensA cane-type palm growing up to 8ft tall with multiple stems. Arrowhead – Syngonium PodophyllumVery similar species as the Philodendron and from the same family. Bird’s Nest Fern – Asplenium NidusA popular fern plant that displays attractive 2 ft long fronds once it matures. Boston Fern – Nephrolepis Exaltata ‘Bostoniensis’One of the easier ferns to grow indoors. Add this to your houseplants collection. Broadleaf Lady Palm – Rhapis ExcelsaA popular indoor plant species which looks elegant standing in offices, hotels, living rooms, and conservatories. Canary Date Palm – Phoenix CanariensisA tough palm displaying long fronds with thin straight leaflets. Cast Iron Plant – Aspidistra ElatiorReceives its common name for its ability to withstand neglect. A nice and easy-to-care-for foliage plant. Chinese Evergreen – AglaonemaGrown primarily for the attractive leathery leaves. Coral Bead – Nertera GranadensisWith its picky watering and light demands, the coral bead plant has proven difficult for beginner houseplant growers. Corn Plant – Dracaena FragransWell-known indoor houseplants that are grown in many homes and offices. Creeping Fig – Ficus PumilaClimbing and low-growing houseplants from the Ficus genus. Cretan Brake Fern – Pteris CreticaOne of the easier ferns to grow indoors and a bit more forgiving than other houseplants. Croton – Codiaeum VariegatumNot an easy species to grow, although its foliage is outstanding in color. Dumb Cane – Dieffenbachia AmoenaIts easy-to-care-for style and resilience to neglect to make these wonderful house plants. Elephant’s Ear – Alocasia AmazonicaA foliage plant with very distinct-looking leaves – but it does flower. European Pan Palm – Chamaerops Humilis Also known as the dwarf fan palm or Mediterranean dwarf from the Chamaerops genus. Fiddle Leaf Fig – Fiddle Leaf Fig – Ficus LyrataThis grows to become a large ornamental houseplant with large leaves for a ficus. Golden Pothos – Epipremnum AureumA climbing species that grows well indoors with the correct care given. Green Velvet Alocasia – Alocasia MicholitzianaStriking arrow-shaped leaves displaying thick white veins and a green velvety surface. Hawaiian Ti – Cordyline Fruticosa An exotic-looking foliage houseplant with striking leaves. Heart Of Jesus – Caladium The caladium is a tuber species that display attractive bicolor leaves. Heart Leaf Philodendron – Philodendron Scandens More easy-to-grow and maintain climber houseplants. Kentia Palm Plant – Howea Forsteriana The kentia palm plant has the scientific name of Howea Forsteriana. This is a British favorite and fast-growing with wide leaflets. Lucky Bamboo – Dracaena BrauniiEasy-to-grow houseplants that can thrive in soil or water. Madagascar Dragon Tree – Dracaena MarginataMost definitely one of the easiest indoor plants to grow and maintain. Dracaena Marginata trees can grow up to 6ft high. Great looking houseplants. Maidenhair Fern – Adiantum RaddianumA tricky fern to grow indoors. More suited for terrariums and conservatories. Mexican Fortune Tree – Pachira AquaticaA tree-type plant growing up to 10ft tall or even kept to bonsai size indoors. Parlor Palm – Chamaedorea ElegansThe parlor palm (Chamaedorea Elegans) is the most popular of this selection. See advice and information. Parlor Palm – Calathea MakoyanaThis species, Peacock Plant is a popular Calathea also named Cathedral Windows because of its patterned leaves. Pin Stripe Calathea – Calathea Ornata The Ornata is known for its large leaves that have a distinctive pattern and effervescent colors. Pygmy Date Palm – Phoenix Roebelenii An easy to care for plant that displays very narrow arching leaflets compared to other palms. Rabbit’s Foot Fern – Davallia Fejeensis Fairly easy to grow for a fern with great-looking rhizomes. These houseplants love moisture. Rattlesnake Plant – Calathea Lancifolia Popular species from the calathea genus displaying long upright patterned leaves. Rose Painted Calathea – Calathea Roseopicta This Calathea has a clump forming habit and displays the most striking leaves with purplish colored backs. Rubber Plant – Ficus Elastica One of the ficus greats with large glossy oval shaped leaves. Sago Palm – Cycas Revoluta An interesting species which only grows up to 2 feet tall indoors (it’s not a palm). Sentry Palm Plant – Howea Belmoreana The sentry palm plant is similar when comparing it with the kentia. The scientific name is Howea Belmoreana and it’s also known as the curly palm. Song Of India Plant – Dracaena Reflexa Another great-looking foliage houseplants from the dracaena genus. Spider Plant – Spider Plant – Chlorophytum Comosum Information about the popular Spider Plant (botanical name Chlorophytum Comosum). Caring, facts, and advice. Swiss Cheese Plant – Monstera Deliciosa A great-looking foliage plant that grows taller than most indoor houseplants. Umbrella Tree – Schefflera Actinophylla An evergreen tree-type species which grows up to 10ft or more tall. These are classic houseplants. Venus Fly Trap Plant – Dionaea Muscipula The Venus Fly Trap is one of the plant species that consumes prey in order to nourish itself. Wandering Jew – TradescantiaThis species is a low-growing plant suitable for planting in hanging baskets. Weeping Fig Tree – Ficus Benjamina The weeping fig is part of the Ficus plant genus (scientific name: F. benjamina) and tree-like, in looks. With large arching branches and long pointed leaves. Zebra Plant – Aphelandra Squarrosa Striking foliage makes this plant well worth the attention it needs. Zebra Plant – Calathea Zebrina From the Marantaceae family of houseplants. ZZ Plant – Zamioculcas Zamiifolia The worst thing you can do to a ZZ plant is overwater it, otherwise it survives well. Succulents and Cacti Aloe Vera – Aloe Aloe Vera are common houseplants that have many potential health benefits. An indoor Aloe is easy to grow and not demanding. Argyroderma testiculare A living stones plant that blooms a beautiful daisy-like flower at the end of fall – the beginning of winter. Baby Rubber Plant – Peperomia obtusifolia Although this plant can flower its main attraction is the foliage. Bunny Ear Cactus – Opuntia Microdasys The bunny ear cactus, also known as the polka dot cactus is a very popular plant. Century Plant – Agave Americana A tough succulent species that’s easy to grow indoors and can grow over 1m tall with large toothed leaves. Christmas Cactus – Schlumbergera Bridgesii Christmas cactus are ideal houseplants if a grower likes to see flowers blooming from November – January. Christmas cheer – Sedum Rubrotinctum Very close relative to the Jelly beans plant displaying leaves that turn red in sunlight. Coral Cactus – Eurphorbia Lactea Crest The Coral cactus is much like the name states in one sense and not in another. It’s similar looking to coral but not an actual cactus. Donkeys Tail – Sedum Morganianum The Donkey’s tail is a trailing succulent species suitable for growing in a hanging basket. Easter Cactus – Hatiora Gaertneri Tropical cactus requires a certain amount of regular water in order to survive and make good houseplants. Housetree Leek – Aeonium Arboreum Rosettes of leaves grow on tall woody stems. There are three main varieties of these houseplants. Flaming Katy – Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana The flaming Katy is the most popular succulent plant from the kalanchoe genus. Growers can motivate the Blossfeldiana to flower after its first bloom. Goat’s Horn Cactus – Astrophytum Capricorne The Goats horn cactus has joined the unusual plant section (it’s as weird as they get). Houseplants to ponder. Golden Barrel Cactus – Echinocactus Grusonii Globe-shaped type cacti suitable for growing in conservatories, on patios, or other indoor glass-type rooms. Jade Plant – Crassula OvataJade houseplants are also known as the money plant very popular houseplants. Scientific names Crassula argentea. C.ovata, and C.portulacea. Jelly Beans – Sedum PachyphyllumThe Jelly beans display small finger-like succulent leaves that develop red tips and make great houseplants. Lithops fulleri The Lithops fulleri is a living stones plant displaying green grayish foliage and mottled markings at the top. Lithops optica ‘rubra’ A species from the Lithops genus displaying attractive purple club-shaped leaves. Mother In Laws Tongue – Sansevieria Trifasciata Snake Plant Types The mother in laws tongue (also known as snake plant) is a flowering species that is primarily grown for it’s slick looking long leaves. Mother Of Thousands – Bryophyllum Daigremontianum Named Mother of Thousands because of the many thousands of plantlets it produces. Orchid Cactus – Disocactus Ackermannii The Orchid Cactus (forest type cacti) blooms multi-petalled bright funnel shaped flowers. Panda Plant – Kalanchoe Tomentosa From the kalanchoe genus makes a nice addition to any succulent plant collection, grown indoors. Parallel Peperomia – Peperomia puteolata Semi-succulent species from the large peperomia genus of plants. Peruvian Apple Cactus – Cereus Peruvianus The apple cactus (also known as columnar, column, hedge cactus and others) displays a prominent ribbed column stem with brown colored spines. Pincushion Peperomia – Peperomia ferreyrae Semi-succulent species from the large peperomia genus of houseplants. Rat’s Tail Cactus – Disocactus FlagelliformisAdvice about the Rat’s tail cactus (scientific name: Aporocactus Flagelliformis or Disocactus flagelliformis). Caring needs and guides. Tiger Jaws – Faucaria Tigrina This species flowers at the end of summer and display jaw-like leaves that are toothed. Trailing Jade – Peperomia rotundifolia Trailing jade is a semi-succulent suitable for hanging baskets and windowsills Truncate Living Stone – Lithops pseudotruncatella A species from the living stones plant types displaying olive green and brown foliage. Watermelon Peperomia – Peperomia argyela Low-growing bushy type houseplants with striking leaves. Zebra Haworthia – Haworthia Fasciata/Attenuata Similar in appearance and has the same care needs as the Aloe houseplant. Thick and warty leaves. Was this helpful? Submit Cancel Thanks for your feedback! Elyssa GoinsElyssa Goins is an experienced house plant hobbyist who maintains over a hundred plants. She is a gardener, beekeeper, and a proud mother of four. She is a member of the American Horticultural Society, has a published study in the National Social Science Association, and loves to talk about her love of plants. For the past twenty years, she’s been all about growing and caring for various fruits, veggies, herbs, livestock, kids, and houseplants. Managing a big garden to feed four growing kids and raising dairy goats has taught her so much about being an excellent plant parent and now is her time to share with you. 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