Plant dupes: 10 copies better than the original

In life, it's rare for a copy to surpass the original. But not when it comes to gardening. Discover 10 lookalike houseplants that are easier to grow, pet-friendly, or simply rarer than their counterparts.

#1 Maranta leuconeura 'Fascinator' instead of Calathea makoyana

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

Calatheas are known for two things: their foliage with extraordinary patterns and the high care required. Calathea makoyana (Goeppertia makoyana) is no exception. Its light green leaves, speckled with dark green patterns, resemble peacock feathers. And it doesn't tolerate watering mistakes, overly bright light, or excessively dry air.

If you're having trouble keeping a Calathea makoyana alive, try the Maranta leuconeura 'Fascinator'. Its leaves are darker (and therefore more tolerant of light), but their pattern also resembles a peacock's feather. Finally, this plant is more tolerant. It handles the dry air of our homes more easily and can, occasionally, forgive an oversight or too much watering.

The icing on the cake is that both varieties belong to the Marantaceae family, the family of prayer plants. At nightfall, the Maranta leuconeura 'Fascinator', like the Calathea makoyana, folds its leaves in pairs.

#2 Peperomia serpens Instead of Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

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

An easy-to-grow, fast-growing, and striking plant, pothos (Epipremnum aureum) has nothing but good qualities. Or almost none. This vine from the Araceae family is toxicif it comes into contact with mucous membranes or is ingested. If you have a cat or a dog with a curious appetite, it's best to avoid growing it in your home!

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

Both species are fairly easy to care for. They need watering when the substrate has dried out and require rich, well-drained soil—such as potting mix for houseplants. Add a little fertilizer during the growing season and do repotting when the roots start to spill out of the pot—and you're all set!

#3 Aglaonema Instead of Caladium

On the left, Aglaonema “Pink Lady” (Photo by Yercaud Elango / Wikipedia) * On the right, Caladium “Tickle Me Pink” (Photo by Dan Keck / Flickr)

It's hard to resist Caladiums! With their translucent pink, white, green, or red foliage, they could easily be mistaken for works of art—for six months of the year. That's because between November and March, this tuberous plant goes dormant and shrinks back to a bulb.

To enjoy delicate, colorful foliage all year round, opt for Aglaonema. The translucent white foliage of aglaonema 'White Joy (Aglaonema commutatum 'White Joy') bears a striking resemblance to that of Caladium bicolor 'White Christmas' (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'.

Furthermore, Aglaonemas are easier to grow than Caladiums. You don't have to worry about the corm rotting over the winter or the plant failing to re-emerge in the spring. Simply water it year-round with rainwater when the soil has dried out to a depth of at least two centimeters.

#4 Anthurium clarinervium Instead of Alocasia 'Ninja'

On the left, Anthurium clarinervium (Photo by Peganum /Flickr) * On the right, Alocasia 'Ninja' (Photo by Obsidian Soul /Wikipedia)*

Ask any plant enthusiast which plants are the most difficult to grow, and there's a good chance they'll say Alocasia. For example, to admire the white-veined leaves of alocasia 'Ninja (Alocasia reginula Ninja), you'll need to perfectly master watering, humidity, and light.

Fortunately, not all plants with contrasting foliage are that difficult! Anthurium clarinervium, for example, has velvety leaves with deeply veined patterns. But it's more forgiving of occasional oversights and less demanding when it comes to growing conditions.

Anthurium clarinervium is an epiphytic plant. It needs a very light substrate to thrive. For example, you can mix commercially available orchid potting mix with perlite.

#5 Peperomia prostrata rather than Ceropegia woodii

On the left, Peperomia prostrata (Photo by Dysmorodrepanis / Wikipedia)* On the right, Ceropegia woodii (Photo by Maja Dumat / Flickr)

Let's be honest, nothing will ever be more romantic than chain of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii) with its trailing stems covered in heart-shaped leaves. But for pet owners, this toxic plant is a no-go—unless you're looking for a scare and a trip to the vet.

If you want a hanging plant with cute foliage that poses no risk to your furry friends, try peperomia prostrata (Peperomia prostrata). Its small, dark green, almost heart-shaped leaves are crisscrossed with lighter veins. The patterns they form are reminiscent of a turtle's shell.

Unlike the string of hearts, the string of turtles isn't a succulent plant. You'll need to water it more often to keep the soil slightly moist at all times.

#6 Peperomia Raindrop Instead of 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 since it's everywhere, some people have grown tired of it.

If you're looking for a more unique plant with almost succulent leaves, peperomia polybotrya 'Raindrop (Peperomia polybotrya) is for you. The glossy leaf blades stand upright at the top of a long petiole, just like on the Chinese Money Plant. But instead of being completely round, they have a pointed tip. And that detail makes all the difference!

Peperomia 'Raindrop' requires a little more care than the Chinese money plant. It needs to be watered when the topsoil has dried out and prefers higher humidity. You can mist it or place it among your other plants so it can benefit from the moisture they naturally give off.

#7 Pothos 'Neon' Instead of Philodendron 'Lemon Lime'

On the left, Pothos 'Neon' (Photo by Shuvaev / Wikipedia) * On the right, Philodendron 'Lemon Lime' (Photo by AlbeitPK / Wikipedia)

With its neon-green foliage, philodendron Lemon Lime (Philodendron hederaceum 'Lemon Lime') certainly stands out. 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 at once)? Consider pothos 'Neon (Epipremnum aureum 'Neon'). This trailing plant features vibrantly colored leaves and is easier to care for.

Pothos plants are practically indestructible. Forgotten waterings, pest infestations, lack of fertilizer, low light… They can withstand almost anything. However, if you want yours to thrive, download the Monstera app. You'll find all the tips you need to care for your plant in the care guide, and we'll send you a reminder when it's time to water or repot it.

#8 Quesnelia marmorata Instead of Sansevieria trifasciata

On the left, Quesnelia marmorata (Photo by K.M / Flickr)* On the right, Sansevieria trifasciata (Photo by NC State extension gardener / Flickr)

Sansevieria trifasciata needs no introduction. Easy to grow and visually striking, it has taken our homes and offices by storm. But the plant has a few drawbacks. Nicknamed Mother-in-law's language,” it suffers from a dated image. It's also toxic to pets if ingested.

Less well-known and safe for dogs and cats, Quesnelia marmorata also features fleshy, ribbon-like leaves. Green with flecks of gray or dark green, they end in a spiral.

Quesnelia marmorata belongs to the Bromeliaceae family. Like the pineapple, it blooms only once in its lifetime and then dies. Be sure to take cuttings so you can propagate your plant and keep it alive after it blooms.

#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 finicky. They take a long time to settle in, grow slowly, and are easily disrupted by even the slightest change. If you want a Hoya linearis with endless stems to adorn your home, you'll need to be patient.

Rhipsalis teres has the same trailing vines made up of rounded, fleshy segments. But it's much easier to care for! This cactus thrives in any home as long as you provide it with a spot in partial shade, regular watering, and fertilizer during the warmer months.

The only downside is that Rhipsalis teres's blooms are much less spectacular. While Hoya linearis displays its famous clusters of porcelain-like flowers, Rhipsalis produces only small, solitary, star-shaped white flowers.

#10 Aglaonema rotundum rather than Calathea ornata

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

While Calatheas are known to be difficult plants, one variety seems much more troublesome than the others: Calathea ornata. For some unknown reason, this one demands more attention, more humidity, and more patience…Unless you're a seasoned collector, your chances of success are slim!

Here at Monstera, we've found a way to enjoy foliage adorned with patterns that look hand-drawn without pulling our hair out. We prefer Aglaonema rotundum to Calathea ornata. More forgiving, it won't give up on you at the first draft of air or the first time you forget to water it. Still, try to water it when the substrate is dry to a depth of three centimeters and repot it in potting mix for houseplants.

Unfortunately, Aglaonema rotundum isn't very common in France yet. To find one, forget about garden centers. Head to the internet and the most specialized online retailers!