Batflower

The weird but wonderful batflower may be the best-named Halloween plant. It has blooms that look like they're from another planet and will surely contribute a macabre accent to your Halloween decor. Each cluster of small, dark purple flowers is topped with "wings" that stick out like they're about to take flight. Long, purplish "whiskers" hang from the cluster, almost to the soil. Place your batflower in bright but indirect light in a space with moderate humidity (it will appreciate a daily misting) and keep the soil evenly moist.

Mangave 'Desert Dragon'

Featuring long, narrow, gray-green leaves covered with brownish-purple spots, Mangave 'Desert Dragon' sprawls from the soil in a low, spider-like heap. This fast-growing succulent needs bright, direct light and regular watering, but if you neglect the task, 'Desert Dragon' will live up to its name and be just fine until you can give it another drink. It's hardy to Zones 9-11, so you can grow it outdoors if you live in a warmer region.

Toad Plant

It would be more accurate to call this one "giant smelly starfish flower" rather than a toad plant (Stapelia gigantea). Either way, the Halloween plant is a terrific succulent that will thrive on a bright, warm windowsill. Pollinated by carcass-loving insects in the wild, these plants produce large, five-point flowers that reek of death. It's not uncommon for flies to lay eggs on the flower surface, and the resulting larvae may be seen wriggling around the center of the flower for an extra creepy touch!

Old Man Cactus

Resembling Cousin It from the Addams Family, this cactus gets its name from the long, white, wispy-looking "hair" surrounding the entire plant. Don't be fooled by the soft appearance, though: Sharp spines hide in that fuzzy beard! This guy likes hot, bright, dry conditions, so place it in a south-facing window in direct sunlight and water sparingly when the top inch or two of soil in the container feels dry.

'Black Star' Calla Lily

Need a bouquet fit for a corpse bride? 'Black Star' calla lily's striking, funnel-shaped flowers are such a deep, rich purple color that they appear nearly black. As houseplants, 'Black Star' grows best in bright, indirect light and needs regular watering to keep its soil moist. These bulbous plants will go dormant in November but should come back to life the following spring.

Air Plants

Tillandsias (aka air plants) already seem preternatural because they have no roots to speak of and grow without soil. But a few varieties look particularly creature-like, with fuzzy or twisting leaves that look like tentacles, making them a perfect Halloween plant. They're especially fun to add to spooky figurines as hair.

Because air plants don't need a pot to grow, you'll have more flexibility when incorporating them into your Halloween decor. Just be sure to keep them in a bright place out of direct sunlight and soak them in water once a week for about a half hour to keep them hydrated.

'Raven' ZZ Plant

ZZ plant grows glossy, almost leathery leaves along its slender, gently arching stems. 'Raven' is a variety with leaves so dark they look black. Its hue works perfectly with fall color schemes, especially as a backdrop to orange pumpkins and gourds. This Halloween plant does best in bright, indirect light. Water it when the soil feels dry, but if it slips your mind, it won't mind being neglected for a little while.

'Black Magic' Elephant Ear

A variety of the elephant ear plant, 'Black Magic' features high-shine, leathery leaves that look green, black, and red depending on the light. The larger plant will look great in a stand on the floor or a pot nestled amongst other spooky decor. Treat this Halloween plant to bright, filtered light in a high-humidity environment. While 'Black Magic' needs ample humidity, refrain from watering it until the top 2 inches of soil dry out.

Venus Flytrap

One of the most classic creepy plants is the Venus flytrap. The eerie yet mesmerizing bug muncher is a must-have Halloween plant—if you're lucky, you just might catch it trapping a creature between its spiky toothed jaws. Place Venus flytrap under a grow light for at least 6 hours each day and keep the soil constantly moist.

How to Style a Halloween Plant After Halloween

Just because Halloween is over doesn't mean you have to throw out your Halloween plant. Any variety from this list will blend in with your other houseplants while adding a little moodiness to the room. During spring and summer, consider moving your Halloween plants outdoors to accent your container plants—they'll look especially striking paired with black succulents. However you show off these fascinating plants, they're sure to create unusual and eye-catching displays to die for.