“There’s so much fiddle leaf fig overload that as people are searching for the next thing, and this plant has nominated itself as a contender,” Grubb says. That said, Ficus umbellata is so new to the trade, Grubb notes, that few really know what a 15-year-old one will look like in your house.
Care: Don’t let it go completely dry before watering. Bright, indirect light.
“Such a super trendy plant,” Grubb says, pointing out that until they became more available, a Philodendron ‘Birkin’ could cost $1,000 online.
Care: Keep soil moist. Bright, indirect light.
With leaves that resemble shields, this Alocasia can grow up to 6 feet tall indoors. “They look so cheerful to me,” says Grubb.
Care: Water more and fertilize if you want larger leaves, less if you want a smaller plant. Bright, indirect light.
“These rare, little succulent houseplants look like they’ve been hand-painted by an artist,” Grubb says.
Care: Water when completely dry. Very bright, indirect light.
A weeping cactus, Cleistocactus colademononis grows several feet down the side of a pot. Bonus points if you want to break down the name in Latin. (Cola means tail; mono means monkey.)
Care: Water when completely dry. Very bright direct or indirect light.
Also known as a money plant, this “starts as a cute little plant, but then the coin-shaped leaves get bigger and bigger until they reach about 2½ inches,” says Grubb.
Care: Water deeply when topsoil is dry. Can tolerate medium to bright light.