I have been wanting to do a segment on indoor houseplants, so it seemed to be a good time to do so. While waiting for my outdoor plants to come to life here in the northeast I have been paying a little extra attention to my indoor plants in anticipation of the grander scheme outside. Let's discuss some of the indoor plants that I have found to supply great pleasure at a low a maintenance cost.
A colorful versatile plant in the philodendron family is Golden Philodendron or Philodendron 'Brasil'. It displays variegated heart-shaped leaves and is a climber that is happy as either a stand-alone piece or mixed with other plants. Philodendron 'Brasil' prefers bright-diffused indirect light and moderately moist soil with good drainage. It is for the most part carefree and is a nice addition to the indoor garden.
The next candidate is Clivia minata. This beauty originates from South Africa and is known as "bush lily". Its elongated dark green foliage alone makes it an attractive houseplant and in spring and fall the plant produces beautiful yellow-orange flowers that last for several weeks. Clivia prefers low to medium light and well-drained soil. Allow drying out in between watering and water weekly during the growing months and less in winter. Fertilize when blooms are produced. This plant prefers to be root bound.
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonemas) is a tropical evergreen known for its variegated green and white foliage and easy maintenance. It prefers to be grown in low light in a moist, well-drained soil. Aglaonemas produce white flowers occasionally in spring and summer that are better to be cut off because they do drain energy from the plant. Chinese’s Evergreen is carefree and makes a nice house-warming gift for a low light area.
The next beauty is Croton, a multi-colored foliage plant for higher light areas. Croton is native to Southeast Asia and was once only grown outdoors. They have increased in popularity indoors because of their beautiful orange-green-yellow foliage. Croton grows best in a southwestern window in a moderately moist soil with high humidity. When kept in higher light these beauties will put on a show of color!
Another favorite indoor plant is Spathiphyllum or Peace Lily. Spathiphyllum prefers to be grown in a moderately moist-well drained soil in diffused sunlight preferably in a northern or eastern window. Peace Lily are easy to grow, have elongated glossy dark green foliage and frequently display their lovely white flowers that are formed from the leaf stalk of the plant. Spathiphyllum can be grown as a stand-alone piece or can be combined with other low light plants to make a lovely display.
Another plant in the Philodendron family is Philodendron 'Xanadu'. 'Xanadu' is a compact grower displaying medium-large finger-like leaves in the form of a full clumping plant. Philodendron 'Xanadu' prefers to be root bound and grown in bright indirect light in a moist well-drained soil. When leaves yellow, simply pull them out by the stalk and new shoots and leaves will unfold to keep the plant full and attractive. Thumbs up for this one for it is low maintenance!
Another very low maintenance plant is Snake Plant or Mother-in-Law's Tongue. This easy to grow plant is very versatile, can be grown in low light to full light conditions in a slightly moist, well-drained soil. This plant is about as low maintenance as you can get and has been a popular houseplant favorite for years. Under the right conditions it will last for many years.
Jade Plant (Crassula argentea) is a popular succulent plant that displays small pink-white flowers if grown in a southern window. Jade prefers to be grown in bright direct light as in a southern or western window. Crassula argentea does not require much water and should only be watered when dry to the touch. When cared for properly this showpiece will last for many years and become a valued family member!
Here is the newest addition to my houseplant family. It is Zamioculcas Zamiifolia (nicknamed ZZ plant). It thrives in nearly any lighting condition except darkness. I have mine in indirect sun and it is doing just great. As far as watering is concerned, Zamioculcas Zamiifolia is a tuber plant that stores its water intake. It is best to let its soil completely dry out and then water thoroughly. Zamioculcas Zamiifolia does not require much feeding. Feed four times a year with a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength.
There are a huge variety of houseplants to light up your home every day of the year. These are just a few that can bring some enjoyment to your indoor garden!
As Always..Happy Gardening!
Another favorite indoor plant is Spathiphyllum or Peace Lily. Spathiphyllum prefers to be grown in a moderately moist-well drained soil in diffused sunlight preferably in a northern or eastern window. Peace Lily are easy to grow, have elongated glossy dark green foliage and frequently display their lovely white flowers that are formed from the leaf stalk of the plant. Spathiphyllum can be grown as a stand-alone piece or can be combined with other low light plants to make a lovely display.
At home I have a lot of pots with flowers. My favorites are clivia minata and Spathiphyllum. Unfortunately, this winter had lost two flowers: fern and ivy. Pots of flowers or waiting for spring, do not like dry air wogrzewanych homes. Yours
ReplyDeleteHi Giga. Thank you for visiting and following. Clivia minata is one of my favorites too. When it blooms it is so beautiful. The dry heat does kill ferns.I have tried several times and they always have a hard time making it through the winter. Spider plant is a nice alternative. Happy spring...almost!
ReplyDeleteNice article
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