21 Glossy Houseplants With Waxy Leaves (The Final List!)
Nothing is more exciting than seeing a new stunning glossy leaf. Except, of course, having a plant that grows nothing but waxy and shiny leaves! There’s quite a fair number of them, so you can choose whatever plant fits your lifestyle perfectly!
The 21 houseplants with glossy and waxy leaves are
- Aglaonema ‘Siam aurora’
- Alocasia infernalis
- Begonia maculata
- Calathea ornata
- Cast iron plant
- Flamingo flower
- Flaming katy
- Geo plant
- Goldfish plant
- Grape ivy
- Haworthia obtusa
- Hosta
- Hoya
- Jade plant
- Peace lily
- Peperomia
- Pothos
- Rubber fig
- Ruffled fan palm
- Swiss cheese plant
- ZZ plant
Aside from the typical hoya or wax plant, there are plenty of other plants with naturally shiny leaves that don’t require any leaf polish at all. Read further to see what they are!
1. Aglaonema ‘Siam Aurora’ (Aglaonema commutatum)
The ‘Siam Aurora’ cultivar of Aglaonema is a beautiful plant with waxy and colorful foliage that can flourish in low-light conditions.
Average Size: 1–2 feet (30–60 cm)
Heat or Frost Tolerant: Heat-tolerant
High or Low Maintenance: Low-maintenance
Normally, you can find most plant stores selling Aglaonema plants with green foliage.
However, I find the ‘Siam Aurora’ variety has the most glossy leaves, which look lovely with their red stems and edges. This shiny-leafed plant is the perfect way to inject some color indoors.
2. Alocasia Infernalis (Alocasia infernalis)
Alocasia infernalis plants have glossy black leaves that must be grown in 80% humidity. This plant is rare and can be expensive to purchase.
Average Size: 1–2 feet (30–60 cm)
Heat or Frost Tolerant: Heat-tolerant
High or Low Maintenance: High-maintenance
This gorgeous plant is also known as ‘black magic’ for its bold and dark foliage. The leaves are smooth and have an attractive sheen.
The only con to growing Alocasia infernalis plants is that they need ridiculously high humidity—it should be above 80%! Otherwise, the leaves can become brown and dry.
3. Begonia Maculata (Begonia maculata)
Begonia maculata, also known as the polka dot plant, has unique and glossy leaves that come with a natural dotted design. For optimum growth, feed them general liquid fertilizer 1–2 times a month.
Average Size: 1–3 feet (30–90 cm)
Heat or Frost Tolerant: Heat-tolerant
High or Low Maintenance: High-maintenance
I've yet to meet anyone who dislikes the dotted and shimmery leaves of begonia maculata.
These specimens grow best in indirect light or partial shade.
Begonia maculate is also a fast-grower that would appreciate liquid fertilizer once or twice a month, especially if you hope to see more of its lovely foliage.
Learn more in this article on Growing and Caring for Begonia Maculata (Your Final Guide!)
4. Calathea Ornata (Calathea ornata)
Calathea ornatas have attractive glossy leaves with pinstripe patterns. These plants must be grown in 50% humidity to maintain healthy foliage.
Average Size: 1–2 feet (30–60 cm)
Heat or Frost Tolerant: Heat-tolerant
High or Low Maintenance: High-maintenance
The first thing you must know about this plant is that it is native to tropical rainforests, so it needs at least 50% humidity.
This can make it harder to care for, but its pink-striped shiny leaves are worth the trouble. Thankfully, calathea ornata plants can be seen in most plant stores, making them easy to find.
5. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
Cast iron plants are popular houseplants with smooth and glossy foliage. They require little care and can grow in heavy shade indoors.
Average Size: 1–3 feet (30–90 cm)
Heat or Frost Tolerant: Heat-tolerant
High or Low Maintenance: Low-maintenance
If you'd rather not fuss over your plants, the cast iron plant is perfect for you. These plants are extremely tolerant of shade and neglect.
Plus, thanks to its slow-growing nature, you can admire its smooth leaves with a subtle sheen for years without any worry about it growing too rapidly.
6. Flamingo Flower (Anthurium spp.)
Flamingo flowers are commonly grown for their glossy flowers and waxy foliage. They are easy to care for and can be grown in different settings.
Average Size: 1–1.5 feet (30–45 cm)
Heat or Frost Tolerant: Heat-tolerant
High or Low Maintenance: Low-maintenance
Flamingo flowers have heart-shaped waxy leaves and delightfully shiny blooms, making them some of the glossiest plants on this list.
Their blooms can last for up to 2–3 months, and they can easily adapt to various household conditions.
7. Flaming Katy (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana)
Flaming katy plants are beautiful flowering succulents with flat and glossy leaves. These plants are drought-tolerant and must be kept dry to survive.
Average Size: 0.5–1.5 feet (15–45 cm)
Heat or Frost Tolerant: Heat-tolerant
High or Low Maintenance: Low-maintenance
I've often seen Kalanchoe blossfeldiana be given as a gift plant.
When you see their attractive spoon-shaped leaves and beautiful orange and red blooms, it's pretty easy to understand why.
Not only are these succulents beautiful, but they can also live with you for years, provided their soils are kept relatively dry.
8. Geo Plant (Geogenabthus ciliatus)
Geo plants have rounded glossy foliage that requires at least 50% humidity. Keep geo plants away from direct sun, as they burn easily.
Average Size: 1–2 feet (30–60 cm)
Heat or Frost Tolerant: Heat-tolerant
High or Low Maintenance: High-maintenance
At first glance, these plants might look like they've been glazed or dipped in polish. However, this is simply their natural gloss!
Unfortunately, geo plants are rare and difficult to find. If you're lucky enough to obtain them, remember that they grow best in 50–80% humidity and indirect light.
9. Goldfish Plant (Nematanthus gregarius)
The goldfish plant is a trailing perennial with waxy and shiny foliage and orange goldfish-like flowers. This Brazilian plant grows best in temperatures above 50°F.
Average Size: 1–1.5 feet (30–45 cm)
Heat or Frost Tolerant: Heat-tolerant
High or Low Maintenance: Low-maintenance
Conveniently named for its orange summer flowers that look like a goldfish, this colorful trailing plant has small and vibrant leaves that look best in hanging pots.
As a plant native to Brazil, it, unfortunately, cannot tolerate temperatures below 50°F or 10°C for long periods, so keep that in mind.
10. Grape Ivy (Cissus alata)
Grape ivy plants have glossy and attractive foliage that will rapidly develop vines and tendrils. For best growth, grow them in plenty of dappled sunlight.
Average Size: 1–3 feet (30–90 cm)
Heat or Frost Tolerant: Heat-tolerant
High or Low Maintenance: Low-maintenance
For a fast-growing plant with vines and tendrils, I present to you the grape ivy.
This lovely plant has dark green and shiny leaves that look wonderful on a trellis or a moss pole. All you need is some well-drained soil and then you can easily grow these indoors!
For more, look at the 20 Stunning Fast-Growing Indoor Plants for Your Collection!
11. Haworthia Obtusa (Haworthia cooperi)
Haworthia obtusa is a beautiful succulent with transparent glossy foliage. Since it is native to South Africa, this plant is drought-tolerant and thrives in dry soils.
Average Size: 0.25–0.5 feet (7–15 cm)
Heat or Frost Tolerant: Heat-tolerant
High or Low Maintenance: Low-maintenance
This is probably the ultimate shiny plant. Haworthia obtusa succulents have beautiful semi-transparent leaves that look like they're made of crystal or glass.
Like lithops, haworthia obtusa plants have "windows" or transparent leaf surfaces that allow them to filter intense sunlight.
As a succulent, this remarkable plant needs very little water and is ideal for forgetful plant owners or those with busy lives.
12. Hosta (Hosta spp.)
Hostas are perennial foliage plants that can be grown indoors. Their textured leaves are often glossy and will drop during the winter to return in the spring.
Average Size: 1–3 feet (30–90 cm)
Heat or Frost Tolerant: Both
High or Low Maintenance: High-maintenance
Another terrific plant with showy shiny leaves is hosta. Hostas are typically grown for their ribbed and elegant leaves.
The foliage will die back during the winter as it enters dormancy, but this is not a concern as they tend to grow back in the spring.
With so many varieties and cultivars available, you'll have no trouble finding the perfect hosta for yourself!
13. Hoya (Hoya spp.)
Hoya plants are frequently cultivated for their waxy leaves. Generally, these plants will develop vines and tendrils and do well in indirect and dappled sunlight.
Average Size: 1–3 feet (30–90 cm)
Heat or Frost Tolerant: Heat-tolerant
High or Low Maintenance: Low-maintenance
There are very few things more satisfying than growing a vining plant.
Many hoyas have vining tendencies and their wax picturesque foliage is one of the main reasons they are so loved. Most hoyas, like hoya bellas, grow well in diffused light.
Discover How to Grow and Care for a Hoya Bella (Your Final Guide!)
14. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Jade plans are classic easy-growing succulents with waxy foliage. These plants grow best in dry soils and require little care.
Average Size: 1–4 feet (30–121 cm)
Heat or Frost Tolerant: Heat-tolerant
High or Low Maintenance: Low-maintenance
One of the main reasons why jade plants are so popular is because of their thick and shiny leaves. In direct sun, the foliage can even turn red!
To make this plant even more appealing, they're excellent for novice plant owners and are drought-tolerant. You can leave them be, without water, for 1–2 weeks!
15. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)
The peace lily is an elegant flowering plant with glossy foliage. It flourishes in low-light homes and is generally available in most plant stores around the world.
Average Size: 1–4 feet (30–121 cm)
Heat or Frost Tolerant: Heat-tolerant
High or Low Maintenance: Low-maintenance
Peace lilies are probably one of the most common houseplants, so you should have no issue finding one.
Their large and beautiful leaves can grow in heavy shade and their flowers will remain in bloom for at least a month.
16. Peperomia (Piperaceae spp.)
Peperomias are widely adaptable and have simple yet attractive waxy foliage. They do best in dry soils and bright and filtered sunlight.
Average Size: 2–6 inches (5–15 cm)
Heat or Frost Tolerant: Heat-tolerant
High or Low Maintenance: Low-maintenance
These succulent-like plants prefer to grow in bright yet indirect light with dry soil. Their thick and waxy leaves don't need much fuss.
Some great varieties that you can choose from include the watermelon peperomia and the baby rubber tree or Peperomia obtusifolia.
Find out How to Propagate Peperomia: 5 Effective Ways!
17. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos plants are prolific growers and will rapidly grow subtly glossy leaves. Their foliage must be cleaned regularly to prevent dust buildup.
Average Size: 1–3 feet (30–90 cm)
Heat or Frost Tolerant: Heat-tolerant
High or Low Maintenance: Low-maintenance
One of the easiest plants to grow on this list is pothos. They can be seen growing new and shiny leaves regularly and can even grow bigger over time.
Due to how productive they are, it's easy for a lush pothos plant to become dull over time.
To fix this, simply wipe their leaves clean every couple of weeks to prevent any dust from settling!
18. Rubber Fig (Ficus elastica)
The rubber fig is an excellent houseplant with glossy leaves. It is an easy-to-grow plant that is also pest-resistant, having very few issues.
Average Size: 1–2 feet (30–60 cm)
Heat or Frost Tolerant: Heat-tolerant
High or Low Maintenance: Low-maintenance
It would be foolish not to mention rubber fig plants or Ficus elastica. These attractive plants have thick yet lustrous leaves that can easily reflect light.
Additionally, rubber figs are usually quite resilient and have a strong resistance against pests like thrips, which can easily damage glossy foliage.
19. Ruffled Fan Palm (Licuala grandis)
Ruffled fan palms have pleated and waxy leaves. Additionally, they can adapt to various lighting conditions and soil types, making them easy to cultivate.
Average Size: 1–6 feet (30–182 cm)
Heat or Frost Tolerant: Heat-tolerant
High or Low Maintenance: Low-maintenance
For something a little more dramatic, you can't go wrong with ruffled fan palms. These showy plants have large and glossy leaves in the shape of a fan.
They can be quite slow to grow. However, they can eventually grow to be over 5 feet (1.52m) tall!
20. Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera adansonii)
Swiss cheese, or monstera plants, are rapid-growing tropical plants with large and glossy leaves. Their foliage can grow over a foot wide and need frequent cleaning to stay shiny.
Average Size: 1–6 feet (30–182 cm)
Heat or Frost Tolerant: Heat-tolerant
High or Low Maintenance: Low-maintenance
On the topic of large and tropical plants, consider growing a monstera or swiss cheese plant. Not only are their leaves delightfully shiny, but they can also grow to be more than 1–2 feet wide.
Unlike the ruffled fan palm, monsteras have ridiculously fast growth, so you may need to prune it from time to time. Their cuttings can easily be propagated.
[quote] Monstera plants with waxy leaves can grow up to 70 feet (21.34 m) tall in their natural habitats.
See the 19 Stunning Houseplants With Large Leaves! [Photos]
21. Zz Plant (Zamioculcas zamifolia)
ZZ plants are versatile houseplants frequently grown for their glossy foliage. Furthermore, they are extremely tolerant of shade and neglect, making them easy to grow.
Average Size: 1–2 feet (30–60 cm)
Heat or Frost Tolerant: Heat-tolerant
High or Low Maintenance: Extremely low-maintenance
Finally, the ZZ plant. Not only is this plant known to be near indestructible and tolerant of neglect, but its foliage also has a very prominent sheen.
The raven ZZ plant looks especially gorgeous with jet-black leaves and a glossy shine.
FAQs
How do you make plant leaves glossy?
It is possible to wipe plant foliage with a leaf polish to make them brighter and shinier. However, this practice is not recommended. The polish can clog and block the stomata, or tiny holes on the leaves, and prevent the plant from photosynthesizing.
Are shiny plants poisonous?
Many plants with shiny foliage can be harmful to both humans and animals when consumed. Such plants include the peace lily, flaming katy, monstera, and flamingo flowers. Fortunately, there are some pet-friendly plants with shiny foliage, like the cast iron plant.
Summary of Glossy Houseplants with Waxy Leaves
Many houseplants have waxy and shiny leaves such as Aglaonema ‘Siam aurora’, alocasia infernalis, begonia maculata, calathea ornata, cast iron plant, flamingo flower, flaming katy, geo plant, goldfish plant, grape ivy, haworthia obtusa, hosta, hoya, jade plant, peace lily, peperomia, pothos, rubber fig, ruffled fan palm, swiss cheese plant, and zz plants.
Most, if not all, of them are tropical plants and cannot handle cold weather. Since these are tropical plants, they tend to do best in humidity levels above 50%. However, some species—like ZZ plants, peace lilies, and cast iron plants—fare well with average household humidity.
Sources
- “Cissus alata” by n/a in NC State University
- “Hoya carnosa” by n/a in NC State University
- “Crassula ovata” by n/a in NC State University
- “Peperomia argyreia” by n/a in NC State University
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