10 plant dupes even better than the originals

Article for :All parent plants

In life, the copy rarely surpasses the original. But not when it comes to gardening. Discover 10 houseplant dupes that are easier to grow, pet-friendly or simply rarer than their doppelganger.

#1 Maranta leuconeura 'Fascinator' rather than Calathea makoyana

Left: Maranta leuconeura 'Fascinator' (Photo by Maja Dumat/ Flickr) * Right: Calathea makoyana (Photo by Ping an Chang /wWkipedia)

Calathea are famous for two things: their extraordinarily patterned foliage and their difficult care. Calathea makoyana (Goeppertia makoyana) is no exception. Its light-green leaves, dotted with dark-green patterns, resemble peacock feathers. And it can't stand poor watering, too much light or too dry an air.

If you're having trouble keeping a Calathea makoyana alive, try Maranta leuconeura 'Fascinator'. Its leaves are darker (and therefore more resistant to light), but their pattern is also reminiscent of a peacock feather. Finally, the plant is more tolerant. It tolerates dry indoor air more easily, and can occasionally forgive an oversight or over-watering.

The icing on the cake is that both varieties belong to the Marantaceae family of praying plants. At dusk, Maranta leuconeura 'Fascinator', like Calathea makoyana, folds its leaves two by two.

#2 Peperomia serpens rather than pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Left, Peperomia serpens (Photo by Krzysztof Ziarnek /wikipedia) * Right, Epipremnum aureum (Photo by Cenoteando /iNaturalist)

Easy to grow, fast-growing and full of allure, pothos (Epipremnum aureum) has nothing but good qualities. Or almost. This vine of the Araceae family is toxicif it comes into contact with mucous membranes or is ingested. If you have a cat or dog with a sweet tooth, it's best not to grow it in your home!

We've searched and found a pet-friendly alternative: peperomia scandens (Peperomia serpens). This drooping plant has heart-shaped, dark-green leaves. There are even variegated varieties, perfect for replacing pothos 'N'Joy, for example!

Both species are easy to care for. They require watering when the substrate has dried on the surface and a rich, well-drained soil, such as houseplant compost. Add a little fertilizer during the growth period and repot when the roots protrude from the pot, and you're done!

#3 Aglaonema rather than Caladium

Left, Aglaonema 'Pink Lady' (Photo by Yercaud Elango /Right, ikipedia) * Right, Caladium 'Tickle me Pink' (Photo by Dan Keck /Flickr)

Caladiums are hard to resist! With their translucent pink, white, green or red foliage, they could be mistaken for works of art. Six months of the year. Because between November and March, the tuberous plant goes dormant and is reduced to a bulb.

For delicate, colorful foliage all year round, choose Aglaonema. The transparent white foliage of aglaonema 'White Joy (Aglaonema commutatum 'White Joy') resembles that of Caladium bicolor 'White Christmas'. The pink leaves of aglaonema 'Pink Princess (Aglaonema commutatum 'Pink Princess'), on the other hand, are the perfect alternative to Caladium 'Pink Beauty'.

What's more, Aglaonema are easier to grow than Caladiums. There's no risk of rotting the bulb over winter or missing the spring recovery. All you need to do is water all year round, using rainwater when the soil has dried to at least two centimetres.

#4 Anthurium clarinervium over Alocasia Ninja

Left, Anthurium clarinervium (Photo by Peganum /Flickr) * Right, Alocasia 'Ninja' (Photo by Obdsidian soul /Wikipedia)*

Ask any plant-addict which plants are the hardest to grow, and chances are they'll say Alocasia. For example, to admire the white-veined leaves of alocasia 'Ninja (Alocasia reginula Ninja), you'll need to master watering, humidity and light perfectly.

Fortunately, not all plants with contrasting foliage are so difficult! Anthurium clarinervium, for example, has velvety, deeply-veined leaf blades. But it's more tolerant of forgetfulness and less demanding in terms of growing conditions.

Anthurium clarinervium is an epiphytic plant. It needs a very light substrate to thrive. You can mix commercial orchid potting soil with perlite, for example.

#5 Peperomia prostrata rather than Ceropegia woodii

Left, Peperomi prostrata (Photo by Dysmorodrepanis /Wikipedia)* Right, Ceroppegia woodii (Photo by Maja Dumat / Flickr)

Let's be honest, nothing will ever be more romantic than chain of Hearts (Ceroppegia woodii) and its drooping stems covered with heart-shaped leaves. But for animal lovers, this toxic plant is a no-go. Unless you want to give yourself a scare and a visit to the vet.

If you want a hanging plant with cute foliage that won't put your furballs at risk, try peperomia prostrata (Peperomia prostrata). Its small, dark-green, almost heart-shaped leaves are criss-crossed with lighter veins. The patterns they form are reminiscent of a turtle shell.

Unlike the heart chain, the turtle chain is not a succulent plant. You'll need to water it more often to keep its soil slightly moist at all times.

#6 Peperomia Raindrop rather than Pilea peperomioides

Left, Peperomia raindrop (Photo by Yercaud Elango / Wikipedia) * Right, Pilea peperomioides (Photo by Maja Dumat / Flidkr)

Everyone loves chinese coin plant (Pilea peperomioides) and its round leaves. But after seeing it everywhere, some people have grown tired of it.

If you're looking for a more original plant with almost succulent leaves, peperomia polybotrya 'Raindrop (Peperomia peperomia polybotrya 'Raindrop ) is for you. The shiny leaf blades rise to the top of a long petiole, just like the Chinese coin plant. But instead of being completely round, they have a pointed apex. And this detail changes everything!

Peperomia Raindrop requires a little more attention than the Chinese coin plant. It needs watering when the potting soil has dried on the surface, and appreciates higher humidity. You can spray it or place it with your other plants, so that it can take advantage of the moisture they naturally give off.

#7 Pothos 'Neon' rather than Philodendron 'Lemon Lime

Left, Pothos 'Neon' (Photo by Shuvaev / Wikipedia) * Right, Philodendron 'Lemon Lime' (Photo by AlbeitPK / Wikipedia)

With its neon-green foliage, philodendron Lemon Lime (Philodendron hederaceum 'Lemon Lime') doesn't go unnoticed. While the plant is theoretically easy to care for, it can be a challenge for a beginner, a serial plant killer or in an apartment that's too dark.

Are you in one of these situations (or all three)? Turn to pothos 'Neon ' (Epipremnum aureum 'Neon'). This drooping plant has brightly colored leaves and is easier to grow.

Pothos are virtually indestructible. Forgotten watering, pest attacks, lack of fertilizer, low light... They can withstand almost anything. However, if you want yours to live its best life, download the Monstera app. You'll find all the tips you need to care for your plant in the growing guide, and we'll send you a reminder when you need to water or repot it.

#8 Quesnelia marmorata rather than Sansevieria trifasciata

Left, Quesnelia marmorata (Photo by K.M / Flickr)* Right, Sansevieria trifasciata (Photo by NC State extension gardener /Flickr)

Sansevieria trifasciata needs no introduction. Easy to grow and very graphic, it has conquered our interiors and offices. But the plant does have a few drawbacks. Nicknamed Mother-in-law's language, it suffers from a cheesy image. It is also toxic if ingested by our pets.

Less well known and safe for dogs and cats, Quesnelia marmorata also boasts fleshy, ribboned limbs. Green speckled with grey or dark green, they end in a volute.

Quesnelia marmorata belongs to the Bromeliaceae family. Like the pineapple, it flowers once in its lifetime and then dies. Don't forget to remove the offshoots so you can propagate your plant and keep it after flowering.

#9 Rhipsalis teres rather than Hoya linearis

Left, Rhipsalis teres (Photo by Agustina Medina / iNaturalist)* Right, Hoya linearis (Photo by Michael Wolf / Wikipedia)

Hoya plants are a bit temperamental. They take a long time to establish, grow slowly and the slightest change upsets them. If you want a Hoya linearis with endless stems to decorate your home, you'll need to be patient.

Rhipsalis teres has the same drooping vines with rounded, fleshy segments. But it's much easier to care for! This cactus thrives in any interior, provided it's given part shade, regular watering and fertilizer in summer.

The only downside is that Rhipsalis teres' flowering is far less spectacular. While Hoya linearis sports its famous umbels of porcelain flowers, Rhipsalis is content with small, star-shaped, solitary white flowers.

#10 Aglaonema rotundum rather than Calathea ornata

Left, Aglaonema rotundum * Right, Calathea ornata (Photos by Yercaud Elango / Wikipedia)

Calathea plants are notoriously difficult to grow, but one variety seems to be much more difficult than the others: Calathea ornata. For some reason, it requires more attention, more humidity, more patience... Unless you're an experienced collector, your chances of success are limited!

At Monstera, we've found a way to enjoy foliage with patterns that look as if they've been drawn by hand, without tearing your hair out. We prefer Aglaonema rotundum to Calathea ornata. More tolerant, it won't let you down at the first draught or the first forgetful watering. Nevertheless, try to water it when the substrate is three centimetres dry and repot it in potting soil for green plants.

Unfortunately, Aglaonema rotundum is not yet widely available in France. To find one, forget garden centers. Head for the Internet and the most discerning online retailers!

By Servane Nemetz
on 24-06-2025 at 08h53