How can I identify a houseplant from a photo?

Photograph the whole plant, one leaf front and back, and the joint where a leaf stalk meets the stem. Upload them to a plant identifier, then confirm the match with the traits in this guide.

What is the most common houseplant?

Pothos, snake plant, ZZ plant, peace lily, spider plant and heartleaf philodendron are among the most widely sold.

My plant looks like pothos but isn't — what could it be?

Most often heartleaf philodendron. Satin pothos (Scindapsus pictus, with silver-splashed matte leaves) and arrowhead plant are the other usual suspects.

Which houseplants are safe for cats and dogs?

Spider plant, parlor palm, Boston fern, calathea, prayer plant, cast iron plant, hoya, peperomia, African violet and moth orchid are listed as non-toxic.

Can a garden centre identify my plant?

Usually. Bring a leaf or clear photos showing the leaf, stalk and growth habit.

Author: PlantIDOnline Editorial Team

The PlantIDOnline Editorial Team writes and updates every guide on this site. Botanical names are checked against recognised plant databases, pet-safety notes against established veterinary toxic-plant lists, and care advice against university extension and botanical-garden sources. We test our own plant identifier on real photos and publish the results, including the misses. Spotted a mistake? Email [email protected] and we will fix it.

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