Notes

3 Reasons You're House Plants Common Is Broken (And How To Fix It)
Common House Plants

Philodendron is beautiful easy-to-care-for plant that thrives in dim corners. It responds to regular watering and feeding by growing noticeably quicker.

The arrowhead vine (Syngonium), which is native to tropical rain forests is characterized by its thick, green leaves. You can also find ones with bark-like or variegated leaves.

ZZ plants, also known as Zamioculcas (Zamiifolia) ZZ plants are among the most commonly used and hardy houseplants. They tolerate low to bright indirect sunlight and are found with attractive leaf designs.

Snake Plant

The snake plant, also referred to as the Mother-in-Law's Tongue or Sansevieria trifasciata is a popular houseplant and one of the easiest to care for. It is tolerant of low light and can thrive in most climates, making it ideal for any room. It can grow to eight feet in height, dependent on the species. It has stiff leaves. The snake plant is a great air purifier, and can eliminate formaldehyde from indoor environments.

Sansevierias are drought-resistant and do not require regular watering. They can be left alone for weeks without water and still appear fresh which is the main reason they are so popular with beginners to the world of house plants. Despite their ability to withstand a variety of conditions however, there are some things that can harm the Sansevieria. Overwatering can lead to rot or the roots could capsize and cold winter breezes can cause damage to the leaves. The snake plant is prone to gnats and fungus however, it is also resistant to other pests that are common in the home.

Snake plants are also renowned for reducing stress at work, improving moods, and improving productivity in workplaces and offices. They also aid in reducing allergies by releasing oxygen and moisture into the air, reducing the amount of dust and pollen floating around in the air.

Snake plants are extremely durable, and can survive droughts and frigid temperatures. It doesn't require a lot of fertilizer however a small amount will help the plant grow faster and bigger. Use a liquid or powdered houseplant fertilizer to feed the snake plant two times per year. Water the snake plant when the top inch of the potting soil is dry.

Pothos

The pothos, also known as Devil's Ivy or Epipremnum aureum is a trailing green plant with heart-shaped leaves. In the wild, it is a vigorous jungle vine that can reach lengths of 40 feet in tropical forests. Indoors it is usually slightly smaller - about up to a foot or two - but can grow much further if the right conditions are met.

Pothos is generally free of pests and doesn't require excessive humidity levels. Pothos is susceptible to root rot, however when the water does not properly drained after heavy rains or for a long time without moisture. Watering plants sparingly but thoroughly is the best way to avoid this problem.

Like many houseplants, pothos can tolerate low light, but it grows larger and more vibrant in brighter light. If your pothos isn't growing as quickly or has large gaps between its leaves, it probably requires more light. It thrives under fluorescent lighting which makes it a perfect choice for offices.

Pothos can be easily propagated by stem tip cuttings from vines which are healthy and bright. The optimal cutting size is a 6 inch tip with a few leaves. Cut the edge just above a node (the point at which aerial roots develop). Dip the cutting in rooting hormone, stick it into the glass of water and keep the water humid. The roots should begin to form within one month or so.

The most popular cultivars of pothos are 'Golden Pothos', that has leaves that are streaked with yellow and 'Marble Queen' that has gorgeous white marbles; and 'Neon', abundantly splattered with white. Other colors are available as well, including 'Jade Pothos' all-green, and "Pearls and Jade" with yellow leaves edged with white.

ZZ Plant

ZZ plants are a popular house plant for beginners, preoccupied office workers, and those with brown thumbs. They are easy to cultivate and are tolerant of dry conditions. They also purify the air. They're related with philodendrons and peace lilies and are known for their ability to eliminate volatile organic compounds such as ethylbenzene (benzene), ethylbenzen, and xylene from indoor air.


Zz plants are resilient and can tolerate a little neglect. However, if a stem grows much taller than others, it is important to remove it. This will keep the plant aesthetically pleasing and stop it from taking over and obscuring light to other parts of the plant.

Rhizomes store water and allow the plant to flourish in dry conditions. As such, they do not require a specific type of soil, although a well-drained potting mix containing added ingredients like perlite or lava rock will help the plant absorb moisture better. They don't have to be fertilized frequently however, a balanced liquid fertilizer applied every six months can help the plant stay healthy and robust.

All ZZ plants can be poisonous in the event of consumption by your pets or children consume them. Also, if low maintenance house plants don't wear gloves, be careful when handling the leaves. The leaves can cause skin irritation in certain people, so make sure you wash your hands after handling them.

One of the most frequent issues with ZZ plants is when the lower leaves begin to turn yellow and then wilt. This is a sign of excessive watering. Be sure to test the soil for moisture, since a dry soil could lead to decay. It's also recommended to mist the leaves from time time to increase the humidity.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is a well-loved house plant due to its calming scent and ability to decongest the air. It also makes a great addition to kitchens or bathroom, where the scent can be enjoyed while cooking or taking a bath. The menthol-like fragrance can be used to make a variety herbal remedies. Eucalyptus plants are easy to grow indoors and won't attract insects or disease. There are some things you should keep in mind when you are growing these trees.

Eucalypts don't like drastic temperature fluctuations. They require temperatures of between 65 and 75oF in the home, as well as plenty of sun. They should be kept clear from drafty doors and windows and heat and air conditioning vents. The plant is prone to root rot and mildew. To avoid problems, ensure that the soil is well-drained and does NOT stay wet for extended periods.

When watering, it's crucial to use a light hand to ensure that the soil does not get overly saturated. Insufficient moisture can lead to leaf curling and fungus grow. When this occurs, it's best to allow the soil to dry out before rehydrating.

Certain eucalyptus species like the alpine apple gum Eucalyptus areri as well as the northern gray ironbark Eucalyptussiderophloia, are recognized for their ability to thrive in harsh environments. The latter is a medium-sized species that is native to the higher regions of Australia and is usually found in sandy, nutrient-poor soils. It is evergreen, with bright foliage in a Glaucous Blue hue. It is a very popular choice for landscaping in colder climates due to the fact that it has a low canopy that doesn't interfere with sunlight.

False Aralia

The false aralia's lacy fern-like foliage brings tropical beauty to your home. The leaves are laid out in an "fingered" arrangement with sharp edges. They look delicate when young, but dark green as they mature. Its leaf shape and color can make it a stand-out among more traditional houseplants. It is a great choice for tight spaces and makes an excellent addition to narrow nooks and corners.

It thrives in warm climate with room temperature. Outside, it thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 10, 11, but you'll likely bring it inside during winter. False aralia likes the soil being too dry however, they require a constant supply of water. If you're growing them outside in hot weather, be sure to water more often, but wait until the top inch or two of soil is dry before watering again.

Follow the directions of the manufacturer when adding liquid houseplant fertilizer in spring and summer to your false aralia. It is important not to over-fertilize your plant as too much fertilizer can cause it to die or get damaged. False aralia doesn't require much pruning, but you should trim any damaged or dead parts of the plant to keep it neat.

False aralias are susceptible to pests and diseases, so keep them away from other plants. Spider mites can attack the plant, attracted by the dry, dusty winter conditions, and mealybugs appear as fluffy, white tiny specks. You can get rid of the mealybugs by increasing the humidity around the plant and treating the affected areas with pesticides or horticultural oils, or both. False aralia can also be attacked by the fungi that are part of the Pythium Phytophthora Rhizoctonia genera.

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