A Delightful Rant About Indoor House Plants

Choosing Indoor House Plants

When choosing your house plants, select ones with healthy roots and leaves. Check the leaves for signs of pests or diseases.

common houseplants are easy to care for and can be tolerant of low lighting 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 tough and reliable houseplant with oblong leaves that grow 2-3 feet tall. It thrives in dimly lit and shaded conditions, making it a good option for rooms that lack natural light. Its huge size makes it an attractive accent plant that can make a statement without taking over the room. This easy-care plant is best in a well-drained soil area with little direct sunlight. It is tolerant of various climates. But, be careful not to overwater to prevent root rot. If the leaves of your cast iron plant begin to yellow, it's a sign that it has been exposed to excessive direct sunlight for a prolonged period of time. Adding more filtered light or shifting the plant to a shaded location will aid.

A variety of cultivars are available that have striking leaf patterns and color combinations. Gold Spike and Goldfeather feature yellow stripes that run through their green leaves. Hoshi-zora's metal cast leaves are sprinkled with white and yellow dots which give the appearance of airbrushed. The snow cap ferns of cast iron (Aspidistra crussula) and their year-round white variation, are another great option.

Indoor cast iron plants are self-maintained however, you may need to trim the leaves to regulate the shape of the plant or eliminate dead or dying leaves. It is possible to trim the roots if they become too large for the pot. Fertilize indoor plants once a month with an all-purpose liquid fertilizer during the spring and summer, following the instructions on the product label. Outdoor cast iron plants require less frequent feeding. However, you can add general fertilizer in the form of liquids to the soil in spring as they start growing again.

Snake Plant

Despite their spiky leaves snake plants (Sansevieria) are actually quite elegant and soft. They are among the most adaptable house plants. They can tolerate low levels of light, and even droughts on occasion. They can help keep your home's air healthy by absorbing harmful substances like formaldehyde carbon dioxide, and benzene.

These plants look great on a desk or table, whether you choose the Mother-in-Law's Tongue, which is variegated or the tall, green Goldband Sansevieria laurentii. You can also put them around a fireplace or on a window sill where they will receive sunlight all day.

In addition to over-watering and freezing temperatures snake plants aren't suffering from other issues when kept in a greenhouse. They grow slowly and don't require being regularly repotted, however when they do outgrow their containers, choose pots that have a high percentage of perlite or sand in order to stop the soil from becoming over-saturated.

If you decide to repot a snake plant remove it from the container it was in using a sharp knife. Then, repot your rhizome in the same size as it was originally planted. Fill the remainder of the pot with an potting mix specifically designed for succulents and cacti.

It is recommended to keep snake plants out of reach of pets and children as the foliage is toxic if consumed. This is due to saponins, a natural compound, which are strong enough to cause vomiting and nausea in humans and animals when consumed. Wear gloves whenever handling the plant, and remove the berries from the stems.

Succulents & Cacti

Succulents and cacti are fascinating plants that add character to any room. They are adapted to preserve moisture in dry conditions (xeric) and many have interesting or even grotesque shapes with vibrant flowers. This adaptation allows them to appeal to a large group of people who love plants.

common houseplants and succulents make excellent companion plants, whether they are grown in warm climates outdoors, or as houseplants. They are often grouped in low bowls to create gardens. They can also be planted in sunny windows to let in bright light. But be aware that most of these plants do best with a high exposure to sunlight and at least 6 hours of bright light per day.

The prickly-pear Cactus, also known as the agave is a popular houseplant. It can also be used in landscapes. Other varieties include the agave, mammillaria and the echeveria. Many of these plants multiply by forming small clusters of baby cacti on the mother plant, giving them the name "hens and chicks".

Many people use "cactus" as a synonym to describe all succulents. However, the word cactus actually refers to a particular family of plants belonging to the genus Cactaceae. Cacti are just one of 60 families of succulents found around the world.

They should be placed in a container with a drainage hole, just like all succulents and other cacti. They do not tolerate soil that is constantly damp. They may be rotten or have a disfigured growth in the event of poor conditions. Cacti and succulents require less maintenance than other houseplants. They are happy indoors and can even be relocated outside in summer. However it is recommended that they be kept in a shaded area because intense light can cause burns to the stems and leaves.

Monstera

Monstera Deliciciosa, also known as Swiss Cheese Plant is one of the most well-known houseplants. It is a vining evergreen aroid with broad, fenestrated green leaves with holes and splits that grow on extending aerial roots. It is an excellent choice for indoors because of its ability to withstand high humidity and bright light.

indoor house plants thrive in warmer climates. However, in winter, they need to be brought indoors if temperatures fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Monsteras do not thrive in areas that are below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. If you plan to bring them inside, make sure to thoroughly inspect the plants for pests before moving them. Examine the soil, and then wipe down leaves and stems. Repot the plant if needed.

Indoors, common houseplant likes bright to medium indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause burns to leaves, which can harm the 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. Regularly water the plant, keeping the soil slightly damp, but not too wet. It is recommended to use bottle or filter water, especially if you have hard water in your home. A humidifier can also increase the humidity in your home.

After replanting, you can add a stake or trellis in the pot to ensure that your plant can climb once it has established itself. This is a great method to add height to a room and also attract positive energy from the ceiling to the spaces below. In Feng-shui the Monstera is associated with respecting elders and honoured individuals. It brings luck, luck, and prosperity to those who maintain it's health. In Chinese tradition, it represents longevity.





Fiddle Leaf Fig

The fiddle leaf fig is one of the most well-known houseplants available. Its distinctive, elongated shape and beautiful leaves make it an attractive feature for any home. It's important to note that this plant requires more care and attention than other plants. This tropical beauty is native from the rainforest, and therefore it requires bright sunlight and a high level of humidity to flourish.

It's important to not overwater your FLF, as this can cause root rot. Water your plant once a week or every 10 to 14 days. When you do water, make sure to soak the soil until it's drippy and then drain the excess moisture before you put the fig that you grew with fiddle leaves back in its pot.

The plant is also sensitive to cold temperatures and could be damaged by drafts. To prevent this from happening, try placing your ficus in a place of your home that is warm or sheltered from drafts. Misting your fig's fiddle-leaf leaves using a spray bottle every day will help to maintain water levels and keep the leaves fresh.

Fiddle leaf figs generally tell you when they need to drink water. "The best method to determine if your plant is thirsty is by poking your finger into the soil," Mast says. "If you feel the moisture at least halfway up your knuckle, your fig is ready to go." If the soil is dry to the point of contact, it's time to water it.