The Top Indoor Plants to Brighten Up Your Home in 2020
With many people spending more time indoors due to the pandemic, indoor houseplants have become increasingly popular for both aesthetic and wellness reasons. Whether you’re looking to add some green into your living space or want plants that clean the air, here are some of the best indoor plants trending in 2020.
Philodendron
From my experience as an avid plant parent, philodendrons are near the top of the list for low-maintenance indoor plants. Often described as “hard to kill,” philodendrons come in many varieties with attractive leaves like heart shapes, arrows, or splits. I have a philodendron selloum that has grown substantially over the past year with just occasional watering. They not only look lovely hanging or spreading over shelves, but also absorb toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from the air. Many types of philodendrons, like brasil and micans, have gained popularity equally for their resilient nature and lush appearance.
Succulents
Succulents seem to never go out of style and remain one of the top indoor plant picks for novice and expert plant owners alike. With their drought tolerance and colorful leaves or plump stems, succulents come in an amazing variety of shapes, sizes, and hues. From my own collection, I absolutely love the vivid blue-green color and architectural form of echeveria ‘Perle von Nürnberg.’ However, succulents like jade, aloe, and haworthia are equally lovely with far less fussiness. They thrive with neglect – basically watering just once every few weeks. Their appeal really comes down to attractiveness and adaptability.
snake plant
Perhaps no other indoor plant has earned a better reputation for filtering toxins from the air than the snake plant. Commonly called mother-in-law’s tongue, sansevierias require so little care that they’ve become popular even for people kills plants. I have a large sansevieria trifasciata laurentii that has lasted for years with just monthly watering. Their tall grass-like leaves add a striking vertical element to any room. Despite needing water infrequently, snake plants release oxygen and remove chemicals like trichloroethylene and benzene from the air. They’re nearly impossible to kill and thus make an excellent choice for busy individuals or forgotten corners.
Pothos
Like philodendrons, pothos are incredibly low-maintenance trailing plants, hailing from the same Araceae family. Available in various leaf colorations like golden, marble queen, and neon, pothos grow rapidly using aerial roots to climb or cascade. Their lush fullness and tolerance of low-light make pothos a top pick for beginners. I have a large neon pothos hanging in a North-facing window that stays vibrant green year-round with occasional watering. Pothos also naturally purify the air of toxins and require diluted water about once every 1-2 weeks. They basically take care of themselves while adding lush foliage to bookshelves, walls, or anywhere with space to trail.
Peace lily
For their fabulous air-purifying abilities and striking white blooms, peace lilies deserve a spot on many best indoor plant lists. I came across a peace lily years ago that had gone months without water, yet bounced back immediately when given a drink. Their waxy heart-shaped leaves emit oxygen and remove toxins like trichloroethylene, benzene, and formaldehyde from indoor air. Peace lilies flourish in low or medium lighting and indicate thirst by drooping petals and leaves. Despite their sensitive appearance, they kind of bounce back readily from long periods without water. Their heavenly white flowers also act as a natural indicator of their moisture needs.
ZZ plant
- Zamioculcas zamiifolia, commonly called ZZ plants, rank among the lowest maintenance houseplants you can find. Their thick succulent-like stems allow them to thrive on very infrequent watering. From my experience, ZZ plants hardly seem to need water and go weeks looking perfect even after being forgotten.
- With their low water requirements, ZZ plants adapt well to nearly any growing conditions indoors. Whether in low light or infrequent sunlight, they continue putting out new dark green glossy leaves without complaint.
- Along with their resilient nature, ZZ plants remove indoor toxins like benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde from the air. Their compact upright form adds neat rounded structure wherever placed as a table, floor, or hanging plant.
Due to hardiness, good looks, and air-purifying gifts, the ZZ plant stands out as a truly low-effort houseplant favorite well worth including among the top popular indoor plants today.
Spider plant
Last but not least, spider plants remain ever-trendy for filtering toxins and producing beautiful self-propagating plantlets. Their arching greenish-gray leaves provide loamy texture to any space with shine and soft spots. Though sometimes confused with more finicky varieties, spider plants basically thrive under neglect with sparse watering. I once forgot about a spider plant for over a month with no visible complaints upon my return. Their advantages include resilience against underwatering, tolerance of low light, and ability to cleanse indoor air of benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene.
Spider plants graciously share their reproduction success as well through baby plantlets emerging from mother plants’ leaf axils. These plantlets can be snipped off and potted to make new spider plants or gifts for others – pretty much continuing the friendship wherever they land. No wonder spider plants stay popular as one of the best low-maintenance indoor plants around with their adaptability, beauty, and success at cloning themselves.
In summary, for purifying indoor air, bringing green beauty into the home, and outstanding resilience against neglect, the top popular indoor plant picks of 2020 highlighted here remain hard to beat. From philodendrons and pothos to snake plants and succulents, all take very little effort to thrive while repaying caregivers with lasting loveliness.
Whether experienced or new to plant parenting, the varieties discussed here serve as a great starting place. But keep wandering nurseries and gardens – who knows what other amazing botanical finds may catch your eye! Gardening nurtures the soul and cultivates appreciation for nature’s lesser-known wonders.
Top Indoor Plants for 2020
| Plant | Special Care Needs | Size After 1 Year | Light Needs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pothos | Water every 2 weeks, low maintenance | 12-18 inches | Low, tolerates low light |
| Peace Lily | Prefers humid environment, avoid direct sun | 8-12 inches | Bright indirect light |
| Snake Plant | Very low water, drought tolerant | 12-24 inches | Low, tolerates low light |
| ZZ Plant | Tolerates neglect, very low water | 6-12 inches | Low, tolerates low light |
| Spider Plant | Produces plantlets, tolerates low light | 8-12 inches | Bright indirect light |
FAQ
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Which indoor plants are popular in 2020?
Some of the hottest indoor plants right now basically include peace lilies, pothos, snake plants and ZZ plants. They are sort of easy to care for and look amazing in any space.
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Why are succulents so well-liked?
Succulents have become hugely popular in recent years, perhaps due to their low maintenance needs. Despite needing little water, they come in a stunning array of shapes and sizes. Their plump dusty green or bluish leaves can add fun color to any room. On the other hand, those with black thumbs might kill other plants.
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What’s so great about pothos?
Pothos are nearly impossible to mess up. You could water them once a month and they would probably still be okay! They are a great choice for busy people or those new to gardening. The dazzling heart shaped leaves come in a variety of vivid colors too. Pothos vines can trail beautifully full and lush, almost putting a poem in motion.
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Are spider plants difficult to care for?
Spider plants are quite low maintenance and very durable. I had one years ago survive some truly awful conditions if you know what I mean! They add a fun pop of color and can even purify the air. A friend of mine quoted a study saying spider plants removed benzene from the air. However, their spider-like offshoots can be annoying for some. Might spider plants be stalking you soon?
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Why have snake plants become so popular indoors?
Snake plants have gained a strong following due to their super easy care. You can water them maybe once a month and forget about them – they are nearly bulletproof. Their tall stiff grass-like leaves have an awesome sculptural quality too. At the same time, their name kinda creeps some people out. But snake plants may just be laughing all the way to the bank! They basically don’t need much love to look gorgeous for weeks on end.
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Don’t plants die under artificial light?
It’s true that most houseplants will eventually give up the ghost without natural light. However, strong LED grow lights have come a long way in the past few years. A knowledgeable houseplant fanatic once told me that certain types can even thrive under the right light spectrum. LEDs allow gardeners to grow plants anywhere, from basements to high rises. The artificial sun may surprise you!
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Should I get pet-friendly plants?
If you have curious cats or dogs roaming around, definitely take their plant preferences into consideration. Some popular indoor greens like lilies and dracaena can be toxic to pets. Lucky for us, pothos, spider plants and peace lilies are considered non-toxic. As long as plants aren’t being eaten, most others should be fine too in theory. But who knows what those silly animals will chew on! Better safe than sorry – maybe check online lists first.
So in summary – peace lilies, pothos, succulents and snake plants are user-friendly beauties to spruce up your home. With the right basic care, they can surviveaverage green thumbs. LED grow lights also allow year-round gardening without a big garden. I hope this FAQ helps you choose some new plant pals!