Top 5 Houseplants for Each of the Most Popular Home Styles
Relating our indoor plants to the architectural stylings of our home is an opportunity to create visual harmony. Houseplants that reflect the home’s expression lend a unified feel throughout. They also enhance our connection to nature. Embrace the biophilic with selections to meld popular house and personal styles with gardening expert Katherine Rowe.

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Architectural styles refer to specific ornamentation and aesthetics and the overall design of a house as it relates to guiding principles like scale, proportion, and symmetry. How we interpret our home’s style is as personal as our garden aesthetic, but the architecture offers inspiration into the essence of the space.
In the built environment, carrying architectural themes into garden design anchors the house to the landscape. It helps situate it in the immediate surroundings and creates a seamless transition between home and garden. Indoor plants further bridge this connection, emphasizing nature in partnership with home from the inside out. Compatible styling harmonizes a space for visual balance and unity.
Improved Meyer Lemon Bush

Introduced in the USA in 1908, this species is a hybrid of a lemon and an orange, with a subtle sweetness balancing the classic sour flavor. The fruits are versatile, perfect for finishing off a range of dishes in the kitchen.
Contemporary

Contemporary styles embrace crisp, clean lines to create structure and balance. They rely on efficiency, functionality, and geometric organization through varying materials. Modern doesn’t mean rigid; soft textures balance high structure.
Sculptural plants complement the design with color, form, and texture. Simple forms with a minimalist aesthetic lend a significant impact. Rely on deep greens and blend them with foliage in metallic hues and unusual colors.
ZZ Plant ‘Raven’

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common name ZZ Plant ‘Raven’ |
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botanical name Zamioculcas zamifolia ‘Dowon’ |
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sun requirements Bright, indirect light |
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height 1-3’ |
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hardiness zones 9-11 |
The ZZ, or Zuzu plant, boasts a structural form with sturdy, upright, slightly arching stems. Its architectural qualities include thick, waxy, shiny leaves in dark olive, black, and variegated. ZZ is the epitome of low maintenance; it requires little water and can improve air quality by filtering volatile compounds.
The ‘Raven’ ZZ is a modern twist with dark purple-black foliage and stems. New growth emerges bright green and darkens with maturity.
ZZ plants grow in low to bright, indirect, and even artificial light. The dark foliage of ‘Raven’ retains the deepest tones in bright to medium light, while green varieties tolerate low-light conditions.
Snake Plant

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common name Snake Plant |
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botanical name Dracaena trifasciata |
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sun requirements Bright, indirect light |
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height 2-4’ |
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hardiness zones 10-12 |
Snake plants are structural and durable, with broad, stiff, upright blades and pointed tips. D. trifasciata shows ribbons of creamy yellow lining the margins and dark green streaks across paler surfaces.
Longlived and forgiving, the low-maintenance succulent thrives with neglect. Originally in the Sansevieria genus, reclassification to Dracaena results from genetic research.
Snake plant tolerates a range of exposures, including low light, but performs best in medium to bright situations. D. trifasciata shows the best color in brighter light, out of the direct sun. The hearty grower likes to be a little tight in a pot, so don’t be quick to repot until roots and blades become crowded.
Hoya

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common name Hoya |
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botanical name Hoya spp. |
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sun requirements Bright, indirect light |
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height 1-4’ |
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hardiness zones 10-12 |
Hoya are popular for their unique foliage, fragrant blooms, and long lifespan as low-maintenance indoor specimens. Most are indigenous to subtropical Asia, with 200 species and their cultivars in diverse colors and shapes. Also called wax plants, their thick leaves and stems mound and trail with a soft, sculptural appeal.
The semi-succulents are adaptable and flower reliably even in low light. They have low water needs and prefer to dry between waterings. Hoyas like their roots cozy and perform well when slightly potbound, living in the same vessel for years.
Monstera

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common name Monstera |
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botanical name Monstera deliciosa |
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sun requirements Bright, indirect light |
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height 6-8’ |
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hardiness zones 10-12 |
Monstera tops the list of specialty tropicals to make a big statement with striking foliar characteristics. Large, lush leaves with natural splits and holes comprise Monstera deliciosa, a “delicious monster.” Many indoor gardeners can’t resist the oversized and lively form: some leaves reach a dramatic one to two feet long.
For an even more contemporary style, consider Monstera variegata with smaller leaves and white and green variegation. These are Phantom of the Opera meets houseplant in masked-leaf form.
Make more monstera by sticking a stem in water and watching it happily root to add to the collection. The tropicals propagate easily in water and make a sweet exchange or housewarming gift for other enthusiasts.
Blue Star Fern

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common name Blue Star Fern |
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botanical name Phlebodium aureum |
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sun requirements Partial to full shade |
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height 2-4′ |
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hardiness zones 8-13 |
Blue star fern gets its celestial name from deeply lobed fronds in silvery blue-gray. One of the easiest ferns to grow, its unique color, texture, and shapely foliage bring a modern and tranquil aesthetic to the interior.
Blue star ferns have epiphytic roots in addition to those growing in potting media. Relatively carefree, they prefer even moisture but tolerate dry conditions. Water when the soil surface feels dry, but avoid overwatering the crown and epiphytic roots.
Blue star boasts Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit Status with unique fronds and strong performance, growing mostly as a houseplant.
Victorian

The 1800s Victorian era embodies a turn to the ornamental garden and an appreciation of the new and exotic. Growing tropical plants indoors and in conservatories and greenhouses increased as specimens made their way to Europe through trade, exploration, and colonialism. The language of flowers and their symbolism became a popular pastime, and garden themes and design saw renewed vigor.
Architecturally, the Victorian style blends the symmetry of its revival predecessors (Classical, Georgian, Gothic) with embellishments of high ornament and fine detail. Peaked gables, bargeboards (carved trim), banisters, and iron railings are identifying features. Gardens often include defined spaces with formal specimens or hedging and loads of plants that flower, trail, and tumble. Bring the look indoors with floriferous specimens right out of the era and those that will brighten indoor spaces.
Cyclamen persicum

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common name Cyclamen persicum |
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botanical name Cyclamen persicum |
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sun requirements Bright, indirect light |
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height 6-9” |
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hardiness zones 9-11 |
C. persicum, or Persian cyclamen, are floriferous right in time with the holidays. They produce bunches of upright blooms above signature heart-shaped leaves with silvery marbling.
This florist’s cyclamen became popular in Victorian conservatories when the greenhouse-grown selections brought cheer with their winter blooms. C. persicum boasts a long bloom time in the cold season. In bright reds, pinks, and pure white, the reflexed (curved back) petals twist and flutter.
They need a cool spot to prolong the display, below 70°F (21°C), as warm temperatures trigger dormancy for the Mediterranean specimens. Place them near a window to experience cooler temperatures; an east or north-facing windowsill also offers bright, indirect light.
Parlor Palm

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common name Parlor Palm |
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botanical name Chamaedorea elegans |
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sun requirements Bright, indirect light |
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height 2-7’ |
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hardiness zones 10-12 |
Palms greeted visitors to Victorian homes in a display of tropical beauty and the capability to grow such exotic specimens. Parlor palms are dense, small, and compact, making them versatile as potted indoor selections.
Parlor palms have soft, fine-textured fronds, usually from a single trunk. They grow in limited light and need little care, performing best in evenly moist soils. A north or east-facing window is ideal. Parlor palms are popular due to their attractive, fanning foliage and ability to grow in dim and lower humidity conditions.
For larger palms, look to majesty (Ravenea rivularis) and areca (Dypsis lutescens) to fill up a space with long, arching fronds.
African Violets

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common name African Violets |
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botanical name Streptocarpus ionanthus |
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sun requirements Bright, indirect light |
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height 6-24” |
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hardiness zones 11-12 |
African violets are sweet tropicals with thick, velvety leaves and delicate, ruffled blooms in saturated hues. Their floriferous nature keeps the color going year-round.
European colonists discovered the violets growing in eastern Africa. They collected seeds and, in 1892, sent them home to Germany, where the Royal Botanic Gardens at Herrenhausen took interest. In 1894, a New York florist introduced them to America.
African violets grow indoors or out with warm temperatures. A little humidity and a draft-free spot help them flourish. Well-draining potting mix, or a soilless mix, protects their roots from oversaturation. They need to be slightly pot-bound to initiate flowering.
Rex Begonia

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common name Rex Begonia |
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botanical name Begonia rex-cultorum |
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sun requirements Partial to full shade |
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height 1-1.5’ |
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hardiness zones 10-11 |
Rex begonias bring bold, colorful foliage in intricate patterns with prominent veins and margins. Leaf undersides are often reddish-purple. Some rex begonias feature large, purple-lined leaves with silver interiors, while others are bright red, deep pink, or dark green. Wavy margins add flare to the dramatic compositions.
Rex begonias came to England from India in the 1850s. They quickly became popular in hybridizing to create a flurry of foliar interest.
Rex begonias can be finicky, especially in dry environments or when subject to oversaturation. They prefer high humidity (above 50%) and regular moisture, erring on the dry side between watering sessions.
Meyer Lemon

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common name Meyer Lemon |
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botanical name Citrus x meyeri ‘Improved’ |
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sun requirements Full sun |
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height 8-12’ |
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hardiness zones 8-11 |
Meyer lemon trees bring a burst of color, fragrance, and citrus flavor to the interiorscape. They’re a hybrid between a lemon and a sweet orange or mandarin, and the yellow-orange fruits sweeter and less acidic than other lemon varieties.
The lemons need at least six hours of sunlight to thrive, so a south-facing window is ideal. They can also summer outdoors and come in for winter where not hardy.
The ‘Improved’ Meyer lemon bush is a younger form of the tree with a more compact growth habit. The shrubby form makes it easy to grow in containers, especially indoors, and to prune. Like having your own conservatory, picking fresh lemons is a sweet reward in the cool season.
Mid-Century Modern

The architecture of the mid-20th century focuses on clean lines (whether straight or curvilinear) and a clear expression of the home, free of detailed ornament. Glass, steel, and concrete are the primary materials employed to connect the structure to its surrounding environment. Organic forms add to the idea of integration with nature.
Jade Plant

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common name Jade Plant |
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botanical name Crassula ovata |
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sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
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height 3-6’ |
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hardiness zones 11-12 |
The jade plant is a slow-growing succulent with fleshy, glossy leaves and sturdy, ornamental branching. Cultivated as a houseplant for a century, its organic form and self-sustaining properties make it a fit for 1950s architecture.
In bright light, new leaves are fresh green with red-tinged edges. Jade flowers in clusters of small, starry white and pink blooms. Autumn’s shorter day lengths, longer nights, and cooling temperatures initiate flowering.
The long-lived specimens are native to southern Africa’s Mediterranean climate type. They need little care and adapt to dry conditions and low light. In well-draining soils, jade lives for years in a single pot. Jade plants propagate easily through cuttings rooted in water or soil.
Split Leaf Philodendron

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common name Split Leaf Philodendron |
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botanical name Philodendron bipinnatifidum |
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sun requirements Partial shade |
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height 4-10’ |
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hardiness zones 9-11 |
Split leaf philodendron has curvilinear lobed leaves and distinct shaping, incorporating the lines and organic qualities of mid-century designs. Like monstera, they feature oversized leaves and make a statement as large specimens when potted up over time.
The rainforest dwellers grow well in more temperate climes, given average warmth and humidity indoors. These prefer the morning sun and do well in an east or south-facing window with a filter against afternoon rays.
Aloe

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common name Aloe |
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botanical name Aloe vera |
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sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
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height 1-2’ |
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hardiness zones 10-12 |
Aloes have spiny, juicy, succulent leaves filled with soothing gel. Like jade plants, they’re native to southern Africa’s Mediterranean climate. They also do best without much attention and minimal water.
In addition to aloes with their spiky foliage in greens and reds, look for gasteria (Gasteria spp.) to compliment the mid-century style. It resembles aloe and is a group of succulents with rosettes of bladed leaves in dark green with colorful spots and striations. Gasteraloe hybrids (crosses between gasteria and aloe) present the best of both species in thick, gelled, colorful, and structural leaves.
These succulents seldom need pot changes and do well in low-quality, well-draining soils. Warm temperatures and drying out between watering are optimal.
Cast Iron Plant

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common name Cast Iron Plant |
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botanical name Aspidistra elatior |
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sun requirements Partial to full shade |
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height 1-3′ |
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hardiness zones 7-11 |
Cast iron plant has broad, sculptural leaves in solid, dark green, or green with white variegation. Singular leaves stand tall and upright and make a handsome specimen that also tolerates dim corners.
‘Variegata’ adds dramatic interest with wide ivory margins. ‘Ippin’ has handsome creamy white-striped leaves in varying widths. In contrast, ‘Milky Way’ is bouncy with compact leaves and dotted clusters of speckled yellow-white galaxies.
With good drainage, Aspidistra is long-lived in containers. Clip off aged or tattered fronds for a fresh appearance and new growth.
Prayer Plant

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common name Prayer Plant |
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botanical name Maranta leuconeura |
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sun requirements Bright, indirect light |
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height 10-12” |
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hardiness zones 11 |
The prayer plant has patterned leaves that fold at night. They open by day to reveal bold stripes and venation in burgundy, pink, and greens. Leaf undersides, most visible when folded, are a contrasting dark red or purple.
Maranta makes a lovely indoor hanging basket or low bowl arrangement with thick stems that slowly trail. Prayer plants need humidity and regular moisture to thrive. They benefit from filtered or distilled water over treated tap water.
Georgian

In the Eastern part of the U.S., Georgian inspiration is present historically and today. As the most popular style during the 18th century and English colonization, many historical buildings rely on the Georgian balanced symmetry, formality, and classical details. Multipaned windows are symmetrical, with a transom window over the prominent doorway and a pediment or crown above the entrance. Structures are stately and proportionate in a traditional style that builds off of Renaissance symmetry.
Norfolk Island Pine

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common name Norfolk Island Pine |
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botanical name Araucaria heterophylla |
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sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
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height 3-200’ |
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hardiness zones 9-11 |
Norfolk Island pines feature soft evergreen needles on symmetrical branches that whorl around a strong, central leader. The evergreen, balanced form of this houseplant is a good reflection of the Georgian style, simultaneously softening the look with graceful stems.
Norfolk Island pines aren’t true pines but part of an ancient family of pre-historic conifers. Native to the subtropical South Pacific (Norfolk Island is a small island off of Australia), the natural habitat is seaside cliffs and temperate rainforests. Fortunately, the trees adapt to average household humidity outside of their balmy growing zones.
An esoteric connection between the stately evergreens and Georgian architecture is their origin. Captain Cook of England “discovered” the island species on his late 1700s voyage, bringing it to England. England is the seat of Georgian architecture, spreading to America with colonialism.
Spider Plant

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common name Spider Plant |
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botanical name Chlorophytum comosum |
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sun requirements Bright, indirect light |
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height 1-2’ |
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hardiness zones 9-11 |
Spider plants are easy-going bladed growers that happily hang in baskets or pots with few demands. They have narrow, green ribbon leaves, often with attractive white or buttery yellow striping. Longlived, they perform well with minimal maintenance, becoming mainstays in the collection.
Their slender, graceful blades brighten corners and offer textural contrast. In addition to their easy care, they propagate easily through pretty little plantlets – spiderettes – produced on the ends of long stems. Confined conditions also encourage spider plants to produce offshoots.
Spider plants prefer warm, humid conditions. Normal household humidity is usually fine; boost the humidity in dry seasons by placing pots on a tray of pebbles filled with water.
Orchid

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common name Orchid |
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botanical name Phalaenopsis spp. |
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sun requirements Bright, indirect light |
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height 1-2′ |
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hardiness zones 10-11 |
A classic addition to the interiorscape, orchids add a clean, elegant touch that complements the Georgian style. They have a long history of cultivation with exotic blooms and variations in growth and flowering.
Moth orchids, with their ample blooms on long, arching stems, are a houseplant favorite. Their universal beauty and ease of growing have broad appeal. Phalaenopsis can bloom more than once a year for extended display.
Moth orchids are epiphytes, dwelling in nooks of trees, and lithophytes, growing in rock crevices. Their plump white roots absorb moisture from the air and nutrients from decaying plant material. Fortunately, the adaptable epiphyte grows well in our homes in the right situation with a reward of long-lasting, exotic blooms.
Peace Lily

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common name Peace Lily |
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botanical name Spathiphyllum spp. |
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sun requirements Bright, indirect light |
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height 1-6’ |
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hardiness zones 11-12 |
Peace lilies are full and tailored with broad, dark green leaves. Their tall spathe flower is creamy white and longlasting, usually appearing in spring and fall.
Peace lilies are resilient and tolerate a range of conditions, even thriving with a little neglect. They’ll perform best in bright light with humidity and even moisture but tolerate lower light. They won’t withstand improper watering, and will wilt to let you know they need more, though they usually rebound from dry spells.
Boston Fern

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common name Boston Fern |
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botanical name Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Bostoniensis’ |
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sun requirements Bright, indirect light |
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height 2-3’ |
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hardiness zones 10-12 |
Boston ferns create a presence with their fountains of fronds and fresh tropical lushness. They soften structures and brighten the interiorscape. In the right growing situations, they make handsome houseplants. They also thrive outdoors in warm conditions and round out the interior by overwintering indoors in cold months.
Boston ferns are a graceful, compact variety that makes growing it in temperate climes easier. Additionally, there are many similar cultivars in circulation, with dwarf habits and frilly or ruffled leaves. Their growth and versatility earned them the Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit.
Traditional on a front porch, overwinter them indoors where not hardy. If too messy in your indoor space, opt for a bird’s nest fern. With wide fronds in a symmetrical arrangement around a central “nest,” the tropical growers also add stately beauty. Maidenhair ferns, too, are smaller with a delicate, lacy texture perfect for classic styling.
Ranch

Ranch homes are borne of the West and Southwest United States and gained popularity in the 1950s. Ranch houses are traditionally long and one-storied with open floor plans. Porches and patios connect to nature for indoor/outdoor living. Construction is straightforward, with simple forms that include a low roof and long windows.
Pothos

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common name Pothos |
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botanical name Epipremmum aureum |
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sun requirements Bright, indirect light |
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height 6-8’ |
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hardiness zones 10-12 |
Pothos is a quintessential indoor plant that trails and sprawls, right in line with the ranch style. Its fresh, heart-shaped foliage is jade, lime, silver, variegated, or gold-splashed.
Pothos is an easy-care tropical that’s adaptable to less-than-ideal conditions and grows well in many interior spots. Keep pothos out of direct sun and away from drafts and trailing stems will soon be the reward. Pothos propagates easily in water or soil to create new plants with those lengthy stems.
Christmas Cactus

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common name Christmas Cactus |
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botanical name Schlumbergera russelliana |
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sun requirements Bright, indirect light |
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height 6-12” |
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hardiness zones 9-11 |
Christmas cactus is aptly named for its bloom time, flowering for four to six weeks around the winter holidays. Buds emerge along branches of succulent, segmented leaves (phylloclades) in late fall and become billowy blooms in winter. Flowers appear in shades of pink, red, white, salmon, purple, and bicolor. You can also move them out to the patio in warm months, and enjoy the blooms inside in winter.
Cultivated in the mid-1800s, the Christmas cactus hails from Brazilian rainforests and lends a tropical accent all year. Its unique stems bring all-season interest, while its easy care with minimal water needs makes it easygoing.
The Christmas cactus is one of three holiday cacti. It joins the Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) and the Easter cactus (Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri) in blooming at its namesake holiday time. Thanksgiving cactus usually flowers in November, and Easter cactus in March through May.
Rubber Plant

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common name Rubber Plant |
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botanical name Ficus elastica |
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sun requirements Bright, indirect light |
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height 4-50’ |
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hardiness zones 9-12 |
Rubber plants boast elliptical, shiny, leathery leaves in dark green, purple, or variegated. Their broad foliage also anchors a space in bold form, perfect for open-concept floor plans with large windows.
Look for ‘Burgundy’ for deep, dark foliage in olive and purple-red. The striking tones create a focal point but also a neutrality to complement any space.
Rubber plants don’t require much to thrive. Regular water ensures consistent moisture and bright light helps to retain the best color.
Money Tree

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common name Money Tree |
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botanical name Pachira aquatica |
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sun requirements Bright, indirect light |
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height 6-30’ |
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hardiness zones 10-12 |
The money tree plant is associated with prosperity, good fortune, and positive energy. An adaptable grower, the money tree is well-suited to various conditions and not finicky, tolerating low light conditions. It’s often sold with multiple stems braided into a trunk and has glossy, palmate leaves.
Money trees grow large given the right care and potting, ideal for filling corners in open rooms where space allows. Additionally, they will forgive occasional neglect. They are low maintenance and grow with the home.
Staghorn Fern

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common name Staghorn Fern |
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botanical name Platycerium bifurcatum |
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sun requirements Partial shade |
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height 2-3’ |
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hardiness zones 9-13 |
We had to bring staghorns to the ranch style. Staghorn fern fronds are blue-green, broad, and deeply lobed, resembling the forked antlers of deer or elk. They’re handsome in a hanging basket. They also look great mounted on a piece of wood or bark to grow indoors in colder months.
As added visual interest, staghorns form coppery, papery shields around frond clusters. The shields also multiply and overlap as the fern grows. With its stately form and long-lived nature, the species also earned the Award of Garden Merit.
The tropical rainforest natives have epiphytic roots that absorb water and nutrients from the air. Their pocket shields also serve to collect plant debris from tree canopies for added nutrition. Consistent moisture is best, though mature specimens tolerate dry spells. Allow media to dry slightly between waterings.