Everyone on Instagram Is Obsessed with These Houseplants
Plus, how to care for them.
Thomas J. Story
Houseplants have really taken center stage in recent years. Sure, they’re not exactly new—people have cared for and loved houseplants for decades, but it seems that much of the general public went all in on them as a home decor trend in the last five to 10 years. In fact, I think it would be safe to say that our obsession with houseplants grew even more in quarantine. Many of us stayed home, baked bread, watched Netflix, and adopted some plants.
When it comes to choosing a houseplant for your own space, you have a few things to consider. Firstly, how much care does that particular plant need? And how much effort are you willing to put into said plant care? Then you should think about the lighting in your home and the general environment. And you’ll probably want to think about how the plant will fit in, aesthetic-wise, in your space.
For some ideas on plants to consider, you can use these latest research findings from Hollywood Hills real estate experts RubyHome. They looked at the most common houseplants and succulents on Instagram by analyzing the number of hashtags for both the scientific and commonly-used names of plants. After looking at the results, let’s just say social media really loves plants—some plants were featured in millions of posts.
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Take a look at the trending plants below. Plus, Sunset’s social media editor and certified horticulturist, Kristin Guy, shared some care tips for each.
Top 10 Trending Houseplants on Instagram
1. Aloe Vera
Scientific name: Aloe barbadensis Miller
Total number of posts on Instagram: 5,155,019
Care tips: This desert plant thrives in a bright, sunny place. Without enough light it may go dormant and stop growing. Deep water every two weeks, or until soil dries out fully.
2. Agave
Scientific name: Agave americana
Total number of posts on Instagram: 1,835,178
Care tips: Highly drought tolerant, agaves generally only need watering a few times a month and only after soil has dried out completely. While they can survive indoors, they do best outside of a pot and in full sun.
3. Haworthia
Scientific name: Haworthiopsis attenuata
Total number of posts on Instagram: 824,048
Care tips: This South African native does best growing in bright indirect light, however, water this plant in full sun every two to three weeks to avoid rotting.
4. Stonecrop
Scientific name: Sedum
Total number of posts on Instagram: 704,823
Care tips: Good drainage is key for this stonecrop. Newly planted sedums should be well-watered the first year but once established, grow fine without any additional watering. Full sun is an absolute must.
5. Pincushion Cactus
Scientific name: Mammillaria
Total number of posts on Instagram: 529,729
Care tips: Place this cactus in a warm, dry spot free from humidity, watering only once the soil has completely dried out. To encourage flowering, hold off on watering during the winter weeks leading up to spring.
6. Snake Plant
Scientific name: Dracaena trifasciata
Total number of posts on Instagram: 513,093
Care tips: Low light tolerant, these plants do best when watered from the bottom, typically every two weeks in the warmer months and less often when cool.
7. Wax Plant
Scientific name: Hoya carnosa
Total number of posts on Instagram: 303,440
Care tips: Hoyas prefer bright, indirect light. Water only when soil has dried out, or as soon as leaves start to “pucker.” This plant appreciates occasional humidity; spray with spring or rain water a few times a month, but never when in bloom.
8. String of Pearls
Scientific name: Curio rowleyanus
Total number of posts on Instagram: 233,711
Care tips: It is tolerant of indirect light, but prefers bottom watering once completely dried out. Keep these away from drafty areas such as near an air conditioner vent or open window as the cold air may cause leaf drop.
9. Jade Plant
Scientific name: Crassula ovata
Total number of posts on Instagram: 233,151
Care tips: A sun lover, this plant requires a lot of bright light, however direct rays might burn their leaves. Only water once soil has dried out and give this plant an occasional boost with a balanced liquid fertilizer during your routine waterings every one to six months.
10. Christmas Cactus
Scientific name: Schlumbergera bridgesii
Total number of posts on Instagram: 189,128
Care tips: Despite being a cactus, this plant needs constant moisture in the warmer summer months. After blooming, promote dormancy by cutting back on watering and placing in a cool dark spot for at least 12-14 hours during the winter months.
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