Notes

7 Small Changes That Will Make A Big Difference In Your House Plants
Large House Plants and Trees

Add tall plants and trees at your office or in your home to make a statement. They also purify air and boost concentration.

These trees and plants are easy to care for. They can tolerate moderate levels of sunlight, but thrive in bright sunlight. Overwatering can cause root rot.

African Fig Tree

The African Fig Tree (Ficus Cyathistipula) is a fast-growing house plant from central Africa that's known for its long, rounded leaves. It's a great choice when you have a north-facing room, as it can help to keep the air cool or conditioned and can also aid in reducing the humidity levels.

It is an easy to grow plant that is able to tolerate drought conditions. It grows best in indirect bright light, and a warm, average temperature is ideal. However, it is sensitive to cold breezes and needs to be protected. Avoid over-watering and use tepid chlorine-free water. Reduce the frequency of watering during the winter months.


You can fertilize the African Fig Tree every 2-3 weeks with a liquid and balanced feed for your houseplants. It is able to be repotted at the beginning of the growing season or when it becomes pot-bound. Avoid repotted pots during the winter months because this could stress the plant and lead to leaf drop. The fig is less susceptible to diseases and pests than many other houseplants. However, it is susceptible to aphids and mealy bugs.

Yukka Plant

Yucca plants are widespread in dry regions, including the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Evergreens, they live for hundreds of years. They are available in many shapes and shades. The two most popular varieties of yucca used as large plants for the home are the Adam's Needle, Y. filamentosa, and the Spanish Bayonet, Y. aloifolia. Both have thin trunks that can reach up to 15 feet in height and stiff leaves with sharp points which can cut the skin. Yuccas are slow-growing and can remain as small bushes for several years before growing beyond their containers.

Cast Iron Plant

Cast iron plant (Aspidistraelatior) grows in the shade or dimly lit areas indoors. It has long, slim leaves and a rhizome which produces new growth underground. It can grow to three feet high and wide outdoors but is much smaller inside. The leaves are shiny green or bluish with stripes or spots and can be variegated. The plants look like asparagus and belong to the same family.

Cast Iron Plants are tolerant of low light and are one of the plants that can survive without water for days. It also helps to purify indoor air by absorbing harmful chemicals such as Formaldehyde.

It is a sturdy houseplant, but it is not one that will grow quickly. It is recommended to repotte it every three to five to years. Repot it in the spring with pot soil. Make sure to use a bigger container when you repot it. It is tolerant of drought, but prefers moderate moisture. Overwatering causes root rot. Water when you don't feel any moisture in the soil by rubbing your finger.

Swiss Cheese Plant

The Swiss cheese plant, also known by the name Monstera Deliciosa, is among the most well-known large houseplants because of its striking fenestrated leafs. It has gained a lot of attention with the boho design movement and is a great choice for the majority of styles of decorating. It is a tropical plant that thrives in warm temperatures with bright indirect light.

Watering is fairly easy You only need to water when the soil's top inch is dry. house plants that clean the air can lead to root rot. Use a moisture gauge or your finger to determine the soil moisture level and water only when necessary. In the coldest winter months, it's a good idea to have the plant be kept away from vents and windows to keep it warm.

Feed your plant once a week with a liquid plant feed with the ratio of 5-2-3. Give it a month to fertilize your plant after repotting. This is due to the fact that roots are more sensitive following the repotting.

Bird's Nest Fern

The Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium australasicum) is one of the most tropical and serene looking house plants. It's also referred to as the fern that hangs because of its curly, long fronds that remind of birds' wings. It's an epiphytic plant which means that it grows on rocks or wood. However it can also thrive in soils that are evenly moist.

These ferns grow easily however, you must be on the lookout for bacteria-related blight. It resembles leaf rot and could be serious if plants are in contact with soil. The symptoms begin with tiny, water-soaked translucent spots that enlarge and become reddish-purple as they age.

To avoid this avoid this, place ferns in bright indirect light and shade them with sheer curtains whenever possible. They're an excellent plant to add a tropical feel to shady areas of the home, like basements and dorm rooms. If the fronds begin change color, it's likely an indication of excessive heat or exposure to drafts. A humidifier and misting are great ways to combat this.

Rubber Plant

Rubber Plants (Peperomia obtusifolia) are easy-to-care-for plants that thrive in temperatures across a range of. They are mostly used as a houseplant but they can also be grown outdoors. This plant can tolerate some shade however, it prefers to be in a brightly lit area of the house with indirect sun.

The frequency of watering varies based on the season. In summer, soil can dry out very quickly due to intense sunlight. The plant will require less water in winter.

Caoutchouc is present in the sap of this plant, and gives rubber its flexibility. This compound may cause irritation to the mucous membranes and skin, and may be toxic when eaten. Therefore, it is advised to keep this plant out of reach from children and pets.

If you want to trim your plant, you can do so by using sterile pruning shears or budding knives. However, it is crucial to wear gloves as the latex could cause irritation to eyes and skin. Rubber plants can also be propagated through air-layering. Cut a small section of the stem you wish to separate from the parent plant. Cover the wound with a small amount of damp moss and wrap it with plastic.

Heartleaf Philodendron

The Heartleaf Philodendron can be grown in a variety of conditions. Its green trailing vines make a great addition to any space, while also helping to purify the air. This plant thrives in shade, making it an ideal option for dark areas of the office or home.

Water your philodendron like you would with any other plant. However, you must be careful not to overwater. A good indicator of when your plant needs more water is if the leaves appear droopy or wilted. This is often a indication that the soil has become too dry.

The most effective way to reproduce philodendrons is to take cuttings of the stem during the warmer months. To do this, simply cut a piece of the vine down to a point and then place it in moist soil or water. After a few months the plant will develop roots. If this happens, the philodendron can then be relocated to a permanent container.

Dieffenbachia

Dieffenbachia is a classic and we love it for its lush foliage, low maintenance needs and ease of care. It is a native plant of the tropics, it can adapt well to warm indoor temperatures and thrives in indirect light.

Dieffenbachia can grow in either water or soil, but we prefer a more airy, lighter growing medium, such as perlite. (Chunky, spongy stones). A mix of peat and loam is ideal or a 1:1 mixture of soil and perlite.

Water roots have gills that help them extract oxygen from the water, unlike the soil roots that cannot breathe underwater and could be susceptible to root rot. This may have evolved as a method to survive in their tropical environment. Dieffenbachia sap and roots and leaves can be toxic to humans and pets when consumed. Make sure you wear gloves when handling the plant and be careful around children. The toxins in the sap can irritate throats and tongues and can cause irritation to the eyes and skin reactions. If you must touch the plant, use mild soap and avoid contact with the sap.

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