Choosing Indoor House Plants
When selecting your house plants, choose ones with healthy leaves and roots. Check the leaves for signs of pests and diseases.
Many indoor houseplants are easy to care for and can withstand low light conditions. Snake plant (also known as Sansevieria or Mother-in-law’s tongue), yucca elephantipes, and coccoloba are some examples.
Cast Iron Plant
The cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) is a sturdy and reliable houseplant with oval leaves that can grow to be about 2 feet tall. It thrives in dark and shaded areas which makes it an ideal choice for rooms with little natural light. Its huge size makes it a striking accent plant that can make a statement without taking over the entire room. This easy-care plant thrives in soil that drains well, and in areas with only a little direct sunlight. It can tolerate all kinds of climates. But, be careful not to overwater to avoid root decay. If your cast iron plant's leaves begin to turn yellow, this is an indication that it was exposed for a long period to direct sunlight. Make sure that the lighting is more filtered or move the plant to a shadier area.
A variety of cultivars are available with striking leaf patterns and color combinations. The Gold Spike and Goldfeather varieties have golden yellow stripes running lengthwise across their green leaves. Likewise, the Hoshi-zora plant has leaves speckled with yellow to white dots which give it the look of airbrushing. Cast iron ferns with snow caps (Aspidistra crussula), with their white color throughout the year, are another great option.
Indoor cast iron plants require minimal maintenance, but you might have to trim the leaves to maintain the shape of the plant or remove any dead or dying leaves. You may also have to trim the roots periodically when the clump becomes too large for its pot. Fertilize indoor plants once a month with a liquid all-purpose fertilizer in the spring and summer seasons, based on the directions on the label. Cast iron plants that are outdoors require less frequent feeding. However, you can add general fertilizer in the form of liquids to the soil in spring as they begin to grow again.
Snake Plant
Despite their spiky leaves snake plants (Sansevieria) are surprisingly soft and graceful. They are among the most adaptable house plants. They can withstand low light levels and even occasional droughts. They also help to keep the air inside your home clean, by absorbing carbon dioxide and toxic substances like formaldehyde and benzene.
Whether you choose a variegated 'Mother in Law's Tongue' or the tall green 'Goldband Sansevieria laurentii', these plants look great when used as table centrepieces or on a desk. They can also be positioned on top of a fireplace indoors or on a window sill where they can get sun all the day.
In addition to freezing temperatures and over-watering snake plants aren't suffering from other problems when kept inside. They're slow-growing and don't need to be regularly repotted, however if they do outgrow their pots, use the potting soil that has a high percentage of perlite or sand to stop the soil from becoming over-saturated.
If you do choose to pot your snake plant again remove it from its old container with a sharp knife. Then put it back in the same depth that it was previously planted in. Fill the remainder of the pot up with the potting mix specifically designed for succulents and cacti.
As a rule, it's always recommended to keep your snake plant away from small pets and children, since the leaves can be poisonous if eaten. This is due to saponins, a natural compound, which are strong enough to cause nausea and vomiting in animals and humans when consumed. Wear gloves whenever handling the plant, and remove the berries from the stems.
Succulents & Cacti
Cacti and succulents are fascinating plants that can add character to any room. They are adapted to preserve moisture in dry (xeric) and some have intriguing or even grotesque forms along with colorful flowers. This adaptation helps them appeal to a broad range of plant enthusiasts.
Whether they are grown in the open in warm climates or kept in the house, cacti and succulents are excellent 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. But be aware that most of these plants do best with a high exposure to sunlight and at least six hours of bright light per day.
The prickly pear cactus is one of the most sought-after Cacti that can be used as a houseplant or in landscapes. Other varieties include the agave, mammillaria and the echeveria. These plants multiply by producing clusters around the mother plant, which is a tiny baby cacti and gaining them the name "hens & chicks".
Some people use the term "cactus" as an umbrella term for all succulents. The word cactus refers to the family of plants belonging to the genus Cactaceae. Cacti are one of 60 families of succulents found around the world.
Like all succulents and cacti, they must be kept in a container with a drainage hole. They don't tolerate soil that remains wet, and can turn rotten or grow in a distorted manner in poorly lit conditions. Additionally, cacti and succulents require very little maintenance when compared to other houseplants. They thrive indoors and can be moved outdoors during the summer months however, only in a protected location because of intense light levels that can burn their leaves and stems.
Monstera
Monstera deliciosa or Swiss Cheese Plant, is one of the most well-known house plants today. It is a vining evergreen aroid with broad, fenestrated green leaves that have holes and splits that grow on long aerial roots. It is an excellent choice for indoors because of its ability to withstand high light and low humidity.
Monstera plants are thriving outdoors in warm climates. During the winter, however they should be brought indoors when temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Monsteras don't thrive in temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. If you choose to bring yours indoors, make sure to look for pests in the area before moving the plants. Examine the soil, and then wipe off 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 affect the overall health of the plant. Avoid placing your plant in the vicinity of heating or air conditioning vents as they could cause the leaves to dry out. Keep the soil moist but not sloppy by watering it regularly. It is recommended to use bottle or filter water, especially if have hard water in your home. A humidifier can also to increase the humidity of your home.
Consider adding a stake to the pot after you've replanted it. This will allow your plant to grow up the pot once it has grown. This is a great method to increase the height of a room and also attract positive energy from the ceiling into the spaces below. In Feng-shui the Monstera is associated with respecting elders and revered individuals. It can bring luck, luck, and prosperity to those who take care to keep it healthy. In Chinese customs, it represents longevity.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
The fiddle leaf is among the most popular plants on the market. house plants online , elongated shape and stunning leaves make it an attractive feature for any home. However, it's important know that this plant is more demanding than the others in terms of care and attention. This tropical beauty comes from a rainforest, so it needs bright sunlight and high humidity to flourish.
It's important to not overwater your FLF, as this can lead to root rot. Water your plant at least once a week or every 10 to 14 days. If you do water, be sure to soak the soil until it's dripping and then drain the excess moisture before you put your fig with a fiddle leaf back in its pot.
The plant could also be damaged by cold temperatures and drafts. To prevent this from happening, try placing your ficus in an area of your home that stays warm or is protected from drafts. Misting your fiddle-leaf fig's leaves using a spray bottle every day will ensure water levels and keep the foliage fresh.
Fiddle leaf figs can generally let you know when they need to drink water. Mast says that the most effective method to determine if a plant requires water is to poke your finger into the soil. If you can feel moisture halfway across your knuckle, your fig is in good shape. If the soil is dry to the touch, it's time to water it.