Notes

Ten Things You've Learned In Kindergarden They'll Help You Understand Indoor House Plants
Choosing Indoor House Plants

When selecting your house plants, select ones with healthy roots and leaves. Look for signs of pests and disease.

Many indoor house plants are easy to care for and can tolerate low light conditions. Examples include snake plant (Dracaena or Sansevieria) also called Mother-in-law's tongue yucca elephantipes and coccoloba.

Cast Iron Plant

The cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) is a tough and sturdy houseplant that has oblong leaves that grow 2-3 feet tall. It grows well in dimly lit and shaded conditions and is a good option for rooms that have little natural light. Its huge size makes it a striking accent plant that can stand out without taking over the space. This easy-care plant does best in well-draining soil in an area that receives little direct sunlight. It is tolerant of a wide range climates. However, avoid overwatering to prevent root decay. If your plant's leaves begin to turn yellow, it's an indication that it has been exposed for a long time to direct sunlight. Make sure that the lighting is more filtered or relocate the plant to a shadier area.

A variety of cultivars offer a variety of striking color combinations and foliage patterns. Gold Spike and Goldfeather have yellow stripes that run through their green leaves. Hoshi-zora cast metal plant leaves are speckled with yellow to white dots that give it the appearance of being airbrushed. Cast iron ferns with snow caps (Aspidistra crussula) with their year-round white variation are another option.

Indoor cast iron plants need little maintenance, however you may need to trim the leaves to maintain the shape of the plant or take out any dying or dead leaves. It is possible to trim the roots if they grow too large for the pot. Fertilize indoor plants once a month with an all-purpose liquid fertilizer during the spring and summer seasons, based on the instructions on the product label. Cast iron ferns that grow outdoors require less frequent feeding, but you can use a general liquid fertilizer during the spring, when they begin to grow again.

Snake Plant

Snake plants (Sansevieria), despite their large leaves, are actually graceful and soft. They are among the most adaptable indoor house plants, withstanding low light levels and occasional droughts. They also help keep the air in your home healthy, absorbing carbon dioxide and harmful substances such as formaldehyde and benzene.

They look stunning on a table or desk regardless of whether you pick the Mother-in-Law's Tongue, which is variegated or the tall, green Goldband Sansevieria laurentii. They can also be set near a fireplace in the indoor space or on a window sill where they can receive sunlight throughout the day.

Apart from the over-watering and freezing temperatures snake plants do not suffer from other problems when kept inside. They grow slowly and don't need to be regularly repotted, however if they do outgrow their containers, use the potting soil that has an excessive amount of sand or perlite to stop the soil from becoming over-saturated.

If you decide to repot your snake plant, dig it up from its original container using a sharp knife. Then re-pot the rhizome at the same level as it was originally planted in. Then fill in the rest of the pot with a drainage potter's mix specifically designed for succulents and cacti.

As a rule, it's always best to keep your snake plant out of reach of small children and pets, as the leaves can be poisonous if eaten. This is due to natural compounds called saponins that are strong enough to cause vomiting and nausea in humans and animals in the event of consumption. To ensure you are on the safe side, you should always wear gloves when handling the plant and remove any berries from the stems to avoid ingesting them.

Succulents & Cacti

Cacti and succulents are fascinating plants that add personality to any space. They're adapted to store moisture in dry (xeric) and many have interesting or even grotesque shapes with vibrant flowers. This adaptation helps them appeal to a wide range of plant enthusiasts.

Cacti and succulents make great companion plants, regardless of whether they are grown in warm climates outdoors or as houseplants. They are often arranged in low bowls together to create gardens. They can also be placed in sunny windows to let in bright light. But be aware that most of these plants thrive with high exposure to sunlight and at least 6 hours of bright sunlight each day.

The prickly pear cactus is among of the most well-known cacti available as a houseplant or in landscapes. Other varieties include agave mammillaria and echeveria. The plants multiply by forming clusters around the mother plant that produce tiny baby cacti which earned them the name "hens and chicks".


Many people use "cactus" as a synonym to describe all succulents. The term "cactus" refers to the group of plants that belong to the Genus Cactaceae. In actuality, cacti belong to one of the 60 succulent families which can be found throughout the world.

They should be placed in a pot that has drainage holes, like all succulents and cacti. They are not tolerant of soil that is constantly moist. They can get rotten or develop a distorted growth in the event of poor conditions. Cacti and succulents require very little maintenance compared to other houseplants. They can be grown indoors and can be relocated outside in summer. However, they should only be kept in a shaded area because intense light can cause burns to the stems and leaves.

Monstera

Monstera Deliciosa, or Swiss Cheese Plant is one of today's most popular houseplants. It is an evergreen vine with large, fenestrated leaves with splits and holes. It is an excellent option for indoors due to its ability to withstand bright light and low moisture.

Monstera plants thrive in warmer climates. However, they need to be brought inside in the winter months when temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Monsteras are not hardy in areas that are below this threshold. If you decide to bring yours indoors, ensure that you scout for pests thoroughly before moving the plants. Examine the soil, and then wipe down leaves and stems. Repot if necessary.

Indoors, Monstera deliciosa likes bright to medium indirect sunlight. Direct sun can burn the leaves and reduce the overall health of the plant. Avoid placing plants for front of house near heating or air conditioning vents because they can dry out the leaves. Keep the soil moist but not soggy by watering it frequently. Utilizing filtered or bottled water is best, especially if your home has hard water. A humidifier or fine mister can aid in boosting the amount of humidity within your home as well.

Consider putting a stake in the pot after you have transplanted it. This will allow the plant to grow up the pot once it has established itself. This is a great method to increase the height of your room and it can 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 keep it in good health. In Chinese customs, it represents longevity.

Fiddle Leaf Fig

The fiddle leaf fig is one of the most popular houseplants on the market today. Its unique shape, elongated and showstopping leaves make it a striking feature in any room of your home. However, it's important to know that this plant is a little more demanding than the others in terms of care and attention. This tropical beauty is native from the rainforest, which means it requires bright sunshine and high humidity to flourish.

When watering, it is important not to overwater your FLF since this can lead to root rot and other issues. Water your plant once a week or every 10 to 14 days. When you water, be sure to soak the soil until it's drippy and then drain the excess moisture before putting the fig that you grew with fiddle leaves back into its pot.

This plant can also be damaged by cold temperatures and drafts. Be sure to prevent this by putting your ficus in a place that is warm and protected from drafts. Misting your fig's fiddle-leaf leaves with a spray bottle every day will help to maintain the hydration level, and also keep the leaves fresh.

Fiddle leaf figs will generally tell you when they need to drink water. Mast says that the best method to determine if your plant requires water is to poke your finger into soil. "If you feel the moisture at about halfway up your knuckle, your fig is good to go." Soak the soil in water when it appears dry.

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