The 5 'It' Plants of 2021, According to the Pros

The 5 'It' Plants of 2021, According to the Pros

AglaonemasmonsterasphilodendronspothosZZ plants, and other aroids topped the houseplant popularity lists in 2020 due to their exciting foliage colors, shapes, and ease of care.

As we go into 2021, the houseplant trend doesn't seem to be slowing.

What plants should you be adding to your indoor garden? "The hot plant picks for 2021 will include big leafy plants like Philodendrons and Alocasias," says Sean Dollinger, Founder of PlantX. "We're also expecting hanging plants like Linear Hoya and Hanging Hearts to make a comeback."

If you already have those species in your plant collection, no worries—there are several other trending plants to add to your collection. Check out these five houseplants professionals are predicting will be the next it plants of 2021.

Elephant Ear (Alocasia' Regal Shield')

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

"Elephant Ear  (Alocasia' Regal Shield) is going to replace the Fiddle Leaf Fig as the "it" large houseplant," says Katrina Froelich, marketing and public relations specialist from Lively Root.

Elephant Ears are popular landscape plants due to their large leaves and height. The African native plant is also easy to grow indoors as long as you provide it with bright, indirect light. The plant features light green veins on the upper surface and purple-yellow-green veins on the lower surface, which will add an unusual color distinction to any room.

The plant grows up to 9' tall and 4' wide, making it an instant focal point in any room. "Just like the Fiddle Leaf Fig, this plant needs a little extra TLC," says Froelich. "But it's such a unique and Instagrammable plant—the extra time you take to take care of it will be well worth it."

Sterling Silver Scindapsus (Scindapsus Terubii 'Moonlight')

The plant that's currently causing a stir among houseplant owners is the Sterling Silver Scindapsus. Justin Hancock, horticulturist at Costa Farms says, "Sterling Silver is relatively uncommon in the trade, having only been readily available to plant collectors." Costa Farms released the plant in 2020 as part of their Trending Tropicals® collection.

Sterling Silver Scindapsus is a close relative of pothos, philodendron, and monstera. It's a slow-growing, vining plant that features dark green foliage with an elegant silvery sheen on top. It's a glow growing houseplant, which makes it adaptable in various light conditions. Jim says the Sterling Silver Scindapsus will get greater distribution in 2021.