The best part of Halloween is the costumes. The second best? The decor, and for the plant-obsessed among us in Salt Lake City, there's no better way to decorate for spooky season than with a selection of eerie and mysterious plants! If you're looking to celebrate in style this year, check out these not-so-ordinary plants to keep your trick-or-treat table the talk of the town.
The Best Spooky Plants for Halloween Decor
So, what makes a plant truly spooky? Check out the bewildering personalities and appearances of these popular varieties for your fall and Halloween decor (if you dare), and you'll see for yourself!
The Nepenthes Alata
Known more commonly as the Carnivorous Pitcher Plant, is a natural choice for a spooky Halloween plant. Its sinister, pitcher-shaped leaves, adorned with intricate patterns and a menacing allure, evoke images of nature's darker side. This carnivorous plant's ability to trap and consume insects adds to its eerie and hair-raising appeal.
To maintain its haunting charm, provide bright, indirect sunlight on a windowsill and plenty of high humidity. Try to keep the soil consistently moist as well, but we recommend using distilled water as tap water can harm the plant. For an extra sinister touch, consider placing it alongside Halloween decorations, conjuring up visions of a botanical predator in the midst of the night. The Nepenthes alata adds a spine-tingling element to your Halloween decor.
Crown of Thorns
With its dark, thorny branches and hauntingly beautiful red or orange blooms, it makes an ideal addition to any Utah Halloween decor. Its ghoulish appearance, reminiscent of a bewitched forest, can evoke a sense of some ancient and gothic enchantment. This succulent thrives with minimal care, perfect for those looking for low-maintenance, eerie elegance.
Place it in bright, indirect light, and water it sparingly, allowing the soil to dry between waterings—but beware! Caution is advised when handling this creature of the night as the thorns can be quite sharp. The Crown of Thorns plant's ghostly allure adds a touch of mystique to your Halloween ambiance.
Ghost Cactus
The Ghost Cactus, with its spooky spectral appearance, is the perfect Halloween pal. This unique cactus variety features pale, almost translucent, green or white flesh, resembling apparitions from the spirit world. Its haunting, almost otherworldly presence is a natural fit for Halloween decor, invoking a sense of the supernatural and the unknown.
Care is delightfully low-maintenance, too! Place it in bright, indirect light and water sparingly, ensuring the soil dries out completely between waterings. The Ghost Cactus serves as a captivating, ghostly addition to your Halloween setup, and its resilience adds an effortless yet chilling touch to your botanical collection.
Raven ZZ Plant
The Raven ZZ plant can be best described as the popular ZZ plant's goth cousin, making it an absolute must for Halloween enthusiasts. With its glossy, jet-black leaves, the Raven variety's unique appearance exudes an air of mystery and enchantment that makes it a perfect choice for Halloween decor.
This plant adds an element of darkness, and can serve as a beautiful contrasting element amongst the other Halloween-themed plants in your display. The Raven ZZ plant is highly adaptable to different light conditions, making it a great choice for rooms in the home with less light.
Alocasia Silver Dragon
Alocasia Silver Dragon's spooky allure isn't just about its appearance; it also demands specific care, which can add to its eerie charm. This plant prefers indirect, bright light, but not direct sunlight, which can scorch its unique silver-green leaves. It thrives in filtered or partially shaded areas, replicating its natural habitat beneath the rainforest canopy.
When it comes to watering, the Silver Dragon is somewhat finicky (as most dragons are), so it's crucial to maintain evenly moist, but not waterlogged, soil. Silver Dragons are sensitive to overwatering, and this is not a plant you want on your bad side. We recommend allowing the top inch of the soil to dry out between waterings and to use a well-draining potting mix for best results. The element of suspense and caution taking care of this plant makes it perfect for our list!
Rhaphidophora Decursiva
The Rhaphidophora Decursiva, commonly known as the Dragon Tail plant, is a must-have for Halloween. We love its heart-shaped leaves that exhibit a mesmerizing dragon scale pattern that perfectly remind us of mythical creatures running around the neighborhood. This dark green vine exudes a sense of shadowy allure, and we think everyone should have one beside their trick or treat bowl this year.
To maintain its haunting charm, provide bright, indirect light and keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Dragon Tail plants thrive in high humidity, which can be achieved by misting or placing a shallow dish of water nearby. This plant adds a touch of enchantment to any Halloween-themed display while requiring relatively simple care.
Curating your Halloween garden decor is an easy and unique way to boost your spooky vibes this year, so give these interesting plants a place in your home for a night to remember. From the creepy jaws of the Pitcher Plant to the dark and mysterious Silver Dragon, these plants pack a punch with an extra layer of mystique. For more great seasonal plant recommendations, come visit us today at Millcreek Gardens in Salt Lake City.
Happy Halloween!