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This Week's Most Popular Stories About Indoor House Plants Indoor House Plants
Choosing Indoor House Plants

When choosing your house plants, choose plants with healthy leaves and roots. Examine the leaves for signs of pests or disease.

Many indoor houseplants are simple to care for and can withstand low lighting conditions. Examples include snake plant (Dracaena or Sansevieria) also called Mother-in-law's tongue coccoloba and yucca elephantipes.

common house plants (Aspidistraelatior) has oval-shaped leaves that can reach up to 2-3 feet tall. It thrives in dark and shaded areas and is a good option for rooms with little sunlight. Its size makes it an attractive accent plant that will make a statement without taking over the room. This easy-care plant thrives in soil that drains well, and in areas that receive very little direct sunlight. It can tolerate all kinds of climates. However, avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. If your plant's leaves begin to turn yellow, this is an indication that it was exposed for a long time to direct sunlight. Install more filters or relocate the plant to a shadier area.

A variety of cultivars are offered with striking color combinations and leaf patterns. The Gold Spike and Goldfeather varieties feature golden yellow stripes that run lengthwise across their green leaves, while Hoshi-zora's cast iron plant has leaves that are speckled with white to yellow dots that give it the appearance of airbrushing. The snow cap cast iron fern (Aspidistra crassula) is a different alternative, with its all-year-round white variegation that gives it the appearance of being covered by snow.


Indoor cast iron plants are self-maintained however, you may need to trim the leaves periodically to regulate the shape of the plant or eliminate dying or dead foliage. You may need to prune the roots if they get too large for the pot. Follow the instructions on the label to fertilize indoor plants using an all-purpose liquid fertilizer once a month during spring and summer. Outdoor cast iron ferns 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 elegant and soft. They are among the most resilient indoor house plants, and can withstand low light levels and occasional droughts. They also help keep the air inside your home healthy, absorbing carbon dioxide and harmful substances like formaldehyde and benzene.

These plants look great on a table or desk, whether you choose the Mother-in-Law's Tongue, which is variegated 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.

Snake plants aren't susceptible to many other problems indoors, with the exception of over-watering. They grow slowly and don't require being frequently repotted, but should they grow out of their containers, use pots that have the highest percentage of sand or perlite to stop the soil from becoming saturated.

If you decide to repotte a snake plant take it out of its old container using a sharp knife. Then, you can repot the rhizome in the same amount that it was planted in the first place. Then, fill in the remainder of the pot with a draining mixing specifically designed for succulents and cacti.

It's always best to keep your snake plant out of reach of small pets and children, as the leaves can be poisonous when eaten. The saponins can be powerful enough to cause vomiting and nausea in both animals and humans. To be on the safer side, you should always wear gloves when handling the plant. You should also remove any berries that are on the stems to avoid ingesting the berries.

Succulents & Cacti

Succulents and cacti are fascinating plants that add character to any room. They're adapted to help conserve water in dry (xeric) environments. A lot of them are fascinating or even grotesque shapes along with colorful flowers. This adaptation allows them to appeal to a large group of people who love plants.

Whether planted in the open in warm climates or kept as houseplants succulents and cacti are excellent companion plants. They are often arranged in low bowls together to create gardens. They can be placed in windows that are sunny to get bright light. Be aware that these plants thrive best in bright sunlight and at least six hours of bright light every day.

The prickly pear cactus is among of the most popular Cacti that can be used as a houseplant and in landscapes. Other varieties include the agave, mammillaria and the echeveria. Many of these plants multiply by producing clusters of small baby cacti around the mother plant, earning them the nickname "hens and chicks".

Some people use "cactus" as a synonym to describe all succulents. However, the term "cactus" actually refers to a family of plants belonging to the genus Cactaceae. In fact, cacti are just one of the 60 families of succulents which can be found throughout the world.

They need to be placed in a container with drainage holes, just like all succulents and other cacti. They are not tolerant of soil that is constantly wet. They can get rotten or develop a distorted growth if the conditions are poor. Cacti and succulents also require less maintenance than other houseplants. They are a great indoor plant and can be moved outside during the summer however, only in a protected space because of the intense sunlight levels that can cause burns to their stems and leaves.

Monstera

Monstera deliciosa, or Swiss Cheese Plant is one of the most well-known houseplants. It is an evergreen vine with wide, fenestrated green leaves with holes and splits that develop on the extending aerial roots. It is a fantastic option for indoors due to its tolerant to high light and low humidity.

Outdoors, monstera plants thrive in warm climates. However, they should be brought inside during the winter when temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Monsteras aren't suited to regions below this temperature. If you decide to bring yours indoors, ensure that you look for pests in the area before moving the plants. Clean leaves and stems, examine soil, and repot as required.

Indoors, Monstera deliciosa likes bright to medium indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can damage leaves, which can harm the health of the plant. Avoid placing your plant near heating or air conditioning vents, as they can cause the leaves to dry out. Keep the soil moist but not soggy by watering it frequently. It is best to use bottle or filter water, especially if have hard water in your home. A humidifier or fine mister may help to increase the humidity level in the home as well.

After replanting, you can add a stake or trellis to the pot so that the plant can grow once it is rooted. This is a great way to increase the height of your home and also draw positive energy from the ceiling down into the spaces below. In feng-shui the Monstera is associated with respecting elders and revered individuals. It brings good fortune, prosperity and luck to those who maintain it in good health. In Chinese tradition, it symbolizes longevity.

Fiddle Leaf Fig

The fiddle leaf fig is perhaps one of the most well-known houseplants available. Its unique, elongated shape and beautiful leaves make it a striking addition to any home. It is important to remember that this plant requires more attention and care than other plants. This tropical beauty is a native of a rainforest environment, so it needs bright sun and high humidity to thrive.

When watering, it's important not to overwater your FLF because this could cause root rot and other problems. Rather, water your plant about once a week or every 10 days. When you water your fiddle leaf plant, make sure you soak the soil until it reaches the point where it drips and then drain the excess moisture.

This plant is also damaged by cold temperatures and drafts. To avoid this, consider placing your ficus in a place of your home that is warm or protected from drafts. Also spraying the leaves of your fiddle leaf fig with a spray bottle each day will help maintain hydration and keep the leaves looking fresh.

Fiddle leaf figs will generally tell you when they require water. "The best method to determine whether your plant is thirsty is to poking your finger into the soil," Mast says. "If you can feel the moisture at the least halfway point of your knuckle, then your fig is ready to go." If the soil is dry to the surface, it's time for water it.

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