Autumn is here, which means warm pumpkin spice candles, leaves changing color in the trees, and, best of all: Halloween decorations going up! This year, take your Halloween decorating to another level by incorporating some spooky houseplants into the mix!
From plants that resemble bats to Venus fly traps, these plants will give your home that eerie touch you're craving. Read on for suggestions on what plants to use and how to care for them. Happy haunting!
Black Bat Flower
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Black bat flowers are native to the tropical forests of India, Southeast Asia, and southern China. However, these plants are not for beginners, as they are challenging (but not impossible) to grow outside greenhouses. And they like warm, humid conditions.
The black bat flower, or Tacca chantrieri, can be a perfect addition to your Halloween décor. This spooky plant gets its name from its large, black flowers that resemble bats. The flowers are actually bracts, or modified leaves, that surround the plant's actual flowers. Because black bat flowers are native to tropical regions, they grow best in warm, humid climates or indoors as houseplants. (They like the same conditions orchids do.)
The black bat flower is an excellent choice if you're looking for a truly unique and spooky plant for your Halloween décor. This rare plant is sure to impress your guests with its unusual appearance. Just be sure to give it plenty of water and humid conditions to thrive.
ZZ Raven Plant
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If you're looking for a spooky yet easy-to-care-for houseplant to add to your Halloween décor, the ZZ Raven plant is a great option! Also known as the Zamioculcas zamiifolia, this plant is native to Eastern Africa and is known for its black leaves.
The ZZ Raven plant is a fast grower and can reach up to 3 feet in height, making it a perfect choice for adding extra spookiness to your home! The optimal zones for this spooky plant are zones 9 to 11. When grown indoors, they are virtually indestructible.
One of the unique things about the ZZ Raven plant is its ability to produce white flowers. The white flowers contrast starkly with the black leaves, making them even more eye-catching.
If you're looking for a plant that is sure to turn heads this Halloween, the ZZ Raven plant is a perfect choice! With its spooky black leaves and striking white flowers, this plant is sure to make a statement in any home.
Amazonian Elephant Ear
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The Amazonian Elephant Ear (Alocasia x amazonica 'Polly') is a member of the araceae family, whose exact origins are unknown. It is said that with the name 'amazonica,' this plant would be native to the Amazon River region in Brazil. However, no other genus of Alocasia is indigenous to South America.
This plant has large, fleshy leaves that almost resemble lightning strikes or thick cobwebs. The leaf size on this plant can be enormous, up to 16 inches long, and they are usually dark green with some variegation. They are attached to long, slender stems that can reach up to 2 feet in length.
It is also easy to care for, so even novice gardeners can enjoy this spooky plant. If you want to add some extra fright to your Halloween décor, look no further than the African mask plant!
Living Stones
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Do you want to add a little spookiness to your home décor for Halloween? Consider adding a living stones (Lithops spp) plant to your collection. This unique-looking plant is native to the deserts of Africa and gets its name from its resemblance to small stones or rocks.
Living stones are low-maintenance plants that are perfect for those who don't have a lot of time to take care of their plants. They can tolerate long periods of drought and only need to be watered once the soil is dry to the touch. They prefer at least six hours of bright, direct light a day.
Consider a living stones plant if you're looking for a unique and spooky plant to add to your Halloween décor. With its striking appearance and easy-care requirements, it's sure to be a hit with all your guests.
Venus Flytraps
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If you're looking for a spooky houseplant to add to your Halloween décor, look no further than the Venus flytrap! These carnivorous plants are native to the wetlands of North and South Carolina, where they trap and digest insects that land on their leaves.
Pop culture has popularized Venus flytraps as dangerous, man-eating plants. In reality, they're relatively harmless to humans. However, their spooky appearance and carnivorous diet make them perfect for adding a touch of terror to your Halloween decorations!
To care for your Venus flytrap, keep it in a pot filled with moist peat moss and/or sand. Place the pot in a sunny spot indoors, and add distilled, filtered, or rainwater to the dish below regularly. If you feed your Venus flytrap dried blood worms, ensure they're small enough to fit inside the leaves!
Enjoy The Spooky Season!
If you're looking to take your Halloween decorating up a notch, why not try incorporating some spooky houseplants into the mix? With just a few creepy plants, you can easily add extra spookiness to your home this Halloween.
Have fun exploring your local garden centers or nurseries for the perfect weird plants to bring inside. Do you have any favorite spooky plants that were missed? And do you have any tips or tricks (and treats!) that you would like to share? Leave a comment below!