11 Crazy Cool House Plants Trending in 2016

1. Bromeliad Plant

The Bromeliad is a unique, low-light indoor plant that's great for spaces with limited natural sunlight. It can even thrive under fluorescent light, making it a solid choice for offices or rooms without windows.

It also loves humidity, so it does particularly well in bathrooms where moisture is abundant. The best part? They're non-toxic to pets, meaning you can enjoy some colorful blooms worry-free.

2. Snake Plant

Sometimes referred to as "mother-in-law's tongue," the Snake Plant is the ultimate low-maintenance houseplant. It can survive for months without light and requires very little water, making it ideal for even the busiest plant parents.

For optimal care, just water it every two to three weeks, and it will flourish with minimal additional effort.

3. Boston Fern

The Boston Fern also does well in areas with indirect sunlight, and it loves humidity.

To keep it happy, simply ensure the water stays consistently moist and mist the plant periodically. Regular pruning every few months will prevent it from becoming too unruly as well.

4. Prayer Plant

The Prayer Plant is known for its unique foliage that opens and closes with the sun, giving it the appearance of "praying" as day turns to night. Even with this cool behavior, though, it's quite easy to care for.

This variety thrives in low to medium light and appreciates humidity, so it's best kept in bathrooms or kitchens. All you have to do is water it when the top quarter of the soil feels dry.

5. Spider Plant

The Spider Plant is one of the most popular houseplants, and for good reason. It's flexible and extremely simple to care for.

It can adapt to low light conditions and prefers comfortable room temperatures. Just make sure the soil is always slightly moist to keep your Spider Plant happy.

6. Parlor Palm

This variety is a resilient and attractive low-light plant that can brighten up any space with its feathery, arching leaves.

While it thrives in medium light, it can also tolerate lower light conditions. Otherwise, it enjoys humidity and extra moisture, but it doesn't require frequent watering. Every two weeks is typically enough to do the trick.

7. Wax Plant

Wax Plants are super easygoing when it comes to light and care. They flourish in bright light, but they also adapt well to lower light conditions, making them a versatile pick for a variety of spaces.

They're also able to bounce back if you forget to water them every now and then!

8. Sago Palm

Have you always wanted a palm tree in your home? If so, the Sago Palm offers the perfect opportunity.

Even though this plant does best in bright, direct light, it can deal with lower light conditions due to its adaptability. However, it's important to note that it's particular when it comes to watering.

You should only water the Sago Palm after the top inch of soil has dried out. Over-watering is the quickest way to harm this plant.

9. Monstera Deliciosa

Known for its large, dramatic leaves, the Monstera Deliciosa is surprisingly adaptable. It can tolerate low-light conditions while growing at a slower pace.

Just keep in mind that, while stunning, this variety is toxic to both humans and pets, so it shouldn't be ingested.

10. Calathea Peacock

Featuring pink and red flecks, the Calathea Peacock is a stunning addition to any indoor plant collection. It can flourish in bright light and handle up to eight hours of sunlight per day.

Yet, at the same time, it's also perfectly content in lower light conditions and is non-toxic.

11. Money Tree

If you're searching for a larger indoor plant that does well in medium, indirect light, look no further than the Money Tree. It's sure to be a standout in any room and is extremely easy to care for.

Simply plant it in a well-draining potting mix and place it a few feet away from a sunny window.

12. ZZ Plant

New plant parents shouldn't overlook the ZZ Plant, which is beloved for its low-maintenance nature. It can tolerate low light and can go weeks without water!

Just be sure to water this variety whenever the soil has dried out entirely. Also, remember that it is toxic to both cats and dogs.

13. English Ivy

English Ivy enjoys high-humidity environments and doesn't need bright light to flourish. So, it's ideal for moist, low-light areas, just like your bathroom!

It has fast-growing vines and can quickly become a lush addition to your space. You can consider using a hanging planter or vine supports to guide its growth and keep its spreading under control.

14. Red Anthurium

The Red Anthurium is an excellent choice if you want to add a splash of color to your space. Sometimes referred to as the flamingo flower, it features stunning red blooms that can last up to eight weeks.

It does well in low to medium light, too, making it a versatile option for all sorts of spaces.

15. Begonia Rex

Last but not least is Begonia Rex, a low-light indoor plant that prefers bright, indirect sunlight because direct rays can scorch its leaves. To keep this variety comfortable, ensure conditions remain humid and around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

1. Aloe

Aloe Vera Plant

Aloe vera is well-known for its soothing properties when it comes to sunburn. But this spiky succulent with thick, serrated leaves is also a low-maintenance indoor plant. It doesn't require frequent watering. In fact, it's actually best to let the soil dry out completely between drinks to prevent over-watering. And although it grows slowly, aloe can eventually reach up to three feet in height and width.

2. Snake Plant

Live Sansevieria Plant w/ Grow Pot

Snake plants are beloved for their striking, sword-shaped dark green leaves, which are often highlighted with patterns in silver, white, cream, or yellow hues. These tough plants are ideal for forgetful waterers, too, as they can go weeks without needing a drink!

So, this variety can easily reach an impressive four feet tall and even thrives in a range of lighting conditions, from low to bright light.

3. Zebra Plant

Aphelandra Zebra Plant with Yellow Blooms

With its white-striped leaves, the zebra plant can add a stylish touch to any windowsill. But, perhaps its best quality is that this low-maintenance succulent thrives with very little attention, making it ideal for busy plant owners.

This variety typically remains under a foot tall, so it remains compact and easy to fit in smaller living spaces, like apartments. Additionally, the zebra plant prefers bright light and well-draining soil, so you should always allow the soil to dry out in between waterings.

4. Bunny Ear Cactus

Bunny Ear Cactus

As this variety's cute name suggests, the bunny ear cactus features flat pads that resemble the ears of a rabbit. Not only is this charming cactus drought-tolerant, but it also doesn't have the sharp spines typically associated with cacti. Still, you should be cautious of the tiny barbs on its pads, which can irritate your skin if touched.

The bunny ear cactus needs plenty of bright light to thrive, but when given enough sun exposure, you'll be rewarded with beautiful yellow blooms in the spring.

5. Corn Plant

American Plant Exchange Dracaena Mass Cane ‘Corn Plant’

Despite its name, the corn plant isn't really related to the corn you eat. Rather, its long green leaves do resemble corn stalks! Aside from bringing a bunch of greenery into your home, this plant is low-maintenance and surprisingly forgiving if you sometimes forget to water. It will bounce back if it dries out a little, making it a no-fuss variety.

6. Ponytail Palm

Bloomscape Live Ponytail Palm w/ Planter

The ponytail palm is a very tough plant, thanks to its thick stems that store moisture. So, it can easily survive if you forget to water it now and then! This drought-tolerant beauty only needs to be watered every couple of weeks in the warmer months and every three to four weeks during the winter. It also does well in both low and bright light and can reach an impressive 10 feet tall.

7. Ox Tongue

Gasteria Spotted Ox Tongue Rare Succulent Live Plant

Featuring rugged leaves, the ox tongue can add visual intrigue to any indoor plant collection. This succulent doesn't require frequent watering, either, and in the winter, it can go for weeks without needing a drink. Instead, it flourishes in bright light, and with the right amount of sun, it will produce pink-red flowers during the spring.

8. Pothos

Live Mini Pothos Plant w/ Hanging Planter

Pothos is a favorite in both homes and offices thanks to its hardiness and glossy leaves. This variety has earned its reputation as one of the most low-maintenance plants, flourishing even without daily watering. On top of that, it handles everything from low light to bright light and can tolerate drying out in between waterings.

9. Dracaena

Costa Farms Dracaena Golden Heart Live Indoor Plant

Commonly known as "dragon trees," dracaena are favored for their sword-shaped leaves and resilience in the face of neglect. They're highly adaptable, thriving in low light and requiring minimal watering. They can even handle missed feedings from time to time, too. So, dracaena can make bold decor statements with little care needed from their owners.

10. ZZ Plant

ZZ Plant

Last but not least is the ZZ plant, which has thick and leathery leaves that almost resemble plastic. Thankfully, this drought-tolerant variety is just as low-maintenance as the fake plants you can buy at the store. ZZ plants only require occasional watering, and while they do best in bright light, they're also perfectly fine in low-light areas.

1. Cucumbers

I have never left cucumbers outside the fridge, but it turns out that this can cause them to become too watery. Instead, find an airtight containerand store them in your pantry or countertop. Then toss them in this colorful Greek Salad!

2. Bell Peppers

Stashing bell peppers in the fridge can actually make them lose their crunch (who knew?). For peak crispness, keep them at room temperature and enjoy within one to two days. If you're not planning to eat them that quickly, pop them in the fridge to help prevent them from going soft too soon.

3. Basil

Store your basil as you would a fresh bouquet of flowers, in a jar with water. Cold temps can cause basil leaves to turn black, so it’s better off out of the fridge.

4. Butter (And Peanut Butter!)

According to the USDA, butter is best used within a day or two at room temperature to preserve its flavor. When I lived in San Francisco, I could leave it out on the counter year-round without worrying about it melting. Now that I’m in a hotter climate, I keep it out most of the year — just not during the peak of summer. Peanut butter also does well at room temperature, staying smooth and spreadable for up to three months (after which you'll need to refrigerate it).

5. Tomatoes

I grew tomatoes in my garden for the first time last year, and nothing beats the taste of one plucked straight from the vine. To keep that juicy , sun-ripened flavor going, store your tomatoes at room temperature on the counter — not in the fridge. Cold temps can dull their flavor and texture. Try making a simple Tomato Confit recipe to drizzle over bread or pasta, yum!

6. Avocados

A friend and I were debating whether avocados belong in the fridge — turns out, they don’t. At least, not until they’re ripe. I eat one almost every day, so I go through them fast, but once they ripen, I pop them in the fridge to slow down the over-ripening. If you’re craving Avocado Toast, stash them in a paper bag to speed things up, or just let them ripen naturally in an open container on the counter.

7. Fresh Bread

If you want to get the most flavor (and life) out of your fresh bread, skip the fridge. Refrigeration actually speeds up staling. Instead, store it in a bread box or basket — somewhere that blocks light but still lets it breathe. Planning to eat it the same day? Leaving it uncovered at room temperature works just fine. Otherwise, a paper bag or the freezer are your best options.

8. Potatoes (Sweet or Otherwise)

I like to keep my potatoes and onions tucked away in the pantry where it’s cool and dark. Storing them in a paper bag at room temperature helps preserve their texture and flavor. The fridge might seem like a good idea, but it can actually do more harm than good — the moisture makes potatoes overly sweet and kind of gritty, and the humidity can cause them to mold more quickly.

9. Onions & Garlic

Onions, shallots, and garlic can become moldy when exposed to the high humidity of the refrigerator. Store them in a relatively cool, dry place in your pantry or a cabinet that’s not exposed to light. Your onions will remain fresh and ready to use whenever you need them for recipes like this Spring Veggie Galette that I make every year!