The 5 best indoor plants for 2018

From classic ferns and rubber trees to the oh-so-trendy snake plant, like any home trend, the next big thing in the plant world takes on different shapes and forms each year.

Not only are indoor plants great for our health and wellbeing – adding a breath of fresh air to the home – greenery is also a surprise style hack to make just about any room look better and brighter.

We adore indoor foliage just as much as the next homemaker, and so we’ve rounded up our top five indoor plants that are ready to shine in your homes in 2018.

1. Fiddle leaf fig

The fiddle leaf fig tree can grow up to 2m – if given the right conditions. Picture: Erinna Giblin

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The ficus lyrata, commonly known as the fiddle leaf fig, has had our hearts for a while now – and the Pinterest-worthy plant isn’t going anywhere.

Keeping these beauties alive can be a battle in itself, but once your fig boasts the large, glossy and leathery leaves it’s known for, your space will feel a whole lot more complete.

The fiddle leaf fig has glorious leathery leaves. Picture: Erinna Giblin

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Fiddle leaf figs, which grow to around two metres tall, make for the perfect burst of green in a lonely corner, the top of a staircase, hallway or entryway.

2. Devil’s ivy

Pothos, more commonly referred to as devil’s ivy, is a lush and leafy vine that only needs minimal watering and care – making it a great pick for the black thumb gardener.

Devil’s ivy at the Greener House shop in Collingwood. Picture: Erinna Giblin

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Find a happy place atop a bookshelf for your devil’s ivy in your home and watch it grow to more than 12 metres in length (if you’re lucky).

Not only does devil’s ivy help to create that jungle feeling we all crave in the home – perfect for adding interest to stark spaces – it also doubles as a neat, air-purifying plant

3. Strelitzia nicolai

Now you know the more scientific name for your ‘giant white bird of paradise’ (pronounced streh-lit-see-uh nick-oh-lye), you can impress your friends by casually dropping it into conversation when a guest comes around.

Just don’t try saying it three times quickly.

Giant white bird of paradise / wild banana (Strelitzia nicolai) in flower, native to South Africa. Picture: Getty

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Although it’s not yet as famous as its popular sister, the orange bird of paradise, the white bird is making a comeback from the ’70s.

While its large leaves are already loved by the gardening community, it’ll be creeping back into all Insta-worthy homes throughout 2018.

4. Monstera

If you haven’t got your hands on a monstera deliciosa yet, what are you waiting for?

Also known as a split leaf philodendron or Swiss cheese plant, these stylish indoor plants can grow quite large and live for years, if taken care of.

The monstera’s sculptural form is a favourite among designers. Picture: Getty

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The iconic, split leaves can be found in all of your favourite homewares stores – and have been featured extensively in many architectural and interior design shoots.

If you’re not sure how to style your living room and want to give it an on-trend touch, the monstera is for you.

5. Dwarf fruit trees

If you’d love to have home-grown fruit at your fingertips, dwarf fruit trees may be the pick for you.

A dwarf orange tree not only looks great – it gives you a sweet treat, too! Picture: Getty

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These trees need to be brought outside periodically to make sure they’re getting enough sunlight and water, but can also thrive in a warm sunny spot inside the house.

These tiny fruit trees are en vogue as they don’t just bring greenery with them, but a bit of colour, too.

Discover: Why succulents make great hanging plants