Must-Have Houseplants: Are They Worth It?

The houseplant community has its own list of must-have plants, and I'll evaluate whether they're truly worth the hype. Weekly, new must-haves pop up on social media, but today, I'll focus on six that have remained in high demand for several years.

Monstera adansonii

Monstera adansonii, also known as the Swiss cheese vine, gained popularity in the early days of the houseplant craze. Initially, it was a bit challenging to find and costly, but today, it's readily available at affordable prices. This plant is versatile, growing in hanging baskets, on moss poles, or trellises. Its leaves grow larger as it climbs, making it stand out.

Approximately two years ago, it was hard to find a six- or eight-inch pot for less than $40 to $50. Today, you can easily find four-inch pots for around $6. This plant is a must-have due to its beauty and ease of propagation.

• Is it worth it? Yes, definitely.

Watermelon Peperomia or Peperomia argyreia

Peperomia argyreia, also known as the watermelon peperomia, is loved for its round leaves with silver variegation resembling watermelon rinds. While it's been popular, it remains reasonably priced. Avoid the larger hanging baskets and opt for a manageable four-inch pot. This plant grows slowly and might not achieve its full potential if not properly cared for.

• Is it worth it? Not necessarily.

• Does it grow slowly? Yes, it does, producing only a few leaves per year.

Monstera Deliciosa Albo Variegata

The Monstera Deliciosa Albo Variegata is stunning but comes with a hefty price tag. It's best admired in botanical gardens with the ideal conditions for its massive fenestrated leaves. Purchasing this plant can be extremely expensive, even for leafless nodes.

• Is it worth it? No, it's not.

Begonia maculata

Begonia maculata has beautiful, somewhat larger leaves with striking scarlet undersides. While it's a lovely plant, there are many similar begonias that are easier to care for and more worthy of consideration.

• Is it worth it? Maybe, but there are better begonia options.

Blue pothos from Cebu

Cebu Blue Pothos is highly sought after and has become more available. It's similar to the Monstera adansonii in terms of demand but grows quickly and is easy to propagate, making it a worthwhile addition to your collection.

• Is it worth it? Yes, it is.

Philodendron erubescens, Pink Princess

The Philodendron erubescens Pink Princess grows rapidly but is still hard to find. Its high price is driven by demand, and it may become more affordable in the future. While it's easy to care for, its current price might not justify the purchase.

• Is it worth it? Not at its current price.

In conclusion, the world of must-have houseplants is diverse, and each plant has its own pros and cons. Consider your budget and preferences when deciding which ones are worth adding to your collection.

Plant Summary Table

About the Author

Chris Hall

Green Thumbs Aren't Born, They're Made! Christopher Hall has been an avid indoor gardener for over 10 years and has helped many friends and family members keep their plants alive and thriving. He has a blog, which is dedicated to teaching others how to cultivate healthy plants indoors.