Which Alismatales species are important as houseplants?

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The order Alismatales includes a wide variety of plants, and many of the most popular houseplants belong to the family Araceae, which is a member of this order.12

Common houseplants within the Alismatales order include:

  • Philodendrons: Handsome tropical climbers known for their attractive, often heart-shaped or lobed leaves.34
  • Monstera: Including Monstera deliciosa (the Swiss cheese plant), which is prized for its large, glossy, and perforated leaves.34
  • Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum): Vigorous, easy-growing tropical herbs that produce white, flowerlike spathes.34
  • Dumb canes (Dieffenbachia): Tropical foliage plants often featuring variegated leaves that are tolerant of indoor conditions.32
  • Chinese evergreens (Aglaonema): Durable, slow-growing herbs with leathery, patterned leaves.3
  • Pothos (Scindapsus and Epipremnum): Popular tropical climbers that thrive in warm indoor environments.32
  • Anthurium: Known for their colourful spathes, such as the flamingo flower.32
  • Caladium: Tuberous herbs valued for their fragile-looking, colourful foliage.32

Additionally, several aquatic species within the order are frequently used as ornamental plants in aquariums.14