Choosing Indoor House Plants
When selecting your house plants, look for healthy, healthy roots and foliage. Check the leaves to see whether there are any indications of disease or pests.
Many indoor houseplants are easy to maintain and can tolerate low light conditions. Snake plant (also called Sansevieria or Mother-inlaw's tongue) as well as yucca elephantipes and coccoloba are a few examples.
Cast Iron Plant
Cast iron plant (Aspidistraelatior) has oblong-shaped leaves that can grow up to 2-3 feet tall. It thrives in dimly lit and shaded environments, so it is a good option for rooms that have little natural light. common houseplant make it a fantastic accent plant. It can make a big statement without taking over the entire room. This easy-care plant is best in a well-drained soil area that gets only a little direct sunlight. It is tolerant of a broad range of climates, but avoid overwatering since this can cause root decay. If the leaves of your cast iron plant begin to yellow, it's an indication that it has been exposed to excessive direct sunlight for a long time. In addition, adding more filtering light or shifting the plant to a more shaded area will aid in reducing the yellowing.
common houseplants of cultivars are available with striking color combinations and leaf patterns. Gold Spike and Goldfeather have yellow stripes running across their green leaves. Hoshi-zora cast metal plant leaves are speckled with white dots and yellow which give the appearance of airbrushed. Snow cap cast iron ferns (Aspidistra crussula) with their white color throughout the year, are another great option.
Indoor cast iron plants need little maintenance, but you may need to trim the leaves to maintain the shape of the plant or take out any dead or dying leaves. You may also have to trim the roots periodically when the clump becomes too big for the pot. Fertilize indoor plants every month using an all-purpose liquid fertilizer in spring and summer, following the instructions on the product label. Cast iron ferns that grow outdoors require less frequent feeding, but you can use an all-purpose liquid fertilizer in the spring when they start to grow again.
Snake Plant
Despite their sharp leaves, snake plants (Sansevieria) are surprisingly soft and graceful. They are one of the most tolerant house plants. They can tolerate low levels of light, and even occasional droughts. They also help keep the air in your home clean, by absorbing carbon dioxide as well as toxic substances such as formaldehyde and benzene.
If you decide to go with a variegated 'Mother in Law's Tongue' or the tall, green 'Goldband Sansevieria laurentii', these plants look great when used as table centerpieces or on the desk. They can also be placed around a fireplace or on a window sill, where they will be exposed to sunlight all day long.
Snake plants are not susceptible to other issues in indoors, with the exception of over-watering. Snake plants grow slowly and do not need to be replanted often. However, if they outgrow the containers then you can plant them in the potting mix which contains large quantities of perlite, sand or other aeration substances to keep the soil from becoming too saturated.
If you decide to pot your snake plant again, dig it up from its original container using a sharp knife, and then plant it again at the same level as it was originally planted in. Fill the rest of the pot up with a potting mix that is designed for succulents and cacti.
It is best to keep snake plants out of reach of pets and children since the leaves are poisonous when consumed. This is due to saponins, the natural compounds which are strong enough to cause nausea and vomiting in humans and animals when consumed. Use gloves when handling the plant, and remove the berries from the stems.
Succulents & Cacti
Cacti and succulents are fascinating plants that bring character to any room. They are adapted to preserve moisture in dry conditions (xeric), and many have interesting or grotesque designs with vibrant flowers. common houseplants allows them to appeal to a wide range of plant enthusiasts.
When they are grown in the open in warm climates or kept as houseplants, cacti and succulents are great companion plants. They are often grouped in low bowls to create gardens. They can be placed in windows that are sunny to get bright light. Be aware that these plants thrive in bright sunlight and at least six hours of bright light every day.
The prickly-pear Cactus, also called the agave is a very popular houseplant. It can also be used in landscapes. Other varieties include the agave, mammillaria and Echeveria. Many of these plants multiply by forming clusters of tiny baby cacti around the mother plant, earning them the nickname "hens and chicks".
Many people make use of "cactus" as a synonym for all succulents. The term "cactus" refers to the family of plants belonging to the genus Cactaceae. In actuality, cacti belong to one of the 60 succulent families that are found throughout the world.
They need to be kept in a container with drainage holes, as all succulents and other cacti. They are not tolerant of soil that is constantly moist. They can be rotten or have a disfigured growth in the event of poor conditions. Cacti and succulents require minimal maintenance when compared to other houseplants. They thrive indoors and can be moved to the outside for the summer however, they must be in a protected location because of intense sunlight levels that can cause burns to their stems and leaves.
Monstera
Monstera Deliciciosa, or Swiss Cheese Plant, is one of the most popular houseplants of the moment. It is a vining evergreen aroid with broad, fenestrated green leaves with splits and holes that grow on long aerial roots. It is an excellent choice for indoors due to its tolerance of bright light and low moisture.
Monstera plants grow outdoors in warmer climates. However, in winter they must be brought indoors when temperatures fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Monsteras are not hardy in regions below this temperature. If you decide to bring yours indoors, ensure that you be sure to thoroughly search for pests prior to moving the plants. Examine the soil and wipe down the stems and leaves. Repot if necessary.
Indoors, Monstera deliciosa likes bright to medium indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can damage the leaves, reducing the health of the plant. Avoid placing your plant near heating or air conditioning vents as they could cause the leaves to dry out. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy by watering it regularly. Filtrated or bottled water is the best option particularly if your house has hard water. A humidifier can also improve the humidity levels in your home.
You might want to consider adding a stake to the pot after you have planted it. This will allow your plant to grow higher up the pot once it has rooted. This is a great idea to add height to rooms and also draw positive energy from the ceiling to the spaces below. In Feng-shui the Monstera is associated with reverence for elderly people and honored individuals. It brings luck, good fortune and prosperity to those who keep it healthy. In Chinese customs, it represents longevity.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
The fiddle leaf fig is perhaps one of the most popular house plants available today. Its unique shape, elongated form and stunning leaves make it an attractive feature for any home. However, it's important to be aware that this plant is a little more demanding than others when it comes to attention and care. This tropical beauty is a native of an environment that is rainforest-like, so it needs bright sun and high humidity in order to thrive.
When watering, be sure not to overwater your FLF since this can lead to root rot and other issues. Water your plant every week or every 10 to 14 days. When you water your fiddle leaf plant ensure that you soak the soil until it reaches the point where it drips and then drain the excess moisture.
The plant could also be damaged by drafts and cold temperatures. To avoid this, consider placing your ficus in a place of your home that is warm or is protected from drafts. Misting your fig's fiddle-leaf leaves using a spray bottle every day will ensure the hydration level, and also keep the foliage fresh.
Fiddle leaf figs can generally let you know when they need water. "The best method to determine if your plant is thirsty is to poking your finger into the soil," Mast says. If you can feel moisture halfway across your knuckle then your fig will be fine. If the soil is dry to the touch, it's time to water it.