The Ultimate Guide to the Most Popular Tropical Houseplants

If you are looking to build the perfect urban jungle, choosing the right indoor plants is the
best place to start. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced plant parent, certain
tropical varieties stand out for their stunning foliage, unique textures, and rewarding
growth.
Let´s explore five of the absolute best houseplants—Alocasia, Anthurium, Hoya,
Philodendron, and Monstera—and cover the basic care tips you need to keep them thriving in your home.

Alocasia: The Show-Stopping Statement Plant
Often referred to as Elephant Ears, the Alocasia is famous for its broad, dramatic leaves
and striking vein patterns. Varieties like the Alocasia Polly or the massive Alocasia
Macrorrhizos instantly add a structural, modern feel to any room.

Light: Bright, indirect sunlight. Too much direct sun can scorch their beautiful leaves.
Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy. They thrive in high-humidity
environments, making them perfect for well-lit bathrooms or near a humidifier.
Why we love it: It is the ultimate eye-catcher. An Alocasia demands attention and
elevates your interior design.

Anthurium: Exotic Blooms and Velvety Foliage
When you think of an Anthurium, you likely picture the classic, waxy red flowers (which
are actually modified leaves called spathes). However, rare Anthuriums with dark, velvety
foliage—like the Anthurium Clarinervium—have taken the houseplant community by storm.

Light: Medium to bright indirect light.
Water: Allow the top few inches of the soil to dry out between waterings. They
require a very chunky, well-draining soil mix (think orchid bark and perlite) to prevent
root rot.
Why we love it: They offer incredible variety. You can choose a species for its vibrant,
long-lasting blooms or opt for one with mesmerizing, deeply veined leaves.

Hoya: The Low-Maintenance Wax Plant
If you love trailing plants, the Hoya is a must-have. Also known as wax plants due to their
thick, waxy leaves, Hoyas are semi-succulent and incredibly resilient. If you treat them right, they will reward you with clusters of star-shaped, sweet-smelling flowers.

Light: Bright, indirect light is crucial if you want your Hoya to bloom.

Water: Because they store water in their thick leaves, you should let the soil dry out
completely before giving them a thorough soak.
Why we love it: They are perfect for hanging baskets or trailing down bookshelves,
and their drought tolerance makes them very forgiving for busy plant owners.

Philodendron: The Versatile Classic
The Philodendron family is massive, offering an incredible range of shapes, sizes, and colors.
From the classic vining Heartleaf Philodendron to the large, self-heading Philodendron Pink Princess, there is a variety for every space and skill level.
Light: Highly adaptable. They prefer bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light
conditions better than many other tropicals.
Water: Water when the top half of the soil feels dry. They will quickly tell you if they
are thirsty by drooping, but they bounce back fast once watered.
Why we love it: They are incredibly fast growers and generally very easy to
propagate. If you want a lush, jungle feel with minimal effort, Philodendrons are the
way to go.

Monstera: The Iconic Swiss Cheese Plant
No houseplant collection is complete without a Monstera. The Monstera Deliciosa, famous
for its massive, split leaves (fenestrations), is the poster child for the indoor plant craze. If
you are short on space, the vining Monstera Adansonii offers that same iconic Swiss
cheese look in a more compact form.

Light: Bright, indirect light encourages larger leaves and more splits.
Water: Allow the soil to dry out partially between waterings.
Why we love it: They are robust, aggressive growers. Give a Monstera a moss pole to
climb, and it will quickly transform your living room into a tropical oasis.
Which of these tropical beauties is your favorite? Whether you are drawn to the dramatic
Alocasia or the easy-going Philodendron, adding these plants to your space will instantly
boost your home´s aesthetic and air quality. Let us know in the comments below what plants you are adding to your wishlist next!