Pandemic Plants in 2020: I Became A Plant Mama

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2020 has made my world seem smaller. In-person meetings have become zoom calls. Date nights at our favorite spot morphed into mastering homemade enchiladas. (By the way, the secret is all about the tortilla prep.) One pandemic plants in 2020 buy has turned into… um, several.

In talking to friends, more folks are turning to houseplants for a variety of reasons, maybe it’s easy companionship, the meditative nature of caring for something that won’t talk back, or for simply seeing something grow and flourish. Up until the 2020 pandemic my houseplants consisted of a jade plant, an orchid, and a Christmas cactus. I’m a long-time vegetable gardener. Check out my favorite 2020 vegetable plant.

Popular Pandemic Plants

I’ve even noticed at the local hardware store their selection of houseplants has become more desirable and popular. Recently, I picked up a Fiddle Leaf Fig and a Deliciosa Monstera, they had so many to choose from! Upon returning a few short days later for a birthday gift, all were gone! See, I’m not the only plant parent in this pandemic!

Apartment Therapy gathered the top 10 most-discussed pandemic plants in 2020 by mentions according to Redditors:

1. Pothos – The pothos is a popular houseplant because of its hardiness. (Translation: it’s very hard to kill.) It does well in various light conditions, although its best to avoid direct sunlight if possible, and they do best when their soil dries out in between waterings.
2. Monstera – Monsteras prefer high humidity and indirect lighting, and you should water the top quarter-to-third if the soil feels dry. While this houseplant isn’t the easiest to take care of, the impressive split leaves are worth the labor alone.
3. Cactus – Like most succulents, cacti are fairly easy to take care of , and have a fighting spirit that requires little water.
4. Philodendron – They can thrive in low-light conditions, although they’ve been proven to grow fastest in medium or indirect light.  Philodendron can flourish in either soil or just water, and you know it needs water when its leaves start to appear wilted.
5. Calathea – low-maintenance care that results in fast-growing, lush leaves. It’s a great alternative for when you feel like the pothos is too common of a plant for you (it is #1 on this list for a reason, after all).
6. Ferns – (personally not my favorite) There are many fern variations, and most of them won’t make the list for easiest houseplants to care for. I can imagine their mentions can be attributed to mourning their death?
7. Hoya – There are hundreds of types of hoya plants, even an adorable heart-shaped one. They thrive in bright, indirect light and require enough water that keeps its soil moist but not wet.
8. Peperomia – When you’re dealing with tight quarters and little sunlight, the peperomia is a great option that can survive with both these factors.
9. Snake – Known for its low-light and low-maintenance nature, the snake plant is another option for those who have extremely limited sunlight in their home.
10. ZZ (Zamioculcas Zamiifolia) –  ZZ plants do best in bright to moderate sunlight that is indirect, and in the case of watering, less is more (the most common way to kill a ZZ plant is overwatering).

Where to Get Started?

Try your local big box hardware store. I’ve also had luck at some nurseries in my area. A quick Google search will help to locate them. Also, consider a subscription service. I joined Succulent Box and I am in awe of the spectacular condition my monthly succulents are delivered. Since we are approaching spring I’ve upgraded to the 4/month tier and I can’t wait to see the beauties I receive!