6 Houseplants Homeowners Are Adding in 2026 for a Better Living Space

Houseplants do far more than sit there looking pretty.

They can freshen the air you breathe, lift your mood on even the grayest days, and inject life and color into every corner of your home.

But not all houseplants are created equal. The right choice depends on your space, your schedule, and just how “plant-responsible” you really are.

With National Houseplant Appreciation Day landing on Jan. 10, there’s no better excuse to find the greenery that actually thrives in your home—not just survives it.

6 of the best houseplants to add this year

The ideal houseplants for you will depend on the amount of light in the room you plan to put them in, whether you have pets, and how much time you have to care for them.

As you shop around and explore your options, here are six easy-to-maintain houseplants to put on your radar for 2026.

1. Peace lily (Spathiphyllum)

The peace lily can bloom several times a year and produce curved white flowers that look like a dove’s wing. This plant has a high transpiration rate—adding moisture to the air while removing indoor pollutants.

“It is also a good communicator: When it needs water, the peace lily performs a dramatic droop forward, making its needs very clear,” says Juliet Howe, founder of Twigs Design in Fairfield County, CT.

Pro care tip: Water it about once a week, and make sure the soil is evenly moist but not soggy.

2. Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

“Perfectly pet-friendly, the Boston fern offers abundant, arching green fronds that create a soft, calming vibe,” explains Howe. It has a high transpiration rate, increases indoor humidity, and helps remove formaldehyde from the air.

Pro care tip: Make sure it’s placed in bright, indirect light and the soil is consistently moist.

3.  African violet (Saintpaulia)

The African violet is Howe’s top choice for small spaces. With proper care, it blooms several times a year, gifting the owner with cheerful flowers.

“While not difficult to keep it in good shape, consistency with bottom watering is key,” explains Howe.

Pro care tip: About once a week, practice bottom watering, where you place the pot in lukewarm water for about 20 minutes.

4. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Pothos is one of the easiest houseplants to care for—making it the perfect option for beginners. Its trailing vines can spill gracefully from shelves, but you can also trim them for a bushier appearance.

“It tolerates missed waterings and adapts to various light conditions,” says Howe.

Pro care tip: Keep this one in low light, and water it every one to two weeks.

5. Snake plant (Sansevieria/Dracaena trifasciata)

The sturdiest and most low-maintenance houseplant you’ll ever find, the snake plant has a striking, upright sculptural form that adds a modern touch to any space.

“This one is great for places where a vertical accent is needed. It thrives on neglect and prefers to dry out between waterings,” explains Howe.

Pro care tip: Place it in bright, indirect light and water it only occasionally as it’s extremely drought-tolerant.

6. Monstera (Monstera deliciosa)

Native to the rain forest, the monstera is a climbing vine prized for its heart-shaped glossy leaves. These develop holes or fenestrations as they mature to allow light to shine on the lower parts of the plant.

 “Nicknamed the 'Swiss cheese plant,' the monstera needs a big space to grow,” says Howe.

Pro care tip: When the top 2 to 4 inches of its soil is dry, drench it with water—mimicking a heavy rain.

How to care for houseplants

Caring for houseplants is easier than you might think. 

Fortunately, all the plants in this list are very forgiving. However, they still need light and water to thrive. Here are some expert tips to ensure they stand the test of time:

Water properly

Always use pots with drainage holes to prevent root rot, and water when the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch.

“Yellowing leaves, leaf drop, moldy soil, or soil with a foul odor mean you’ve watered too much, while dry soil, wilting leaves, or brown edges convey that you've watered too little,” says Howe.

Practice bottom watering when necessary

Some species, including the peace lily, African violet, pothos, and snake plant, prefer bottom watering, which encourages the roots to grow downward toward the water source. 

To do this, place the pot in a tray of water for 2 to 60 minutes, depending on root size, until the soil surface feels damp.

Let the sun shine

Most houseplants prefer indirect, abundant sunlight. Without sufficient light, they may not have enough light for photosynthesis and therefore not enough energy. 

“If the sun is not strong enough, search for another spot that will provide better light. Alternatively, consider grow lights to support your plant,” explains Howe.

Don’t forget spring and summer feeding

Another general rule is to fertilize your houseplants in the spring and summer, as this is their strongest growing season.

“Fertilizing during the warmer months supports strong stem growth and flowers,” says Howe.