Choosing Indoor House Plants
When selecting your house plants, choose plants with healthy roots and leaves. Look over the leaves to determine if there are any signs of pests or disease.
Many indoor houseplants are easy to maintain 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 long leaves that are about 2-3 feet tall. It thrives in dimly lit and shaded conditions and is a great choice for rooms without natural light. Its large size also makes it a striking accent plant that will make a statement without taking over the entire room. This easy-care plant does best in a well-drained soil area that gets very little direct sunlight. It is tolerant of a broad range of climates, but avoid overwatering since this can lead to root rot. If the leaves of your plant made of cast iron start to turn yellow, it is a sign that it has been exposed to too much direct sunlight for a long time. Make best houseplants that the lighting is more filtered or move the plant to a more shaded area.
A variety of cultivars offer various striking color combinations and foliage patterns. Gold Spike and Goldfeather have yellow stripes running across their green leaves. Hoshi-zora's metal cast leaves are sprinkled with white and yellow dots which give it the appearance of being airbrushed. The snow cap cast iron fern (Aspidistra crassula) is another option, thanks to its year-round white variegation that gives it the appearance of being covered with a snowfall.
Indoor cast iron plants require little maintenance, however you may need to trim the leaves in order to maintain the shape of the plant or remove any dying or dead leaves. It is possible to trim the roots if they get too large for the pot. Follow the directions on the label to fertilize indoor plants using a liquid all-purpose fertilizer at least once a month during spring and summer. Cast iron ferns that grow outdoors require less frequent feeding, but you can add an all-purpose liquid fertilizer in the spring when they start growing again.
Snake Plant
Despite their spiky leaves, snake plants (Sansevieria) are surprisingly gentle and graceful. 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 clean, absorbing carbon dioxide and toxic substances such as formaldehyde and benzene.
They look stunning on a desk or table regardless of whether you pick the Mother-in-law's Tongue that 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 get sun all the day.
In addition to freezing temperatures and over-watering snake plants do not suffer from other issues when kept inside. They grow slowly and don't require being repotted very often, but when they do outgrow their containers, choose a potting soil with the highest percentage of perlite or sand in order to prevent the soil from becoming too saturated.
If you decide to repotte your snake plant remove it from the container it was in using a sharp knife, and then plant it again at the same depth that it was originally planted in. Then fill in the rest of the pot with a draining potter's mix specifically designed for cacti and succulents.
In general, it's always recommended to keep your snake plant away from small pets and children, since the foliage can be toxic in the event of eating. The saponins are potent enough to cause nausea and vomiting in both humans and animals. Wear gloves whenever handling the plant, and take the berries from the stems.
Succulents & Cacti
Cacti and succulents are fascinating plants that can bring character to any room. They are adapted to conserve water in dry (xeric) environments and many of them have fascinating or even grotesque shapes along with colorful flowers. tall house plants makes them appealing to a broad range of plant enthusiasts.
Cacti and succulents are great companion plants, whether they are grown in warm climates outdoors or as houseplants. They are often arranged in low bowls to create gardens. They can be planted in windows with sunny light. Be aware that the majority of these plants do best with a high exposure to sunlight and at least six hours of bright light per day.
The prickly-pear Cactus, also called the agave is a well-loved houseplant. It can be used for landscaping as well. Other varieties include agave, echeveria and mammillaria. These plants multiply by creating clusters around the mother plant that produce small baby cacti, earning them the nickname "hens and chicks".
Some people use the term "cactus" as an umbrella term for all succulents. However, the word cactus actually refers to a specific family of plants belonging to the genus Cactaceae. Cacti are only one of 60 families of succulents around the world.
They should be kept in a container with drainage holes, just like all succulents and cacti. They don't like soil that is constantly moist. They can rot or develop a misshapen growth if the conditions are poor. Cacti and succulents require less care than other houseplants. They are a great indoor plant and can be moved to the outdoors during the summer months, but only in a protected location because of intense sunlight levels that can cause burns to their leaves and stems.
Monstera
Monstera Deliciciosa, also known as Swiss Cheese Plant is one of the most sought-after houseplants today. It is an evergreen vine with wide, fenestrated green leaves with holes and splits that grow on extending aerial roots. It is a great option for indoors due to its tolerance to bright light and its low moisture.
Monstera plants thrive in warmer climates. In winter, however they should be brought indoors when temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Monsteras will not thrive in areas below this threshold. If you decide to bring them indoors, make sure to look for pests in the area before moving the plants. Wipe down low maintenance house plants and leaves, look at soil, and repot if required.
Indoors, Monstera deliciosa likes bright to medium indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause burns to leaves and harm the overall health of the plant. Avoid placing your plant next to vents for air conditioning or heating because they could dry out the leaves. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy by watering it frequently. It is recommended to use filtered or bottle water, particularly if you have hard water in your home. A humidifier can help increase the humidity in your home.
Once replanted, consider adding a stake or trellis in the pot so your plant can climb once it has established itself. This is a great way to add height to your space and can also draw positive energy from the ceiling down into the spaces below. In feng-shui, the Monstera is associated with respecting elderly people and honored individuals. It is believed to bring luck, luck and prosperity to those who take care to keep it healthy. In Chinese tradition, it represents longevity.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
The fiddle leaf is one of the most popular plants on the market. Its unique shape, elongated form and beautiful leaves make it a stunning feature for any home. It's important to know that this plant requires more attention and care than other plants. This tropical beauty originates from the rainforest, which means it requires bright sunlight and a high level of humidity to flourish.
When watering, be sure not to overwater your FLF since this can lead to root rot as well as other problems. Instead, water your plant about every week or every 10 days. When you water your fiddle leaf plant ensure that you soak the soil to where it drips. Then drain the excess moisture.
The plant is also sensitive to cold temperatures and could be damaged by drafts. To prevent this from happening, try placing your ficus in an area of your home that is warm or is protected from drafts. Also, misting the leaves of your fig using a spray bottle every day will ensure that they are hydrated and keep the leaves looking fresh.
In general the case of figs with fiddle leaves, they will be able to tell you when it's ready to drink water. "The best way to check whether your plant is thirsty is by poking your finger into the soil," Mast says. If you feel moisture halfway up your knuckle, your fig will be fine. If the soil is dry to the point of contact, it's time to water it.