Five Types of Inside House Plants
Whether you're an indoor gardener or simply want to add some greenery to your garden, there are plants that make great houseplants. They like medium to bright indirect lighting and humidity or mists.
Snake plants (Sansevieria trifasciata) is also known as mother-in law's tongue, were included in an NASA study that found they removed toxins from indoor air over time. They are attractive and easy to maintain.
1. English Ivy
Ivy plants, Hedera helix is a stunning indoor houseplant. Their twisted tendrils spill out of flower pots and hanging containers. They are also often placed on trellis frames or wire topiary shapes to create formal and whimsical forms. There are many hedera-helix cultivars with leaves of various shapes and colours. While English Ivy is the most popular, there are others. These include "Culy Locks which is a vigorous cultivar with leaves that curl and twist and curl; 'Gold Baby' which is smaller than most other varieties; 'Glacier', which is able to handle mildly lower light conditions and 'Shamrock', a glossy green variety that appears the most like outdoor ivy in miniature form.
Ivies generally require medium to bright indirect light when grown as a houseplant. They're not as comfortable in low light as they are in brighter light, and variegated ivy tends to prefer medium light instead of high-light. It is important to water your ivy regularly enough to keep the soil damp but not saturated, and be sure the plant gets some bright light for several hours every day.
Ivy is a natural humidity enhancing plant and can improve the air quality in your home. Ivy is a great natural humidifier, and it can also absorb harmful toxins like volatile organic compound and particulates. This is the reason you'll see Ivy in a variety of offices, schools, and hospitals buildings, where they are used to reduce respiratory problems.
However, some people don't believe in ivy as an air purifier due to the fact that it is a source of harmful elements. If you don't want take the risk, consider other less aggressive ivy substitutes such as pothos or philodendron.
Although ivy can be a good choice as an indoor plant it is still susceptible to common indoor pests and diseases. Aphids and mites are among the most common pests. Both can be treated by using a powerful insecticide. Leaf spots are caused by oomycetes of the Phytophthora Genus that can cause ivy leaves to brown or to wilt. If you notice spots on your ivy plants, use a copper-based fungicide.
Indoor ivy may also develop root rot. This problem is most common in greenhouses and outdoors however, it can also occur in homes as well. The roots of the plants develop black spots and can eventually die. If you notice any signs of root decay, provide the plant less water and keep the soil as dry as you can between waterings.
2. Snake Plant
Sansevieria, or snake plant as they are sometimes called - is among the most well-known and adaptable indoor plants. These robust, tough and tolerant houseplants have sword-shaped leaves that add interest and depth to interior design. They are also very easy to maintain. In fact, you will have to try hard to kill a snake plant! This makes them ideal for those who are brand new to plant parenting or are having trouble keeping other houseplants alive.
Snake plants require bright indirect lighting to thrive. However, they have an exclusive survival mechanism that allows them to adjust to low light conditions. Sansevieria can also handle fluctuating light exposure better than most other houseplants. It is possible to place them in a place that receives some direct sunlight throughout the day. But, potted house plants should avoid the harsh afternoon sun which can scorch other plants.
Snake plants are more resilient of droughts because they can hold water. It is also resistant to many household pests and diseases including spider mites.
The ability of the snake plant to purify air is another benefit. It can help reduce allergies by trapping pollen and dust. It can enhance the acoustics of a room by taking in sound.
If your snake plant starts to turn brown, or has mushy roots, it could be suffering from root decay. If you suspect that your plant is suffering from root rot and you suspect dead roots, take out the dead leaves and roots and plant it in fresh pots and soil. This will help to revive your beloved houseplant and bring it back to its original health.
In addition, snake plants are said to attract positive energies to the home. good house plants are said to combat bad spirits such as jealousy and resentment. They are also believed to help maintain a normal blood pressure as well as heal burns and wounds and relieve headaches. They also eliminate parasites. Many people believe these claims to be true despite the fact that they are not supported by scientific proof.
3. Philodendron
Philodendrons are a wonderful indoor plant to add color and life. They are easy to maintain and provide plenty of oxygen. potted house plants are also a very rapid growing plant that can quickly reward proper care with new growth and leaves. They can also serve as a natural air purifier. The large, porous leaves help remove harmful chemicals from the air such as formaldehyde.
They can be planted as a houseplant by placing seeds in a well-drained soil mix and putting them in indirect, warm light. After six weeks, seeds will begin to germinate and grow roots. It is recommended at this time to spray the soil with water in order to keep it damp. Once best houseplants are able to move into a larger container and be placed in a bright indirect light and regularly fed with liquid fertilizer.
Each Philodendron has its own set of requirements. Certain species require high humidity while others can tolerate low light conditions. In general, philodendrons thrive in medium to bright indirect sunlight during the day. They should be watered on an ongoing basis and are easily told when they need to be watered through the appearance of wilting leaves.
A fun fact about Philodendrons: they produce edible fruit. Indigenous tribes often collect these from the forest to use as medicines. The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked, depending on your preference.
If you're interested in getting a philodendron as an indoor plant, it is recommended to go with the heart-leaf variety. This is the most suitable choice for those with low light conditions. Any of the other varieties of philodendron would be a great choice, as long you gradually introduce them to brighter lighting conditions so that they don't cause burns to their leaves. A plant in your home that helps to improve the quality of your indoor air is not only attractive visually, but it also offers significant mental health benefits too.
4. Air Plants
Air plants (also called Tillandsias) are epiphytes that grow on trees in the wild, however they're having a moment as a houseplant due to their stunning sculptural beauty as well as ease of care. These intriguing plants don't need soil to grow, so they can be planted in creative ways. They come in a wide range of sizes and shapes that include flat, spiky leaves, strap-like branches and blooms in shades of red, pink, or purple that can last from just a few days to several months.
Like all plants, air plants need water to live. In the wild, they obtain the moisture they need from frequent rains and humid conditions in their native habitat. Without soil and dry indoor conditions, it can be difficult to maintain consistent water for most air plants. The best method to water an air plant is to spray it with a mister twice or three times a week. This will also stop the leaves from becoming damp, which can cause fungal or rot-related infections. Alternately, you could submerge your air plant in a bowl of water at room temperature. Some recommend the plant to be soaked for half an hour or more to ensure the plant is completely soaked in enough water.
The best spot to grow an air plant is in a bright area that can receive indirect light. However, be aware that certain air plants prefer shady or dappled sunlight instead of full sun. If your plant is exposed to direct sunlight, it's crucial to protect the leaves with a piece of fabric or glass.
Most air plant problems stem from improper irrigation or humidity conditions. Dehydration can cause your plant to become dry or dull. If it's soft or has dark spots on the base, it could be suffering from rot. If you see small twigs coming out of the bottom it's likely time to replant.
Having houseplants in your home can make you feel more relaxed and at ease. Research has shown that plants lower cortisol levels, and can help you sleep better at night. Having plants near you can even enhance your imagination!