5 Common Houseplant Lessons From The Professionals

Common Houseplants

Pothos is one of the most popular indoor plants. It thrives in low-light conditions. It is also a very robust and easy to grow plant for beginners.

Water: Keep the soil damp but not completely soaked and mist often. Distorted leaves may indicate pests such as mealy bugs or scale; be sure to inspect the area and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Pothos

Pothos is a stunning plant that can be found in different colors and styles. Its leaves are glossy and smooth and its stems reach to 10 feet or more as a vine. It is easy to propagate, which makes it an ideal choice for a hydroponic system. It doesn't require a lot of feeding, and is ideal for those who don't have the time to maintain their plants. The plant can thrive in almost every climate, but it can begin to suffer when temperatures fall below 55oF.





The vine can be planted as a hanging vine or it can be trained to climb the wall or trellis. Additionally, it can be used as a groundcover for an indoor garden. It can be arranged around furniture like a desk or mantel.

Plants can be propagated from cuttings. To do this, you need to cut a healthy and attractive piece of stem from the plant. It should be between 4 and 6 inches in length and include some leaves attached. Be sure to cut it just above the node that is where aerial roots develop. After you have cut your stem, put it in the water in a glass or in a moist rooting mix. The roots should develop within about a month. Once they have grown they can be planted in the soil.

For your plants to thrive make sure that you provide them with bright indirect light. Direct sunlight can make them dull or brown, and could also cause burns to their leaves. Pothos tolerates low light but it will not be able to produce its full spectrum of shades.

In the wild, pothos can reach an elevation of more than a foot, but it is usually smaller in homes. Pothos is most commonly found in jade green. However there are a variety of cultivars with a variety of leaf colors. Some, such as 'Marble Queen' and 'Golden', have heart-shaped green leaves that are variegated with white, while others, such as "Neon" and "Joy", have vibrant yellow-green leaves.

tall house plants

Since the beginning of time umbrella plants (scheffleras) with their lush tropical appearance and the ability to thrive in a variety of settings, have been popular. They come in a range of styles and colors which makes them a great option for offices or home. These tropical beauties are simple to take care of, but some problems may occur if you don't follow proper instructions.

To avoid overwatering, scheffleras need to be watered only sparsely. This plant thrives in a light soil that drains quickly, so it's important to let the soil dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot and the plant will begin losing leaves. To determine if the soil is too wet, gently squeeze it between your fingers. If it feels sandy and brittle, it is time to give it less water.

To encourage growth, it's important to prune the schefflera. This plant is likely to appear leggy without regular pruning. The plant's sap contains calcium oxalate crystals which can irritate the skin, so it's best to wear gloves when handling it. Pruning can help to create more branches which can keep the plant from becoming overweight.

The ideal temperature for a schefflera plant is between 15 to 21 degrees Celsius, and the plant needs to be kept away from drafts and air cooling units. The plant can take some direct sunlight in the morning and evening, but too much will cause the leaves to become scorched.

Scheffleras are also known for their ability to attract pests. These include aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. If you find an infestation of pests, try washing the leaves using soapy water or the oil of neem.

If your schefflera begins show signs of disease, it may be necessary to repot it. Brown spots and mushy root are signs of disease. You'll need a lighter, looser soil to repot your plant if this happens. The schefflera can also be susceptible to root rot, which can result from overwatering and poor drainage. This problem is easily solved by not watering the soil overhead and only in the evening. If this does not work, you could employ a fungicide based on copper.

Maranta

Maranta plants are a low-growing, long-legged tropical houseplants known for their curious patterned leaves. potted house plants may vary among species. Some have red fishbone-patterned leaves while others have silvery central stripes, light or dark blotches and even silvery central stripes with a central stripe. The leaves are parallel to the ground during the day and later raised perpendicularly in the evening. This is what gives the plant its popular name of a prayer plant. They require a little shade, high humidity and moist soil.

Most common among these species is the Maranta leuconeura 'Tricolor' or herringbone plant. It has herringbone patterns on its long leaves. Other cultivars of this species include the 'Silverband,' and Green Stripe, which both feature dark green leaves that have an elongated silver stripe running through the middle. Herringbone patterns are also seen on the leaves of "Maranta Leuconeura Var. erythroneura', which are also called the red prayer plant or the red nerve plant. Other Maranta variegated varieties include 'Fascinator tricolor' as well as M. leuconeura var. Both have lighter green leaves as opposed to the herringbone plants that are darker.

This plant is easy to propagate, as cuttings of the head or stem tip will easily root in water. To root a Maranta cutting you must cut the plant just below a node. Dip the stem tip into rooting hormone. Place the cutting in an ice-cold glass and place it in a warm, well lit area. Change the water frequently to acclimatize it to growing in soil. Move it to soil when roots begin to develop.

Like many tropical plants prayer plants require moderate to high humidity to flourish. To ensure a high humidity level you can place the plant in a room humidifier or misting it regularly. Make sure that the soil is well-drained and not soggy to prevent root rot. Use a well-drained multi-purpose potting mix which offers adequate nutrients. It is essential to regularly prune your plant, removing dead or yellow leaves as well as stems as they appear. This will encourage new growth, and ensure that the plant is healthy. A balanced water-soluble fertilizer can be applied every two to three weeks during the growth period but only once a month when growth is slow.

Hoya

Hoya plants are renowned for their beautiful flowers which appear in rounded clusters at the end of the short stems, also known as peduncles. Each tiny flower is an original work of art. They can be transparent white or have colors that range from orange to pink. In some species such as Hoya kerrii the flowers grow in clusters at the ends of vines that are up to 13 feet long.

Other Hoya species are more upright and have rosy hues, like the H. carnosa and the elongated leaves of the H. kerrii cultivar 'Tricolor.' Other varieties, such as the Hoya Publicalyx are also elongated, sword-shaped or rounded leaves. The dark green leaves have slim, slightly wrinkled edges and are gracefully curving. They are alternately arranged on thin, draping vines.

The vines of the Hoya publicalyx also bear fuchsia-like flowers in spherical clusters at the tips of their peduncles. The blooms are a creamy white color with an orange yellow ring around the center, and they can be highly decorative in hanging baskets. This variety is easier to grow than other species of Hoya and blooms earlier than others.

Hoyas like all epiphytes, require bright but indirect lighting and plenty of moisture. best houseplants watering is essential to stop the growing medium from drying out. However, Hoyas dislike over-watering, and they should be allowed to dry slightly between waterings. This helps to prevent the growth of rot. Hoyas prefer a warmer climate and do best indoors, even though they can be cultivated outdoors in tropical areas.

These plants can be found in the wild in the moist forests along riverbanks as well as on trees. They are attached by long tendrils to other plants and trees. Stem cuttings can easily root in water or on a humid growth medium. Additionally, Hoyas can be grown from seeds. The seeds germinate quickly and develop faster than seedlings derived from cuttings. Hoyas aren't harmful to children or pets which makes them a great choice for homes with children or animals.