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These Are the 5 Houseplants Everyone Will Have by the End of 2023

publishedMar 23, 2023
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Credit:Lauren Kolyn

Houseplants have always had a special place in our hearts (and Instagram feeds), but afterofficially blowing up in 2020, they’re still going strong as ever three years later. Whether you’re adedicated #plantparentof dozens or just like to pepper a little greenery into your space, plants make a great addition to truly any home. You can always count on some reliable favorites (I’m looking at you, golden pothos), but plenty of popular newcomers have also hit the plant scene especially hard over the past few years. Just like monsteras and fiddle-leaf figs took over back in 2020 and 2021, respectively, expect even more sought-after flora types to emerge in 2023, too.

To get the scoop on the latest trending tropicals, Costa Farms horticulturist Justin Hancock shared his insights and predictions on the five houseplants that everyone will own by the end of this year. Of course, while keeping up with fads is fun — especially when it involves discovering new varieties of your favorite indoor plants — it’s always most important to choose houseplants that do well in the growing conditions you have in your home. That said, get the full 2023 plant forecast below and let us know if any others have made it onto your own must-have list.

Credit: Costa Farms

Chameleon ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Chameleon’)

Classic and low-maintenance, plenty of new and excitingZZ plantshave hit the market in recent years, including the Raven ZZ plant and Variegated ZZ plant, to name a few. In 2023, Hancock predicts the Chameleon ZZ plant specifically to have its moment in the spotlight. “It’s just as easy to grow as Raven, Zamicro, and other varieties, but it features new leaflets that emerge with no chlorophyll, so they’re a bright golden-yellow color,” says Hancock. As the leaves mature, they eventually darken to a deep green color, similar to other counterparts of the same species. “There’s been a ton of interest in this plant from plant parents across the country, and given its trendy golden color and no-fuss nature, it’s going to continue to be popular as more and more consumers — beyond the super-enthusiasts — learn about it,” he adds.

Credit: Costa Farms

Lemon Meringue pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Lemon Meringue’)

Pothosundoubtedly remain one of the most popular houseplants out there — and for good reason. They’re easy to care for, versatile, and offer tons of varieties, with new and exciting cultivators continually being discovered. This year, Hancock expects the Lemon Meringue variety to be a big hit. “This is a brand-new selection of pothos that was discovered as a mutation (of Global Green) by Costa Farms … it also happens to be one of the most highly searched plants in Costa Farms’ online plant shop,” he says.

This up-and-coming pothos variety is characterized by variegated green foliage that’s irregularly edged in bright golden-yellow. The more light it gets, the brighter the variegation. For those familiar with varieties like the Pearls and Jade pothos or N’joy pothos, it’s similar in appearance. “Like other pothos varieties, it’s super-versatile: You can grow it trailing from a basket, horizontally over a tabletop, or let it climb a totem or moss pole,” Hancock says.

Credit: Costa Farms

Philodendron ‘White Knight’

This stunning variegated philodendron isn’t new to the houseplant world, but it’s recently become much easier (and more affordable) to get your hands on. “This is a variety that people know and love, and it’s been hard to find… with a number of tissue culture labs offering it and opening availability, it’s going to be a hot seller for the year,” Hancock advises. The philodendron “White Knight” features large, variegated leaves with irregular splashes of bright white, as well as a climbing growth habit. “It has a lot going for it: white- and silver-variegated plants continue to be trendy, as do climbing/vining plants, and it’s not particularly fussy about watering, humidity, or other conditions, so this plant is set up for success,” he adds.

Credit: Costa Farms

Hoya

According to Hancock, no particular variety ofhoyaseems to be gaining in popularity over the others. Instead, he predicts that the entire category will receive extra love in 2023. Hoyas are attractive vining plants known for their thick, waxy leaves (lending to the common nickname “wax plant”), trailing growth habit, and showy flowers. They’ve been popping up for years among plant-lovers’ collections, but just recently started to gain traction among more mainstream plant parents. “Whether consumers grow them for their variegated foliage (like the球兰carnosa“Rubra”,也叫Krimson公主),香flowers (like theHoya lacunosa), or interesting form (like theHoya compacta, also called Rope Hoya), folks just can’t get enough of these plants,” Hancock says. Plus, low-maintenance hoyas thrive on neglect. If you like the look of these plants and the ease of care they offer, keep an eye out for these varieties at a nursery or plant shop near you: Hoya obovata, Hoya kerrii, Hoya wayetii, and Hoya mathilde.

Credit: Cathy Php/Shutterstock

White bird of paradise (Strelitzia nicolai)

While the white bird of paradise isn’t new, this plant has become increasingly popular and in-demand within the plant community. At first glance, it looks nearly identical to the standardbird of paradise plant, however, rather than sporting multi-colored blooms, it showcases stunning all-white flowers. “Big, bold foliage is super-trendy — plants like this instantly add a lush, tropical feel to any space and only get bigger, bolder, and more majestic with time,” says Hancock. “It’s not too fussy about watering and doesn’t require high humidity or pruning/shaping/training, so it’s a cinch to grow.”