Easy House Plants
A slim, slender plant with glossy leaves and modern pot is a striking addition to a corner. It's easy and content to be root bound which means it doesn't require the need to repot.
Plants that are matched to lighting conditions is crucial. Avoid houseplants with drooping foliage and soil that is sloppy or with weak roots, as they could be too damaged to save and harbour disease.
Pothos
Pothos is also known as Devil's Ivy and Rapunzel Plant. It's among the easiest plants to take care of. It thrives in low to bright indirect lighting and is perfect to fill dark spaces of rooms. It is tolerant of most conditions and can even tolerate direct sunlight, if not prolonged. If common house plant 's exposed excessive sunlight, it could become leggy and lose it's variegation.
Pothos can be propagated by a stem cutting. Simply cut the vine length and then remove three or two leaves, reducing it to 2"-3". Place it in a pot filled with water. It will begin to grow roots very quickly. It is essential to change the water frequently and at least once every two weeks. It can be put in either potting soil, and will grow well in both. Once the root system is established (usually in about 4 weeks) move it into a pot that has regular potting soil for house plants.
Pothos as with all houseplants, needs an all-purpose fertilizer to ensure its health. However, it doesn't need to be fertilized more often than other houseplants. A feeding every month during spring and summer should be sufficient.
Pothos leaves can become brown and shriveled when placed in a drafty area or close to radiators. If this happens, move it in a brighter part of the house and then fertilize it once more as normal.
The leaves of the Pothos will inform you if it requires watering. If the leaf edges are dry and brown it's time to drink it. If the leaves begin to droop then it's time to water them.
Epipremnum aureum (Pothos) is available in many different cultivars with heart-shaped leaves which vary between white and yellow. Popular varieties include "Marble Queen" which is striking white and green variegation. Another one that is popular is "Neon," which has green leaves with red and yellow markings.
Pothos can last up to 10 years if provided with the right conditions. Basic maintenance and good environment care can prolong the lifespan of this plant. It is also easy to propagate making it a great choice for beginners.
Monstera
Monstera Deliciosa, also referred to as the Swiss cheese plant and split-leaf Philodendron, is a well-loved indoor houseplant in temperate climates. It can be grown outdoors in warmer climates, and is a popular landscaping plant. It is a moderately generous cultivator, and only needs to be watered every now and then to keep the soil damp.
A member of the Dracaena genus, the monstera is named for its distinctive leaves that have an odd pattern of holes that give it the appearance of Swiss cheese. These lobes and holes are scientifically referred to as fenestrations. They appear on the leaves as they grow. Monstera deliciosa plants produce fruit in the wild, however it is difficult to get the plant to bear fruit in normal indoor conditions.
Monsteras are not tolerating cold temperatures, and will die if left out for longer than an hour. They prefer tropical temperatures that are like their native rainforest habitats. This makes them a great choice for a conservatory or any other sunny spot that is that is cool enough to avoid frost and freezing.
Monsteras are a kind of vine that uses aerial roots to climb up through the soil. In the wild, they often grow on the forest floor and then attach themselves to trees or rocks. This is the reason many gardeners add a tree or moss pole to their pots as the plant develops.
The moss pole that can be made using chicken wire or a chunk of sphagnum moss that is long-stranded, will aid the plant and let it climb up instead of falling out of the pot. The pole will also deter pests such as sap-sucking aphids, mealybugs and tiny cigar shaped thrips that can damage the leaves of the plant.
To promote a healthy and vigorous growth of the plant, you should repot it frequently and provide it with plenty of indirect sunlight. It can take some direct light however, it shouldn't be placed in harsh sunlight from dawn to dusk. If a monstera is exposed to sunlight for extended periods will get burnt leaves and even die.
ZZ Plant
Zamioculcas commonly referred to as ZZ plant or the ZZ plant for short is among the most easy plants to care for. It's an excellent choice for dark spots in the home that many other plants can't live in, since it can thrive in any light condition except direct sunlight. ZZ plants can grow quite tall - up to one meter or more which is why they're ideal for larger pots and stand-up plants.
The ZZ plant's most significant disadvantage is that it can be poisonous if ingested therefore, keep it away from pets that are nibbling and children. Use gloves when handling the plant as it can cause irritation to your skin. It is believed that it causes cancer, however this has not been proven.
ZZ plants, as with all succulents, are easy to grow and maintain. They don't require a lot of moisture, but they should be watered thoroughly and the soil must dry between waterings. Overwatering can result in root rot, so it's better to be on the safe side and avoid watering.
They thrive best in an abundant, free-draining pot mix that has some added perlite or sand to aid in drainage. The plant isn't quick to grow and can be left in the same pot for a long time. However they will require to have their roots planted as they begin to poke through the soil.
Fertilize your plants throughout the growing season by using a liquid fertilizer that is half strength. In the summer months, this is typically repeated once or twice a month.
Like any indoor plant, be sure to check for insects like Aphids regularly. Be on the lookout for stems with spindly leaves that are leggy and long and yellow patterns or spots on the leaves (see the image above). The leaves are also prone to mold and rot so don't ignore these signs and let them get out of hand.
They require a little bit of humidity but are ok in the majority of normal temperatures in the house. The leaves will remain dust-free when you regularly mist them. This is not only for aesthetic purposes but it also helps them function as air purifying plants.
Kentia Palm
The kentia (Howea) palm is a beautiful and easy to maintain plant that is easy to maintain. It has been a common houseplant in a variety of royal and aristocratic homes since Victorian times. This is due to its ability to thrive in poor conditions such as low sunlight exposure as well as air conditioning and central heating. It's also pretty tolerant of neglect making it a great choice for beginners to garden.
Kentias prefer light, indirect and bright. common house plant can tolerate a little shade, but direct light can scorch their leaves. They are not a fan of draughty environments, so avoid placing them near windows that are usually shut and opened.
The kentia requires a soil mixture that is high in nutrients and drains well. A mixture of perlite, peat and potting soil will make a great planter's medium. Plant your kentia palm in a pot that has drainage holes and then water it thoroughly whenever the top ten centimetres of compost is dry. It's essential to not overwater the plant since this could cause root rot. It's also best to let the soil dry for a while before watering again.
You can trim your kentia to keep its shape and shape, and also remove dead leaves that appear. Pruning should be done cautiously as having too many fronds cut can harm the trunk and leave the plant open to disease. If you decide to trim make sure you employ shears with an even cutting edge and remove the leaf bases at the base instead of forcing them off as this can cause permanent scars.
A kentia can be susceptible to pests such as spider mites, mealybugs and scale insects. Regularly dusting the fronds using a sponge or cloth can help to prevent this issue. If they do, you can try spraying the plant with insecticidal soap, or neem oil.