I strongly believe no space is complete without a gorgeous green houseplant, and while we’ve all seen the rise of the fiddle leaf fig in recent years as the go to indoor tree, there are greater indoor plants out there that offer a twist on your usual greenery that won't make you pull your hair out.

Side note: fiddle figs are not low maintenance! They're spiteful, needy little bitches. Yes, they are gorgeous, but next time you're driving through the neighborhood, take note of how many half dead crispy ones in baskets are dragged out onto the homeowners front porch in pure frustration or buried in their from yard in shallow graves because they've given up on it indoors. I compare them to a really pretty pair of heels. They look amazing on everyone else and not at all uncomfortable, really pull the look together, so you go for it. Fifteen minutes later in those puppies you're throwing them in your purse and rocking the party barefoot. Or you drink just enough to not feel your feet or remain sitting the whole event. Is that just me? Whatever, I digress. All Im saying is, just take note.

 Below are some of my favorite alternatives for the omnipresent fiddle fig tree which should help get our minds right in preparation for spring. This is also coming from someone with a major brown thumb, so needless to say these guys are all super low maintenance. High heel round up to follow, just kidding.

Rubber Plant: This is my new fav, all the rage! Its soft rounded leaves create such a soothing profile. (A smart lady from Floret Moon once told me that rounded leaves give off a more pleasant chill energy, and I'm finally starting to believe her.) The organic design on their leaves is mesmerizing and I love a little pop of pink! She needs indirect light for most of the day and a healthy daily spritz to her leaves. (another tip from the same smart plant lady which is also tried to avoid but gave in because it actually works, and you get to use one of these really cute plant misters. ) Minimal effort to benefit from such a beautiful staple in your space. 

Philodendron: This Jurassic Park inspired plant features huge leaves and stems reaching in every direction, creating a dynamic look for an open living space or an empty corner. I love the round slivers of light in its silhouette and how rich and green it is. Really just a nice departure from your grandma's fern.

Spider Plant: Appropriately named, this spiky friend is low maintenance and adds a little edge to any shelf he sits on or hook he hangs from. Its great because it can grow up out and round or drop down and hang its tendrils for some really great profiles. Love how my girl Natalie Myers used it to compliment the family disco ball in her Palisades remodel. Perfection!

Kentia Palm: All things beachy and island-inspired nestled in a pretty pot and into your home just feels just right for California living. The palm is especially tall, airy, light and fabulous. It is modern, easy, breezy, greenie and makes me really happy. We used a really bodacious one in our West Hollywood Palm Spring Inspired project that really takes their living space next level.

Snake Plant: The snake plant, or mother in laws tongue, has seen a rise in popularity in recent years. It’s a great plant for small spaces because of their vertical leaves, which I may point out are fun and splattered with different greenish hues. Very mid century inspired which is why I think I'm so drawn. Not going to play it like I didn't kill ours in a month. I over watered and it grew a fungus and we had to throw it in our plant graveyard. There was no coming back from that. A little tip, which I obviously didn't follow, shove your index finger into the soil, one knuckle deep, to test for moisture. If its dry, water, if its moist, step away.  

Tall Cacti: For all you other brown thumbs out there, look no further, this guy is for you.  A standard tall cacti plant looks strong, modern and chic in any living space, but beware kiddos and puppies, they bite. Maybe better suited for your outdoor living spaces, but either way I love the energy they bring.

Jade Plant: An oldie but a goodie, this succulent-esque girl is great for indoor and outdoor spaces. Very low maintenance and damn near immortal. Great for a potted pop of green in the bathroom or kitchen. Little hint, if its pedals fall off, bury it in the pot and it will sprout again. Never-ending generations of Jade, how great is that! Even better, if you have a strong one thriving, share the love. Pull off a stem and plant it for a friend. This goes for most succulents which is why I love them so much.

Banana Leaf: This is more of a tree than a plant honestly, but never the less totally awesome! It takes a little TLC and needs a lot of space and light but man what a piece of plantie art! Also really love how effortlessly styled their stems alone are arranged in a vase. Its like all the beauty with non of the commitment. That I can wrap my head around. Just takes a little late night neighborhood foraging. You know what I mean ;) I will in this moment, throw down another pro plant killer tip. Every once in a while, take a sponge or wet towel and wipe down their leaves, especially with this guy having so much leaf surface area. Plants breath through their leaves, so if their nostrils are clogged, they suffocate and die. I'm sure there's a more scientific explanation than that but thats how I picture it and it reminds me to do it. 

ZZ plant: This guy is new to my repertoire but I'm so stoked I finally met him. Again with the rounded leaves, to keep the god juju flowing, accompanied but a really pretty dark green shiny exterior. This literally will not die. True story, I bought a few and placed around my house, totally forgot about them and then one day noticed, hey why is it so floppy? Hmmmmm, what could it be I thought? I put him outside for some sun, nothing, I talked to him and told him how happy I was for him to join the family, nothing. Then, lightning struck! He's dry as a bone, gasping for air. I hadn't watered him since I bought him and he was thirsty. Watered him on the spot, perked right up. Good as new. This is how my brain works, much to the amusement of my plant lady guru friend, but paints the picture of how hardy the zz really is. This coming from a mother of a human child and a dog child.  They're both thriving I might add.