Houseplants That Pop: Bring Color and Life into Your Home

Are you looking for a quick way to add life and color to your space? Houseplants are the perfect solution! With more than 10,000 species of houseplants available commercially today, there are options in just about any color and size to suit any space or level of expertise. With a little bit of care, these houseplants will give you rich colors — and all the other benefits of houseplants — for years to come.

However, if you have curious pets in your home, exercise caution. Place toxic plants on high shelves or hanging baskets, or choose a pet-safe alternative. Here are some stunning houseplants, both pet-safe and not, to consider for your indoor garden:

Rex Begonias (Begonia Rex)
Rex begonias are prized for their fascinating foliage, which boasts intriguing shapes and a range of saturated colors. These plants thrive in east or north-facing windows. However, be aware that they are not pet-safe, so keep them out of reach of your furry friends.

Crotons (Codiaeum variegatum)
Crotons are popular houseplants or landscape plants in warmer climates due to their splashy coloring and bushy growth habit. The multi-hued petra croton is easy to find in many garden centers and prefers bright, indirect light. Like rex begonias, crotons are not pet-safe, so place them wisely.

Peperomia ‘Ripple Red’ (Peperomia caperata ‘Ripple Red’)
The “Ripple Red” variety of peperomia combines deeply textured leaves with dark green and wine-red splashes. This plant is ideal for small spaces and prefers bright, indirect light. The good news for pet owners is that it is safe for pets.

Rattlesnake Calathea (Calathea lancifolia)
The rattlesnake calathea boasts a striking multi-hued green pattern on one side of each leaf and dark purple undersides. It is considered one of the easiest members of the prayer plant family to care for. This plant thrives in medium indirect light, appreciates extra humidity, and doesn’t like to dry out completely. It is also safe for pets.

Bird’s Nest Hurricane Fern (Asplenium nidus ‘Hurricane’)
A newer cultivar of the bird’s nest fern, the hurricane fern grows in an unusual swirling pattern, with a rich green color contrasting nicely against saturated fall colors. As epiphytes, these ferns work well for mounted or kokedama plantings and make great conversation pieces. They are also safe for pets.

Hypoestes (Hypoestes phyllostachya)
Also known as the polka dot plant, hypoestes boasts spotted leaves in white, pink, or red and works well in a container on its own or as an accent to other plants. Fittonias, a relative of the hypoestes, offer similar unusual foliage but generally have a larger growing habit. Both hypoestes and fittonias are safe for pets.

By incorporating these vibrant houseplants into your home, you can enjoy a lively and colorful environment while reaping the numerous benefits of plants, such as improved air quality and enhanced mood. Whether you choose pet-safe varieties or not, these plants will make a stunning addition to any space.