LEAF + LOLO

Both seasoned plant parents and newbies alike know that there are a large number of plants that can thrive and grow indoors. And as soon as you’ve bought or been gifted one leafy friend, it kickstarts the chain reaction. Before you know it, every window sill, corner, and closet top around your apartment or home are brimming with fronds, flowers, vines, and leaves.

If you have dreams of dwelling in a jungle-like space, plants are the surefire component for getting you there. While most types will do, there are some remarkably cool options worth knowing about.

So if you’re currently on a quest to find another perfect plant or two (or 10) to add to your ever-growing collection, take a peek at this list of 40 that will keep your indoor jungle lively and lush.

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Pilea Peperomioides

KAELYN GUERIN

• Botanical Name: Pilea peperomioides
• Sun Exposure: Bright, indirect sunlight
• Soil Type: Well-drained
• Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.0

These fun, circular-leaved plants look great scattered all around your home. Also known as a Chinese money plant or missionary plant, these do well in rooms that are light and bright, but it’s best to leave it out of that sunspot on the window your cat likes as its leaves can burn

Olive Tree

CATHIE HONG INTERIORS

• Botanical Name: Olea europaea
• Sun Exposure: Direct sunlight
• Soil Type: Non-stratified and fine-textured soils
• Soil pH: 5.5 to 8.5

Yes, a taste of the Mediterranean in your home is completely possible thanks to olive trees, which can thrive indoors for quite some time. This being said, if you aren’t ready for a six-foot-tall tree, it might be best to search for a dwarf version. But similarly to you, they like the Med, and its placement should be chosen almost entirely on where you get the brightest sunlight.

English Ivy

MODERNLY YOU

• Botanical Name: Hedera helix
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to full shade
• Soil Type: Does well with a wide range of soils
• Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.8

Clara Leung, a feng shui plant expert, owner of Clara’s Green House, and seller of more than 3,000 house plants on Facebook Marketplace had a few suggestions for houseplants—one of which was ivy—that not only look chic but help energetically.

“Ivy removes formaldehyde from the air and its pointed leaves are known to protect against negativity,” she explains. This is another pretty trailing plant that looks great crawling along window sills or hanging from a basket.

Bird’s Nest Fern

RIKKI SNYDER

• Botanical Name: Asplenium nidus
• Sun Exposure: Medium to bright indirect sunlight
• Soil Type: Loamy, moist, and well-draining soil
• Soil pH: 5.0 to 5.5

Celebrity houseplant stylist Reagan Kastner offered a handful of suggestions, and the unique, wavy-leaved bird’s nest fern made the list.

“While most ferns can be rather fussy, this fern has slightly thicker leaves making it more tolerant to new plant parents,” she says.

Bird’s nest ferns shouldn’t be kept close to vents. “This plant can get crispy with lack of humidity or soil that gets completely dry,” says Kastner.

That being said, keep in mind that the soil shouldn’t completely dry out by the time you water it next. Kastner also adds that these plants appreciate bottom watering.

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Asparagus Fern

DWELL AWARE

• Botanical Name: Asparagus aethiopicus
• Sun Exposure: Shade or low, indirect lighting
• Soil Type: Rich, well-drained soil
• Soil pH: 6.5 to 6.8

If you’re limited when it comes to bright sunlight, an asparagus fern is a fabulous option. These plants prefer to be away from direct rays and appreciate staying moist. While they’re popularly seen as lovely tabletop decor, they’re also wonderful for hanging baskets. Not to mention, they have the ability to purify the air, too.1

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False Shamrock Plant

GETTY IMAGES / OLGA GUBSKAYA

• Botanical Name: Oxalis triangularis
• Sun Exposure: Direct sunlight
• Soil Type: Well-draining sandy and loamy soils
• Soil pH: 7.6 to 7.8

Coming in a few different varieties, the false shamrock is one plant that shouldn’t be overlooked. Houseplant expert, Ren Lenhof, who runs a lifestyle blog House Fur, says her favorite for a real boost of color is the dark purple variation.

“I love that the leaves themselves look like flowers and then it grows little white flowers as a bonus!”

She adds that these do best in spaces that get plenty of bright sunlight, so that an office window or sunroom may be just the spot.

Kids and pets shouldn’t ingest these plants, so if you have either, it’s best to avoid or find a high, sunny shelf for it.2

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Philodendron Hope

BLANCO BUNGALOW

• Botanical Name: Philodendron selloum
• Sun Exposure: Medium to bright indirect sunlight
• Soil Type: Rich, well-draining soil
• Soil pH: 5.6 to 6.0

Savannah Toal, owner of Plant Savvy—Nashville’s interior plant designer and consultant—says that philodendron hope should be a must on your plant list.

“This beautiful and bushy plant will bring out any drab-looking corner in your home,” she says. “They offer the jungle vibes everyone wants without breaking the bank or your time.” The wavy edges of their fronds make them more special than usual.

Greenery Unlimited Philodendron Hope $65.00

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Orchid

RIKKI SNYDER

• Botanical Name: Orchidaceae
• Sun Exposure: Indirect light
• Soil Type: Orchid mix
• Soil pH: 5.5 to 6.5

If some kind of blossoming plant is more up your alley, Jason Kamimoto, the Senior VP of Rocket Farms, says you should consider purchasing an orchid. He mentions that they’re often called “the queen of flowers” and are “surprisingly affordable based on recent growing innovations and easy to care for.” Because they come from a rainforest climate, humidity is key to really helping yours thrive.

Polka Dot Begonia

RIKKI SNYDER

• Botanical Name: Begonia maculata
• Sun Exposure: Medium to bright, indirect
• Soil Type: Well-draining soil
• Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.0

Justin Hancock, Costa Farms’ horticulturist says that this variegated plant has a lot of things going for it. Aside from its different colors, the pattern on its leaves is doubly fascinating.

“The tops of the leaves are variegated with silvery polka dots of varying sizes,” he says. “With good care, this begonia can grow to more than five feet tall, becoming a showpiece in the home. It’s easy to prune and keep smaller if you don’t want it to eventually get tall.”

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Neon Pothos

LEAF + LOLO

• Botanical Name: Epipremnum aureum
• Sun Exposure: Shady to bright indirect light
• Soil Type: Loamy
• Soil pH: 6.1 to 6.5

For a major zing of color, you won’t need to look much further than the neon pothos. Its heart-shaped leaves are a vivid green, and because it’s a trailing plant, it’ll instantly spruce up any empty corners or blank white walls. A neon pothos is a great choice for beginner plant parents as they’re hardy and can deal with a variety of conditions.

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Schefflera

LEAF + LOLO

• Botanical Name: Schefflera arboricola
• Sun Exposure: Bright, indirect light
• Soil Type: Well-drained sandy loam soil
• Soil pH: 6.0 to 6.5

The clusters of leaves that scheffleras produce are quite unique, and they make for a fun substitute if you’re not feeling the ever-popular fiddle leaf fig or rubber tree. There are a few varieties, but the most popular is the dwarf version, which can comfortably fit on a tabletop or grow large enough to occupy a corner. Aside from indirect light, these plants do like humidity, so a bathroom location can be sufficient, or just having a spray bottle on hand will do.

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Bonsai Trees

IN HOUSE DESIGN

• Botanical Name: varies
• Sun Exposure: Usually bright sunlight (though dependent on variety)
• Soil Type: Well-drained, well-aerating soil
• Soil pH: 6.5 to 7.5

The art of bonsai can be applied to endless kinds of plants and trees. If you adore the look of miniature plants and have the time and know-how, it’s worth exploring your options. But do be mindful that as charming and beautiful as these small works of art can be, they require a lot of love and attention. The care details will vary on the type of plant you choose.

Yew Pine

FINDING LOVELY

• Botanical Name: Podocarpus macrophyllus
• Sun Exposure: Bright light
• Soil Type: Rich, well-drained potting mix
• Soil pH: 4.5 to 7.5

With the right conditions, yew pines are another tree that can do well indoors. Their bushy foliage adds visual interest to any space, and they’re rather hardy plants, even when subject to being indoors. Just be sure you are willing to learn how to prune or have the ceilings to cater to its growth.

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Jade Plant

NATHAN DUMLAO / UNSPLASH

• Botanical Name: Crassula ovata
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil Type: Sandy soil
• Soil pH: 6.5 to 7.0

Leung of Clara’s Green House, also recommends bringing a jade plant into your home. 

“Known as the money tree in feng shui because round leaves symbolize good fortune, jade can bring fortune in the form of money, health, or fame,” she says.

While they’re not too difficult to care for, they can be picky about watering. Be adamant about striking the perfect balance between not letting it completely dry out and not overwatering.

Monstera Deliciosa

SARA TOUFALI

• Botanical Name: Monstera deliciosa
• Sun Exposure: Low to bright light
• Soil Type: A well-draining combination soil mix
• Soil pH: 5.5 to 6.5

Kastner also recommends working a monstera somewhere in your home. These popular plants give an instant jungle-like boost to any room.

“This is a very rewarding plant to own because it can grow as big as you want it to,” she says. “And has unique leaves that have ‘splits’ in them.”

Kastner adds that these plants can get really large, so it’s best to increase your container size each time you repot one to prepare for more growth.

Ficus Audrey

LEAF + LOLO

• Botanical Name: Ficus benghalensis
• Sun Exposure: Bright direct or indirect light
• Soil Type: Well-draining soil
• Soil pH: 6.1 to 7.4

“This plant comes from the same family as the fiddle leaf fig, but it’s 10 times easier to take care of and I think it looks more modern and trendy,” says Toal of Plant Savvy.

If you’re all about ficuses, this less well-known version is certainly worth sourcing. They need quite a bit of light and don’t appreciate being overwatered, but even still, they aren’t as fussy as their relatives.

Staghorn Fern

MOCHA GIRL PLACE

• Botanical Name: Platycerium bifurcatum
• Sun Exposure: Indirect light
• Soil Type: Well-draining potting soil
• Soil pH: N/a

This ultra-cool plant nearly looks like seaweed out of water. While it can be in baskets or hanging setups, staghorn ferns are often pinned to wooden boards or slabs with a bit of moss for a fresh display. They appreciate humidity and while they like being watered, allowing it to dry out is also important.

Monstera Adansonii

KAELYN GUERIN

• Botanical Name: Monstera adansonii
• Sun Exposure: Tolerates low light but does best with medium to bright
• Soil Type: Well-draining soil
• Soil pH: 5.5 to 7.0

Another cool plant that should definitely be part of your growing greenhouse? The swiss cheese plant, which is oftentimes confused for a similar plant you may be familiar with.

“This plant has the beautiful holes (fenestration) that the monstera deliciosa has, but the swiss cheese plant has a different look and not everyone has them in their homes,” says Toal. “Give them room to climb and they will take over any room giving trendy jungle vibes.”

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Aloe Vera

MODERNLY YOU

• Botanical Name: Aloe vera
• Sun Exposure: Bright indirect sunlight
• Soil Type: Sandy or a succulent potting mix
• Soil pH: 7.0 to 8.5

Aloe vera are popular plants for many reasons. Their gel is ideal to have on hand in the kitchen and their spiny leaves make a lovely design statement. Leung also says that they’re also “known for cleaning the air and reducing toxic chemicals.” They’re not too hard to take care of, but this succulent likes when their soil dries between waterings.

Cacti

BLANCO BUNGALOW

• Botanical Name: varies
• Sun Exposure: Bright direct or indirect sunlight
• Soil Type: Pebbly, sandy soil, or cactus potting mix
• Soil pH: 5.0 to 6.5

If you’re not already a cacti person, Kamimoto says it’s time to get on board. Since there are so many kinds on the market, it’s possible for nearly everyone to find a cactus they like.

“Like succulents, they are plants with fleshy and sometimes spiny parts that are designed to store water,” he says. “Give them light and dry conditions. Let the water drain, dry out, and do it again.”

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ZZ Plant

JC DESIGN

• Botanical Name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia
• Sun Exposure: Low to bright indirect light
• Soil Type: Well-draining fertile soil
• Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.0

If you’re opposed to spending hours doting on your plants, Kastner says a ZZ plant is the perfect solution.

“It is practically a ‘set it and forget it plant,'” Kastner says. “This plant can tolerate both low light and water.”

Just be careful not to overwater, as she says their rhizomes can explode.

The Sill ZZ Plant $55.00

Snake Plant

DWELL AWARE

• Botanical Name: Sansevieria
• Sun Exposure: Bright indirect light
• Soil Type: Soil-less potting mix / Cactus or succulent potting mix
• Soil pH: 5.5 to 7.5

Sure, snake plants are a classic example of a common (but ultra-stylish) cool houseplant. They’re rather hardy and can put up with a lot of forgetfulness, but when it comes to feng shui, they get even better. Leung says snake plants are “known to ‘kill’ negativity immediately when they notice it and protect from bad energy.”

 

Golden Pothos

KAELYN GUERIN

• Botanical Name: Epipremnum aureum
• Sun Exposure: Low to bright light
• Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix
• Soil pH: 6.0 to 6.5

Another option for fans of trailing plants is golden pothos. They’re easy to maintain and care for and if you’re one who likes to propagate and gift your friends plants (or just grow your own jungle) this should be a definite purchase. Although its care guidelines are relatively simple, Kastner offered a few important tips.

“Don’t leave it in a wet tray for more than a few hours,” she says, adding that as it grows and gets longer, you should trim as needed or propagate and replant.

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African Milk Tree

HOUSE OF CHAIS

• Botanical Name: Euphorbia trigona
• Sun Exposure: Indirect sunlight
• Soil Type: Well-drained, rich soil
• Soil pH: 6.1 to 7.8

You wouldn’t be the only one to give an African milk tree a double-take. At first glance, it appears to be a cactus, but it’s actually a succulent. This is another winning choice for those who like to propagate as it’s easy to do so and it’s a fast grower. It’s great for any corner of your home, but be aware that its sap causes irritation and shouldn’t be consumed.3

Rooted African Milk Tree $30.00

String of Turtles

HOUSE OF CHAIS

• Botanical Name: Peperomia prostrata
• Sun Exposure: Indirect light
• Soil Type: Loamy soil
• Soil pH: 5.5 to 7.0

There are so many different plants with “string” prefacing their name. They look both dainty and playful and whether you stick with a classic string of pearls or go for something a little bit different like this string of turtles, you’ll be pleased with their cascading lengths of leaves. While it is a succulent, this plant has a few different requirements that may take some getting used to. But when flourishing, it makes for visual eye candy when hanging from your ceiling.

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Corn Plant

JC DESIGN

• Botanical Name: Dracaena fragrans
• Sun Exposure: Low to bright light
• Soil Type: Rich, well-draining soil
• Soil pH: 6.1 to 6.5

Up for an intermediate challenge? Take your jungle game up a notch with a corn plant. While it’s not the most difficult houseplant to look after Kastner says it can be a lot fussier than other tree varieties. If you’re thinking of the one that sat in your parents’ house, think again. These trees also come in few different types with cool leaf patterns.

Kastner says that corn plants often dislike hard tap water, and “if you are getting crispy edges for no reason,” it might be time to swap it out for distilled.

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Burro’s Tail

THE HOME CONSULTANT

• Botanical Name: Sedum morganianum
• Sun Exposure: Indirect or partial sun
• Soil Type: Well-draining succulent or cactus mix
• Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.0

Bushy and bold, burro’s tail is a fun succulent to try your hand at cultivating indoors. Although they’re a bit more difficult to get started when not outside, once they begin growing, you’ll have another voluminous houseplant to propagate.

Toal also adds, “These guys are perfect hanging plants. Once they start growing long strands it makes any corner of your room look amazing.”

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Coral Cactus

LEAF + LOLO

• Botanical Name: Euphorbia lactea with Euphorbia neriifolia
• Sun Exposure: Partial to full light
• Soil Type: Succulent or cactus potting mix
• Soil pH: 5.5 to 7.5

This stunning option for your home jungle is actually not one plant, but two! Kamimoto says these are considered to be grafted cacti or grafted succulents in some cases such as this.

“A grafted cactus is a combination of two different cacti species that have been grafted together and will continue to grow,” he explains. “They are very colorful and unique and represent the miracles of modern horticulture. Like cacti they thrive in dry conditions, so don’t overwater!”

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Madagascar Dragon Tree

GOLDALAMODE

• Botanical Name: Dracaena marginata
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Type: Well-draining loamy soil
• Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.0

If you like the spindly look of a spider plant’s leaves, the Madagascar dragon tree provides a similar vibe. It airs on the trendy side, adds a bit of tropical flair, and isn’t too difficult to care for. It’s not too picky about sunlight, soil pH, or getting a bit dry, so beginners will also find that it’s simple to get this plant flourishing.

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Lavender

JOYCE TOH / UNSPLASH

• Botanical Name: Lavandula
• Sun Exposure: Bright direct sun
• Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix
• Soil pH: 7.0

You may be familiar with fields of lavender, using the plant in culinary endeavors, or using it to help you sleep, but have you ever considered it as a houseplant?4 

“Lavender plants are perfect houseplants to enjoy and then take to the garden and transplant,” says Kamimoto. “The iconic flowers and aroma are very appealing and make a great garden plant after a couple of weeks indoors.”

With a plant like this, any room will instantly feel more serene and spa-like.

Anthurium

GOLDALAMODE

• Botanical Name: Anthurium
• Sun Exposure: Indirect light
• Soil Type: Coarse well-draining soil that retains some moisture
• Soil pH: 5.5 to 6.5

Another beautiful flowering houseplant that has exploded in popularity over the last year or so is anthurium. It’s loved for its blooms that come in vivid colors with a glossy finish. It’s tolerant to quite a few conditions, though it’s worth noting that without bright light it may not blossom nearly as much as it could, and beware of root rot.

Plants.com Red Anthurium Plant $45.00 $40.00

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Lucky Bamboo

GETTY IMAGES / ASIANTIGER247

• Botanical Name: Dracaena sanderiana
• Sun Exposure: Indirect light
• Soil Type: Well-draining soil
• Soil pH: 6.0 to 6.5

For a plant that truly fits into any style of home, you might want to take a closer look at Lucky Bamboo.

“Technically a dracaena sanderiana, the common name lucky bamboo denotes the different stem counts available and corresponding meanings,” says Kamimoto of Rocket Farms. “They are lush green stalks of foliage that can be enjoyed as single or multiple bunches–just avoid two stalks.” 

Because of their unique shape, they’re a fresh silhouette to add to any windowsill or bedside table.

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Red Prayer Plant

GETTY IMAGES / FIRN

• Botanical Name: Maranta leuconeura erythroneura
• Sun Exposure: Partial or full shade
• Soil Type: Well-draining soil, but moist
• Soil pH: 5.5 to 6.0

This brightly patterned plant’s complete Latin name is Maranta leuconeura erythroneura. Otherwise known as the herringbone plant, its leaves are striped with bands of bright pink. You can mist your prayer plants periodically or set them on a pebble tray to create a humid environment. These plants are pet-friendly, but obviously, you should not encourage your pets to eat your houseplants.

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Air Plants

HANNAH BUSING / UNSPLASH

• Botanical Name: Tillandsia
• Sun Exposure: Bright, indirect light
• Soil Type: N/a
• Soil pH: N/a

When it comes to wizardry in the world of plants you can bring home, air plants are up there under the category of magical. Kamimoto says these are an “evergreen flowering plant that doesn’t necessarily need soil to survive, hence the nickname ‘airplant.’” This makes them perfect for scattering around your home on trays, in macramé hammocks, and in wall-mounted vases.

While they don’t have as many needs as your average houseplant, watering is important. Regularly misting them as well as dunking them in water every month or so is essential, Kamimoto adds.

Frizzle Sizzle

GETTY IMAGES / QUESERASERA99

• Botanical Name: Albuca spiralis
• Sun Exposure: Full to partial sun (the more light the more curls)
• Soil Type: Well-draining soil
• Soil pH: 5.5 to 7.5

Yep, you read that correctly. Once you see this plant’s spirals, you’ll see that the name is onomatopoeically fitting

“The name is pretty awesome and the plant itself does not disappoint!” says Ren Lenhof of House Fur. Their curly-Q leaves make them one of a kind, but they’re only made better by their blooms and scent.

“Fragrant yellow flowers appear in spring on flower spikes that are adorned with 10 to 20 blooms per spike,” says Lenhof. “The blossoms are not only beautiful but also have a light vanilla fragrance.”

Because it goes dormant in the summer, this plant can get brown tips. Lenhof says this is completely normal, but if you don’t like the look, you can pluck out the flower stalks right when they start growing.

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Whale Fin

LEAF + LOLO

• Botanical Name: Sansevieria masoniana
• Sun Exposure: Low to bright indirect light
• Soil Type: Soil-less potting mix / Cactus or succulent potting mix
• Soil pH: 4.5 to 8.5

Another type of snake plant that may tickle your fancy is the whale fin. It’s extra-wide, single leaf makes it a statement in any room. It’s the perfect plant for people who don’t want too big of a jungle but is also ideal for those plant parents with seven snake plants and growing (#relatable). Like it’s relative, these also aren’t too difficult to care for either.

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Fiddle Leaf Fig

CITY SAGE

• Botanical Name: Ficus lyrata
• Sun Exposure: Partial shade
• Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil
• Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.0

Love them (or secretly despise them), no list would be complete without the famously difficult fiddle leaf fig. This plant has stunning broad leaves and can grow immensely tall, but it’s certainly not the best choice for those starting out on their plant journey—although some people do try and succeed! While it’s not high maintenance, meeting its basic needs (like the type of watering, soil, sun, and climate it likes) are all essential for it to do well.

Basil and Other Herbs

BONNIE KITTLE / UNSPLASH

• Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum
• Sun Exposure: Full, bright light
• Soil Type: Well-draining, nutrient-rich soil
• Soil pH: 5.1 to 8.5

If you’re one for cooking and baking, an herb garden in your window sill is a given. While a whole set of them (or just one) serves as a great culinary tool, it doubles as a houseplant, too!

“Keep a living basil plant on your kitchen counter and pick leaves as you need them, or use an entire plant to make a fresh serving of pesto,” suggests Kamimoto. “The fresh aroma will enhance your kitchen as well.”

Hoya Hearts

GETTY IMAGES / SOPONE NAWOOT

• Botanical Name: Hoya kerrii
• Sun Exposure: Medium to bright light
• Soil Type: Cactus or succulent potting mix
• Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.0

You may have spotted these adorable plants in the cactus and succulent section of a store, poking out of the soil. While they may look sweet, Toal of Plant Savvy says you want to make sure you pick out one that can still grow.

“It’s super important you get a plant that has a node attached and not just a leaf,” she explains. “It won’t grow new leaves if it is just a leaf cutting.”

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Majesty Palm

JULIA ROBBS

• Botanical Name: Ravenea revularis
• Sun Exposure: Bright, indirect light
• Soil Type: Cactus potting mix
• Soil pH: 5.0 to 6.0

For the ultimate tropical vibes for your home jungle, a majesty palm is a must. They’re not too picky as far as plants go, but they will appreciate earning a designated spot in your sunniest room. Because of the climate they’re used to, majesty palms should also be misted to help with humidity and given Epsom salts to up their nutrients.