How Common Houseplant Influenced My Life For The Better

common houseplant Houseplants

Pothos is one of the most popular indoor plants. It thrives in low-light conditions. It is also a durable and beginner-friendly plant.

Water: Keep the soil moist but not soaked and mist often. A distorted leaf could indicate a pest such as mealy bugs or scale; carefully inspect and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Pothos

Pothos is a stunning plant that is available in a variety of styles and colors. The leaves are glossy and smooth and its stems reach up to 10 feet as a vine. It is easy to propagate and makes it an ideal option for tropical a hydroponic system. It doesn’t require much care, so it is perfect for those who don’t have the time to maintain their plants. The plant is able to thrive in all climates, however it will begin to suffer at temperatures that are below 55oF.

The vine can grow as an erect vine or be trained to climb a wall or trellis. It can also be used to cover the ground in an indoor garden. It can also be arranged around furniture, such as an office desk or mantel.

Cuttings can be used to help propagate plants. To do this, you need to cut a healthy looking piece of stem from the plant. It should be between 4-6 inches long and have some leaves attached to it. Be sure to cut it just above a node, which is the place where aerial roots form. After you have your stem, place it in the water in a glass or in a moist rooting mix. The roots should begin to grow within one month. Once they’ve rooted, you can plant them into soil.

To ensure that your plants thrive ensure that you provide them with bright indirect lighting. Direct sunlight can make them dull or brown and also burn their leaves. Pothos is tolerant of low light levels, but it won’t be able to produce the full range of its shades in this situation.

Pothos can reach the height of 1 foot in the wild. However, it is usually kept in smaller sizes at home. Pothos is usually found in jade green. However there are a myriad of cultivars with different leaf variegations. Certain varieties, such as the ‘Golden’ have heart-shaped leaves that are varied in white. Others, like the ‘Marble queen’ as well as a ‘Neon,’ have vibrant yellow-green leaves.

Schefflera

Umbrella plants (scheffleras) have been in high demand for a long time because of their lush, tropical appearance and the ability to thrive in a wide variety of conditions. They come in a wide variety of styles and colors making them an excellent option for your office or home. They require only a little maintenance, but if don’t follow the directions there could be some issues.

Scheffleras should be only watered infrequently to avoid overwatering. This plant thrives in a soil that drains well, so it is essential to allow the soil to dry between waterings. Overwatering may cause root rot and cause the plant will begin losing leaves. Rub the soil gently between your fingertips to check whether it’s moist enough. If the soil feels dry and brittle, you should give it less water.

It’s also essential to keep the schefflera plant trimmed to encourage growth. Without regular pruning the plant could become sagging. The plant’s sap contains calcium oxalate crystals which can irritate the skin which is why it’s recommended to wear gloves when handling it. Pruning encourages branching which can keep the plant from becoming overweight.

The ideal temperature range for a schefflera plant is between 15 and 21, and it should be kept from drafts and air conditioners. The plant can take a little bit of direct sunlight in the morning or evening, but too much will cause the leaves to become scorched.

Another common problem with scheffleras is their tendency to attract pests. These include aphids and spider mites. If you see signs of pests clean the leaves with neem or soapy water.

It is possible to repot your schefflera when it starts to show symptoms or signs of disease. Signs of disease include brown spots and soft roots. If this occurs, you’ll have to repot the plant with lighter, looser soil. Overwatering and poor drainage can cause root rot in the schefflera. Fortunately, this issue is easily solved by avoiding overhead watering and only watering the soil in the evening and if that doesn’t work, try a copper fungicide.

Maranta

Maranta plants are long, low-growing tropical plants with curiously patterned leaves. The leaf pattern varies between species, with some having red fishbone-like veins, silvery central stripes, and dark or light streaks. The leaves are held at a level with the ground during day and raised into a perpendicular ‘prayer’ position at night, which gives the plant its common name, prayer plant. They are moderately easy to care for, requiring moderate shade high humidity and constantly moist soil.

The most popular of these species is Maranta leuconeura “Tricolor” or herringbone colorful house plants, which have herringbone patterns along its extended leaf. Other varieties of this species include the ‘Silverband’ as well as Green Stripe cultivars each with dark green leaves that have a silver central stripe. Herringbone patterns are also found on the leaves of “Maranta Leuconeura Var. erythroneura, also known as red prayer plant or red nerve plant. Other Maranta variegated varieties include ‘Fascinator Tricolor’ and M. leuconeura var. Both have lighter green leaves in comparison to the herringbone plants that are darker.

Propagation of this house plant is simple and easy, with stem-tip cuttings or head cuttings easily growing in water. To root a Maranta cutting, cut the plant below a node. Dip the stem tip into rooting hormone. Place the cutting in a glass of plain water and then locate a warm, well-lit spot to keep it. Change the water often to help it adjust to growing in soil. Transfer it to the soil once roots start to appear.

Like many tropical plants prayer plants prefer moderate to high levels of humidity for optimal growth. Try misting the plant with water or putting it in a humidifier to maintain the humidity to a high level. Make sure that the soil is well-drained and not soggy to prevent root rot, and use a rich multi-purpose potting mix that provides adequate nutrients. It is crucial to trim your plant regularly, removing dead or yellowed leaves and stems as they appear. This will encourage new growth, and keep the plant healthy. A balanced water-soluble fertiliser can be applied every two to three weeks during the growing period but only once a month if growth is slow.

Hoya

Hoya plants are well-known for their beautiful flowers, which are arranged in rounded clusters that are at the end of the short stems, also known as peduncles. Each tiny flower is an original work of art. They are translucent white or colors ranging from pink to orange. In some species, like Hoya kerrii these flowers grow in clumps on the ends of vines that are up to 13 feet long.

Other Hoya species are more upright and have rosy hues, like the H. carnosa and the elongated leaves of the H. kerrii cultivar ‘Tricolor.’ There are other varieties, such as the Hoya publicalyx with sword-shaped or elongated leaves. The leaves of this variety are dark green with slender, elegantly curved and slightly wrinkled edges and they grow in a variety of ways along thin, draping, tangled vines.

Hoya publicalyx vines can also bear fuchsia flowers in spherical bunches at the tips of their peduncles. The flowers are a creamy white color, with a yellow ring in the middle. They can be very attractive in hanging pots. This variety is easier to grow than other varieties of Hoya and blooms earlier than other Hoya species.

Like all epiphytes, Hoyas require bright but indirect light as well as plenty of humidity. They also need regular watering to prevent the growing medium from drying out. However, Hoyas dislike over-watering, and they should be allowed to dry out in between waterings. This will help prevent the development of rot. Hoyas prefer warmer climates and work best indoors, though they can be grown outdoors in tropical regions.

In the wild they are usually found in the moist forests along riverbanks, where they affix themselves to trees and other plants by means of long tendrils. Stem cuttings root easily in water or on a slightly moist growing medium. Hoyas are also able to be created from seeds. The seeds germinate fairly quickly, and they develop faster than seedlings that are derived from cuttings. Hoyas do not harm children or pets and are a good choice for households with animals or children.