Britannica
Sources used in this answer
Which Alismatales species are important as houseplants?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Alismatales
Showy and delicate flowers of the flowering rush (Butomus umbellatus).
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