Houseplants are not one-size-fits-all. There are tons of different varieties to choose from, each with its own unique look, difficulty level, and care needs. If deciding which plant is right for you feels like a complicated puzzle, might I suggest looking to your Enneagram for guidance? Knowing your type can give you insights into your personality and how you approach relationships—including those with your plants. It could mean the difference between the forgetful waterer whose plants are dying for a drink and the diligent plant parent who tends to their every need. No matter your personality, there’s a plant for every type. Find yours below to see which houseplant is best suited for you, according to your Enneagram.
Type 1 – The Perfectionist: Dracaena
Source: Unsplash | @noyocreatif
Dracaena, also called a dragon tree, fits in perfectly with a Type One’s conscientious personality and routine lifestyle. This low-maintenance plant will thrive with regular watering and can grow several feet tall, easily meeting a One’s high expectations. Plus, these plants serve a purpose other than simply looking pretty. Dracaena are known for their air-purifying abilities, so they can improve your home in more ways than one.
Type 2 – The Helper: Alocasia
Source: Unsplash | @karaeads
Caring and generous, Type Twos need a plant baby they can really nurture. Alocasia, otherwise known as the African mask plant, needs plenty of love and care to flourish. These plants like damp (not just moist) soil, so they can handle frequent watering from a well-intentioned Two. Their broad leaves also require dusting from time to time, but the intuitive Helper has easily got that covered.
Type 3 – The Achiever: Fiddle-Leaf Fig
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The fiddle-leaf fig can be a bit finicky for inexperienced plant parents, but it’s no sweat for a high-achieving Type Three. Keeping this plant in top shape requires just the right amount of water and sunlight. But like in other aspects of life, the Achiever is willing to put in the work to make it a success. And it doesn’t hurt that these trendy plants are very Instagrammable.
Type 4 – The Individualist: Prayer Plant
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Basic plants just won’t do for expressive, individualistic Type Fours. For a unique variety that stands out from the rest, try a prayer plant. Its deep-green leaves are decorated with splotches of yellow and vibrant pink veining, making it the ideal accent to spruce up your already colorful home.
Type 5 – The Investigator: Pothos
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An easy-care plant like pothos will handily fulfill Type Five’s desire to feel capable and competent. A pothos plant will thrive in just about any room and doesn’t require a highly regimented watering or misting routine. Plus, it’s easy to propagate, so the Investigator can satisfy their curiosity while watching new plants grow.
Type 6 – The Loyalist: Jade Plant
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Type Six is best suited to a hardy, dependable variety like the jade plant. This type of succulent grows slowly over time and can live for several decades. Like the Loyalist, jade plants are fairly self-reliant, but be warned: They can get stressed from overwatering.
Type 7 – The Enthusiast: Snake Plant
Source: Unsplash | @kellysikkema
Seven’s spontaneous nature doesn’t lend itself to high-maintenance plants. This Enneagram type needs a plant that won’t mind if you jet off on a last-minute vacay without watering it first. Enter: the snake plant, a nearly indestructible variety that can go weeks without needing attention. It’s the perfect hands-off plant for a Seven’s busy schedule.
Type 8 – The Challenger: Orchid
Source: Unsplash | @swabdesign_official
Orchids aren’t the easiest plants to grow, but Eights never back down from a challenge. This Enneagram type’s take-charge attitude will help them quickly perfect the care routine for this notoriously tricky plant. And when it blooms, the orchid’s exotic, long-lasting blooms are totally worth the effort.
Type 9 – The Peacemaker: Peace Lily
Source: Pexels | @daria-ivanenko-3557414
A symbol of harmony and tranquility, the peace lily is a natural choice for Type Nine, AKA the Peacemaker. This easygoing plant is highly forgiving when it comes to watering and light conditions, so you don’t have to worry about disturbing its peace. With the right care, it’ll bloom with beautiful white flowers that bolster its calming look.
