I think Instagram helped shine a light on the coolest houseplants and really spark the trend of filling one’s space with lush greenery and interesting specimens. It’s not that indoor plants ever went anywhere, but a few factors have meant a bigger selection at garden centers, grocery stores, and other retailers where you can buy plants. It’s now possible to find more than a peace lily, African violet, or Boston fern to decorate with indoors. Some of the accounts I follow on social media feature vibrant, leafy feeds full of recommendations. Lush greenery frames the pictures and modern knick knacks, rather than the other way around. I enjoy Plant the Future’s feed with its Star Wars planters and fun, and the Toronto-based Houseplant Journal, to name a few.

I don’t really think of myself as having a green thumb when it comes to indoor houseplants. It’s more green-ish. Orchids? I can keep them alive, but I’ve never had one rebloom for me. I have varying success with other plants, depending on what it is and the care required. But my success rate has vastly improved, thanks to improved watering techniques and attention. I always recommend that you ask at the time of purchase what the care instructions are for the plant you’re taking home, especially if it’s for somebody else.

With all that said, I’ve gathered a collection of some of the coolest houseplants I’ve come across. And I will try to add to it as I find more. This list is totally subjective, of course, but maybe you’ll discover a plant that you’d like to bring into your indoor space.

The coolest houseplants (in no particular order)

Air plants

I remember the first air plant (aka tillandsia) that I ever saw was huge! I promptly brought one home and set it on my mantel. It’s one of the coolest houseplants because you don’t need soil to help it grow. I subsequently discovered the smaller ones that I’ve used for crafts, like these ornaments I created for Canadian Living several years ago. Air plants don’t sit in soil, so to water, you simply hold them upside down under a tap for a few minutes. That’s what the grower suggested to me when I sourced the plants. Other articles I’ve read suggest soaking them. They like bright, indirect light. And in high-humidity situations, it’s recommended that they’re given a light misting two to three times a week.

Crispy Wave fern

I discovered the Crispy Wave fern while writing a houseplant article for the Toronto Star. A gardener by the name of Haruo Sugimoto found it in 1961 off the southern coast of Japan. This plant is a superstar. We’ve all seen that standard NASA list of houseplants that purify the air. Well, Asplenium Nidus “CW” can filter more formaldehyde from the air than a Boston fern. It likes low to medium light and a weekly water. And apparently it will last a long time.

String of dolphins

I have a couple of hooks in my kitchen and string of dolphins, string of spades, and string of pearls have all hung upon them. They are easy to care for and grow quickly.

Begonias

Ever since I saw the colorful begonia called Shadow King Strawberry Sherbet at the California Spring Trials a few years back, I have been interested in the intricate foliage of various types of begonias. We have articles about a few different types of begonias: Rieger, Escargot, Gryphon, and Maculata.

Fittonia

I really love the delicate veins of a fittonia. I will say they are a little more finicky than I expected in that they get thirsty rather quickly. But keep yours watered and it will be happy. Your plant will thrive in bright, indirect light. There is a thorough article about caring for a fittonia here.

Mother of Thousands

This unique plant looks like it has serrated edges from afar, but up close you realize they’re little buds. These are essentially plant clones called plantlets. The plant needs good drainage, so pot it up in a soil mix for cacti. It must be noted that this plant, Bryophyllum daigremontianum, is toxic to both humans and pets when ingested. Place it in a bright window out of reach and water thoroughly. Be sure that the top two inches of soil have dried out before watering again.

Pilea

When I interviewed Pascale Harster of Harster Greenhouses for a Toronto Star article a few years ago, she told me that the minimalist-looking Pilea peperomioides was very popular. The plant enjoys moist soil, but does not like wet feet, so don’t allow it to sit in water. Water it about once a week and place in a bright window, but not in direct sunlight.

Medinilla magnifica

I fell in love with the medinilla’s large, heavy pink blooms. I have seen them in a greenhouse in Belgium and in a garden in Barbados. The plant likes to dry out completely between waterings (about every seven to 10 days). Water from the bottom by placing the pot in a sink or dish of about two litres of water. Soak it for 10 minutes and allow to dry. It also likes to be misted. Medinilla doesn’t mind direct sunlight between November and March, but the leaves may burn the rest of the year, so it’s best to keep it in indirect bright light, instead.

Silver vase plant

This is the type of houseplant that dazzles with its vibrant, central bract that rises out of the center of silvery green foliage. This bract actually forms a vase, which is where you water the plant. Keep it filled and freshen up the water about every 10 days. Give the roots a light water in the summer and less in the winter. Use orchid potting soil to pot it up and place this bromeliad in an area that gets lots of bright light, but out of direct sunlight.

A list of more cool houseplants

• Fishbone cactus
• Ledebouria
• Monstera adansonii
• Venus fly traps
• Anthurium
• Plumosa fern