Last Updated on July 31, 2023 by Gary Stephen
If you are one of those people who often find themselves broke after buying plants, then you have come to the right page! Here, we have cheap and affordable houseplants!
It’s a guilty pleasure, isn’t it?
I feel you, growing plants can be quite addicting. To see your babies grow and bloom brings in a different kind of joy and fulfillment. Thus, you would always be looking forward to buying more and more.
Then again, we cannot deny the fact that plants can be quite an expensive hobby too. Things can easily get out of hand, especially if you are still a beginner or simply obsessed with plants. But, you should know that this doesn’t have to be the case.
So in this article, we will tell you the 5 best indoor houseplants that are just the right fit for you. These selections are not only easy to care for but, most importantly, they are easy on your budget too. I promise you, the plants listed herein are all under 50 bucks!
Already excited? Let’s cut to the chase and jump right into the list:
Cheap, Affordable Houseplants
#1. Aloe Vera – Best Cheap, Affordable Houseplants for multi-purpose
The aloe vera is a succulent plant belonging to the genus of aloes. It may have originally been a native in North Africa, Southern Europe, and the Canary Islands. Today, it has grown and spread across the tropical and subtropical areas worldwide.
Aloe vera is actually an ancient plant dating far back to the time of Cleopatra. In fact, it is one of the oldest plants recorded in history for its health and medicinal benefits. From treating burns to reducing fever, the ancient Egyptians & Chinese had taken advantage of this universal plant.
Why do we love Aloe Vera?
- Low-maintenance.
- Supports the immune system.
- Lowers blood sugar levels.
- Promotes oral health.
- Supports digestion.
- Natural laxative.
- Neutralizes stomach acidity.
- Relieves heartburn.
- Promotes healing of anal fissures.
- Soothes and hydrates skin.
- Clears up acne.
- Hasten burn and wound healing.
- Potential to slow down the progression of breast cancer.
Check the latest prices on Aloe Vera
#2. Pothos Plant – Best Cheap, Affordable Houseplants for hardiness
Pothos is one plant any novice plant parent should have. This trailing plant gained an interesting reputation of being quite “impossible to kill”. That only implies that it can survive the harshest treatment, more so the brownest of thumbs. Because of its hardiness, it just seems fitting for people to call it the devil’s ivy.
Scientifically, it goes by the name of Epipremnum aureum. It belongs to the family of Araceae. This evergreen plant is native to southeastern Asia and western Pacific islands. The pothos plant comes in a wide range of varieties. From solid jade greens to variegated and speckled foliage, this plant has got it all. Thus, you can surely find one or two, or more, to add to your collection.
Another factor that make pothos a very popular indoor plant is its ability to purify the air. According to NASA’s Clean Air Study, the pothos plants can filter out harmful toxins. This particularly includes chemicals such as formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and toluene. And so, this plant is not only a beautiful sight to see, it also has actual benefits to your health and the environment too.
Why do we love the Pothos Plant?
- Low maintenance.
- Can tolerate low lighting.
- Easy to propagate.
- Helps to increase humidity.
- Versatile – Can be displayed as a tabletop, a hanging plant, or shaped to your liking.
- Air purifying properties.
- Absorbs carbon dioxide.
- Promotes better sleep.
- Cleanses negative energy and attracts positivity according to Feng Shui and Vastu principles.
Check the latest prices on the Pothos plant
#3. Triostar Stromanthe – Best Cheap, Affordable Houseplants for vibrant & dramatic foliage
If you wish to liven up your space by adding a pop of a vivid-colored plant, then this one’s for you!
The triostar stromanthe, also known as Stromanthe sanguinea, is well-loved for its colorful and moving foliage. This plant belongs to the family of Marantaceae and is native to the jungles of Brazil. As a relative of prayer plants, the triostar stromanthe also folds up its leaves as the sun goes down. Thus, mimicking that of praying hands.
Its head-turner leaves come in green, cream, and a light shade of pink on top. Meanwhile, its underside is in deep pink, maroon, or magenta. The colors blend so well together that it almost looks like it was intentionally painted. So gorgeous really!
Stromanthe definitely has an eye-catching beauty not only to humans but to animals too. Fret not though, this plant is known to be safe for most household pets according to the ASPCA database. So, take comfort knowing that this plant baby is fur baby-friendly too.
Why do we love Triostar Stromanthe?
- Fairly low maintenance.
- Multi-colored foliage.
- Non-toxic to pets.
- Loves shaded areas – perfect for indoors.
- Moderately fast-growing.
Check the latest prices on the Triostar Stromanthe
Triostar Stromanthe 4” Inch Pot
Other Triostar Stromanthe 4” Inch Pot
Triostar Stromanthe 6” Inch Pot
Other Triostar Stromanthe 6” Inch Pot
Triostar Stromanthe 8” Inch Pot
#4. Alocasia Polly – Best Cheap, Affordable Houseplants for simple yet unique foliage
Alocasia polly is another plant with uniquely stunning foliage. Even though it is exotic looking, it is still very much accessible and affordable. Thus, worthy of a prime spot in any indoor space.
Alocasia polly, or referred to as alocasia amazonica, is actually a hybrid type of plant. It is a crossbreed between alocasia watsoniana and alocasia sanderiana. It is part of the Araceae family native to the tropical climates of southeast Asia.
This alocasia features diamond-shaped leaves resembling that of the traditional African mask. Hence, it is commonly called African mask alocasia too. Aside from the familiar shape, it also comes with silvery-green streaks that spread across its leaves. These markings perfectly contrast the dark green hue of the leaves.
Why do we love Alocasia Polly?
- Grows very fast if given the right conditions.
- Hybrid – it is like getting the best out of two species.
- Large waxy arrowhead leaves.
- Great as a centerpiece display.
- Loves shade and humidity – perfect for a houseplant.
Check the latest prices on the Alocasia Polly
Other Alocasia Polly 4” Inch Plant
Other Alocasia Polly 6” Inch Plant
#5 – Ficus Ginseng Bonsai Tree
Who says bonsai trees can’t be affordable? Well, that may be partially true. Most bonsai trees indeed tend to be very expensive. But, don’t get discouraged yet. This ficus ginseng is an exemption!
Also known as Ficus Retusa, it is part of the Moraceae or the mulberry family that is native to Malaysia and Taiwan. This particular kind of bonsai is not only easy on the wallet but also fairly easy to maintain too. Most gardeners even consider this as the perfect beginner bonsai plant.
Just to be clear, ficus ginseng is not actual medicinal ginseng but rather a fig. So, don’t be misled by the name. It is just called so because of its thick pot-bellied trunk. Yup, this miniature tree actually looks like ginseng with evergreen leaves.
Why do we love Ficus Ginseng Bonsai Plant?
- Fairly low maintenance.
- Entry-level bonsai plant.
- Natural air filter.
- Can be styled according to liking through branch wiring and creative rock arrangement.
- Spiritual connection – Wabi-Sabi philosophy.
Check the latest prices on the Ficus Ginseng Plant
Smart Tips to get Cheap, Affordable Houseplants
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Master the art of propagation
If there’s one helpful skill any frugal gardener must master, it is the art of propagation. Treat every plant of yours as an investment. So, grow them as healthy as they can be. And when the time comes, make sure you are ready to propagate them. Through propagation, you can create new plants out of your mature plants.
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Plant trading
Once you have already propagated your plants, you now have the option of keeping or trading them instead. Trading gives you the chance to exchange your babies for other plant varieties. Thus, allowing you the chance to expand your collection without shelling out hard cash.
The trading itself doesn’t have to be complicated. You can simply ask your friends or relatives if they are interested in exchanging plants with you. For better outreach, you can also create a friendly post on your social media to find potential people to trade with.
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Buy small yet established plants
Needless to say, mature plants cost more than younger plants. However, there is nothing to worry about buying a young plant. Just ensure that it is already well-rooted and established. That way, you can guarantee its survival after taking it home.
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Check your local nurseries
The shipping fee is one factor that can add to the cost of your plant. Of course, the farther the supplier is, the higher the charges will be. To avoid incurring such an extra cost, it is best to rather check your local nurseries first. What’s even better, you can get to see the actual condition of the plant before committing to buy it.
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Buy online
If by any chance your plant of choice is not available in your local nurseries, the next best option is to buy online. There are plenty of websites out there that sell healthy plants at an affordable price range.
Just make sure to do your research first. Read the customer’s feedback on both the items and the seller too. Also, do not forget to consider the condition of the plant. Will it be able to withstand the changes brought about by logistics? Moreover, how much will the shipping charges be?
Wrapping Up for The Cheap and Affordable Indoor Houseplants
We absolutely adore houseplants, and they don’t need to be expensive either. We can be quite prudent over here at My Garden Plant, and know just the budget-friendly plants for you to try. We’ve added them to the list, as well as a few other plants to let your indoor plant collection flourish (on a budget!).
