1. Caladium
The Caladium certainly is spectacular. This houseplant stands out with its colourful leaves in pink, red, white and green shades. Caladium's leaves are heart- or arrow-shaped and each leaf has a unique, artistic pattern. Some varieties have leaves with spots or dots.
Caladium likes plenty of light (no direct sunlight, however) and a warm, humid environment. The potting soil should be kept slightly moist, but not too wet. This prevents root rot.
2. Maranta
Maranta, also called the Prayer plant, has beautiful green leaves with dark pink veins and unusual leaf markings. This sturdy yet romantic-looking plant has another trump card: the leaves fold themselves up at night like praying hands.
Maranta thrives in a spot with sufficient light (no direct sunlight) and high humidity. Regularly giving small amounts of water and spraying with collected rainwater at room temperature will do the plant a world of good. You can allow the potting soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
3. Polka dot begonia
Looking for a cheerfully eye-catching plant? Polka dot begonia is calling your name. This plant, also known as Begonia Maculata, is instantly recognisable by its leaves with dark red undersides and dark green tops with white spots.
Polka dot begonia likes a warm spot with plenty of light (no direct sunlight). Make sure the potting soil remains slightly moist, but don't water too much at once. Avoid misting this plant with water while the sun is shining, as it can cause leaf burns.
4. String of hearts
This romantic plant is great for expressing your love or adding a heart-shaped touch to your home. Ceropegia, also known as String of Hearts and Chinese Lantern Plant, has heart-shaped leaves with a grey-green top and purple underside. The leaves grow on long, thin tendrils, making this charmer a perfect hanging plant.
Ceropegia thrives in a bright spot, but also grows well in semi-shade. You can let the root ball dry out slightly between waterings. If the tendrils grow too long and unwieldy, simply trim them back into shape.
5. Dieffenbachia
This air-purifying heartthrob has large, eye-catching leaves with a mix of green, white and occasionally yellow. The unusual patterns and soft colours give the feeling of a living work of art
Dieffenbachia likes in a bright or semi-shaded spot. Its potting soil should always be slightly moist and the plant likes a humid environment, so spray it with a plant spray regularly. Dieffenbachia's sap is irritating and poisonous, so keep it out of reach of pets and children. Use gloves when repotting or handling.
6. Tradescantia Zebrina
Tradescantia Zebrina is another eye-catcher with striking leaves. The leaves of this houseplant have metallic purple and silver stripes and can seem to change colour depending on how the light shines.
Tradescantia Zebrina prefers a very light spot (preferably not with too much direct sunlight). Keep the potting soil slightly moist, but not too wet. The root ball can be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. Do not place your Tradescantia in or near a draught, as temperature fluctuations can harm plant health.
7. Alocasia Polly
Alocasia Polly, sometimes known as the skeleton plant, is a spectacular houseplant with shiny green leaves and impressive white veins that bring to mind the outline of a skeleton. This exotic plants has heart-shaped leaves with wavy sides.
Alocasia Polly likes a bright spot that's not in direct sunlight. Always keep the potting soil slightly moist, but not too wet, to prevent root rot. Spray the leaves regularly with a plant spray to increase humidity.
8. Fittonia
Another eye-catcher with unusual leaf veins is Fittonia, also known as the mosaic plant. This hanging plant has small green leaves with white, pink or dark red veins. Thanks to its compact size, it's ideal for adorning a bookshelf, side table, dining table or desk.
Fittonia likes plenty of light (no direct sunlight) and high humidity. Spray it regularly with a plant spray to prevent leaves from drooping. Keep the potting soil slightly moist, but not too wet, to prevent root rot.
9. Monstera Monkey Mask
Monstera Monkey Mask, also known as Monstera Adansonii, stands out because of its characteristic green leaves with oval holes in the centre. This unusual appearance makes the plant a playful and tropical eye-catcher for your home.
Monstera thrives in both a bright spot and in semi-shade. Keep the potting soil slightly moist, but avoid letting the plant get too wet. Monstera likes high humidity, so regularly spray with a plant spray.
10. Anthurium Clarinervum
Last but not least on our list of spectacular houseplants is Anthurium Clarinervum. This houseplant has heart-shaped leaves and striking, silvery-white veins. The velvety soft leaf surface gives the plant a luxurious look and makes it special.
Anthurium Clarinervum likes a bright spot (no direct sunlight) and prefers a warm, humid environment. Keep the potting soil slightly moist but not too wet. Spray the leaves regularly with a plant spray to increase humidity.
Houseplants and pets
If you have a pet (or small children), you should always check that your new houseplant isn't toxic or damaging to animals and children before bringing it home. Take a look at our handy guide to keeping houseplants and pets.
How to take care of your houseplants
Once you've brought home your new houseplants, you'll want to learn how best to care for them to ensure they thrive. Check out our basic rules and tips on how to care for houseplants.
More green inspiration
Take a look at these 10 cool hanging plants, these 10 houseplants for any wishlist and these 10 easy-to-care-for plants. If you're already a plant expert, rise to the challenge of caring for a trickier houseplant.
