Choosing Indoor House Plants
When selecting your house plants, pick ones with healthy roots and leaves. Look over the leaves to determine whether there are any indications of pests or diseases.
Many indoor houseplants are simple to maintain and can tolerate low light conditions. Examples include snake plant (Dracaena or Sansevieria) also called Mother-in-law's tongue coccoloba and yucca elephantipes.
Cast Iron Plant
The cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) is a tough and sturdy houseplant that has long leaves that are about 2-3 feet tall. It grows well in dimly lit and shaded conditions, so it is an ideal choice for rooms that have little sunlight. Its huge size makes it an attractive accent plant that can make a statement without taking over the entire room. This easy-care plant thrives in a well-drained soil area with only a little direct sunlight. It can tolerate all kinds of climates. But, be careful not to overwater to avoid root rot. If your plant's leaves start to yellow, it's an indication that it has been exposed for a long time to direct sunlight. Add more filtered lighting 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 that run across their green leaves. Meanwhile, the Hoshi-zora cast iron plant has leaves that are speckled with white to yellow dots which give it the look of airbrushing. Snow cap cast iron ferns (Aspidistra crussula), with their white color throughout the year are a great alternative.
Indoor cast iron plants are self-maintaining, but you may need to trim the leaves periodically to control the plant's shape or to remove dying or dead foliage. You may have to trim the roots if they become too large for the pot. Fertilize indoor plants once a month with a liquid all-purpose fertilizer in the spring and summer, following the directions on the label. Cast iron ferns in the outdoors require less frequent feeding, however you can add a general liquid fertilizer during the spring, when they begin to grow again.
Snake Plant
Despite their spiky leaves, snake plants (Sansevieria) are actually quite elegant and soft. They are among the most tolerant indoor house plants, withstanding low levels of light and occasional droughts. They also help to keep the air inside your home clean, absorbing carbon dioxide and harmful substances such as formaldehyde and benzene.
If you decide to go with a'Mother-in-Law's Tongue' that is varie or the tall green 'Goldband Sansevieria laurentii', these plants look stunning when used as table centrepieces or on desks. They can also be positioned near a fireplace in the indoor space or on a window sill so that they can receive sunlight throughout the day.
Snake plants are not susceptible to many other problems indoors, with the exception of over-watering. Snake plants grow slowly and don't need to be replanted frequently. However, if they are growing out of the containers, you can use an potting mix that has large quantities of perlite, sand or other aeration ingredients to keep the soil from becoming saturated.
If you decide to pot a snake plant again remove it from its container with a sharp knife. Then, you can repot the rhizome with the same amount that it was planted in the first place. Then, fill in the remainder of the pot with a well-draining mixing specifically designed for succulents and cacti.
In general, it's always best to keep your snake plant away from small pets and children, as the foliage can be toxic if eaten. The saponins are powerful enough to cause nausea and vomiting for both animals and humans. To ensure you are on the safe side, you should always wear gloves when handling the plant and remove any berries that are on the stems so that you don't ingest them.
Succulents & Cacti
Succulents and Cacti are fascinating plants which give a unique look to any space. They are adapted to conserve moisture in dry conditions (xeric) and some have intriguing or even grotesque forms along with vibrant flowers. This adaptation is what makes them attractive to a wide range of gardeners.
Cacti and succulents are great companion plants, regardless of whether they are grown in warm climates outdoors, or as house plants. They are often grouped in low bowls to create gardens. They can be positioned in windows with sunny light. Be aware that these plants thrive in bright sunlight and at least six hours of bright light every day.
The prickly-pear cactus, commonly called the agave is a well-loved houseplant. It can be used for landscaping as well. house plants online include the agave mammillaria, and the echeveria. Many of these plants multiply by forming small clusters of baby cacti on the mother plant, thereby giving them the nickname "hens and chicks".
Many people use the term "cactus" as an umbrella term for all succulents. However, the term "cactus" actually refers to a specific family of plants in the genus Cactaceae. In reality, cacti are only one of the 60 succulent families which can be found all over the world.
They need to be placed in a container that has a drainage hole, just like all succulents and other cacti. They aren't tolerant of soil that remains wet, and can turn rotten or develop misshapen growth in conditions that aren't well-lit. Additionally, cacti and succulents require minimal maintenance compared to other houseplants. They are happy indoors and can be taken outside during summer. However, they should only be kept in a shaded space as intense light can cause burns to the stems and leaves.
Monstera
Monstera Deliciciosa, also known as Swiss Cheese Plant, is one of the most sought-after houseplants of the moment. It is an evergreen plant with large, fenestrated leaves with holes and splittings. It is an excellent choice for indoors due its ability to withstand bright light and its low moisture.
Monstera plants grow outdoors in warmer climates. In winter, however, they need to be brought indoors when temperatures fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Monsteras aren't suited to areas below this threshold. If you intend to bring them inside, make sure to thoroughly inspect the plants for pests prior to moving them. Examine the soil, and then wipe down the stems and leaves. Repot if required.
Indoors, Monstera deliciosa likes bright to medium indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause burns to the leaves, thereby affecting the health of the plant. Avoid placing your plant near heating or air conditioning vents because they can cause the leaves to dry out. Keep the soil moist but not sloppy by watering it frequently. Utilizing filtered or bottled water is recommended, especially if your home has hard water. A humidifier can help increase the humidity in your home.
Consider adding a stake to the pot after you have transplanted it. This will allow your plant to climb up the pot once it has rooted. This is a great way to increase the height of your home and also draw positive energy from the ceiling into the spaces below. In Feng-shui the Monstera is associated with respecting elders and revered individuals. It brings good fortune, prosperity and luck to those who maintain it in good health. In Chinese tradition, it represents longevity.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
The fiddle leaf fig is one of the most popular house plants available today. Its unique, elongated form and stunning leaves make it a striking design for 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 the rainforest, which means that it requires bright sunlight and high humidity in order to flourish.
When watering, be sure not to overwater your FLF because this could cause root rot as well as other problems. Water your plant once a week or every 10 to 14 days. When you water, be sure to soak the soil until it's drippy and drain out the excess moisture before you put your fiddle leaf fig back in its pot.
This plant is also damaged by drafts and cold temperatures. Try to avoid this by placing your ficus somewhere warm and protected from drafts. Also, misting the leaves of your fig with a spray bottle each day will help maintain hydration and keep the leaves looking fresh.
Fiddle leaf figs can generally tell you when they need to drink water. Mast says that the most effective method to determine if your plant requires water is to poke your finger into soil. "If you feel the moisture at least halfway up your knuckle then your fig is good go." Water the soil if it appears dry.