16 Spooky Houseplants Perfect for Halloween, From Brain Cactus to Black Bat Flower

These hair-raising houseplants double as Halloween décor.

From pumpkins to dried corn husks, it's not uncommon to see plants used as décor come Halloween. But beyond those common fall motifs, have you ever considered using houseplants to give your home a sinister vibe? While you may not think of indoor greenery as inherently bone-chilling, there are many houseplants that can add a sense of drama to your space come All Hallows' Eve. From spooky names—snake plant, black bat flower, and brain cactus—to creepily shaped, darkly colored foliage, these houseplants are all the decoration you need this Halloween.

Related: 40 Fall Décor Ideas to Get Your Home Ready for Autumn

Meet Our Expert

• Linda Langelo, horticulture specialist at Colorado State University.

• Justin Hancock, horticulturist at Costa Farms

Black Bat Flower

Set an eerie tone for your Halloween party with black bat flower (Tacca chantrieri), a houseplant that blooms from late summer through fall. "These native tropical plants of the forests of Southeast Asia and Australia not only look like bats with cat whiskers, but mimic bats in flight," says Linda Langelo, horticulture specialist at Colorado State University. "The dark purple bracts of this plant almost look black." The plant thrives in humidity, so if you're growing it indoors, having a humidifier or misting it daily will give it the environment it needs, says Langelo.

• Size: 24 to 36 inches tall x 12 inches wide

• Growing requirements: indirect light; fertile, well-draining soil

African Mask

The dark, shield-shaped foliage of the African mask plant (Alocasia poly) is a scary addition to any Halloween table. "This plant has haunting white veins that run throughout its giant leaves," says Justin Hancock, horticulturist at Costa Farms. "Place it in brightly lit, high-humidity areas such as bathrooms and kitchens."

• Size: 2 feet tall x 2 feet wide

• Growing requirements: medium to bright, indirect light; well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter

Venus Fly Trap

The ultimate hair-raising houseplant, the Venus fly trap (Dionaea muscipula) is known for trapping insects with its enticing nectar. After trapping its prey, the plant takes anywhere from five to 12 days to digest. "It is predaceous and captures insects to gather nitrogen and phosphorus, which are in short supply in its native bog habitat in the United States," says Langelo. If one of your Halloween guests brushes up against the trigger hairs the trap will slam closed—it doesn't get spookier than that.

• Size: 6 to 12 inches tall x 6 to 9 inches wide

• Growing requirements: bright light (preferably from a grow light); acidic, well-draining soil

Spider Plant

Like its namesake, spider plant (Chlorophytum) is known to creep, says Hancock. The plantlets (which resemble spider legs) trail down this easy-to-grow plant and form little babies at the ends. "Place it in a hanging basket and decorate with a synthetic web filled with spiders (fake, of course)," Hancock says. "Make the plant look even more sinister by placing it in a creepy container on mantles, windowsills and tabletops."

• Size: 12 to 24 inches tall x 12 to 36 inches wide

• Growing requirements: bright light (can tolerate low light); well-draining soil

Mangave 'Desert Dragon'

A wonderful low ground cover accent outdoors or a creepy table accent for Halloween, Mangave ‘Desert Dragon’ (Manfreda x Agave) is a fast growing, low water plant. "Scare your Halloween guests by placing Mangave ‘Desert Dragon’ in a container on the table and the twisty, wiggly leaves of this succulent can make any admirer think it could start wiggling towards them like a sea urchin," says Langelo. Note that this plant is short lived and may only last for five years in ideal conditions.

• Size: 6 to 8 feet tall x 1 to 2 feet wide

• Growing requirements: bright light; well-draining soil

Brain Cactus

What's creepier than a plant that resembles the human brain? That's the shape this cactus—aptly named brain cactus (Mammillaria elongata ‘Cristata’ )—takes on. "The stems grow in kinks, and it ends up like a group of worms all wrapped around one another as one big clump," says Langelo. "These plants produce small tubercles which are wart-like on the surface." Brain cactus is sensitive to overwatering, so if growing in a container you must water it from the bottom, so it doesn't get into the crevices and folds.

• Size: 6 inches tall x 12 inches wide

• Growing requirements: bright light where it's protected from afternoon sun; well-draining soil (sand, potting mix, pumice, or perlite all work)

Rope Plant

Rope plant (Hoya carnosa), is a winding houseplant with vines that create shadows for a spell-binding look once the sun goes down. The plant produces flowers that last for up to a month, says Hancock. You should repot rope plant every two to three years as it outgrows its pot.

• Size: 2 to 4 feet tall x 2 to 6 feet wide

• Growing requirements: bright, indirect light; well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter

‘Black Star’ Calla Lilly

Planning dark colored décor for Halloween? Consider ‘Black Star’ Calla Lilly  (Zantedeschia aethiopica), which will fit right in with the vibe. "It really is such a deep purple color that in appears black but would look good next to an orange pumpkin with a scary smile," says Langelo. "After all, the name calla lily comes from the Greek word kallos meaning “beauty” and I would want the most beautiful black flowers for Halloween."

• Size: 2 to 3 feet tall x 1 1/2 to 2 feet wide

• Growing requirements: bright, indirect light; damp, but not soggy soil

Old Man Cactus

This cactus looks like something from a horror movie thanks to the white fuzzy hair that coats it. Display it in containers around your home as Halloween décor. "Beware this plant is not as soft and fluffy as it seems because those white hairs hide the sharp spines below," says Langelo. "The hairs protect the cactus from the heat and the cold and are botanically called radial spines that protect the central spines underneath them."

• Size: 12 inches tall x 12 inches wide (as a houseplant)

• Growing requirements: bright light; loamy or sandy, well-draining soil

Earth Star

The oddly marked leaves and star-like spread of earth star (Cryptanthus) make it the perfect Halloween houseplant. "A low-water succulent, earth star is easy to grow in bright light," says Hancock. "Water it regularly, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings."

• Size: 6 to 12 inches tall x 10 to 18 inches wide

• Growing requirements: bright, indirect light; well-draining soil

Geogenanthus

Geogenanthus (Geogenanthus ciliatus) has a unique appearance with almost black leaves and a subtle pink middle vein and is sure to give your home that All Hallows' Eve vibe. "But beware, this plant needs high humidity to thrive, so it would be a great addition to grow it in a terrarium or a well-ventilated bathroom," says Hancock. Be careful of giving this plant too much direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves.

• Size: 12 to 18 inches tall x 10 to 12 inches wide

• Growing requirements: medium to bright, indirect light; well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter

Little Swiss Monstera

Monstera is already a popular houseplant, but this variety has a whole new meaning come spooky season. "The unique foliage of little Swiss monstera (Monstera adansonii) features heart-shaped leaves with large holes, creating a mysterious look that echoes skeleton-like lines and shadows in your space," says Hancock. "Be careful not to overwater it, as this can cause root rot."

• Size: 3 feet tall x 10 to 2 wide

• Growing requirements: bright, indirect light; well-draining soil

Snake Plant

With its dark green and upright leaves that resemble a snake's body, snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata ‘Laurentii’) will surely give you the chills, says Hancock. Even better? The snake plant is hardy and easy-to care-for, meaning it will last well past Halloween. The pest- and disease-resistant plant is a great choice for those new to indoor gardening.

• Size: 3 feet tall x 2 feet wide

• Growing requirements: bright, indirect light (can tolerate low light); well-draining soil

Desert Candle Cactus

Desert candle cactus (Euphorbia acrurensis) has a slender, and upright growth habit that makes it look just like a candle, hence the name. "Its vibrant green color is sure to give your home that Halloween vibe," says Hancock. "And creating a truly eerie atmosphere, the plant's white, milky sap adds an extra spooky touch." The plant is susceptible to mealybugs and scale insects, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

• Size: 5 to 8 feet tall x 2 to 3 feet wide

• Growing requirements: bright light; well-draining soil

Begonia ferox

Begonia ferox will fit right in with the rest of your Halloween décor with its dark, spiky raised cones on the leaves. "These are called bullae and develop as the leaf develops," says Langelo. "It is a rare plant that grows in the understory of the rainforest regions of China." It needs high humidity (up to 60 degrees Fahrenheit indoors), so it's an ideal terrarium plant.

• Size: 7 to 8 inches tall x width may vary

• Growing requirements: bright, indirect; calcine clay soil

Philodendron ‘Royal Queen’

The foliage growing from Philodendron ‘Royal Queen’ will blend right into your fall display. "As this plant matures and changes, its coloration changes from a deep burgundy to black to dark green with long, dark red stems and heart shaped leaves, says Langelo. "Look for this plant in an online specialty plant store. It is self-heading as opposed to the vining philodendron types."

• Size: 7 to 8 feet tall x width may vary

• Growing requirements: medium to bright indirect light; slightly acidic, well-draining soil
  

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