As we’re constantly reminded, Instagramers represent the best of humanity so we must bow to their superior knowledge.
This time they’re buying houseplants and making everyone else’s homes look sterile.
To avoid that, we copy them.
Don’t worry though, the work has been done for you.
According to a survey by Internet Gardener, these five plants are the most photographed by Instagram users.
I’ll show you each of them and explain what to do with them. Rooms Solutions has even been mentioned in a Realtor article on this very subject.
Look at me now, Mom!
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Swiss Cheese Plant
Although the Swiss Cheese Plant, or Monstera deliciosa, is very popular at the moment, it’s actually been in people’s homes since the ’70s.
However, social media has had a huge influence on the Swiss Cheese Plant’s recent following. It’s easy to understand when you see its unique growth pattern and how simple it is to look after.
Because of their size and color, the leaves contrast beautifully again minimalist interior which includes:
- White walls
- Bright spaces
- Tidy presentations
You’re able to add bursts of color without overwhelming the space.
Here’s the downside?
Spend the same money and you get half a plant.
The leaf’s segmentation is unusual, not whole but not quite separated into individual smaller leaves either.
The positives?
Cast some Instagram photo-worthy shadows across your walls when the lights are dimmed.
Look, if you’ve had a hard day at work you can get one person to fan you with a Swiss Cheese Plant leaf whilst another feeds you grapes.
It’s a tropical plant so no one will mind.
Where to display Monstera deliciosa?
This is a plant that commands attention and should, therefore, be planted where you spend the majority of your time.
For most people this will be their living room.
To care for Monstera deliciosa
- Bright, indirect light
- 70-75 degrees
- peat-based potting material
- Water regularly, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings
- Mist folliage occassionally
Shop: Swiss Cheese Plant
Chinese money plant
You remember Puss in Boots from Shrek? The one that makes his eyes huge and watery when he wants something from you.
Well, Puss in Boots has met his match with the Chinese Money Plant.
The more you look at it, the more adorable it becomes.
Cuteness aside, Chinese Money Plants, also known as Pilea peperomioides, are popular because of the artistic presentation when they’re fully grown. They’re also surprisingly difficult to source in the United States which has pushed their prestige up in many people’s eyes (as well as the price).
Here’s a great solution to that problem, go to pilea.com and use the map to source some near you.
Chinese Money Plants follow the light source.
You can either rotate every few days which will keep the plant straight but cause it to produce fewer leaves or you can let it do its thing but it will be naturally lopsided with more impressive growth.
Where to display Chinese Money Plants
South-facing rooms usually get a lot of light, these are ideal for Pilea. They will look incredible in your kitchen, especially if you manage to get yours to bloom which is notoriously difficult.
To care for Chinese Money Plant
- Treat like a succulant
- Lots of indirect sunlight
- Water soil directly
- Well-draining soil (intended for indoor plants. Outdoor potting soil may be possible with the inclusion of Perlite)
- Let the soil dry out before
Shop: Chinese Money Plant
Devil’s Ivy
Also known as Golden Pothos, Devil’s Ivy is a plant that loves to grow.
Originating from the Soloman Islands, it has a really unquie arrow-shaped leaf with markings that make it appear painted.
When grown as a house plant, the leaves can remain relatively small but, locate it in its natural habitat at the top of a tree, you’ll discover huge leaves that you’d be able to wrap around your head. I don’t know why you’d want to do that but you could.
They’re popular because they’re hardy plants which work well in offices with fluorescent lighting. People grew attached to them and brought them back home.
Modern interiors often have hard edges. Golden Pothos are great for placing on these edges and letting them trail along to soften them visually.
It’s important to note that you should not have Devil’s Ivy in your home if you have pets (or small children, which can sometimes seem like pets) because it’s toxic.
Where to display Devil’s Ivy
The beauty of Devil’s ivy is the versatility of living environments it thrives in. For example, it will stand low-light levels and irregular waterings.
Personally, I love Devil’s Ivy in kitchens and studies to balance the edges on desks and shelves.
To care for Devil’s ivy
- Water every 5 days in summer and 10 days in winter
- Fertilise every 2 weeks
- Repot annually
Shop: Devil’s Ivy
Boston Fern
Who wouldn’t want Sideshow Bob in their home?
Boston Ferns are the plant version of a firework, their bright green fronds spill out from the center.
Growth is symmetrical and they reach a height between one and three feet, great for those who want a managable plant that still stands out.
The Boston Fern’s leaves need the space they deserve to do their thing. Allow them to take center stage in an indoor hanging basket, on a stand or bookshelf.
You’ve heard of accent chairs, well now you have an accent fern and the pleasure’s all yours.
Fluffy Ruffles, as they love to the called, have a reputation around town of being somewhat tricky to care for but once you understand their habits, it becomes a whole lot easier.
Where to place Boston Ferns
Areas with high humidity and lots of indirect sunlight. Bathrooms are great for this, as well as living rooms for showcase pieces.
To care for Boston Ferns
- Cool temperatures with high humidity
- Bright but indirect sunlight
- Moist soil
- Use a humidifier rather than misting the fronds
Shop: Boston Fern
Princess-Blue
Princess Blue, a hybrid of echeveria, is a very dainty succulent with a very striking color. They’re popular because they’re super easy to look after.
Princess Blues have an incredible hue, that much is clear. They work great in rooms with oranges, golds and whites which provides huge versatility in less commonly colored rooms.
It’s important to put them in south-facing windows with a lot of light. If you don’t, the beautiful rose-like symmetrical pattern they produce will be stretched as they go on a wander for extra photons.
You have to wait until the soil has completely dried out before watering again. If you don’t then there’s a high chance you’ll cause it to rot. A horrific end for such a pretty organism.
Top tip: avoid rubbing your hands across the leaves or spraying water on them, they’re not dusty – it’s actually an epicuticular wax called farina.
Where to place Princess-Blues
Great for placing in areas of a room that need an added accessory to complete them. Window sills in the bedroom or mantle-piece would look great. Remember, south-facing rooms only!
To care for Boston Ferns
- Only water once the soil has dried out or the leaves start to get squishy
- Love a lot of sun but try to avoid large light changes
Shop: Variety Pack of Mini Succulents
To tree or not to tree, that is the question
There you have your guide to the top five most popular houseplants and why they work well in the home.
You’ll notice how different each of the plants are to look at.
It makes sense. Everyone has their own space, their own style and yet you’re guaranteed to find one of these plants that suits yours.
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