Whether you have a small apartment with no yard, or just want to add some more greenery to your life, we have the houseplant for you. And, don’t forget about the other people in your life! Indoor plants and flowers are a favorite item to share with another and some are even associated with things like luck, love, and health. Don’t know what your mom wants for Mother’s Day? We can help you pick out a lively, colorful house plant. Did a friend just move to a new place? What is better then some lush greenery to make a new home cozy and inviting?

Swing by our ever changing gift shop to check out the great variety we have to offer!

General Care Tips

Light & Temperature

A big key to successful houseplant growing is placing them in the correct light and temperature locations. Houseplants do not like to be moved too often, so it is a good idea to place the right plant in the right place from the beginning of it’s life as part of your family.

Soil

Houseplants prefer a soilless medium to grow in, typically a basic potting soil will do, but cacti, succulents and orchids will do better with a medium that is suited specifically for them.

Water

The easiest way to kill a houseplant is over watering. Most houseplants can recover from too little water, but rarely can they recover from too being over-saturated with water. Rather than using a calendar method to water a plant, use the finger test method. Before watering, dig your finger 2″ down into the soil and check the moisture. If it is still damp, do not water, if it is dry, you can water.

Fertilizer

Houseplants best fertilized when they are most actively growing, which is typically between March and September. We recommend fertilizing once every 1 to 3 months during the growing season. During the winter they tend to go through a rest period and do not need additional fertilizing. Fertilizers specially labeled for houseplants work best. To avoid salt build up from fertilizers, it is good to leach the pot every 4-6 months by pouring a large volume of plain water into the pot and letting it drain completely in a sink.

If you are a pet owner, chances are one of the primary considerations when looking to add a new plant to the mix, is “Will this be safe for my pet?”

So we’ve  put together a quick reference list of all our favorite pet-friendly houseplants that are completely non-toxic and safe for you canine and feline friends. Plus, a handful of toxic ones that you might want to avoid.

Our Favorite Common Pet-Safe Houseplants

  • African Violets (Saintpaulia)
  • Aluminum Plant (Pilea cadierei)
  • Baby Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii) 
  • Bromeliads-ALL!
  • Birds Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
  • Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
  • Calatheas-ALL!
  • Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera or Zygocactus)
  • Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus radicans)
  • Haworthia fasciata
  • Hens and chicks (Sempervivum tectorum)
  • Maiden Hair Fern (Adiantum)
  • Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis)
  • Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
  • Peperomia-ALL!
  • Pilea–ALL!
  • Polka Dot  Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)
  • Prayer Plant (Maranta Leuconeura)
  • Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)
  • Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
  • Rex Begonia (Cissus dicolor)
  • Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
  • Staghorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum)
  • String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii)
  • Venus Flytraps (Dionaea muscipula) 

Toxic Houseplants to Avoid

  • Arrowhead (Sygonium podophyllum)
  • Aloe (Aloe vera)
  • Asparagus Fern (Asparagus setaceus)
  • Caladium (Caladium sp.)
  • Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema sp.)
  • Cyclamen (Cyclamen sp.)
  • Dieffenbachia (Diffenbachia sp.)
  • Dracaena (Dracaena sp.)
  • Jade (Crassula argentea)
  • Kalanchloe (Kalanchloe spp.)
  • Monstera (Monstera spp.)
  • Narcissus (Narcissus spp.)
  • Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)
  • Pothos (Pothos spp.
  • Sansevieria (Sansevieria spp.)
  • ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

Identify

To get more detailed instructions on houseplant care it is best to know the exact species you have. While there are general rules to houseplants, certain species require specific environments to thrive.

Some species may have different varieties among that give them more unique characteristics too. A common variation is variegated houseplants, which have lighter colored striations on the leaves than usual.

Low Light Houseplants

  • Arrowhead Vine

    Syngonium podophyllum

    Size: Medium sized plant. Varieties range from 2′ to ~4′

    Light: Grows in low to medium light. Varieties with leaf variegation should be grown in med to high light to keep color saturated.

    Water: Allow top 50% of soil to dry out before watering. Leaves droop when it needs water.

    Humidity: Prefers high humidity but will tolerate basic household humidity.

    Does not normally flower indoors

  • Calathea

    Calathea 

    Size: Medium sized plant. Up to 2′ tall.

    Light: Grows in low to medium light. Burns in direct sun.

    Water: Keep evenly moist. Prefers distilled water, tends to be sensitive to fluoride and other chemicals in treated water.

    Humidity: Prefers high humidity. Mist frequently. Will benefit from having a shallow tray of wet pebbles nearby.

    Brown leaf tips indicate low humidity, fluoride in water, or too much fertilizer.

  • Pothos

    Epipremnum aureum 

    Size: Medium to large. Trailing/climbing stems can grow to 8′ or more.

    Light: Tolerates low light, but will have more foliage and better variegation with bright, indirect light.

    Water: Allow top inch of soil to dry out before waterings. Does not tolerate soggy soil. Foliage yellowing and falling off is a sign of over-watering.

    Humidity: Average room humidity or higher. Brown leaf tips indicate too low humidity.

    Very east to grow. Trim stems back at leaf nodes to keep a bushy, full habit.

  • Rubber Tree

    Ficus elastica

    Size: Large, up to 10′ indoors.

    Light: Can tolerate low light, but perform better in bright, indirect light.

    Water: Allow top 25% of soil to dry out before watering. Keep soil drier in low light conditions.

    Humidity: Average indoor humidity.

    Fairly easy care, but does not like to be moved.

  • ZZ Plant

    Zamioculcas zamiifolia

    Size: Medium, slow growing to 3′ indoors.

    Light: Tolerates low light, but happiest in bright, indirect light. Keep out of afternoon, direct sun.

    Water: Allow top 2″ of soil to dry out before watering. Rots easily with soggy soil. Yellow stems are a sign of too much water.

    Humidity: Average room humidity. Tolerates low humidity.

    Rarely has pest problems.

  • Raven ZZ Plant

    Zamioculcas zamiifolia 'Raven'

    Size: Medium, slow growing to 3′ indoors.

    Light: Tolerates low light, but happiest in bright, indirect light. Keep out of afternoon, direct sun.

    Water: Allow top 2″ of soil to dry out before watering. Rots easily with soggy soil. Yellow stems are a sign of too much water.

    Humidity: Average room humidity. Tolerates low humidity.

    Rarely has pest problems.

Medium Light Houseplants

  • African Violet

    Saintpaulia 

    Size: Small, up to 6″ tall.

    Light: Medium to high light, but summer sun will scorch the leaves. Needs bright light for blooms.

    Water: Keep soil moist, but not soggy. Performs best from bottom watering.

    Humidity: Moderate to high humidity. Set plant on tray of wet pebbles to raise humidity, does not like to be misted.

    Can bloom all year. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooming.

  • Christmas Cactus

    Schlumbergera bridgesii

    Size: Medium, up to 2′ tall.

    Light: Bright, indirect light. Tolerates lower light but flower buds may drop or never form if too low.

    Water: Keep soil moist, but not soggy while actively growing. Water sparingly in the winter.

    Humidity: Average household humidity. Place on a tray of wet pebbles to raise humidity if needs be.

    Prefers to be slightly pot-bound and blooms better this way.

  • Cut-Leaf Philodendron

    Monstera deliciosa

    Size: Large, up to 10′ tall.

    Light: Medium to high light, but no direct sun. Increase light to encourage slits in mature leaves.

    Water: Allow top 1″ of soil to dry out before watering. Keep soil barely moist in winter. Yellowing is typically a sign of over-watering.

    Humidity: Average to high humidity.

    Lush, dramatic specimen pick.

  • Dumb Cane

    Dieffenbachia x

    Size: Medium to large, 1-6′ tall.

    Light: Grows in medium to bright light. Leaf variegation can fade if light is too low.

    Water: Allow soil to dry our a bit before watering. Leaves droop when it needs water.

    Humidity: Prefers high humidity but will tolerate basic household humidity.

    Older leaves may turn yellow and drop. This is normal.

  • Lucky Bamboo

    Dracaena sanderiana

    Size: Grows 2-4' tall and can reach up to 6' tall in the best conditions.

    Light: Best in medium to bright, indirect light for 4-6 hours daily.

    Water: If in soil, keep the soil thoroughly moist, but not soggy and allow the top inch to dry between watering. If in water, change the water every 1-2 weeks. Tap water can be too harsh, so it's best to use distilled water when possible.

    Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity.

  • Nerve Plant

    Fittonia verschaffeltii

    Size: Small, up to 6″.

    Light: Grows in low to medium light. Avoid direct sun. Can be grown under fluorescent light.

    Water: Keep soil constantly moist, but never soggy. Plant into well draining soil 

    Humidity: Needs high humidity, leaves will shrivel if air is too dry. 

    Great selection for a terrarium.

  • Peperomia

    Peperomia caperata

    Size: Small, up to 8″ tall.

    Light: Grows in low to bright light, but not direct sun. Thrives under grow lights.

    Water: Allow top inch of soil to dry out before watering. Keep soil barely moist, less in winter.

    Humidity: Tolerate basic household to high humidity.

    Great selection for an office plant or terrarium.

  • Prayer Plant

    Maranta leuconeura

    Size: 6-12" tall and wide.

    Light: Likes bright to medium indirect sunlight, but avoid prolonged exposure or it can burn the delicate leaves.

    Water: Keep the soil evenly moist and water when the top inch has dried out. Prefers distilled or filtered water.

    Humidity: Loves warm, humid conditions, but will be okay in average household levels with a humidity tray

  • Spider Plant

    Chlorophytum comosum

    Size: Large, up to 24″ tall.

    Light: Grows in bright moderate light, but not direct sun. Direct sun can burn leaves while low light can slow growth.

    Water: Water the plant once or twice per week and allow soil to dry out a little between. Overwatering can kill the plant.

    Humidity: Prefers warm environments and high humidity.
    Easy, low maintenance plant, perfect for beginners.

  • Umbrella Plant

    Schefflera actinophylla

    Size: Large, up to 6′ tall.

    Light: Grows well in medium light but will grow faster and produce more foliage in bright, indirect light.

    Water: Allow top inch of soil to dry out before watering. Drooping leaves indicate the soil is too dry.

    Humidity: Tolerate basic household humidity. 

    Easy care plant, but does not respond well to moved.

  • Wax Plant

    Hoya carnosa

    Size: 3-6' or more with proper support and care.

    Light: Thrives in indirect, bright light with around two hours of morning or evening light.

    Water: Wait to water until soil has dried out between each watering.

    Humidity: Prefers high humidity. Can handle lower levels, but may stunt growth with fewer flowers produced.

    Known for its gorgeous star-shaped flowers blooming in clusters.

High Light Houseplants

  • Air Plants

    Tillandsia

    Size: Depends on the variety of the species.

    Light: Bright, indirect or filtered light is ideal for most tillandsia.

    Water: Weekly soakings or baths for 20 minutes to an hour is the best way to keep your air plants well watered.

    Humidity: While most like a certain amount of humidity, adequate air circulation is a must for air plants.

    Air plants don't need soil, which allows us to display them in more interesting ways than other plants.

  • Bird of Paradise

    Strelitzia reginae

    Size: Up to 4-6' high and 3-4' wide.

    Light: High light with good air circulation. Avoid cold, drafty placement.

    Water: Wait until the top half of the soil is dry before watering. If in light more often, water more frequently.

    Humidity: Moderate. Mist the leaves regularly or keep plant on humidity tray with rock.

  • Cactus

    Cactaceae Family

    Size: Varies by species

    Light: High light, at least 2-3 hours of full sun a day.

    Water: Water lightly on a regular basis while actively growing, water sparingly in winter. Do not drench soil. Very susceptible to root rot. Prefers distilled water.

    Humidity: Average to dry humidity.

    Performs best in a cacti potting medium. Typically flowers if given enough light.

  • Chinese Money Plant

    Pilea peperomioides

    Size: 8-12" tall and wide.

    Light: Prefers bright, indirect light.

    Water: Use distilled or tap water sit for over 24 hours to water the plant with after the top inch of the soil feels dry.

    Humidity: Moderate humidity.

    Rotate the plant every few days to encourage even growth on all sides.

  • Croton

    Codiaeum variegatum

    Size: Usually about 3' tall, but can grow up to be 10' tall. Dwarf varieties of the species are much shorter.

    Light: Bright, indirect light gives the leaves their vibrant colors.

    Water: Moderate. Water when the top inch of the soil is dry, and more often in the summer when it's hot.

    Humidity: Moderate to high humidity.

    Croton plants are toxic to both animals and humans. We highly advise keeping this plant away from children and pets.

  • Fiddle Leaf Fig

    Ficus lyrata

    Size: Large, up to 10′ indoors.

    Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. Rotate slightly once a week to keep all sides exposed.

    Water: Keep evenly moist. Drooping yellow leaves indicate over-watering.

    Humidity: Average room humidity. Brown leaf tips indicate humidity is too low.

    Drops leaves easily if moved to new location suddenly.

  • Norfolk Pine

    Araucaria heterophylla

    Size: Large, up to 6′ tall.

    Light: Bright light, even some direct sun. Bottom branches will fall off if light is too low. 

    Water: Keep evenly moist while actively growing. Lightly moist in winter.

    Humidity: Tolerate basic household humidity. Dry, yellowing needles can indicate air is too dry.

    Does not respond well to pruning

  • Succulents

    Echieveria, Sedum, and Kalanchoe Species

    Size: Varies by species, typically small to medium.

    Light: Bright light with some direct sun.

    Water: Keep lightly moist during growing season. Water sparingly in winter. Avoid water rosettes or crowns of plants. Wrinkled foliage indicates too dry.

    Humidity: Average to dry room humidity.

    Prefer to be planted in a cacti potting medium.

  • Staghorn Fern

    Platycerium bifurcatum

    Size: 2-3' tall and wide.

    Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight will burn their leaves.

    Water: Water regularly and allow the soil to dry out slightly between.

    Humidity: Prefers high humidity. Misting regularly can assist with this.

  • Zebra Plant

    Tradescantia zebrina

    Size: 6-9" tall and 1-2' wide if allowed.

    Light: Prefers bright, indirect light.

    Water: Let the top two inches of soil to dry between regular watering.

    Humidity: Prefers high humidity, but will tolerate average indoor humidity levels.

    Can be toxic to pets and humans if ingested in large quantities, so it's best to keep out of reach.