Choosing Indoor House Plants
When selecting your house plants, be sure to look for healthy, healthy roots and foliage. Check the leaves for signs of pests or disease.
Many indoor house plants are easy to care for and can be tolerant of 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 sturdy and reliable houseplant with long leaves that are about 2-3 feet tall. It thrives in shade and dimly lit conditions, making it a good choice for rooms with no natural light. Its dimensions make it a fantastic accent plant. It can create a dramatic impact without occupying a large space. This easy-care plant thrives in soil that drains well, and in areas with little direct sun. It can withstand a wide range of climates, but avoid overwatering since this can cause root rot. If the leaves of your plant made of cast iron start to turn yellow, it's an indication that it has been exposed to too much direct sunlight for long periods of time. Make sure that the lighting is more filtered or relocate the plant to a more shaded area.
A variety of cultivars are available that have striking colors and leaf patterns. The Gold Spike and Goldfeather varieties have golden yellow stripes running across their green leaves. Likewise, the Hoshi-zora plant has leaves dotted with white to yellow dots which give it the look of airbrushing. The snow cap cast iron fern (Aspidistra crassula) is another option, thanks to its year-round white hue that gives it the appearance of being covered with snow.
Indoor cast iron plants can be maintained themselves However, you may have to prune the leaves to control the plant's shape or remove any dead or dying foliage. It is also possible to prune the roots occasionally when the clump becomes too large for its pot. Fertilize indoor plants once a month with a liquid all-purpose fertilizer during the spring and summer seasons, based on the directions on the label. Cast iron ferns in the outdoors require less frequent feeding, however you can add an all-purpose liquid fertilizer in the spring when they begin to grow again.
Snake Plant
Despite their spiky leaves snake plants (Sansevieria) are surprisingly gentle and graceful. They are one of the most tolerant house plants. They can tolerate low levels of light, and even droughts on occasion. They help keep your home's air healthy by absorbing harmful substances like formaldehyde carbon dioxide, and benzene.
They look stunning on a table or desk regardless of whether you pick the variegated Mother-in Law's Tongue or the tall green Goldband Sansevieria laurentii. They can also be placed near a fireplace in the indoor space or on a window sill where they can receive sunlight throughout the day.
In addition to over-watering and freezing temperatures snake plants aren't suffering from other problems when kept inside. They grow slowly and don't require to be regularly repotted, however when they do outgrow their pots, use the potting soil that has an excessive amount of perlite or sand to prevent the soil from becoming saturated.
If you choose to repot your snake plant, dig it up from its original container using a sharp knife, and then re-pot the rhizome at the same depth that it was previously planted in. Then, fill in the remainder of the pot with a drainage mixing specifically designed for cacti and succulents.
In general, it's always recommended to keep your snake plant out of reach of small pets and children, since the foliage can be toxic when eaten. The saponins can be powerful enough to cause nausea and vomiting in both humans and animals. Use gloves when handling the plant, and remove the berries from the stems.
Succulents & Cacti
Succulents and cacti are fascinating plants that can add the character of any room. They are adapted to conserve water in dry (xeric) environments. A lot of them are fascinating or even grotesque shapes along with colorful flowers. This adaptation makes them appealing to a large group of people who love plants.
When grown outdoors in warm climates or kept in the house succulents and cacti are great companion plants. They are often grouped in low bowls to create gardens. They can be planted in windows that are sunny to get bright 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 is among of the most sought-after cacti available as a houseplant and in landscapes. Other varieties include the agave, mammillaria, and the echeveria. These plants multiply by creating clusters around the mother plant that produce small baby cacti, earning them the nickname "hens and chicks".
Some people make use of "cactus", as a synonym for all succulents. Cactus is the family of plants belonging to the genus Cactaceae. In actuality, cacti belong to one of the 60 succulent families that can be found all over the world.
They should be placed in a container that has drainage holes, just like all succulents and cacti. They are not tolerant of soil that is constantly damp. They may rot or develop a misshapen growth if the conditions are poor. Cacti and succulents also require less maintenance than other houseplants. They thrive 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 deliciosa, or Swiss Cheese Plant is one of the most sought-after houseplants today. It is an evergreen aroid that is vining with broad, fenestrated green leaves with splits and holes that grow on long aerial roots. It is a great choice for indoors because of its ability to withstand high light and low humidity.
Monstera plants are thriving outdoors in warm climates. In winter, however they should be brought indoors if temperatures fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Monsteras do not thrive in temperatures that are below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. If you choose to bring yours indoors, be sure to scout for pests thoroughly before moving the plants. Clean up the stems and leaves, look at soil, and repot as required.
Indoors, Monstera deliciosa likes bright to medium indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can burn leaves, which can harm the health of the plant. Avoid placing your plant near heating or air conditioning vents as they can dry out the leaves. Make sure to water regularly, keeping the soil slightly moist but not soaking. Using filtered or bottled water is best particularly if your home has hard water. A humidifier can help improve the humidity levels in your home.
Consider putting a stake in the pot after you've transplanted it. big house plants will allow your plant to grow up the pot once it has rooted. This is a great idea to add height to the space, and it can also attract positive energy from the ceiling to the spaces below. For feng shui, the Monstera plant is associated with deep bonds as well as honoring elders and respected individuals. It is believed to bring good fortune, prosperity and luck to those who keep it in good health. In Chinese tradition, it is a symbol of longevity.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
The fiddle leaf fig is perhaps one of the most well-known house plants available today. Its unique, elongated shape and beautiful leaves make it a striking addition to any home. However, it's important know that this plant is more demanding than other plants in regards to attention and care. This tropical beauty is a native of a rainforest environment, so it requires bright sunlight and high humidity to flourish.
When watering, it is important not to overwater your FLF as this can cause root rot and other problems. Instead, you should water your plant at least once a week or every 10 days. When you water your fiddle leaf plant ensure that you soak the soil to the point where it drips and then remove the excess moisture.
The plant is also sensitive to cold temperatures and can be damaged by drafts. Make sure to keep it out of the way by putting your ficus where it is warm and protected from drafts. Misting your fig's fiddle-leaf leaves with a spray bottle each day will ensure the hydration level, and also keep the foliage looking fresh.
Fiddle leaf figs generally tell you when they need to drink 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 up your knuckle then your fig is in good shape. If the soil is dry to the point of contact, it's time to soak it in water.