Choosing Indoor House Plants
When selecting your house plants, look for healthy roots and foliage. Check the leaves for signs of pests and diseases.
Many indoor houseplants are easy to care for and can withstand low lighting conditions. Examples include snake plant (Dracaena or Sansevieria) also known as Mother-inlaw's tongue, coccoloba and yucca elephantipes.
Cast Iron Plant
Cast iron plant (Aspidistraelatior) has oblong-shaped leaves that can grow up to 2-3 feet tall. It thrives in dim and shaded conditions, making it a good choice for rooms with no natural light. Its size makes it an eye-catching accent plant that can make a statement without taking over the room. This easy-care plant thrives in soil that is well-drained and in an area with little direct sunlight. It is tolerant of a broad range of climates, however, avoid overwatering as this can cause root rot. If the leaves of your cast iron plant begin to turn yellow, it is a sign that it has been exposed to excessive direct sunlight for long periods of time. By filtering the light, or moving the plant to a more shaded location will aid in reducing the yellowing.
A variety of cultivars are available with striking leaf patterns and color combinations. The Gold Spike and Goldfeather varieties have golden yellow stripes that run lengthwise through their green leaves. Likewise, the Hoshi-zora plant has leaves speckled with white to yellow dots which give it the look of airbrushing. The snow cap cast iron fern (Aspidistra crassula) is another option, with its year-round white hue that gives it the appearance of being covered in a snowfall.
Indoor cast iron plants are self-maintaining, but you may need to trim the leaves to control the plant's shape or to remove dead or dying foliage. You may also have to trim the roots periodically if the clump gets too large for its pot. Fertilize indoor plants every month with a liquid all-purpose fertilizer in the spring and summer, following the directions on the label. Outdoor cast iron plants require less frequent feeding. However you can add general liquid fertilizer to the soil in spring as they start growing again.
Snake Plant
Snake plants (Sansevieria), despite their large leaves, are actually graceful and soft. They are among the most adaptable indoor house plants, withstanding low levels of light and occasional droughts. They help keep your home's air clean by absorbing toxic substances like formaldehyde, carbon dioxide, and benzene.
Whether you choose a variegated 'Mother in Law's Tongue' or the tall, green 'Goldband Sansevieria laurentii', these plants look stunning when used as table centrepieces or on a desk. common house plant can also place them near a fire in the indoor area or on a window sill, which will get sunshine throughout the day.
Snake plants are not susceptible to other issues in indoors, except for over-watering. Snake plants grow slowly and don't need to be replanted often. However, if they grow out of their containers then you can plant them in a potting mix that contains large quantities of sand, perlite, or other aeration substances to keep the soil from becoming overly saturated.
If low light houseplants decide to pot a snake plant again, remove it from its container with a sharp knife. Then, repot your rhizome with the same amount that it was planted in the first place. Fill the rest of the pot up with the potting mix made for succulents and cacti.
It is recommended to keep snake plants away from pets and children as the leaves can be toxic in the event of consumption. This is due to the saponins, the natural compounds that are strong enough to cause nausea and vomiting in animals and humans if consumed. To be on the safe side, wear gloves when handling the plant. Also, remove any berries from the stems to avoid ingestion of them.
Succulents & Cacti
Cacti and succulents are fascinating plants that add the character of any room. They're adapted to help conserve water in dry (xeric) environments. A lot of them have fascinating or even grotesque designs with vibrant flowers. This attracts many plant enthusiasts.
Cacti and succulents make great companion plants, whether they're grown in warm climates outdoors, or as house plants. They are often mixed together in low bowls to create gardens. They can be placed in windows with sunny light. Be aware that these plants will thrive in bright sunlight and at least six hours of bright sunlight each day.
The prickly-pear cactus, commonly known as the agave, is a popular houseplant. It can also be used in landscapes. Other varieties include the agave mammillaria and Echeveria. Many of these plants reproduce by producing clusters of small baby cacti that grow around the mother plant, earning them the name "hens and chicks".
Some people use the term "cactus" as an umbrella term for all succulents. However, the word cactus actually refers to a specific family of plants in the genus Cactaceae. Cacti are just one of 60 families of succulents found around the world.
They must be kept in a container with drainage holes, as all succulents and other cacti. They don't like soil that is constantly wet. They may get rotten or develop a distorted growth in the event of poor conditions. Cacti and succulents require less maintenance than other houseplants. They do well indoors and can be moved to the outside during the summer however, they must be in a protected space due to the intense lighting levels that could burn their leaves and stems.
Monstera
Monstera Deliciciosa, also known as Swiss Cheese Plant is one of the most well-known houseplants. It is a vining evergreen aroid with broad, fenestrated green leaves with splits and holes that develop on the extending aerial roots. It is a great choice for indoors due to its tolerance to bright light and low humidity.
Monstera plants grow well in warm climates. However, they should be brought inside during winter months when temperatures fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Monsteras will not thrive in areas that are below this threshold. If you plan to bring them inside, make sure to thoroughly inspect the plants for pests prior to moving them. Examine the soil and wipe down the stems and leaves. Repot the plant if needed.
Indoors, Monstera deliciosa likes bright to medium indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause burns to leaves and harm the overall health of the plant. Avoid placing your plant in close proximity to vents for air conditioning or heating as they can dry out the leaves. Make sure to water regularly, keeping the soil slightly moist but not soaking. It is best to use bottle or filter water, especially if you have hard water in your home. A humidifier or fine mister could help to increase the amount of humidity within your home as well.
Consider putting a stake in the pot after you have planted it. This will allow the plant to climb up the pot once it has grown. common houseplant is a great way to increase the height of the space, and it can also attract positive energy from the ceiling into the spaces below. In feng shui, Monstera plant is associated with deep connections and honoring elders and revered individuals. It brings good fortune, prosperity and luck to those who maintain it in good health. In Chinese tradition, it symbolizes longevity.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
The fiddle leaf fig is perhaps one of the most popular house plants available today. Its unique, elongated form and dazzling leaves make it a striking addition to any room in your home. It's important to note that this plant requires more attention and care than other plants. This tropical beauty is a native of an environment that is rainforest-like, so it requires bright sunshine and high humidity in order to thrive.
When watering, it is important not to overwater your FLF as this can cause root rot as well as other problems. Water your plant at least once a week, or every 10 to 14 days. When you water your fiddle leaf plant, make sure you soak the soil until it reaches the point that it drips, and then take the excess moisture out.
This plant is also damaged by drafts and cold temperatures. Be sure to prevent this by putting your ficus in a place that is that is warm and safe from drafts. Misting your fig's fiddle-leaf leaves using a spray bottle every day will help to maintain the hydration level, and also keep the foliage looking fresh.
In general, a fiddle leaf fig will inform you when it's ready to drink water. Mast states that the best method to determine if a plant requires water is to poke your finger into soil. "If you feel the moisture at least halfway up your knuckle, your fig is good go." Water the soil when it appears dry.