Tropical rainforests in South America are home to some of the most stunning houseplants on Earth. These vibrant, exotic beauties are more than just a visual delight; they bring calm, fresh air, and charm to any room.
In today’s article, we’ve rounded up 19 gorgeous South American houseplants that are easy to grow, even if you’re new to indoor gardening. From colorful foliage to quirky shapes, each one adds a unique touch to your living space.
Best of all? You don’t need a big garden or a green thumb. Just a bit of love, a cozy spot, and some basic care. Let’s explore the world of tropical houseplants and find a few that speak to you!
#1 Bromeliads
Source: Gardenersworld
If you want a bold splash of color indoors, bromeliads are a top pick. These tropical plants thrive in low-light settings and adapt well to home conditions. You can set them on a sunny windowsill or hang them for a dramatic display.
Their long-lasting blooms are showstoppers, and they don’t need much water. Just keep the central cup filled with water and let the soil dry slightly between waterings.
#2 Christmas Cactus
Source: Thespruce
This cheerful cactus lights up the holidays with its pink or red blooms. It has segmented, flattened stems that trail beautifully over pots or hanging baskets.
Unlike most cacti, it prefers a bit more humidity and indirect light. Water it when the top inch of soil is dry. Try placing it in a bathroom or kitchen for extra moisture in the air.
#3 Echeveria
Source: Gardentags
These rosette-shaped succulents are absolute eye candy with their symmetrical, pastel-colored leaves. Echeverias are perfect for tabletops or windowsills. They love bright light and well-draining soil.
Be sure not to overwater, wait until the soil is completely dry. Add a small pebble tray beneath to boost humidity if your home is dry.
#4 Caladium
Source: Bhg
Known for their heart-shaped leaves with pink, red, or white veins, Caladiums are foliage lovers’ favorites. Though often grown outside, they adapt well indoors with bright, indirect light.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. They go dormant in winter, so don’t worry if they take a seasonal nap.
#5 Orchid
Source: Almanac
As Colombia’s national flower, orchids bring elegance and grace indoors. With more than 4,000 species across South America, there’s one for every home. Orchids prefer indirect light and good air circulation.
Water them weekly and make sure their roots dry out between drinks. A bark-based orchid mix works better than regular potting soil.
#6 Moon Cactus
Source: Bulbsnblooms
This playful plant is actually two cacti in one: a colorful top grafted onto a green base. Native to Argentina and Paraguay, Moon Cactus thrives in bright but indirect light.
It doesn’t need much water; once every two weeks is plenty. Place it on a shelf or desk to brighten up your space instantly.
#7 Staghorn Fern
Source: Thespruce
With fronds resembling antlers, the staghorn fern is a unique tropical plant from Peru and Bolivia. Unlike traditional potted plants, it often grows mounted on wood.
Mist it regularly and soak the root ball every week. It loves bright, indirect light and does best in bathrooms or kitchens.
#8 Passion Flower
Source: Springhillnursery
This exotic vine produces striking blooms and thrives near a bright window. Passion flower vines need support as they grow, so try a trellis or small frame indoors.
Water when the top soil feels dry. Their unusual blossoms add instant drama to your space.
#9 Arrowhead Plant
Source: Planterina
Perfect for beginners, this lush plant stays green all year long. Its arrow-shaped leaves and trailing vines make it ideal for shelves or hanging baskets.
It grows well in water or soil and adapts to low light. Trim it occasionally to encourage fuller growth.
#10 Peacock Plant
Source: Plantsandfriendstogo
Known for its dramatic patterns and velvety leaves, the Peacock Plant brings jungle vibes into your home. It prefers high humidity and soft, filtered light.
Keep the soil moist but avoid soggy roots. A humidifier or pebble tray can keep it thriving.
#11 Fuchsia
Source: Thepracticalplanter
If you love flowers, Fuchsia delivers. Its hanging, bell-like blooms come in bold shades of pink, purple, and white. Fuchsia loves bright, indirect light and moist, well-draining soil.
Water when the top layer feels dry. Pinch back the stems to keep it bushy and blooming.
#12 Creeping Inch Plant
Source: Thespruce
With tiny green and purple leaves, this trailing plant is full of character. Native to Central and South America, it does well in baskets or small pots.
Let it spill over edges for maximum effect. Keep the soil lightly moist and place it in indirect light.
#13 Mistletoe Cactus
Source: Plantingman
Unlike prickly desert types, Mistletoe Cactus has soft, stringy stems that cascade down beautifully. It prefers shady areas and consistent moisture.
Mist the stems regularly and use a cactus-friendly potting mix. Hang it near a north-facing window for a cool jungle feel.
#14 Air Plants
Source: Gardenerspath
These fascinating epiphytes grow without soil and need just a light misting every few days. You can mount them on wood, shells, or hang them in glass orbs.
They love filtered light and good air circulation. Soak them in water once a week for 15 minutes.
#15 Red Burst
Source: Balconygardenweb
Add fiery color to your home with Red Burst’s bronze-red foliage. It’s eye-catching on its own or as part of a mixed plant shelf.
It thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and likes its soil to stay slightly moist. Wipe the leaves gently to keep their shine.
#16 Purple Oxalis
Source: Aruba
With vibrant purple leaves that open and close with light, Purple Oxalis is a living piece of art. It enjoys bright, indirect light and light watering.
Watch it bloom with small white or pink flowers. Give it a break during dormancy by cutting back watering.
#17 Ripple Peperomia
Source: Thegardenstore
This compact beauty is nicknamed the “radiator plant” for its ability to tolerate warm, dry conditions. Its textured leaves come in green, red, or silver.
Keep the soil lightly moist and place it in medium light. Perfect for desks or window ledges.
#18 Begonia
Source: Deliverflowersinla
Begonias boast striking foliage and delicate flowers, and they thrive in bright but not direct sunlight. South American species love humidity and slightly moist soil.
Let the top inch dry before watering again. They add color and personality to any space.
#19 Lacy Tree Philodendron
Source: Grainwell
If you’re looking for something dramatic, this tall houseplant delivers with its large, deeply lobed leaves. Native to rainforests of Brazil and Argentina, it loves space and bright, indirect light.
Water when the topsoil dries out. Place it in a corner where it can stretch and shine.
