Have you had terrible luck attempting to care for a plant? You’ve got company. After someone asked Reddit, “What is the worst plant you’ve ever had the displeasure of trying to raise?”
These are the top-voted answers for the worst plants to grow.
1. Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma
Rhaphidophora tetrasperma, also known as mini monstera, is the number-one-voted plant that’s wreaked havoc in homes. One expressed, “Rhaphidophora tetrasperma. I’ve had three, and every time it hates me. Yet, somehow my alocasia likes me more.”
2. Cilantro
One gardener stated, “Cilantro is born to die. We don’t even bother growing it in our garden anymore. It immediately bolts before nosediving.” Many agreed that “You have to succession plant it.”
3. Succulents
Someone confessed, “Any succulents. Replace them with anything with green leaves, and it is 10000x better. Succulents and I do not get along.” Another admitted, “I feel this in my soul. Succulents made me feel crazy in the head.”
4. Parlor Palm
“My parlor palm,” another explained—”pickiest plant I’ve ever. I miss him immensely. RIP Ricky Bobby, but the spider mites just kept at him. So I replaced him with a Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum, and holy whack.
Easy going, not nearly as fickle as others, handled one accidental overwatering like a champ, no sun? – no problem! It loves my grow light ufo hanging from above. Ricky Bobby was never so chill.”
5. Fittonia
“Fittonia,” one said. “It hated life in my house. It lost all its leaves and got leggy. So I replaced it with a purple waffle plant which seems to be much more dramatic, but it’s doing great.”
6. Calathea
“Calathea,” another stated. “I had an elderly man at Home Depot who told me they were the easiest plant to keep alive when I first got into houseplants. I’m convinced that man must live in a jungle because I can’t keep a Calathea alive no matter what I do. So I replaced it with a fiddle leaf and am having a much better time.”
7. Flowers
“Flowers: zinnias, tithonia, cosmos, you name it,” confessed one. “The blooms always came out deformed. So I switched to indoor gardening and house plants full time, and I am having a MUCH better time!”
8. Peperomia
Another gardener replied, “I have only had one peperomia die on me in my short six months as a plant parent, but I have rehomed a few just with not being fond of their growth habit (or simply too big too quick), though primarily ferns – they get so unruly.”
9. Corn Plant
“My corn plant,” one shared. “I’ve had it for a few years, and it’s always something with this fool. Root rot, browning leaves, you name it! I’ve tried everything, trust me! So now I’m just wholly ignoring it besides watering here and there. I’m still not sure what I hope happens to it.”
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10. Aloe Vera Plant
Finally, another user who confessed to having a terrible time with cilantro confessed, “I replaced it with Ally the Aloe until my mom accidentally killed her from too much sunlight.” However, aloe vera is typically beginner friendly. And as a bonus, you can make your own aloe vera gel from its leaves!
We hope you enjoyed these Reddit stories people shared about the worst plants they had the displeasure of raising.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.