Notes

An Easy-To-Follow Guide To Common Houseplants
Common Houseplants For Warm Climates

Many plants that thrive in warm climates can be raised indoors. Many palms, like the sturdily tolerant parlour palm and the beautiful paradise palm, thrive in indoors.

Pothos and certain varieties (such as the Crotons with variegated colors) are easy to cultivate and feature attractive foliage. Orchids need bright light and constant moisture. However you should let the soil dry between irrigations.

Aroids

The aroid family is vast and includes many of the most popular houseplants in the world today. They are monocotyledonous. Many species are appreciated for their foliage rather than their flowers. They come in many shapes sizes, shapes, and habits. They also come in many colors. Monstera, philodendrons and anthuriums and colocasia are among the most common of these plants.

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

Most of these plants thrive in humid, warm climates. Place them in a container with a well-drained soil and a potting mix that offers good aeration. Aroids are prone to overwatering. Check the top two inches regularly. They can lose their shape, wilt or develop dark brown, soft spots if overwatered.

Bromeliads

Bromeliad plants have a distinct feature that lets them store water in their leaves or in a cup that is located at the bottom of the plant. They also release water when they need it using trichomes. This makes them one of the most drought-resistant houseplants, but they could still benefit from being misted often.

Some, such as the Guzmania and neoregelia varieties, are cultivated for their colorful foliage, which can include spots, stripes, or bands of color. Others, like the Tillandsia and Vriesea species produce blooms that are brightly colored.

Some bromeliads can be used in the indoors all year long, whereas others need to be moved outdoors during the warmer months when temperatures are above freezing. In the Hidden Jungle garden at the Safari Park we can see bromeliads. The Genus Guzmania includes many tropical plants including the pineapple (Ananas Comosus), introduced to Europe in 1493 after Columbus' second visit to the New World.

Cacti

Many people love to bring the beauty of cacti to their homes. common houseplant are specially adapted to the desert environment and most species have spiney stems. Many produce flowers and fruits. The spines serve a purpose - they can deter herbivores from eating the fruits and leaves.

Like other desert-adapted plants, Cacti can store water in their roots and stems for dry periods. They can also use their stomata to store carbon dioxide during the day and release it through photosynthesis, a process that 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. Others, like Lophophora williamsii (cactus peyote) have been utilized for their hallucinogenic properties.

Ferns

Ferns are among the most common indoor plants, despite the absence of flowers and fruits. Despite this, they're quite easy to cultivate. The most important factor to success is a growing medium that mimics the forest floor. This should be rich in organic matter but also include coarse gravel or perlite for proper drainage.

A fern should be misted on a regular basis, according to its needs. They love the humidity of living spaces and family rooms, however when you notice the fronds becoming brown or dropping leaves, this could be a sign of low humidity.

The soil should be evenly moist but not too soggy to prevent waterlogging and root rot. Simply stick your finger into the soil to test for moisture. It should feel damp to the feel, but not wet. Avoid overwatering as it can cause yellowing of the fronds. Keep it away form sunlight and radiators as they will dry out the plant too quickly.

Begonias

If you're displaying them in a decorative container, in a macrame hanging basket or in the garden, begonias bring vibrant colors to indoor spaces. They thrive in indirect, bright light but require a lot of humidity.


Fibrous-rooted Begonias are low maintenance plants which are easy to care for. The most well-known series is called 'Dragonwing' with its pink, scarlet and yellow blooms on dark-bronze or a green foliage. For a compact version, try the 'Babywing' series that grows from 12 to 15 inches tall.

Polka dot begonias are usually sold as taller than 4 feet floor plants, and they feature beautiful leaves with polka-dot patterns on both sides. They require regular watering and a monthly application of liquid fertilizer. They can wilt when the soil is dry, so be sure to check the level of moisture regularly. The begonias don't have a preference for soil, but they can benefit from a fast-draining light mix, such as African Violet potting soil, or one made specifically for houseplants.

Palms

Palms can bring a tropical touch to your home. They are frequently used as indoor plants. They are easy to maintain and can be an attractive focal point in any room. They are hardy but can be killed by low temperatures. They are best kept in a garage during winter or in a protected area inside the home.

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

A variety of palm species are harvested for their fruit and timber. They are also planted to provide shade in warm regions and as indoor plants when a tropical style is desired. For instance, the peach palm (Brassica pendula) is grown for its edible fruit and also as an ornamental crop for coffee, while the tagua, also known as ivory palm (Phytelephas aequatorialis) is used to make the vegetable ivory and rattan.

Schefflera

Scheffleras are often referred to as umbrella plants or octopus plants. They are among the most sought-after kinds of houseplants. They are simple to grow and don't require a lot - or any - coddling.

While they can survive in moderate light Scheffleras prefer bright indirect light. Excessive exposure to direct sunlight could cause burning of the leaves. Lack of light can make the plant weak and floppy.

Make sure you water your plants regularly, but be careful not to overwater. Overwatering can cause root rot. When repotting, use the container that is only a little larger than the pot that was originally used; the over-sized pot could result in a lot of soil that stays moist for too long.

Keep an eye on pests like aphids, scale insects and spider mites. If pests are found, you can pinch them off the plant or use a natural insecticide like neem. If the leaves begin to wilt, it's likely due to a lack of moisture or the result of a temperature shock.

Polyscias

Polyscias literally translates to 'lots of shade' and that is exactly what this plant needs that was bred from subtropical islands in the Pacific. It is a stunning plant with a twisted stem and beautiful leaves. It is a great plant for a home that can create a peaceful atmosphere. The leaves are used for their medicinal benefits such as diuretic, an antitoxin, and to treat fever, colds, flu and coughs. They also contain anti-inflammatory and antifungal effects. The plants also contain eight new polysciosides (oleanolic acids saponins) and three known polyacetylenes.

Place your Polyscias at a spot that is sunny and doesn't expose the leaves to direct sunlight, since they can be burned. Water the soil as it dries up, but do not overwater. This could lead to root rot, and possibly leaf dropping. Fertilise with a houseplant labelled feed every four days in the summer, but cut back to every six in autumn and winter.

Philodendrons

Philodendrons can be easily grown and they are a great option for new and novice gardeners. The classic trailing philodendron hederaceum5 is fast-growing and adaptable to different lighting conditions, flourishing in hanging baskets or climbing up a trellis in areas that are frost-free and spreading its heart-shaped leaves across the window of a bedroom or desk sill inside.

Try the cultivar Congo Rojo, which has an elliptical-shaped leaf in a dark brown purple shade. The unique color of the plant highlights its sculptural form and is perfect for modern spaces with modern furniture or ones decorated with black. Make sure that philodendrons are placed in a bright spot with indirect sunlight. Also, avoid giving them too much water. Overwatering can cause the leaf edges to yellow and cause a slowdown in growth. Always use lukewarm water, and add plant food with water-diluted solutions, instead of directly into the soil. Directly watering the soil could also shock philodendrons, and result in their loss of health.

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