10 Things Everybody Hates About Common Houseplants

· 6 min read
10 Things Everybody Hates About Common Houseplants

Common Houseplants For Warm Climates

Many plants that thrive outdoors can be planted indoors. A variety of palms, including the sturdily tolerant parlour palm and the elegant paradise palm, thrive indoors.

Pothos and certain types (such as the Crotons with variegated colors) are easy to cultivate and feature attractive foliage. Orchids need bright light and constant watering. However you should let the soil dry between waterings.

Aroids

The aroids are a large family that includes many of the most popular plants that we have in our homes today. They are monocotyledonous. Many species are appreciated for their foliage rather than their flowers. They come in a broad range of sizes, shapes and growth habits and are available in a wide range of colors as well. These include monstera, philodendrons anthuriums, and colocasia.

They thrive in indirect light that is moderate to bright. They can tolerate lower lighting conditions, like a window facing towards the north (just make sure that the sun isn't directly shining on the leaves).

The majority of these plants thrive in humid, warm climates. Place them in a container with a well-drained soil and a potting mix with good aeration. Aroids can be susceptible to overwatering, so check the top two inches of soil regularly. They may wilt, droop or develop dark brown, mushy spots if they are overwatered.

Bromeliads

Bromeliad plants have a distinct feature that lets them to store water in their leaves or a cup at the base of the plant. They also release water when needed using trichomes. This makes them among the most drought-resistant houseplants, however, they still benefit from being misted occasionally.

Certain varieties, such as the Guzmania or neoregelia, are cultivated primarily for their colorful leaves, which may include spots, stripes, or bands of color. Some species, like Tillandsia or Vriesea, produce spikes with vibrantly colored flowers.

Certain bromeliads can be grown indoors year-round, while others need to be moved outdoors during warmer months when temperatures are above freezing. At  good house plants , we can see bromeliads in our Hidden Jungle garden. The Genus Guzmania includes a variety of tropical plants, including the pineapple (Ananas comosus) that was introduced to Europe following Columbus' second journey to the New World in 1493.

low maintenance house plants  enjoy bringing the beauty of cacti into their home. These special plants are adapted to desert conditions and a majority have spiny stems. Many also produce flowers and fruits. The spines serve a function - they can deter herbivores from eating the leaves and fruits.

As with other desert-adapted species, Cacti can store water in their roots and stems during dry periods. They can also use their stomata to store carbon dioxide throughout the day and release it during photosynthesis, which produces food for the plant.

Some cacti, such as the prickly pear (Opuntia) and the cholla, are utilized as living fences in Central and South America. Others, such as Lophophora williamsii (cactus peyote), have long been utilized for their hallucinogenic properties.

Ferns

Ferns are among the most common home plants you'll find despite not having flowers and fruit. Despite the absence of flowers and fruit they are very easy to cultivate. The most important factor to success is a well-draining growing medium that mimics the forest floor (rich in organic matter, but with coarse gravel or perlite for proper drainage).

A fern needs to be misted regularly based on its needs. They prefer the humidity in living rooms and family areas, but if the fronds are turning brown or are dropping their leaves is an indication that the humidity is not enough.

The soil should be evenly moist but not too soggy to avoid water logging and root rot. To test the fern's moisture just stick your finger in the soil. It should feel damp, but not wet. Avoid overwatering, because this could cause a yellowing effect on the fronds. Keep it away form the sun and radiators since they can dry out the plant too quickly.


Begonias

Begonias are a great option to add color and life to your indoor spaces, whether you put them in a decorative vase, a macrame basket, or even in a garden. They thrive in indirect, bright light and require a lot of humidity.

Fibrous-rooted bettonias, commonly categorized as bedding plants, are low-maintenance and easy to grow. The 'Dragon Wing' series is the most well-known, featuring blooms in scarlet, pink, yellow and apricot on dark-bronze and green foliage. Try the 'Baby Wings' collection for a smaller version. They grow from 12 to 15 inch tall.

They are sold as floor plants that can grow up to 4' tall and feature beautiful leaves with polka dot patterns on both the front and back. They require regular watering and a monthly feeding with liquid fertilizer. Be sure to check the moisture levels of the soil regularly since they are prone to wilt if the soil is too dried out. The begonias don't have a preference for soil, but they can benefit from a fast draining, light mix, such as African Violet potting soil or one designed specifically for houseplants.

Palms

Palms bring a tropical vibe to the house, and are frequently utilized in indoor gardens. They are easy to care for and can be an attractive focal point in any room. They are hardy but can be killed by cold temperatures. They should be kept in a garage during winter or in a protected area inside the home.

Palm leaves are also called palmate or pinnate, and are shaped as a V. The leaflets are joined together or overlapped for part or all of their length and are joined by a costa, which is a extension of the petiole into leaf blade.

Many species of palms are harvested for their fruits and timber. Palms are planted as shade trees in warm climates and indoor plants for the tropical look. For example the peach palm (Brassica pendula) is grown for its edible fruit and also as an ornamental crop for coffee, while the tagua, also known as ivory palm (Phytelephas aequatorialis) is used to create the vegetable ivory and rattan.

Schefflera

Scheffleras are often referred to as umbrella plants or octopus plant. They are among the most well-known kinds of houseplants. They are simple to grow and don't require a lot or any kind of coddling.

Scheffleras can survive in medium-light however they thrive in indirect, bright light. Exposure to direct sunlight can cause burns to the leaves. Not enough light can cause the plant to become weak and floppy.

Be sure to water often, but be cautious not to overwater. Overwatering may cause root rot. When repotting, make sure to use containers that are only slightly larger than the original pot; an oversized pot will result in too much soil that stays moist for too long.

Keep an eye on pests such as aphids, scale insects and spider mites. If you spot pests they can be removed by pinching them off the plant or use a natural insecticide like Neem. If you notice that your leaves are becoming wilted the leaves, it could be due to a lack of moisture or temperature shock.

Polyscias

Polyscias which is native to the subtropical islands of the Pacific is literally "lots" of shade. This plant perfectly fits that description. Beautifully designed with a twisting trunk and beautiful leaves, it's the perfect houseplant to create peace and tranquility at home.  good house plants  contain medicinal properties and are used as a tonic, diuretic, antitoxin, as well as to treat coughs, fevers and colds. The leaves possess anti-inflammatory properties, antifungal and antibacterial ones. Studies have also shown that they have eight new oleanolic acid saponins (polysciosides) and three well-known ones (polyacetylenes).

Place your Polyscias in an shaded area that does not expose direct sunlight to the leaves, since this could cause them to be burned. Water when the top few inches of soil are dry however, avoid overwatering as this could cause root rot, or even leaf fall. Fertilise your houseplant with a labeled feed every four days in summer months, but cut down to every six weeks in autumn and winter.

Philodendrons

Philodendrons can be grown easily and they are a great option for new and novice gardeners. The classic trailing Philodendron Hederaceum5 is able to adapt to various lighting conditions and can grow rapidly. It can be grown in hanging pots or climb up a tree trellis outdoors in areas with no frost, or spread its heart-shaped foliage across a desk and bedroom window sill inside.

Try the cultivar Congo Rojo, which has leaves that are elliptical with a dark brown-purple shade. The unique color of the plant emphasizes its sculptural appearance and is a great choice for modern spaces with minimalist furniture or decorated in black. Make sure that the philodendrons are located in a bright spot with indirect sunlight. Also, avoid giving them too much water. Overwatering can result in the leaf edges to yellow and cause slowing down growth. Use lukewarm, diluted water to add plant food instead of directly putting the food into the soil. Directly watering the soil can also shock philodendrons and cause them to lose health.