15 Houseplants People Often Regret Buying (and Smarter Alternatives You’ll Actually Love)

Buying houseplants has become more popular than ever, with plant lovers filling homes, offices, and even bathrooms with greenery. Social media is filled with images of picture-perfect plants, but what those posts don’t show you are the struggles behind the scenes. Many of the most popular plants are surprisingly difficult to keep alive, especially for beginners, and countless plant parents admit they regret spending money on species that are far too demanding.

This article dives into 15 houseplants that people often regret buying, why they cause so much trouble, and which alternatives will give you the same beauty with far less stress. By the end, you’ll know exactly which plants to avoid and which ones to welcome into your home.

15 Houseplants People Often Regret Buying

1. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)

The fiddle leaf fig is one of the most photographed plants online, loved for its large violin-shaped leaves and ability to transform any room into a stylish space. Unfortunately, it has also earned a reputation for being extremely temperamental.

People regret buying it because it reacts negatively to almost every change. Move it across the room and it drops leaves. Overwater slightly and its roots rot. Forget a watering and the leaves droop dramatically. It also attracts pests like spider mites, which are difficult to eliminate.

When I tried keeping one in a medium-light living room, it lost three leaves in the first week. It only recovered once I placed it in a consistently bright spot and resisted moving it again.

You want to Learn about How to Care for a Fiddle Leaf Fig then please check here

Smarter alternative: If you love the bold, upright look but don’t want the stress, a Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) provides the same dramatic appeal with far fewer tantrums.

2. Calathea (Prayer Plants)

Calatheas are gorgeous with their decorative patterned leaves and unique nighttime leaf movements, but they are notorious for being difficult to keep happy.

The main reasons people regret buying calatheas are their strict humidity needs and water sensitivity. Without very high humidity, the leaves curl and brown at the edges. If you use unfiltered tap water, the chemicals can scar the foliage. Even with careful care, they often look tired and unhealthy indoors.

I’ve heard plant parents joke that calatheas seem to punish them for every mistake, whether it’s a skipped watering or a little too much sunlight.

Smarter alternative: If you like decorative foliage without the drama, Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a perfect choice. It has attractive variegation, grows quickly, and tolerates average household conditions.

3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

The peace lily is another plant that seems ideal at first glance, with glossy leaves and elegant white blooms. But it is also one of the most complained about plants once it’s brought home.

Its biggest issue is its constant drooping. Peace lilies wilt dramatically whenever they’re thirsty, and while they recover quickly after watering, this constant cycle can be stressful for owners. Many people overcompensate by watering too often, leading to soggy soil and fungus gnats. Pets owners also regret them since they are toxic to cats and dogs.

I once kept one in my office, and while it bloomed nicely, I eventually gave it away because I couldn’t stand the daily drooping.

Smarter alternative: A ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) offers the same lush, glossy look without the fuss. It thrives in low light, tolerates neglect, and never “guilts” you when you miss a watering.

4. English Ivy (Hedera helix)

English ivy looks romantic and charming in photos, but indoors it rarely delivers the same effect. In most homes, it quickly becomes infested with spider mites, which leave webs and sticky residue all over the leaves. It also struggles in dry air, leading to browning and leaf drop.

A friend of mine once tried growing ivy indoors, and despite constant misting, it never looked good. Within a month, half the leaves had fallen.

Smarter alternative: For a trailing plant that won’t cause so much stress, try a Philodendron Brasil, which has vibrant variegated leaves and thrives in typical household conditions.

5. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is often purchased for its soothing gel, but indoors it usually disappoints. Without plenty of direct sunlight, it grows stretched and floppy. Many people also water it too often, which causes root rot. In reality, it is much happier outdoors in warm climates than on a windowsill.

I once tried growing one in my kitchen, but the lack of sun made it weak and floppy. It only regained its strength when I moved it outside during summer.

Smarter alternative: If you want a hardy succulent that stays compact indoors, a Haworthia is a much better option.

6. Crotons (Codiaeum variegatum)

Crotons are eye-catching with their brightly colored leaves, but they are also extremely sensitive. Simply moving them from the store to your home can make them shed leaves. They require bright light, warm temperatures, and steady humidity, which most homes cannot provide year-round.

Many owners regret them because the vibrant colors fade and the plant looks bare within weeks.

Smarter alternative: The Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) offers colorful foliage in a wide variety of patterns and thrives in less demanding environments.

7. Olive Tree (Olea europaea)

Having an olive tree indoors sounds chic, but it’s a recipe for disappointment. These trees need full sun for hours each day, warm air, and sandy, well-draining soil. Without those conditions, they quickly drop leaves and decline.

Unless you live in a greenhouse or Mediterranean climate, olive trees are best admired outdoors.

Smarter alternative: The Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis) adapts better indoors and has the bonus of edible leaves for cooking.

8. Ferns (Boston Fern, Maidenhair, etc.)

Ferns are beautiful with their feathery fronds, but indoors they are rarely easy. They require constant humidity and evenly moist soil, which are difficult to maintain in most homes. Without this, they turn brown, shed leaves, and make a mess.

Unless you keep them in a bathroom or invest in a humidifier, ferns are more work than they’re worth.

Smarter alternative: The Asparagus Fern has a similar light, airy look but is much more forgiving.

9. Philodendron Birkin

The Birkin became popular for its white-striped leaves, but many owners regret it because those stripes often fade in low light. It is also a slow grower, which frustrates people hoping for quick results.

I’ve seen many Birkins that look plain green after a few months indoors, leaving their owners wondering why they paid extra for fancy variegation.

Smarter alternative: The Philodendron Brasil grows faster, stays colorful, and is much easier to maintain.

10. String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)

The string of pearls looks stunning in hanging baskets, but it is one of the most delicate succulents you can grow. It is extremely prone to rot if watered too often and shrivels quickly if neglected. It also demands strong light, which many homes lack.

When grown in average conditions, it tends to become sparse and unhealthy, which is why so many people regret buying it.

Smarter alternative: The String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii) is equally decorative, far more resilient, and thrives in typical indoor environments.

11. Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)

Polka dot plants are appealing in stores because of their speckled leaves, but indoors they quickly fade and become leggy. Without constant pruning and strong light, they lose their charm within weeks.

I once bought one on impulse, and although it looked beautiful at first, within two months it was nothing but spindly stems.

Smarter alternative: A Rex Begonia provides just as much vibrant color but holds its appeal much longer indoors.

12. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)

The parlor palm is often advertised as a low-light plant, which it is, but many people regret it because it grows painfully slowly. While it survives, it rarely becomes lush or impressive, leaving owners disappointed.

If you’re expecting a dramatic palm to anchor your living room, this is not the plant for you.

Smarter alternative: The Areca Palm grows faster, fills out more, and creates the tropical vibe people hope for.

13. Alocasia (Elephant Ears)

Alocasias are admired for their huge, dramatic leaves, but they are extremely demanding. They attract pests easily, suffer from root rot, and often go dormant, dropping all their leaves for months at a time.

Many people regret them because they seem to die suddenly, only to reappear later, which is discouraging for beginners.

Smarter alternative: Colocasia hybrids provide similar tropical leaves but are generally more forgiving.

14. Banana Plants (Musa spp.)

Banana plants make a bold statement with their massive leaves, but they quickly overwhelm most homes. They require intense light, constant water, and plenty of space. Indoors, their leaves tear easily, and they rarely fruit.

Unless you live in a tropical climate, they are more trouble than they are worth.

Smarter alternative: The Dwarf Cavendish Banana stays smaller and is more realistic for indoor growing.

15. Mint and Other Invasive Plants

Mint is beloved for its fresh flavor, but in gardens, it quickly becomes invasive. It spreads aggressively, overtaking beds and crowding out other herbs. Many gardeners regret ever planting it in the ground.

I made this mistake once, and within a year, mint had popped up in every corner of the bed, choking out my basil and parsley.

Smarter alternative: Grow mint only in containers, or try Lemon Balm, which offers a gentler flavor without the invasive spread.

Why People Regret These Plants

The common thread among all these plants is unrealistic expectations. Trendy plants like fiddle leaf figs and calatheas look beautiful online, but they require conditions most homes cannot provide. Others, like mint, simply behave too aggressively.

In almost every case, the regret comes from plants that demand more care than the owner can reasonably give.

Smarter Choices for a Thriving Indoor Jungle

Instead of frustrating yourself with high-maintenance divas, choose plants that match your lifestyle. The ZZ Plant, Snake Plant, Monstera, Pothos, and Rubber Plant are all reliable, beautiful options that thrive with much less effort.

FAQs

Do hydrangeas grow in Florida?
Yes, hydrangeas can grow in Florida, but they need morning sun and afternoon shade to survive the heat.

Is Calathea really a prayer plant?
Yes, calatheas fold their leaves at night, giving them the nickname “prayer plants.”

Does aloe vera grow better indoors or outdoors?
Aloe vera grows much better outdoors in warm, sunny climates. Indoors, it only thrives with very strong light.

Which plants are best for beginners?
The snake plant, ZZ plant, pothos, and spider plant are all excellent beginner-friendly choices.

Conclusion

Houseplants can bring joy, beauty, and calm into your home, but only if you choose the right ones. Many popular plants look appealing in stores but quickly turn into sources of regret due to their demanding care needs. By learning from the experiences of others and avoiding the plants most often regretted, you can save time, money, and frustration.

Instead, focus on smarter alternatives that fit your lifestyle. With the right choices, your indoor garden will thrive, and your plants will bring you happiness instead of stress.