Types of House Plants
With its emerald green leaves flecked with pink and orange, croton is an impressive house plant. It can tolerate low light levels and requires less water than other plants. It is also able to filter formaldehyde from the atmosphere.
Pothos, with slender, heart-shaped leaves, is an easy house plant to grow. It can survive in dim conditions, but it prefers direct sunlight that is bright and frequent watering.
Aroids
Araceae is the name of a family of many common house plants, such as monsteras, pothos and ZZ plants. This group of plants, which were originally swamp-dwellers thrives indoors because they are easy to maintain.
They require a moderate amount of light, warm temperatures and high humidity. During the growth period, they will also require fertilizer. Aroids are admired because of their variety of foliage and ability to take bright and dim lighting. Schiavone says that they flower less frequently than other houseplants but when they do, it's usually spectacular. Aroid flowers are typically identified by spathes (a petal-like structure) that attracts pollinators, and a spadix (which includes the actual flowers or inflorescence). The flowers have a pleasant smell and are heated to increase the amount of volatilization chemicals that attract pollinators.
You might have seen aroids on Instagram as movie backgrounds, or as curtain patterns. These plants are simple to grow and look stylish and this is the reason why so many people have them in their house collection of plants. The tropical aroids, such as Monstera deliciosa (also known as the Swiss cheese plant) are available in a range of sizes, colors, and shapes. This aroid is a favorite because of its Feng-Shui reputation due to its ability to ward off negative energies. It grows quickly and is an excellent option for beginners or those looking to bring some drama to their home decor.
Bromeliads
Bromeliads might look tropical however they are easy to cultivate. This epiphyte or air plant does not require soil. It can be affixed to trees, glued to objects or planted in soil that is shallow. Its vibrant colors and interesting textures make this a popular decorative plant. It is also a low-maintenance plant that is resistant against severe pests.
The bromeliad genus has many species and cultivars suitable as house plants, ranging from spiky, sword-like leaves of Aechmea to the vibrantly colored flowers and bracts of Billbergia and Neoregelia. Some of the most commonly used cultivars include the red-centered, speckled Guinea and the broad-leafed Morado, a pink-centered flower. These plants usually flower in the late summer or fall and their gorgeous bracts last for months.
The majority of bromeliads are epiphytic nature, meaning that they attach on to trees or rocks and draw all the moisture and nutrients from their leaves instead of from the ground. As houseplants, they are usually planted in a potting mix, however some of the more tropical species such as Tillandsia or Guzmani can be attached to logs and moss or nested in coconut shells and don't need any soil in any way.
Bromeliads are one of the most drought-tolerant of all indoor plants, however, they still require regular waterings. Water them every week in warmer weather, and twice every month in cooler temperatures. They can be fertilized regularly by using a potting mix that is well-drained such as palm or orchid potting mix.
Cacti
There are one to two thousand species of cacti, which are among the most rugged and durable of house plants. They can be spiny and squat or tall and lanky columns or even thorny ornamental balls. Many cacti are native to desert environments but they thrive in containers in a variety of conditions. Some bloom infrequently and require special attention to keep them healthy.
They can also catch and reflect light. They might have scales too. Dinosaur Back Plant thorns (Mammillaria Hahniana) can grow up to 36 inches tall.
The Candelabra Cactus's fingers-like pads are covered in spines at regular intervals, creating a distinct shape. This plant is suitable for indoor cultivation and produces white flowers during the summer and spring.
The Fairy Castle Cactus, Morenoa Cristata, has multiple stems that resemble castle spires, or turrets. This cactus grows up to 6 feet (2 meters) in the wild and flowers at night. This cactus requires bright well-filtered sunlight. It should be kept in a place with good circulation and a temperature that is warm. It can be affected by drafts and cause it to shrivel. This cactus must be repotted every year or more frequently when the container becomes too small. This is an excellent plant for beginners because it doesn't require lots of fertilizer or water and the spines can be enough of a deterrent to stop pets and children from eating it.
Ferns
Ferns are easy to cultivate as indoor plants, and they add a tropical look. tall house plants of ferns are shade plants that thrive under tree canopies in nature however, they require a fair amount of light to flourish as indoor plants. Plant ferns in moderate or indirect sunlight, and beware of windows facing either west or south, which can cause them to scorch.
Pinnae are the leaflets of numerous ferns. They are available in a variety of sizes and combinations, making it easy to determine the species. They also have a distinctive vascular structure in which the protoxylem, which is similar to the water-conducting cells in other plants, is limited to the lobes of the xylem. This allows ferns absorb water and nutrients from the air.
The fronds on a lot of ferns are covered with tiny hairs, referred to as trichomes, that protect from many predators. These hairs can be glandular, unicellular or multicellular and secrete toxic fluids, odors and fragrances or create waxy substances to give the fronds a shiny and vibrant color.
Ferns don't need much water, and they can benefit from a little drying out between waterings. Overwatering can cause the fronds to change color, turning yellow or brown and may even cause root rot. If your ferns are drying out too fast, mist them more often or set them on a tray filled with water. If your home is dry, a humidifier may aid.
Succulents
Succulents are among the most sought-after house plants because they thrive in a variety of environments. In nature, they thrive in deserts, seaside cliffs and humid jungles, so they can thrive in all climates of our homes.
There are many different species of succulent and each one is distinctive in appearance and care needs. However, they all share characteristics such as fleshy stems or leaves that are designed to store water smaller roots than other plant types, and a rosette-like arrangement of leaves. They are also more drought-tolerant than other species. However, they may not take direct sunlight.
Aloe vera, a common succulent is well-known. The plant that is commonly used in the home can become quite large and can produce bell-shaped flowers. The snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) is another common succulent can provide an architectural dimension and height to a room. Both plants can be grown from stem or leaves cuttings that have been callused.
The blue glow of the agave is a different succulent that can look attractive in hanging baskets or a wall planter. The brightly colored foliage is a welcome design element in any home and is easy to maintain. It requires filtered sunlight and slightly moist soil, just like other succulents. Avoid overwatering in winter as this can cause rot.
Woody Evergreens
The majority of woody plants that have leaves that are evergreen are either conifers, such as pines and spruces, or deciduous tree or shrubs, such as junipers (Juniperus) and arborvitaes (Arborvitae). The latter two varieties have needle-shaped leaves. Evergreens with woody foliage are covered in a toughened, swollen tissue called bark. It is made up of a substance known as the xylem. It transports water and nutrients through the plant.
Some woody evergreens are a favorite for house plants because they don't require a lot of maintenance. The money tree, Pachira aquatica, is a good example. Its braided stems are topped with a rosette of leathery green and white-striped leaves. This plant is quick-growing and will reach around eight feet in height within a decade or so.
Another low-maintenance option is a dracaena, also known as a dragon tree. Dracaena marginata from Madagascar is a low-maintenance choice. It has twisted stems with rosettes of glossy, narrow leaves. Dracaena Sanderiana, also known as the ribbon plant, has sword-shaped, shiny green leaves that have white stripes.
Other evergreens with woody foliage make excellent houseplants. They include schefflera, which has typical broad-leafed leaves; ficus, also known as banyan tree, whose fronds can be several feet tall and the false castor plant, also known as Philodendron delicium with its lovely heart-shaped leaves that are cut into lobes. All require a large pot and ample indirect sunlight. Evergreens tend to be more durable than deciduous trees, but they can still be damaged by cold temperatures.