It’s easy to fall for a pretty plant at the store—but not all houseplants are as charming once they’re in your home. Some of the most popular indoor plants are surprisingly high-maintenance, prone to pests, or just don’t thrive in real-world conditions (like dry apartments or low light).
Luckily, there are better alternatives that give you the same visual impact without all the frustration. Whether you’re after glossy leaves, sculptural shapes, or tropical vibes, you don’t have to sacrifice style for something that actually survives.
Here are 12 trendy houseplants to skip, and 8 smart swaps that look just as good—but are easier to grow, longer lasting, and far more likely to love you back.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
Known for its striking appearance, the Fiddle Leaf Fig is often a first choice for plant enthusiasts seeking a statement piece. However, its dramatic foliage belies a high-maintenance personality. This plant demands consistent humidity and light, and even minor neglect can result in brown leaves or stunted growth.
If you tend to forget watering schedules, you might find yourself battling frequent leaf drop. Instead, consider a Rubber Plant. Its glossy, broad leaves provide a similar aesthetic without the fuss. Resilient and adaptable, it thrives in various lighting conditions, making it a rewarding companion for busy lifestyles.
Boston Fern
Fronds cascading elegantly, the Boston Fern exudes old-world charm. Yet, it’s notorious for its neediness. High humidity and consistent moisture are non-negotiable, and without them, this plant’s lush appearance quickly fades.
For those not ready to invest in a humidifier, the Bird’s Nest Fern stands as a worthy rival. With its hearty, wavy fronds, it offers a similar visual appeal but is far more forgiving about occasional dry spells. Perfect for those who adore the fern look without the constant vigilance, it effortlessly survives in typical household conditions.
English Ivy
Romantic and trailing, English Ivy might seem like the ideal addition to your cozy nook. But beware — it’s prone to pests and diseases, and its fast growth can lead to relentless pruning.
For a similarly lush cascade, try the Pothos. Its heart-shaped leaves and hardiness make it a favorite among beginners. Pothos thrives with minimal care, offering vibrant greenery without the headaches. Whether in a pot or hanging basket, it adapts to low light and neglect, making it a better-suited choice for most indoor gardens.
Orchid
Orchids are the divas of the plant world, with their exotic blooms captivating many. Yet, these beauties are also notoriously fickle, requiring precise watering, humidity, and light conditions.
If you seek something equally enchanting but far less demanding, consider the Peace Lily. Known for its elegant white blooms and air-purifying qualities, it flourishes with basic care. Simply keep its soil moist and it will reward you with beautiful foliage and blossoms, brightening any room with ease and grace.
Maidenhair Fern
Delicate and ethereal, the Maidenhair Fern captivates with its fine-textured fronds. However, its sensitivity to dry air and inconsistent watering makes it a challenging plant for many.
Instead, opt for the ZZ Plant. This hardy option withstands neglect and thrives in low light. With its glossy, thick leaves, the ZZ Plant offers a modern touch to any interior without the constant concern over humidity or watering schedules. It’s an easygoing alternative that still brings a touch of elegance and greenery to your space.
Bonsai Tree
The artful Bonsai Tree evokes a sense of tranquility and discipline. Despite its captivating form, it is notoriously demanding in terms of care. Pruning, watering, and positioning must be precise to maintain its miniature beauty.
For an equally sculptural alternative, the Jade Plant shines. Its thick, succulent leaves and tree-like structure provide a bonsai-like appearance without the meticulous care. Jade Plants are resilient and adaptable, thriving with minimal attention while adding a bold, architectural element to your decor.
Cactus
Cacti are often perceived as low-maintenance, but they’re not entirely carefree. Overwatering is a common pitfall, and their slow growth can be frustrating for those seeking rapid results.
Consider the Snake Plant for a similarly sculptural look with less fuss. Renowned for its air-purifying abilities, this plant tolerates neglect, dim lighting, and irregular watering. With its striking, upright leaves, it offers visual interest and resilience, making it a superb candidate for any indoor setting that needs a touch of greenery.
Succulent Assortment
Succulents, with their charming variety and compact size, often entice plant collectors. Yet, they can be surprisingly finicky, particularly in humid environments where they’re prone to rot.
A better option might be the Haworthia, a succulent that’s less temperamental. It adapts well to indoor conditions, requiring minimal water and thriving in indirect light. Its unique rosette shape and relative hardiness make it an attractive choice for adding a touch of desert beauty without frequent worry over care requirements.
Peace Lily
While Peace Lilies are beloved for their elegant blooms and air-cleaning properties, they’re not without challenges. They can be sensitive to overwatering and inadequate light, leading to drooping leaves.
Try a Spider Plant as an alternative. Known for its resilience and adaptability, it’s easy to care for and produces charming ‘pups’ that add a playful touch. Spider Plants thrive in a range of conditions, offering a vibrant, lively presence with minimal effort. They’re perfect for those who appreciate a touch of greenery without the hassle.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera’s reputation as a healing plant attracts many, yet it can be tricky for the uninformed gardener. Overwatering and poor lighting often lead to brown tips and stunted growth.
For a plant with similar benefits but less fuss, consider the Cast Iron Plant. It’s as tough as the name suggests, thriving in low light and under irregular watering. With broad, leathery leaves, it brings a robust, tropical feel to your home, offering beauty and resilience without the common pitfalls associated with Aloe Vera.
Spider Plant
Despite its reputation for being easy-going, the Spider Plant can experience browning tips due to fluoride in tap water or inconsistent watering. These issues can detract from its otherwise cheerful appearance.
Instead, consider the Chinese Evergreen. Its striking foliage and tolerance for low light and varying conditions make it an ideal indoor plant. With minimal care, it provides lush, vibrant greenery, transforming any space into a cozy haven while sidestepping the common issues faced by Spider Plant owners.
Bamboo Palm
Favored for its air-purifying qualities, the Bamboo Palm can be a bit finicky. It requires consistent watering and specific lighting conditions, making it less adaptable than many realize.
Opt for the Kentia Palm instead. With its graceful, arching fronds, it provides a similar aesthetic but is more forgiving of varied light and moisture levels. The Kentia Palm offers a tropical vibe and is a reliable option for those looking to incorporate a touch of the outdoors into their living spaces without constant upkeep.
Snake Plant
Renowned for its hardiness, the Snake Plant is not without its challenges. Overwatering and poor drainage can lead to root rot, affecting its health.
Instead, consider the ZZ Plant, a similarly robust option. With its glossy, deep green leaves, the ZZ Plant tolerates low light and infrequent watering. It offers an appealing structure and air-purifying benefits, making it a versatile choice for a variety of settings. Perfect for those who appreciate a hands-off approach to plant care.
Rubber Plant
Though admired for its bold, glossy leaves, the Rubber Plant can be demanding. It’s sensitive to light changes and overwatering, which can lead to yellowing leaves.
The Parlor Palm offers a more forgiving alternative. With its graceful, feathery fronds, it adds a touch of elegance without the fuss. Adaptable to low light and less frequent watering, the Parlor Palm is ideal for those seeking beauty and simplicity in their indoor garden. It’s a plant that thrives with minimal intervention, offering both style and ease.
Philodendron
Philodendrons, with their lush, trailing vines, seem like the perfect low-maintenance plant. But they can suffer from root rot if overwatered and are sensitive to temperature changes.
The Pothos is a similarly attractive option that’s more forgiving. Known for its resilience, it thrives in a range of conditions and requires minimal care. With vibrant foliage that cascades beautifully, it’s a versatile plant that enhances any space. Pothos offers the visual appeal of the Philodendron without the same level of commitment.
Calathea
Calatheas are known for their strikingly patterned leaves, but they’re also infamous for their fussy nature. They demand precise humidity and watering conditions to maintain their vibrant appearance.
For a similar splash of color with less hassle, the Chinese Evergreen stands out. Its variety of leaf patterns and shades add interest and are complemented by its forgiving nature. This plant is undemanding and an excellent option for those seeking to enjoy ornamental foliage without the meticulous care that Calatheas require.
Begonia
Begonias boast vibrant flowers and foliage, yet they can be high-maintenance, requiring specific humidity levels and careful watering to flourish.
Instead, opt for the African Violet. Known for its charming, colorful blooms, it offers visual delight with less stringent care requirements. African Violets are happy in moderate light and with regular watering, making them a delightful addition to any home. They provide the beauty of Begonias without the accompanying stress, perfect for those who enjoy bright pops of color indoors.
Dumb Cane
The Dumb Cane, with its bold leaves, is a popular choice but can be hazardous if ingested, posing a risk to pets and children. Additionally, it is sensitive to overwatering and low humidity.
The Cast Iron Plant offers a safer, low-maintenance alternative. It thrives in low light and is tolerant of neglect, making it ideal for busy households. With its sturdy, appealing foliage, it adds a touch of greenery without the drama, providing peace of mind alongside its aesthetic attributes.
African Violet
Often considered a classic, the African Violet’s delicate blooms can be temperamental, especially when it comes to humidity and watering.
Consider a Peace Lily for a similar floral touch with more forgiving care requirements. Known for its air-purifying qualities and elegant white flowers, it prospers with less attention. Peace Lilies are adaptable and offer a serene, graceful presence without the need for constant monitoring, perfect for those who enjoy effortless elegance in their plant collection.
Air Plant
Air Plants, with their unique, soil-free living style, captivate many plant lovers. However, they require specific watering methods and regular misting to thrive, making them less carefree than they appear.
Instead, consider the Spider Plant, which offers robustness and charm without the intricate care routine. With its arching leaves and ease of propagation, it brings life to your space effortlessly. Spider Plants are well-suited for a variety of conditions, making them a reliable choice for those seeking simplicity and beauty combined.