This is America's most popular house plant

We're shocked it's still a favorite

A bright home office area with house plants
(Image credit: Tanya Paton / Getty)

House plants have never been more popular. We've searched for and bought huge amounts of indoor greenery since spending more time at home, and the trend shows no signs of abating. Now, new research* reveals the most popular house plants that are 'Googled' in every state of the United States. There are many all-time favorites here, as well as a few less-known plants worth discovering.

The best indoor plants have beautiful foliage, look gorgeous in a contemporary home interior, and are easy to look after. These top searched-for plants all have these qualities in common. 

New research has revealed the most popular house plants in each American state. And despite the latest house plant trends for this year, it looks like the classic Monstera, more commonly known as the Swiss cheese plant, is still one of the US's favorite house plants, overall.  

The research conducted by gardening experts at AllAboutGardening.com analyzed Google Trends data to establish the most Googled house plant in each American state in the past five years.  

1. Swiss cheese plant

Monstera deliciosa in a pot

(Image credit: ADDICTIVE STOCK CREATIVES / Alamy Stock Photo)

So you may or may not be surprised to hear that Monstera deliciosa most definitely took the top spot. It is the most-Googled, in-demand plant in an impressive sixteen states, including New York, Ohio, California and Hawaii. 

Monstera (available to buy on Amazon) has distinctive cut-out leaves that make it stand out from the crowd; it looks fantastic in Instagram shots, and in terms of house plant care, this one is a doddle. Just make sure it gets enough light, or the leaves will lose the characteristic cut-outs. 

2. Ficus lyrata

White sheepskin on easy chair with vintage rug and fiddle leaf fig tree in pot

(Image credit: Korkiat / Getty)

We adore ficus lyrata – and so do the people of Oklahoma, Wisconsin, South Carolina and Tennessee. Many species of fig can be grown indoors, but the fiddle-leaf fig has unique, large leaves that are shaped a bit like violins, and it grows nice and tall, which makes it an excellent statement plant for a living room.

Avoid overwatering fiddle-leaf figs, as they are prone to fungal infections. 

3. Chinese money plant

Chinese Money or Pilea peperomioides house plant on bedside table with window

(Image credit: Pink-Orange-Photography / Getty)

Pilea peperomioides (Chinese money plant) is such a cute little plant, with leaves that look like coins (hence the name), and it's beloved by people in Georgia, Oregon, Nevada and Washington, who search for it more than for any other house plant. 

Compact and therefore perfect for smaller homes, this plant needs bright but indirect light to thrive.

4. String-of-pearls

A senecio rowleyanus - string of beads - plant

(Image credit: Gina Easley / Stockimo / Alamy Stock Photo)

The Senecio rowleyanus, otherwise known as a string-of-pearls, was the most searched for house plant in three states – Louisiana, Maryland and Michigan. This hanging plant looks cool when suspended from the ceiling in a bright kitchen; it likes regular watering.

5. Spider plant

Spider plant in white pot at balcony

(Image credit: FeelPic / Getty)

The Chlorophytum comosum is commonly known as the spider plant and is one of the easiest house plants to grow. It just needs bright, indirect light and the occasional watering. This was the most searched houseplant in Illinois, Montana and New Jersey. 

6. Calathea

Tropical 'Calathea Makoyana' Prayer Plant in flower pot on table

(Image credit: Firn / Getty)

Calatheas are truly gorgeous indoor plants that come in several varieties, all with delicately striped leaves. calatheas were the most popular in Texas, Arizona and Colorado. 

To care properly for a calatheas, it is best to place it in a medium to low indirect light, never allowing your plant to receive direct sunlight as this can cause the leaves to burn. Also, calatheas like a humid environment or their leaves will curl. 

7. Aloe vera

Home office with potted plants and guitar

(Image credit: Tanya Paton / Getty)

An old favorite, Aloe vera is a slow-growing succulent known for the medicinal gel inside its juicy leaves. When properly cared for, it will grow for many decades, reaching a large size. They don't need much watering. 

Aloe vera proves the most popular plant in Delaware and Mississippi.

8. Bamboo

Lucky bamboo shoots / dracaena sanderiana growing in black cauldron pot against mirror in luxury black marble bathroom

(Image credit: mtreasure / Getty)

It's actually not strictly speaking a bamboo, but a variety of dracaena – but it's super-easy to grow indoors and can even be grown in just water. Lucky bamboo was the most popular houseplant in Rhode Island and Wyoming. 

9. Dracaena fragrans

Dracaena fragrans house plant on a table

(Image credit: Iryna Khabliuk / Alamy Stock Photo)

Another variety of dracaena, the Dracaena fragrans, made the list – it was the most popular plant in Maine and New Mexico. This is a great plant for rooms with low-light conditions. 

10. Sansevieria

Indoor snake plant with emerald green velvet armchair

(Image credit: Galina Vetertsovskaya / Getty)

Finally, the Sansevieria plant, best known as a snake plant, was the top searched house plant in the state of Pennsylvania and Virginia. These tend to be popular thanks to their reputation as air-purifying plants, but they're also very low-maintenance, requiring indirect light and the occasional watering. 

A white living room with shiplap wall paneling, white painted beams and two-seater sofa, wooden coffee table and indoor houseplants

(Image credit: Sofa.com)

Commenting on the study, a spokesperson from AllAboutGardening.com said: 'Interest in house plants has been on a rapid rise since the pandemic began, with people eager reap the benefits of nature within the confines of their homes and houseplants are a perfect way to do this. 

'This data offers a fascinating insight into which house plants Americans prefer and whether these house plants will become more of a staple of American homes in the future.'

House plants are fun, mostly easy to look after, and they make your home decor look even better. What's not to love?

Swipe to scroll horizontally
Which house plant is most popular in your state?
House plantStates
Swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa)Alaska, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia
CalatheaArizona, Colorado, Texas
Fiddle-leaf fig (Ficus lyrata)Alabama, Idaho, Iowa, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Wisconsin
Aloe veraDelaware, Mississippi,
Prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura)Florida,
Chinese money plant (Pilea peperomioides)Georgia, Missouri, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, Washington
Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)Illinois, Monyana, New Jersey,
Money tree/Guiana chestnutKentucky, Nebraska,
String of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan,
Corn plant (Dracaena fragrans) Maine, New Mexico,
Snake plant (Sansevieria)Virginia
BambooRhode Island, Wyoming
PothosSouth Dakota

* Research by AllAboutGardening.com

Anna is a professional writer with many years of experience. She has a passion for contemporary home decor and gardening. She covers a range of topics, from practical advice to interior and garden design. 

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