When not writing stories on Martha Stewart-y things like crafting, china and cakes, you can find Jaime Buerger hanging in the park with her corgi and her husband — most likely with a few craft brews on hand.
Chances are, even if you’ve never really thought about it, you’ve already seen a few houseplant trends come and go — like when your Pinterest feed suddenly shifted from an endless parade of potted fiddle-leaf fig trees in perfectly styled living rooms to, say, an ever-expanding portfolio of philodendrons. Much like textiles, lighting fixtures, and paint colors, houseplants routinely cycle in and out of popularity. “Indoor plants are subject to the whims of fashion on a steeper curve than outdoor plants,” says Iowa-based horticulturist Kelly D. Norris, author of the book Plants With Style (Timber Press, 2015). “That’s because they’re more closely linked to our interior design tastes and what we’re up to in our homes — and that changes over time, with plants along for the ride.”
To keep your indoor gardening efforts on the cutting edge, we asked Norris for the scoop on what plants you’ll be seeing more of in the coming year, then matched each one with our picks for some of the coolest containers to house them in. All six featured here are relatively easy to grow — and certainly easy on the eyes. Can you dig it?
Plant #1: Hen and Chicks

Slate-colored sempervivum, or Hens and Chicks, from Youngs Garden Center
These small, rosette-like succulents have been gaining momentum over the past few years but, says Kelly, the newest varieties are more colorful than ever, with leaves that can range from silvery green to the deepest of burgundies.
Good for: Beginning gardeners, and those who love adding little accents and surprising details throughout their homes. Hen and chicks are among the least fussy houseplants to grow and can go for up to 14 days between waterings.
Best in: A shallow pot made of clay or ceramic to allow for more air exchange, which is important for keeping the soil dry, says Norris.
Shop Our Planter Picks:
3-inch ceramic succulent planter from 1220 Ceramics Studio, $15; buy it here.
2-inch stoneware planter from Kristen Saksa Juen, $21; buy it here.
3 1/4-inch stoneware planter from Beardbangs Ceramics, $28; buy it here.
Plant #2: Streptocarpus

Polka-Dot Purple Streptocarpus from Dibleys Nurseries
A relative of the African violet, these showy specimens are considered collectibles by many growers. “They’re definitely not a once-and-done type of plant,” says Norris of their ability to flower for months at a time. The newest hybrids have bold colors, more patterns, speckled leaves and frilly petals.
Good for: Intermediate green thumbs looking for a touch of the exotic. “For best results, choose a spot with bright, filtered, indirect light,” says Norris. “Placing them a few feet from a windowsill is ideal.” Avoid using cold water and make sure that the water hits the soil directly without touching the leaves.
Best in: “This is another candidate for a ceramic container so that the soil will dry out between waterings,” says Norris.
Shop Our Planter Picks:
6-inch ceramic planter from Free Folding, $60; buy it here.
3-inch stoneware hanging planter from Function Pottery, $26; buy it here.
4-inch porcelain planter from Atelier Petit, $32; buy it here.
Plant #3: Coleus

Coleus Hipsters Zooey, from Terra Nova Nurseries, Inc.
Usually associated with filling out outdoor beds and containers, the new series of coleus are “compact, with a dense array of hotly colored, miniature leaves that look almost like feathers,” Norris says.
Good for: Anybody. “They’re ridiculously easy to grow when left near a bright window,” Norris says.
Best in: They’re extremely adaptable, so they’ll thrive in plastic, ceramic or clay pots, or in wooden planter boxes.
Shop Our Planter Picks:
5-inch 3-D–printed plastic planter from MeshCloud, $44; buy it here.
6-inch black clay planter from karoArt, $68; buy it here.
24-inch cedar planter box from Red Oak Road, $23; buy it here.
Plant #4: Aglaonema

Red Aglaonema via My Garden Insider
Commonly known as Chinese evergreens, these leafy plants can come in fiery shades of red, orange and pink, “with great, glossy foliage that almost doesn’t look real!”
Good for: Those with patience, says Norris. “They’re slow-growing and need a while to reach their full potential, but they’re relatively easy to grow.”
Best in: They do well in any type of pot, but a footed urn or narrow planter makes them appear even bushier.
Shop Our Planter Picks:
Upcycled vintage 7 1/2-inch brass planter from dewdropdaisies, $28; buy it here.
Ceramic face planter in three sizes (3-inch, 5-inch, and 7-inch heights) from Javelina Ranch, $28-40 each; buy it here.
Vintage 8-inch hammered brass planter from Simplychi Vintage, $36; buy it here.
Plant #5: Neoregelia

Neoregelia Raphael from Eye of Eden
It used to be more difficult to get your hands on these statuesque bromeliads, which come from Brazil, but these days they’re seeing more action from domestic suppliers looking to satisfy customers who want to bring a bit of the subtropics into their homes.
Good for: Those with lots of bright, natural sunlight to ensure the colored leaves and flowers (in blazing shades of red, orange, purple, green and white) reach their full intensity.
Best in: Think “on,” not “in,” when it comes to bromeliads. “These are best mounted, as they usually grow on trees, not in soil,” says Norris, who recommends securing them onto a piece of wood or other sculptural vessel.
Shop Our Planter Picks:
16-inch driftwood planter with three bromeliads from Driftwood Planters, $54; buy it here.
10-inch driftwood planter from Mazuri Yako, $50; buy it here.
6-inch cholla wood planter from CTS Airplants, $5; buy it here.
Plant #6: Abutilon

Abutilon from The Garden Studio
You may have heard them called “flowering maples,” but these throwback plants, which were ubiquitous in the Victorian era, are actually relatives of the hibiscus. They’re available in many sizes and colors, but if you’re looking for a real showstopper, some Abutilons can reach heights of 10 feet. Plus, says Norris, “They’re just really pretty, with flowers that look like rings of crepe paper.”
Good for: Intermediate to experienced gardeners. “They love cooler temps and don’t like a lot of change,” says Norris. They’re ideal for sunrooms or other drafty areas. “I can see these looking really cool in an old, arts-and-crafts kind of home.”
Best in: These are flexible plants, says Norris, so simply choose a planter you love, whether that’s plastic, clay or ceramic.
Shop Our Planter Picks:
6 1/2-inch cement planter with 12 3/4-inch copper stand (for a total height of 16 inches) from Etta & Odie, $85; buy it here.
Rustic stoneware planters from Convivial Production, $28 (for 4 3/4-inch height) and $36 (for 8-inch height); buy it here.
Vintage 6-inch Gainey Ceramics planter from Caribe Casual Shop, $175; buy it here.
Lead image by ONE & MANY.
Want to learn more about surprising plant selections for indoors and out? Pick up a copy of Kelly Norris’s book Plants With Style, published in 2015 by Timber Press.
Shop Planters
102 comments
Kalisa L. from MuchandQuick said 4 years ago
How lovely! I need to refill my empty planter on my window sill as it has been looking lonely without a little succulent to fill it! For pet owners, you can go to the ASPCA site to check if a plant might be toxic to your four-legged friends! :)
Katie Anne from MiddleCoast said 4 years ago
Ah glorious plants! SO glad this has been posted! I am in love with houseplants and am always looking for new ones and ways to display :D
Georgia from JewelMeShop said 4 years ago
Great ideas for indoor garden!
TropicalGarden from TropicalGarden said 4 years ago
I like this post! I always crazy about house plants, especially succulent, cactus, and air plant but hard to find nice and beautiful planters. Thanks for sharing, there're few nice shops selling planters that I like!
Square Squirrel Studio from SquareSquirrelStudio said 4 years ago
Certainly made us think about how we could bring a little of the outdoors in to our tiny studio. Love the ceramic face planters. Thanks for a helpful article.
PorcelainAndSilver from PorcelainAndSilver said 4 years ago
The combination of wood and plants look so minimalist ...exactly my ideal style.... just love! Thanks for sharing
Cari-anne from GraphicSimplicity said 4 years ago
I'm moving out this year and hadn't thought about having a houseplant. I just worry that i'll have some cute planter/pot but the plant will die and i'll be gutted.
Bunni Russell from ByBunni said 4 years ago
I love this feature, beautiful. I am inspired to start an indoor garden. Thank you for sharing, best of luck.
Cristy Ramos from ArtisanBathandBody said 4 years ago
Oh my goodness, hard to choose a favorite, all of them are awesome! I love to have indoor plants. Thank you for sharing ♥
DeUno from DeUno said 4 years ago
Fantastic selection! Very inspiring!
HydrangeaJewelry from HydrangeaJewelry said 4 years ago
I love those plants but I cannot bring them home. I am very bad at taking care of plants. They are beautiful though!!!
Relly from RelsFindsNapaValley said 4 years ago
It's always a great idea to mix plant in the interior design. Wonderful selection of plants featured here... Lively color.
Ginger Annette from AlvatonDesignStudio said 4 years ago
Jaime, it's obvious you put a lot of work and research into plant selection, growing requirements, and complementary pot choice! Having these welcome living, growing things in our home and work spaces expands our horizons and brings personal enjoyment, not to mention health benefits. Your article is very interesting. Thanks for the education on these beautiful plant possibilities!
Francine from HomespunHeartofMine said 4 years ago
Thank you for a great article, Jaime!!! I just LOVE the tiny little succulent plants and planters.....so adorable....and so popular these days!!! :D
Marsha from GlowHappyScents said 4 years ago
So many gorgeous plants, especially the tiny succulents. I want them all! :-)
Kristy Jo from KrystalKlarityBeads said 4 years ago
...only one problem....having to research their effects on cats and dogs
Jenicia from PaperType said 4 years ago
Love the selection of both plants and planters. I think Abutilons are my new favourite flower. They really do look like rings of crepe paper! :D
aressa from OriginalBridalHanger said 4 years ago
I love indoor plants...Just not good at keeping them...Very nice!
Priscilla from Gardenmis said 4 years ago
There is nothing like a house full of plants and flowers to inspire creativity! Fantastic post :)
Julia K Walton from FireHorseVintageHQ said 4 years ago
A very interesting article with some great recommendations - wonderful - thank you! :o)
benna and hanna from bennaandhanna said 4 years ago
thanks for sharing!
Renee from RandMhandmade said 4 years ago
Love the plants and their containers!!!
Rachel Bingaman from BingArt said 4 years ago
Wonderful ideas and just a beautiful way to bring color and life into your home :)
unflappableproducts from unflappableproducts said 4 years ago
wow-fabulous items! I have flat rock with hens and chickens and moss growing on it that a friend made for me-I keep in indoors in winter and outdoors in summer-it is so pretty I love the driftwood planter-great post!!
elizamoon from elizabetmoon said 4 years ago
thank you for this!
renee and gerardo from GTDesigns said 4 years ago
Delightful prelude to spring time.... Gorgeous lists, amazing ideas!! TFS!!
Daniela Maldarizzi Casalino from dadavinylsanddesigns said 4 years ago
WoW. these are all really cute plants in cute vases.
Debra from NestingComforts said 4 years ago
Wonderful feature! Plants give a home warm, happy vibes!
FuchsiaMoon from TheFuchsiaMoon said 4 years ago
No home is complete without some plants. Thank you for a refreshing selection of the latest trends in houseplants and pots. So many wonderful options to choose from. Hooray!
little Lia from LittleLiaGraphic said 4 years ago
So pretty!
Cheryl Berry from PretticoateJunction said 4 years ago
Nice planter tips and ideas. What better way to wam your home then with easy growing Houseplants. Thanks for sharing!
Emily Kircher from ekra said 4 years ago
Thank you! I love plants, but often don't know what kind of planter they would like best. All of these options are beautiful!
Cutie Expressions from CutieExpressions said 4 years ago
Beautiful! Thanks for sharing.
thedesignsenchanted from TheDesignsEnchanted said 4 years ago
Amazing ideas for indoor garden and lovely planters!
kim rhodes-thomas from pinksnakejewelry said 4 years ago
Wonderful Post!!! Great ideas!!
wanida kunchiang from wanidacotton said 4 years ago
Love you work!
Dorothy from JewelrybyDorothy said 4 years ago
Interesting post!
Katrina Dzerkale from Dominna said 4 years ago
Wonderful ideas! These are the best home decorations :) Very interesting post, thank you!
Tanya from TanyaToys said 4 years ago
Beautiful! Thanks for sharing.
Snazzy Living from Snazzyliving said 4 years ago
love it. Great ideas.
R. Anne from LnRworks said 4 years ago
Nice ideas!!
Mary Moorkens from MaryMoorkens said 4 years ago
wow - so much information - that is wonderfully helpful !! (plus some of these would eco dye my silk nicely !!)
Glenn Bristow aka PoolGirl from DownHomeDeco said 4 years ago
Just make sure they're not poisonous to children and/or pets. G
Nicole from KarmaCodeOne said 4 years ago
Plants are the gift that keeps on giving ~ Great ideas and beautiful containers. I'm inspired :)
Cynthia Corado from CoraCeramics said 4 years ago
Those ceramic face planters are amazing
Elena Krasnenkova from FrostbergDecor said 4 years ago
Very beautiful!!! Congratulations !!!!!
Elizabeth from littleglamour said 4 years ago
This was wonderful - I have always had what I considered a black thumb but currently have 3 plants in my office window that are making me very happy :)
Amy Gunderson from amysfunkyfibers said 4 years ago
Plants can really liven up a room, plus they are good for you !
Katrina Dzerkale from Dominna said 4 years ago
looks like a really nice addition to the household.
Sujata from TreasuredMemoryLane said 4 years ago
So many wonderful plants and planters! Congratulations!!
Natalia Snemis from expressyourself said 4 years ago
Very nice plants! Love it!
Jen Frisch from TimetheftEmpire said 4 years ago
Beautiful plants, if only I could keep my furry friends out of them!
Allison Fretheim from AFretheimCrafts said 4 years ago
Love love looooove this
pboho1130 said 4 years ago
Beautiful plants and planters!!Love them all!!
Marco Tara from NovaEtruria said 4 years ago
nice review ;-)
Chantelle from DaydreamingBoutique said 4 years ago
Great article! Very informative with beautiful plants!
Renata Sponn Design from Sponndesign said 4 years ago
Love the selection. Truly inspiring:)
Nana Vanesyan from NarineHandmade said 4 years ago
So pretty!
Kashuen Collectibles from Kashuen said 4 years ago
I love those driftwoodplanters. Thanks for sharing.
KarinLorenc from KarinLorenc said 4 years ago
I've killed almost all of those varieties already :) For me the best houseplants are the tropical kinds as I like to water my plants too much.
Rasa Rabaciene from PRINTDECOstudio said 4 years ago
Beautiful picks!
CrookedCotton from CrookedCottonDesign said 4 years ago
Plants are a must have. We always get comments our house is so "homey" and I think it is all the plants in creative pots. Great Article!
Sunita from VintageGatorShop said 4 years ago
I love having plants around my house and nothing better than succulents. This is a great article. Loved it!
Zanza Designs Clothing T-Dodds from ZanzaDesignsClothing said 4 years ago
Wow lovely plant collection good ideas thanks I need more plants! great article xoxoxoo
Elizabeth Knaus from FreshRetroGallery said 4 years ago
Plants bring energy and peace into a room.
Sue from SuesAkornShop said 4 years ago
Great choices!
Cristina from TouchofSilk said 4 years ago
An excellent article! Thank you!
Patti Trostle from PattiTrostle said 4 years ago
Great choices! Thanks so much for sharing!
UNEMPLOYED Custom Orders Wanted USA Made Superhero Cufflinks Wedding Jewelry from boloties said 4 years ago
Beautiful selection of plants and pots!
Jana from HorseOrnamentsbyJana said 4 years ago
Beautiful feature!!
K L from KShopping said 4 years ago
Great article!
P. Anne from VintageFlowerTop said 4 years ago
Love handmade pots! Great ideas for new plants!
Lyubava from LyubavaCrochet said 4 years ago
So beautiful and inspiring article! Thank you so much.
UsagiRabbit from UsagiRabbit said 4 years ago
I have gotten quite a few handmade pots for my plants here on etsy! So much nicer to support the work of a fellow artist than mass produced store-bought!
Proton ThreeD from Proton3D said 4 years ago
great post, thank you!
Marco Tara from NovaEtruria said 4 years ago
inspire me!thank you
Juan from artiBOOM said 4 years ago
Great post as usual! Thanks!
Giovanni Bagayas said 4 years ago
I have all of these plants and have other species that was not included in your blog. I enjoy my garden whole year round since I live in tropical climate and we don't have four season.
Hajira Gibb from HajiraKG said 4 years ago
Love this feature. Thanks for sharing. Best of luck..:)
Alison T. from ArtuneOnlineJewelry said 4 years ago
Absolutely love all the plants! Plus, they clean the air in your room how amazing is that! <3
Suthida Samipakdi from SomethingInTheBox said 4 years ago
Fabulous !
Heather Hopkins from SunOverVegas said 4 years ago
Love it! I need to get some plants that are desert home friendly. I had tulips and they lasted all of a week ): My crafty thumb didn't leave much room for a green thumb!
Nadia B from BasicKnitwear said 4 years ago
Love nature and flower!
teestrend from Trend2Tees said 4 years ago
Cool shop, we love it!
Michalina Majta from YPSILONBAGS said 4 years ago
awesome, i love idea with Driftwood Planters <3
Laura and Ryan from cubits said 4 years ago
These are great. Don't forget, you can also grow edibles indoors. Herbs, greens and even some dwarf tomatoes will thrive in your home.
Jo Laverick from JothsShop said 4 years ago
Nice to see houseplants making a comeback - Love the containers and ideas Jo
Jojo Mayan said 4 years ago
Thank you, so nice, so beautiful.
Jagoda from yanyula said 4 years ago
Handmade ceramic plant pots are so lovely!
Katy Allgeyer from ArtBarn said 4 years ago
Plants add so much to the feng shui of a home.Love your ideas!
Denise Elliott Jones from DeniseElliottJones said 4 years ago
nice!
Lisa Northcraft from TheNorthLives said 4 years ago
Ok! I LOVE THIS FEATURE!!!!!! I am super into re decorating my living space look & Ive been really excited about plants, planters & plant hangers! I even have Kirsty at BotanicaHome making me some of her gorgeous macrame works of art. I love bring the outdoors in and marrying it with a minimal clean esthetic style. Thanks for all these great looks & encouragement! Blessings, Lisa TheNorthLives
Lisa Northcraft from TheNorthLives said 4 years ago
I just thought I should post a link to Kirsty's shop just in case you all want to take a look! https://www.etsy.com/shop/BOTANICAhome?ref=profile_shopname She lives in the UK and also teaches workshops. I would love to have her come to the states, specifically Portland to do a workshop here!
mj gm from artprintscanada said 4 years ago
Love all these especially the Abutilon which i painted for a fabric on my surface design site.
Crystal Caffery from UniquedesigCreations said 4 years ago
I love thease they are awsom!!!Check out my planters. Uniquedesigncreations.
Ryan Lucier from RhynoClayworks said 4 years ago
Those planters from Free Folding are just so well done! They look very thoughtfully made.
Sarah Aldrich from FancyMadeFits said 4 years ago
Love the driftwood planters! I might need to decorate my living room with these! All the plants are gorgeous.
Adele D from ePorium said 4 years ago
Good to see some new ideas as well as my personal favorite (coleus).
Maria from StyleGraphicDesign said 4 years ago
These are AMAZING !!!!
Svetlana Nosacheva from Svetolia said 3 years ago
Beautiful pots! My plants live in plastic pots. Here it is necessary to urgently transfer the Zygocactus, because the pot broke in half!
Gabrella Carethers said 216 days ago
Little this morning my Hindu rope died but I keep trying I like cheap plants can't afford to buy the expensive ones and I love plants
Lake House Craft Supply from LakeHouseCraftSupply said 92 days ago
Beautiful collection.