Five Types of Inside House Plants
If you're an indoor gardener or just want to bring some greenery into your home, there are plants that make great house plants. They like medium to bright indirect light and mist or humidity.
Snake plants (Sansevieria trifasciata) is also known as mother-in-law's tongue, were included in a NASA study that revealed they eliminated pollutants from indoor air over time. They are attractive, and easy to care for.
1. English Ivy
Ivy plants, Hedera helix, are a beautiful indoor houseplant. Their twisted tendrils spill out of flower pots and hanging containers. They can also be trained on trellis frames and wire topiary forms to create whimsical and formal designs. There are many cultivars of hedera-helix that have leaves with different shapes and colors. While English Ivy is the most common type however, there are other varieties. There are many varieties, including 'Culy Locks which is an extremely vigorous grower with leaves that are green, and twist, and curl. 'Gold Baby,' smaller than other varieties, 'Glacier, which can withstand lower light conditions, and 'Shamrock, with its glossy green variety that appears like outdoor ivy.
Ivies require moderate to bright indirect lighting when growing indoors. They aren't fond of low light and prefer brighter light. Variegated ivy is more likely to grow in medium light than in high light. Water your ivy often enough to keep the soil damp but not saturated, and be sure that your plant receives bright light for several hours each day.
As house plants, ivy is able to aid in improving the air quality of your home. Ivy is a natural humidifier, and it is able to absorb toxic substances in the air, such as volatile organic compounds and particulates. Ivy is commonly used in hospitals, schools, and office buildings to prevent respiratory issues.
Some people aren't convinced that ivy to purify the air due to its harmful elements. If you don't want to take the risk, you can try other ivy-like plants like philodendron and pothos.
Although ivy can be a good choice as an indoor plant it is still susceptible to common indoor diseases and pests. Aphids and mites are the most prevalent pests. Both can be treated by using a powerful insecticide. Leaf spots are caused by oomycetes of the Phytophthora Genus, which can cause ivy leaves to become brown or to wilt. If you notice spots on your ivy plant, apply a copper fungicide.
Root rot can also occur in indoor Ivy. This problem is more common in greenhouses and outdoors however it can also happen in homes. The roots of the plants develop black spots and can eventually die. If you observe any signs of root decay, provide the plant less water and keep the soil as dry as possible between waterings.
2. Snake Plant
Sansevieria, or snake plant, as it is often referred to, is one of the most versatile and popular indoor plants. These robust, tolerant houseplants feature sword-shaped leaves that add interest and depth to interior designs. They are also incredibly easy to take care of. In fact, you won't need to work to kill a snake plant! This makes them ideal for people who are new to the world of plant care or have trouble keeping other houseplants alive.
Like most houseplants, snake plants require plenty of bright indirect light to thrive. They have a unique survival package that allows them to adjust to low light conditions. Sansevieria can withstand light fluctuations better than other houseplants. You can place them in an area which receives a bit of direct sunlight during the daytime. But, you should avoid the scorching afternoon sun that may scorch other plants.
Snake plants are more tolerant of droughts since they can hold on to water. Additionally, it is resistant to many common household pests and diseases, like spider mites.
Another benefit of snake plants is its ability to purify air. It reduces allergies by trapping pollen and dust. It can even improve the acoustics in a room by blocking out noise.
If your snake plant begins to brown or has mushy root systems it may be suffering from root decay. If you suspect this, trim away any dead leaves or roots and then repot the plant using fresh potting mix. This will help revive your beloved houseplant and restore it to its original health.
Snake plants are also said to attract positive energy to your home. They are believed to help combat negative spirits like anger and jealousy. It is also believed that they aid in maintaining an ideal blood pressure and heal wounds and burns, relieve headaches and flush out parasites. Many people believe these claims to be true despite the fact that they aren't supported by scientific proof.
3. Philodendron
Philodendrons are a wonderful plant for those looking to grow an indoor plant that will add color and life to their room. They are easy to maintain and provide plenty of oxygen. They are also very fast-growing plants and provide good care with new growth. They can also serve as a natural filter. The large, porous leaves aid to eliminate harmful chemicals like formaldehyde out of the air.
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 begin to germinate and develop roots. It is recommended at this point to spray the soil with water in order to keep it damp. Once the seedlings have grown enough to be able to move them to a larger container they should be placed under the bright indirect light and regularly fed with liquid fertilizer.
It is important to remember that each species of philodendron has its own unique requirements. Some require high humidity, while others can withstand low light conditions. Philodendrons generally thrive in moderate to bright indirect sunlight throughout the day. They need to be watered on a regular basis and easily identified when they require to be watered by the appearance of wilting leaves.
A fun fact about Philodendrons is that they produce edible fruit. They are commonly collected from the rainforest by indigenous tribes who use them to formulate therapeutic remedies. The fruit can be consumed raw or cooked, depending on your preference.
If you are planning to grow an indoor philodendron, it's best to go for the heart-leaf variety. It is a great choice for conditions of low light. Any of the other varieties of philodendron would be ideal, so long you gradually introduce them to more bright lighting conditions to ensure they don't burn their leaves. It's not just pleasing to the eye, but also beneficial to your mental well-being to have a plant in your home that can improve the air quality in your home.
4. Air Plants
Air plants, also referred to as Tillandsias, are epiphytes that grow on trees naturally. They're becoming popular in homes because of their aesthetic appeal and ease of maintenance. These fascinating plants do not require soil to grow. They can be planted in a variety of imaginative ways. They are available in a broad variety of sizes and shapes with spiky, flat leaves, strap-like branches, and flowers in shades of red, pink or purple that could last from just a few days to several months.
Air plants, as with all plants, require water in order to thrive. In the wild, they get this moisture from the regular rains and humid conditions of their native habitat. With no soil and dry indoor conditions, it is difficult to provide consistent moisture for most air plants. Spraying your air plant with a mister two or three times a week is the most effective way to ensure it is watered. This will also help keep the leaves from becoming too wet, which could cause fungal or rot infections. Alternatively, you can also put your air plant in a container of room temperature water. Some recommend soaking it for half an hour or more to ensure the plant is saturated with enough water.
The ideal place to grow air plants is in an area that is bright and get indirect light. Be aware that certain species of air plants prefer shaded or dappled lighting over full sunlight. If low maintenance house plants is located in direct sun, you should protect the leaves by using a piece fabric or glass.
Most air plant issues are caused by improper humidity or watering. If your plant begins to appear dull or brittle, it may be dehydrated. It could be suffering from rot if it's mushy, or has dark spots at its base. If you notice twigs that are small coming out of the bottom it's probably the time to plant.
The presence of plants in your home can help you feel more comfortable and relaxed. Plants can reduce cortisol levels and help you sleep better. The presence of plants around you can also enhance your imagination!