3 Ways to Identify a Houseplant (2024)

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Co-authored byChai Saechaoand Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA

Last Updated: October 11, 2022References

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   Look at the plant’s stem and branching pattern. Notice if the stem is long or short. Then, look at how far up the stem the branches begin, as well as how the branches are arranged. Notice if the plant branches only once or if it branches multiple times. Finally, record the answers to the following questions in your notebook:^[1]

   • Is the stem visible?
   • What is the shape and color of the stem?
   • How do the branches attach to the trunk or stem?
   • Are the branches arranged opposite each other or alternately on the stem?
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   Check if the plant is flowering or has buds. Look at the size and shape of the flower, as well as how many petals it has. Then, observe the color of the petals and any gradation you see. Notice if the flower has a disc in the center or not. Finally, note any special characteristics of the flower that you think will help you identify it. Answer the following questions in your notebook:^[2]

   • What color and shape is the flower?
   • How many petals does the flower have?
   • Does the flower have male and female sex organs in each flower?
   • Does the flower have sepals, which are a green leaf-like part that is visible beneath the flower?

   Tip: When identifying the sex parts of a flower, find the stamen (male part) by looking for a wand-like growth that holds pollen. There may be several stamens. Then, check for the pistil (female part) by looking in the center of the flower for a long tube with a bulb at the bottom.^[3]

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   Examine the plant’s leaves. First, look at how many leaves are on each stem. Then, notice how the leaves are positioned on the stem. Finally, observe the shape and color of the leaves. If you can, draw or trace the shape of the leaf in your notes. Record the answers to the following questions:^[4]

   • How many leaves are on each stem?
   • Are the leaves opposite each other, alternating, or in a circular pattern?
   • What shape and size is the leaf?
   • Does the leaf have hairs?
   • What color is the leaf on the front and back?
   • What is the shape of the leaf’s edge? Is it smooth, or does it have small “teeth” or big jagged “teeth”?
   • How do the leaves attach to the stem?

   Tip: If you have a magnifying glass, use it to closely view the structure of the leaves. For instance, you can look at the veins on the leaves and the color gradation. Additionally, check to see if the surface of the leaf is smooth, textured, or fuzzy.

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   Take pictures of the plant so you can find a match. Photos help you identify your houseplant because you can compare them to photos of other plants, upload them onto an app, or ask an expert. Use a digital camera or your phone to take a series of photos. Photograph the entire plant, then take close-up photos of the flowers, leaves, and stem.^[5]

   • Make sure the photos are well-lit and show the plant’s features clearly. Blurry photos will be hard to use for identification.
   • If you’re going to show the photos to an expert, take at least 4-5 photos. This will help them differentiate between similar plants.

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   Use an app to quickly identify healthy houseplants. Apps like PlantSnap, FlowerChecker, Garden Answers, and Picture This let you upload a picture of your plant. Then, the app compares the picture to common houseplants to identify it. Download one of the apps, then take a photo of your plant. Upload the photo to get results in seconds!^[6]

   • If your plant is damaged or very young, the app may not be able to identify it.
   • These apps have free options, but they may limit your usage. For instance, you may be able to only identify up to 5 plants a day. If you need to use the app more often, they offer a premium option.
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   Compare your plant to online photos of indoor plants. Do an Internet search for photos of common houseplants. Then, scroll through the results to find one that looks like your plant. When you see a potential match, read the plant’s name and description to make sure it matches your notes about your plant.^[7]

   • If the site you’re looking at doesn’t provide a description, do an Internet search for the plant’s name to learn more about it. Some plants that are in the same family will look similar to each other but have different qualities, and the description can help you make sure you don’t misidentify your plant.^[8]

   Variation: Do a reverse Google image search to find photos of similar looking plants. To do this, go to the Google homepage, click on “images” in the right corner, and click on the camera icon in the search box. Then, upload your photo into the search box and click search. Go through the results to find out what plant matches the photo of your houseplant.^[9]

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   Use a field guide to identify houseplants and learn more about them. Field guides are books that provide the name, photograph, and description of common plants. Look for a field guide that’s dedicated to houseplants. Then, flip through the guide to find a plant that looks like the one you want to identify. Use your photos and notes about the plant to find a match.^[10]

   • Don't forget to review the description to make sure it matches your notes.
   • Check with your local library, nursery, or County Extension office for guides. You may be able to use one for free or for a small fee.

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   Try an online forum to get help from houseplant enthusiasts. Do an Internet search for houseplant identification forums. Then, submit photos and a detailed description of your plant to the forum. Read through the replies to your post to find a consensus about the plant’s identification. Then, research that plant to make sure it fits your plant’s description.^[11]

   • Provide as much detail as possible to help people identify your plant.
   • While you can get a lot of great advice in a forum, there’s no way to know that people are being truthful about their qualifications.
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   Visit a local garden center or nursery if you’re totally stumped. Take your plant, a photo of the plant, or a few leaves and flowers to a local greenhouse, nursery, or gardening store. Show the plant to a knowledgeable staff member and give them a clear description of your houseplant. Finally, ask them what type of plant they think it is.^[12]

   • If the person you talk to doesn’t feel comfortable identifying your plant, ask them to refer you to an employee who might be able to help. For instance, a clerk might not be able to tell you the name of the plant, but they may be able to put you in touch with the store's master gardener.

   Tip: If the plants at your local garden center or nursery are labeled, you may be able to match photos or a sample of the plant yourself. Simply look for a plant that looks like your plant, then read the name and description on the tag.

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   Send photos or a sample to a horticulture expert. Look for a horticulture expert at your local college, County Extension, or plant diagnostic clinic. Then, email your photos and a description or mail a physical sample of your plant to the expert. Ask them to identify your plant for you.^[13]

   • If you’re sending photos, include several well-lit photos in your email. Don’t forget to include close-up shots of the leaves and flowers.
   • When mailing a sample, it’s typically best to send dried flowers and leaves. However, check with your expert to find out about their preferences.

   Tip: Mailing an actual sample is often the best way to get an accurate identification. Plants in the same family can closely resemble each other, so sometimes a photo can be misleading.

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