Quiz: What's Your Perfect Houseplant?

Choosing the right houseplant can transform any living space. But with so many options to choose from, how do you know which one is perfect for you? Take this fun quiz to find your ideal plant match!

What’s Your Primary Goal For Getting a Houseplant?

I want to purify the air:

Plants can work wonders for indoor air quality by removing toxins and releasing oxygen. If cleaner air is your top priority, you’ll want a plant that is highly effective at filtration. Some top air-purifying choices include:

Peace lily: This plant is excellent at removing mold, benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from the air. Peace lilies are also pet-safe.
Snake plant (Mother-in-law’s tongue): With upright, sword-like leaves, the snake plant filters out airborne toxins like formaldehyde and xylene. It’s also tolerant of low light and irregular watering.
Areca palm: One of the best air purifiers, the areca palm removes chemical vapors like varnish and alcohol from indoor air. It thrives in bright, indirect light.
Spider plant:Spider plantsgo through a natural photosynthesis process that filters out carbon monoxide, xylene, and formaldehyde. This hardy green adds cheerful color too.

I want a low-maintenance plant:

If you’re a new plant parent or have a busy schedule, a fuss-free houseplant is key. Look for these easy-care options:

Pothos: With cascading vines and variegated leaves, pothos is one of the most low-maintenance houseplants. It tolerates low light and occasional neglect.
ZZ plant: Native to Africa, the ZZ plant has waxy leaves that hold water so it only needs infrequent watering. It does great in low to medium light.
Philodendron: Offering trailing vines or upright leaves depending on the variety, philodendrons thrive on neglect. Keep them in moderate indirect light.
Jade plant: Jade plants only need occasional watering and can handle low humidity. Their thick leaves store water. Put them in a bright spot.

I want a plant that’s safe for pets:

If you have furry friends at home, it’s important to choose non-toxic plants. Some pet-safe options include:

Ponytail palm: The ponytail palm has a soft, bushy appearance. Both cats and dogs tend to leave this plant alone.
Parlor palm: With feathery fronds, the parlor palm is a non-toxic pick. It doesn’t require much light or maintenance.
Boston fern: With lacy delicate leaves, Boston ferns are safe for cats and dogs. Mist the leaves often for moisture.
African violet: Blooming beautiful flowers, African violets aren’t toxic for pets. Watch for nibbling though.

I want an easy-to-care-for flowering plant:

Add a pop of color and visual interest with these low-maintenance flowering plants:

Orchid: While they have a reputation as fussy, orchids just need the right care. Look for a phalaenopsis orchid which tolerates occasional neglect.
Bromeliad: With vivid colored foliage and unique blooms, bromeliads are simple to maintain. The cup at the center holds water.
Peace lily: In addition to purifying air, peace lilies produce gorgeous white blooms. Let the soil partially dry out between waterings.
Flamingo flower: Resembling pink flamingo heads, flamingo flower blooms brighten any room. Water when the soil is partly dry.

What Level of Sunlight is Available in Your Space?

I have a bright and sunny spot:

Take advantage of direct sun by placing these light-loving plants in a south, east or west-facing window:

Jade plant: With plump, smooth leaves, the jade plant needs at least four hours of direct light daily. Rotate it occasionally for even sun exposure.
Succulents: For dazzling textures and shapes, opt for sun-worshipping succulents like echeveria, aloe vera, or agave. Let the soil dry out between waterings.
Fiddle leaf fig: With iconic extra-large leaves, the fiddle leaf fig thrives in bright light. Maintain moderate soil moisture.
Croton: Offering bold color and pattern, crotons need direct sun to thrive. Rotate this plant to prevent lean towards light.

I have a spot with indirect light:

Low and moderate light is perfect for these houseplant varieties:

Chinese evergreen: Tolerating lower light conditions, the Chinese evergreen has striking leaves with patterns and colors. Water weekly.
Peace lily: In addition to its air-purifying abilities, the peace lily does well in shady corners and artificial light. Avoid overwatering.
Pothos: Whether you choose golden or marble queen varieties, pothos vines will cascade in indirect light. Let the soil partially dry out.
Dracaena: Slender and spiky, dracaena offers visual interest. Place it in indirect light, avoiding direct afternoon sun.

I only have low light available:

You can still enjoy plants if you only have northern windows or low artificial light. Go for these options:

ZZ plant: The sculptural ZZ plant has fleshy oval leaves. It tolerates very low light levels without issue. Water only when the soil dries out.
Chinese evergreen ‘Aglaonema’: With silver-green leaves, the low-light Chinese evergreen variety does well in shady spots. Dust its leaves occasionally.
Cast iron plant: As its name suggests, the cast iron plant handles low light. Water sparingly to avoid root rot in dark corners.
Sansevieria (Snake plant): Sturdy snake plants grow in low-light offices and bathrooms. Let the soil dry between watering for healthy roots.

What’s Your Decor Style?

Modern and streamlined:

Add striking shapes and textures with these modern plant picks:

Fiddle leaf fig: The extra-large sculptural leaves of a fiddle leaf fig make a dramatic style statement in modern spaces. Provide ample bright, indirect light.
Monstera deliciosa: Nicknamed the Swiss cheese plant, the monstera’s holes and splits in its leaves give modern style. Mist occasionally.
Cacti & succulents: For contemporary geometrical shapes, choose collection of cacti and succulents. Place in a sunny spot and water sparingly.
Aloe vera: Known for its health benefits, the aloe vera plant has bold spiky leaves with a modern vibe. Site in indirect light.

Boho or eclectic:

Embrace your free-spirited side with these boho plant picks:

Spider plant: With its long, trailing leaves, the spider plant has a delightfully imperfect wild look. Indirect light and average watering frequency keeps it happy.
Philodendrons: For effortless jungle vibes, philodendrons offer heart-shaped leaves and vining growth. Avoid direct sun which can scorch leaves.
Pothos: No boho space is complete without the wandering vines of a golden pothos. This hardy plant withstands occasional neglect.
Ferns: From fluffy Boston ferns to delicate maidenhair ferns, these primeval plants give an earthy enchanted feel. Mist ferns regularly to imitate their native humid habitat.

Traditional and classic:

For a touch of timeless elegance and charm, consider these classic plants:

Parlor palm: An old-fashioned favorite, the parlor palm has feathery fronds and tropical appeal. Keep this pick-me-up palm in indirect light or artificial light.
Orchids: Elegant orchids with ruffled blooms add graceful style. Phalaenopsis and moth orchids thrive indoors in moderate light and grow in bark or moss.
Peace lily: The peace lily’s white flag-like blooms and lush green leaves never go out of style. Place in moderate to low indirect light.
Rubber tree: With substantial leaves with red or burgundy hues, the rubber tree commands attention. Give it bright filtered light and even moisture.

How Much Time Can You Spend on Plant Care?

I’d like a low-maintenance plant:

Opt for an unfussy plant if your schedule is hectic:

Snake plant: Snake plants tolerate weeks of neglect. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Jade plant: Succulent jade plants only need occasional watering. Reduce frequency in winter. They enjoy sun but also handle shade.
Pothos or Philodendron: Trailing pothos and philodendron vines grow readily in moderate light and with inconsistent watering.
Ponytail palm: The ponytail palm has a distinctive swollen base that stores water. Allow the soil to dry out before watering.

I enjoy caring for plants:

If you’d like an engaging plant to care for, go for:

Orchid: Orchids require specialized potting mix and routine misting. Take time to learn their preferences for rewarding blooms.
Venus Flytrap: As a carnivorous plant, the Venus flytrap needs distilled water and specific humidity and light. Feed it insects for fascinating traps.
Bonsai tree: Miniature bonsai trees take regular pruning and shaping to maintain their artistic form. Repot annually in proper bonsai soil mix.
Tillandsia (air plants): For a unique care routine, air plants absorb moisture from the air versus soil. Mist or soak weekly, allowing to completely dry in-between.

I’d rather keep plant care minimal:

To spend more time enjoying and less time worrying, choose these unfussy plants:

ZZ plant: Tolerant of very low light and dry soil, ZZ plants will thrive on neglect. Water only when the soil is completely dry.
Succulents: Succulent varieties like echeveria and aloe vera need water just once every 2-3 weeks. Place in bright direct light.
Chinese evergreen: This low-maintenance plant does well in low light situations with occasional watering and dusting.
Cast iron plant: True to its name, you’d have to try hard to kill this indestructible plant. Water sparingly and place in low light.

What’s Your Decorating Style?

Modern and contemporary:

For a sleek modern look, try these statement-making plants:

Fiddle leaf fig: The extra-large sculptural leaves of the fiddle leaf fig make a dramatic contemporary statement. Provide ample indirect sunlight from a west or south-facing window.
Monstera deliciosa: Nicknamed the Swiss cheese plant for its distinctive splits and holes, the monstera has a graphic modern vibe. Mist occasionally to maintain humidity.
Cacti & succulents: For interesting geometrical shapes and textures, create a low-maintenance cactus garden or succulent wall arrangement. Place in direct sun.
Aloe vera: Known for its health and healing properties, the aloe vera’s spiky leaves provide modern style. Place in a bright spot avoiding direct afternoon sun.

Bohemian and eclectic:

Bring on the boho vibes with these spirited plant picks:

Pothos: No bohemian-style space is complete without the lush cascading vines of a golden pothos. This trailing plant is easy-going and low-maintenance.
Spider plant: Allow the spider plant’s gracefully arching leaves to grow free. The imperfect wild look embodies boho style. Provide bright indirect light and average water needs.
Philodendrons: Choose philodendrons with heart-shaped leaves for a playful boho feel. Avoid direct sun which can scorch leaves.
Ferns: For primeval enchanted earthiness, incorporate delicate maidenhair ferns, fluffy Boston ferns or any of various woodland varieties. Mist regularly to boost humidity.

Traditional and formal:

For timeless appeal, look to these classic plants:

Parlor palm: An old-fashioned favorite, the parlor palm has a tropical pedigree. Place this feathered plant in low to moderate indirect light or artificial light to keep it thriving.
Orchids: The elegant blooms and graceful form of orchids add feminine flair. Moth orchids and phalaenopsis orchids grow readily indoors if cared for properly.
Peace lily: With its flag-like white blooms and lush dark leaves, the peace lily embodies timeless elegance. Avoid direct sun and overwatering.
Rubber tree: The substantial leaves of the rubber tree command attention in formal spaces. Provide moderately bright indirect light and consistent moisture.

Do You Have Pets?

Yes, I have cats:

Keep your feline friends safe by choosing non-toxic, pet-friendly houseplants:

Spider plants: Spider plants are a great choice for cat owners. Cats enjoy chewing on the long leaves without any harm.
African violets: While the blooms are delicate, African violets aren’t toxic for cats. Place out of reach to prevent nibbling.
Ponytail palm: The ponytail palm’s long, arching leaves resemble a palm tree. Cats tend to leave this plant alone. Provide bright indirect light.
Prayer plant: With unique foliage that appears to “pray” at night, the prayer plant is safe for cats. Water when the top inch of soil is dry.

Yes, I have dogs:

Ensure the plants you pick are safe and non-irritating for canine companions:

Pothos: Trailing pothos plants are durable and withstand dog handling. Avoid consumption of any plants though.
Philodendrons: With its climbing vines and heart-shaped leaves, philodendrons are another dog-safe option. Place out of reach of nibbling.
Dracaena: Sturdy and spike-shaped, dracaena plants aren’t toxic for dogs. Position out of temptation’s way.
Parlor palm: The feathery fronds and arched shape of the parlor palm make it a safe bet. Place in moderate light, watering when partly dry.

No, I don’t have pets:

When pets aren’t a concern, you can choose from the vast array of houseplants available:

Orchids: Elegant orchids offer beautiful blooms in a range of colors. Look for phalaenopsis or moth orchids, providing indirect light and humidity.
Ficus: For shiny foliage, opt for a ficus with its glossy leaves. The most popular is the fiddle leaf fig. Give it ample warm indirect light.
Cacti & succulents: With sculptural shapes and textures, cacti and succulents provide desert drama. Provide as much direct sun as possible and water sparingly.
Bromeliads: Choose bromeliads for a burst of color from their unique blooms and foliage. Place in indirect light, watering the cups at the plant’s center.

What Temperature is Your Home?

My home tends to be cold:

If you live in a drafty old house or cool climate, select plants that can tolerate cooler temps:

Chinese evergreen: This plant withstands temperatures down to 50°F, making it a good choice for colder homes. Provide medium to low indirect light.
Cast iron plant: As its name implies, the cast iron plant lives up to its reputation and withstands chillier rooms. Place in low light locations.
Snake plant: With sword-like upright leaves, snake plants tolerate temperatures as low as 55°F. Allow soil to dry out between waterings.
Peperomia: succulent-like Peperomia plants thrive in cool temps above 55°F. Provide bright indirect light to cheer dull winter days.

My home tends to be warm:

If you keep the thermostat up or live in a warm climate, choose tropical plants that like balmier temperatures:

Orchids: Available in stunning varieties, orchids do best in warm temperatures between 70-80°F during the day and 60-70°F at night.
Bromeliads: With colorful foliage and blooms, bromeliads enjoy warm humid conditions above 60°F. Mist leaves occasionally.
Ferns: Tropical varieties like Boston ferns thrive in warmer homes above 65°F. Maintain high humidity by misting fronds.
Palms: For a tropical look, palms relish warmth above 60°F. Go for areca, bamboo, or parlor varieties. Provide indirect sunlight.

What Size Plant Fits Your Space?

I want a floor plant:

If you have the floor space, make a big statement with these sizable specimens:

Fiddle leaf fig tree: Reaching up to 10 feet tall indoors, the iconic fiddle leaf fig commands attention. Give it bright filtered light and ample room.
Yucca: A bold architectural presence, yucca plants can grow up to 8 feet tall. Be sure to give them direct sun and well-draining soil mix.
Banana tree: Bearing huge drooping leaves, banana trees need 8 feet or more to reach their full indoor potential. Provide very bright light and humid conditions.
Cycads: Slow growing but impressive, these palm-like plants achieve 8+ feet

Quiz: What’s Your Perfect Houseplant?