14 Misconceptions Common To Common Houseplants

Common Houseplants For Warm Climates

Many plants that thrive outdoors can be planted indoors. Indoors, several palms thrive, such as the robustly tough parlour and the beautiful paradise palm.





Pothos and some varieties (such as the variegated Crotons) are easy to grow and feature attractive foliage. Orchids require bright sunlight and constant moisture, but let the soil dry out little between irrigations.

Aroids

The aroid family is huge and includes a number of the most loved houseplants today. They are monocotyledonous and many species are valued for their foliage more than their flowers. They come in many shapes sizes, shapes, and growth habits. They also come in a variety of colors. Monstera, philodendrons and colocasia are among the most well-known of these plants.

They thrive in indirect light that is moderate to bright. They can also tolerate less-light conditions, such as an east-facing window (just make sure the sun isn't directly shining onto the leaves).

potted house plants of these plants thrive best in warm, moist climates. Place them in a container with well-draining soil and use a potting mix with good air circulation. low maintenance house plants are prone to excessive watering. Be sure to check the top two inches regularly. The excess water can cause them to shrink, wilt, or develop dark brown thick, mushy patches.

Bromeliads

The bromeliad family have a unique characteristic that allows them to store water inside their leaves or in a cup at the base of the plant. They also make use of trichomes to release water when required. This makes them one of the most drought-tolerant houseplants however, they still benefit from being misted often.

tall house plants , such as the Guzmania and neoregelia varieties, are cultivated for their vibrant foliage which may include stripes, spots or bands of color. Others, such as the Tillandsia and Vriesea species, produce blooms that are brightly colored.

Some bromeliads are used throughout the year indoors and others are relocated outside in the warmer months (where temperatures stay above freezing). At the Safari Park, we see bromeliads thriving in our Hidden Jungle garden. The genus Guzmania includes many tropical plants including the pineapple (Ananas Comosus) which was introduced to Europe in 1493 after Columbus' second voyage to the New World.

Cacti

Many people love to bring the beauty of cacti to their home. These special plants are adapted to desert conditions and a majority have spiny stems. Many of them produce flowers and fruit. The spines serve a function as they deter herbivores that could otherwise eat the leaves and fruits.

As with other desert-adapted species, cacti can store water in their stems and roots for periods of drought. They can also use their stomata to store carbon dioxide throughout the day and release it during photosynthesis, which produces food for the plant.

In Central and South America, some cacti such as the cholla and the prickly-pear (Opuntia), are used to build living fences. Some cacti, such as Lophophora Williamsii (cactus Peyote) are utilized for their hallucinogenic effects.

Ferns

Ferns are among the most popular home plants you'll find, even though they lack flowers and fruit. Despite their lack of flowers and fruit they are easy to grow. The most important element to success lies in a growing medium that mimics the forest floor. It should be rich in organic matter but also contain coarse gravel or perlite to ensure proper drainage.

The needs of a fern should determine the frequency at which it gets misted. They prefer the humidity in living spaces and family spaces, however if the fronds are turning brown or have their leaves falling off this is an indication that the humidity is too low.

The soil should be evenly moist but not too soggy to prevent water logging and root rot. Simply stick your finger into the soil to test for moisture. It should feel moist to the touch, but not wet. Avoid overwatering, since this can cause a yellowing of the fronds. Keep it away from direct sunlight as these dry the plant out too fast.

Begonias

Begonias are a great way to add color and life to your indoor space whether you put them in a decorative container, a macrame basket, or even in a garden. They thrive in an indirect, bright light source but require a lot of humidity.

Fibrous-rooted bettonias, commonly categorized as bedding plants, are low-maintenance and easy to cultivate. The 'Dragon Wing' variety is the best-known, with blooms of pink, scarlet, yellow and apricot on dark-bronze and green foliage. Try the 'Baby Wings' collection for a compact version. They grow from 12 to 15 inch tall.

Polka dot begonias are usually sold as 4' tall floor plants, and they have beautiful leaves with polka-dot patterns on both sides. They require regular watering and a regular application of liquid fertilizer. Check the moisture level of the soil regularly because they are susceptible to wilting when the soil is too dried out. Begonias aren't too fussy about the type of soil they prefer, however they do benefit from an easy-draining, light mix like African violet potting soil or one specifically designed for house plants.

Palms

Palms can add a tropical ambiance to the home, and are often used in indoor gardens. They are easy to care for and can become a focal point in any room. They are tough but they are destroyed by cold temperatures, so they should be moved into the garage or protected in the house during winter.

Palm leaves are also known as palmate or pinnate and are shaped as a V. The leaflets are joined or overlapped for a portion or all of their length and are attached by the costa that is an extension of the petiole to the leaf blade.

Many species of palms are harvested for their fruits and timber. Palms are planted as shade trees in warmer climates, and indoor plants to give a tropical feel. For instance the peach palm (Brassica pendula) is grown for its edible fruit and as an agricultural crop for coffee, while the tagua, also known as ivory palm (Phytelephas aequatorialis) is used to produce vegetable ivory and rattan.

Schefflera

Scheffleras are also known as umbrella plants or octopus plants. They are among the most well-known types of house plants. They are easy to care for and don't require any care.

Scheffleras can survive in medium-light but do best in bright indirect light. Overexposure to direct sunlight can damage the leaves, while inadequate light can cause the plant to become leggy and floppy.

Regular watering is important but don't overwater. Overwatering can lead to root rot. Use a container that is only slightly bigger than the original pot when repotting. A larger pot could result in too much soil remaining moist for too long.

Keep an eye on pests such as aphids, scale insects and spider mites. If you spot pests, you can pinch them off the plant or apply an organic insecticide such as Neem. If you notice that the leaves are wilting, it is likely due to the absence of moisture or temperature shock.

Polyscias

Polyscias literally means "lots of shade', which fits the plant perfectly, which originated from subtropical islands in the Pacific. It is a beautiful plant with a twisted stem and gorgeous leaves. It is a great houseplant to create a tranquil atmosphere. The leaves have medicinal properties and are used as a tonic, diuretic, antitoxin, as well as to treat coughs, fevers and colds. The plants have anti-inflammatory properties, antifungal and antibacterial ones. The plants also contain eight new polysciosides (oleanolic acids saponins) and three polyacetylenes that are known.

Place your Polyscias in an shaded area that does not expose direct sunlight to the leaves, since this could cause them to burn. Water once the top couple of inches of soil dry and avoid overwatering, as this could lead to root rot or even leaf fall. Fertilize your plants with a product labelled "feed" every four waterings in the summer. Reduce feeding to every six waters in the winter and autumn.

Philodendrons

Philodendrons can be easily grown, making them an excellent choice for beginners and new gardeners. The classic trailing Philodendron Hederaceum5 is able to adapt to varying light conditions and is able to grow quickly. It can be grown in a hanging pot, or Trellis outside in areas that are not frosty, or spread its heart-shaped leaves over a desk or bedroom window sill inside.

Try the cultivar Congo Rojo, which has leaves that are elliptical in a dark brown purple shade. Its unique color highlights its sculptural form and is ideal for modern rooms with modern furniture or ones decorated with black. Avoid low maintenance house plants , and place them in a bright area with indirect sunlight. Overwatering can lead to the leaf edges to yellow and cause slowing down growth. Always use lukewarm or warm water and add plant food with water-diluted solutions rather than directly into the soil. Watering the soil directly can also shock philodendrons and cause them to lose their health.