6 Underrated Houseplants You Should Consider

Are you on the hunt for a new addition to your plant collection (or perhaps your plant addiction)? One of the trickiest parts of home gardening is finding a plant that suits your environment while also adding that perfect touch of beauty. We challenge you to check out these underrated houseplants that might just be the next standout in your collection.

Cast Iron Plants

One houseplant that is often overlooked but deserves more attention is the Cast Iron Plant. As someone who has worked with trees and plants for over 20 years and is a certified arborist, I always recommend this plant for its resilience and ability to thrive in low-light conditions. Many people struggle with keeping houseplants alive, especially in homes with little natural light, but the Cast Iron Plant is nearly indestructible. It can tolerate neglect, irregular watering, and even poor air quality, making it perfect for beginners or busy plant owners. Its dark green, glossy leaves add a beautiful, elegant touch to any space, and it also helps purify the air. Given how much attention plants like the fiddle-leaf fig or monstera get, it's surprising that more people don't appreciate the reliability and beauty of the Cast Iron Plant.

I once had a client struggling to find a houseplant that could survive in a dimly lit office with constant air conditioning. After assessing the space and considering their needs, I suggested the Cast Iron Plant, knowing from experience that it could handle those conditions. A few months later, they told me it was thriving with minimal care and had completely transformed the look of their office. My years of working with plants have taught me that not every environment is ideal for common houseplants, and sometimes, the most overlooked plants are the best solutions. The Cast Iron Plant is a perfect example of that, and I believe it deserves more recognition for its toughness and beauty.

Amaury Ponce, Business Owner, Ponce Tree Services

ZZ Plants

The ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is often overlooked, but it's the most low-maintenance, resilient houseplant out there. With its ability to thrive in low light, tolerate drought, and require minimal care, it's perfect for anyone with a busy lifestyle or a less than ideal environment for plants. Its sleek, dark green leaves complement any space, making it a versatile addition to any home. For plant lovers looking for beauty without the hassle, the ZZ plant deserves much more attention.

Frank Sturm, CEO, Green Ace Lawn Care

Cascade Figs 

As the owner of a pest control company, I've noticed that many people overlook the benefits of the Cascade or Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina). It's not just about aesthetics; this plant significantly improves air quality, helping reduce airborne molds and bacteria. Once, a customer who had recurrent pest issues around indoor plants saw fewer pests after introducing a Cascade Fig, thanks to its air-purifying abilities.

The plant thrives in indirect sunlight and offers natural elegance without the need for intensive care, making it perfect for busy folks. In a case at a restaurant client of ours, adding Cascades near entry points actually deterred pest issues due to the improved indoor atmosphere. This plant deserves more attention for balancing a healthy and less pest-attractive environment.

Stephen Biggins, Owner, Biggins Exterminating Company

Peperomias

Peperomia is one houseplant that truly deserves more love than it gets, and I fail to understand why. Its thick, textured leaves, coupled with a wide variety of colors and shapes, make it add personality to any space without much of a high-maintenance tag attached to it. It even thrives in medium to bright indirect light, does not mind drying out between waterings, and is surprisingly resilient even if you forget about it for a while.

The versatility is what truly makes the Peperomia special. For instance, Peperomia obtusifolia is classic with its glossy green leaves, while Peperomia caperata has wavy green and red leaves that look very beautiful. They are compact enough for small spaces, and being non-toxic, they are a good choice for pet owners. They combine beauty and care so easily that most house luxurians must give them a chance.

Ushmana Rai, Founder, TDEE Calculator

Peace Lilies

As a pool maintenance expert, I’m familiar with the concept of creating environments that improve the quality of life, similar to how a houseplant can do for the home. One plant that often goes overlooked is the Peace Lily. It’s not just a pretty plant; it shares a similar role to swimming pools in enhancing home value and comfort. Peace Lilies are brilliant for indoor air purification, especially valuable in areas where pool chemicals, like chlorine, might be frequently handled.

The Peace Lily requires minimal lighting and attention, making it as straightforward to care for as maintaining a proper pH level in your pool. Just as the right pool maintenance plan can prevent costly repairs down the line, incorporating Peace Lilies can improve the atmosphere without overwhelming care requirements. For both, consistency is key. In El Dorado Hills, where outdoor environments are a focal point of property value, bringing elements like Peace Lilies into your indoor space echoes this appreciation for quality living.

Based on my business insights, I see parallels between keeping pools pristine and maintaining a thriving indoor environment with robust plants. The investment in a Peace Lily can lift indoor aesthetics and healthy living. In my experience, both boost property values by improving the living experience, just as a well-serviced pool does.

Eric Stoner, CEO, Lakeside Pool Service

Fiddle Leaf Figs

Do you see a plant in your favorite entrepreneur's social media? Or while watching a live or webinar? I'd bet money that it's a fiddle leaf fig! These finicky house plants are everywhere you look. But why? Well, they are unique looking, and they don't take up much floor space and grow upward so they can be set on the floor wherever needed for the shot. I'm on my second one myself. I may not use it for my boudoir photography, but I do like to use it for home decor and in the background of a video call.

Rya Michele Eisma, Boudoir Photographer & Women's Advocate, Shamelessly Sexy: Intimate Portraiture by Rya

Bonus

Cast Iron Plants (again because they're THAT good)

One houseplant that I believe is often overlooked is the Cast Iron Plant. It's an incredibly hardy plant that thrives on neglect, making it perfect for beginners and busy plant owners. With its deep green, glossy leaves, it brings a lush and elegant touch to any indoor space. Unlike many popular houseplants, the Cast Iron Plant can tolerate low light, irregular watering, and fluctuating temperatures, making it an excellent choice for homes with less than ideal conditions. It also acts as a fantastic air purifier, improving indoor air quality while requiring minimal care.

Despite all these benefits, it remains underrated because it isn't as flashy or fast-growing as trendy plants like Monsteras or Fiddle Leaf Figs. Through my 15 years of experience in horticulture and landscaping, I've recommended the Cast Iron Plant to countless clients who struggled to keep other plants alive. One particular client had tried multiple houseplants, only to see them wilt due to poor lighting in their home. After assessing their space, I introduced them to the Cast Iron Plant, and it thrived where others had failed. The client was thrilled to finally have a healthy, green plant that required little effort.

This success reinforced my belief that sometimes the best plants are the ones that don't demand constant attention but still provide beauty and environmental benefits. It's a testament to how expert knowledge can turn frustration into a love for plants, and that's exactly why I do what I do.

Andrew Osborne, Owner, Ozzie Mowing & Gardening