If you’re searching for houseplants that are both easy to love and eye-catching, plants with waxy leaves are a perfect pick.
Their glossy, reflective foliage naturally catches the light and adds a rich, lively texture to your space. These plants aren’t just pretty, they’re often more drought-resistant and lower-maintenance, too.
This collection features 12 gorgeous varieties, from trailing vines to structured shrubs, each known for its thick, wax-like leaves. Some even bloom, while others shine simply from their striking green charm.
If you want to upgrade your indoor greenery game, these plants will do the trick, with style.
#1 Carissa Holly
Image Credits: Myperfectplants
Carissa holly is a compact shrub with deep green, waxy leaves and small white flowers. It’s drought-tolerant, wind-resistant, and thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Perfect for borders or containers, this slow-grower is both tough and tidy. Prune lightly in early spring to maintain its shape. It also handles urban pollution well, making it a smart pick for city gardens.
#2 Alocasia Polly (Alocasia amazonica)
Image Credits: House-plant-hobbyist
With bold arrowhead-shaped leaves and bright white veins, Alocasia Polly makes a dramatic statement. Its thick, glossy foliage thrives in indirect light with moderate humidity.
Keep its soil lightly moist and avoid cold drafts. This plant can go dormant in winter, so don’t panic if it drops leaves; it’ll bounce back when it warms up.
#3 Anthurium Flower
Image Credits: Gardeningknowhow
This tropical stunner features shiny heart-shaped leaves and waxy, long-lasting red or pink blooms. Anthurium loves bright, indirect light and weekly watering.
It’s a beautiful option for tabletops and decorative pots. Use a well-draining potting mix and avoid letting water sit in the pot to prevent root rot. With the right care, it can bloom multiple times a year.
#4 The Wax Plant (Hoya carnosa)
Image Credits: Gardenloversclub
Hoya carnosa’s thick, waxy leaves and fragrant star-shaped flowers make it a beloved indoor climber. It flourishes in bright light and appreciates drying out between waterings.
Hang it high and let the vines trail freely. It’s slow-growing at first, but patience brings stunning blooms. Hoyas are known to live for decades, making them a lasting companion.
#5 Flaming Katy (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana)
This small succulent features dark green, leathery leaves and bursts of vibrant blooms. It prefers sunny windowsills and needs infrequent watering. Perfect for adding color without the fuss.
Remove spent flowers to encourage new growth and longer blooming seasons. It’s often used as a holiday gift plant thanks to its cheerful look.
#6 Rubber fig tree (Ficus elastica)
Image Credits: Gardenerspath
Ficus elastica stands out with wide, oval leaves that gleam in light. It grows upright and can reach impressive heights indoors.
Water when the soil is dry and place it where it gets steady, indirect light. Wipe the leaves regularly to keep their shine and remove dust. It’s also great for air purification, filtering out harmful indoor toxins.
#7 Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa)
Image Credits: Gardeningknowhow
Recognizable by its split leaves and tropical vibe, Monstera’s thick, waxy foliage adds drama to any room. It thrives in bright, filtered light and likes its soil to dry out a bit between waterings.
Give it a moss pole for support and occasional feeding for lush growth. The older the plant, the more dramatic the leaf fenestrations become.
#8 Desert Rose (Adenium obesum)
Image Credits: Thespruce
With its swollen trunk and vivid blooms, Desert Rose is a striking succulent. Its waxy leaves grow in clusters and store moisture.
Keep it in a sunny spot and let the soil dry fully before watering. Avoid overwatering in cooler months when the plant goes dormant. This plant thrives with infrequent care and is loved for bonsai-style displays.
#9 Dwarf Umbrella (Schefflera Arboricla)
This compact, easy-care plant features glossy, oval leaflets arranged like an umbrella. It tolerates low light but thrives in bright spaces.
Water sparingly and prune to maintain shape. Rotate the plant every few weeks to promote even growth. Schefflera helps reduce indoor pollutants and adapts well to office environments.
#10 Peace Lily (spathiphllum wallisii)
Image Credits: Crocus
Peace lilies boast shiny, deep green leaves and elegant white flowers. They’re perfect for low-light rooms and prefer consistently moist soil. They also help purify indoor air naturally.
Avoid overwatering and watch for wilting, which signals the plant’s water needs. It’s a favorite for bedrooms and calm corners needing a soft touch.
#11 Jade plant (Crassula ovata)
Image Credits: Petalrepublic
Also known as the money plant, jade features thick, waxy, round leaves that store water. Place it in bright light and only water when the soil is completely dry. It’s a slow-growing, long-lived favorite.
Rotate it often and use a cactus mix to prevent soggy roots. According to feng shui, it’s believed to attract prosperity.
#12 Heart Leaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
Image Credits: Stamenandstemblog
This trailing beauty grows heart-shaped, glossy leaves on long vines. It thrives in indirect light and tolerates dry air.
Water when the soil feels dry and let it cascade from shelves or baskets for full effect. Trim leggy vines to encourage fuller growth and bushier foliage. It’s one of the easiest houseplants for beginners to grow successfully.
