5 Laws Everyone Working In House Plant Should Know

Easy potted house plants plants for front of house

A slim monstera with glossy leaves and contemporary pot makes a striking addition to an area. It’s undemanding and happy to be rooted, reducing the need for the need to repot.

Plants that are matched to lighting conditions is crucial. Avoid houseplants with drooping foliage, soggy soil or mushy roots as they may be too damaged to save and be a breeding ground for diseases.

Pothos

Pothos is also called Devil’s Ivy or Rapunzel plant, is one of the easiest to care for foliage plants. It thrives in low to bright indirect light and is perfect to fill in dark spots in rooms. It is tolerant of all conditions, and even direct sunlight, as long as it is not prolonged. However, if it gets too much sunlight, it could be swollen and lose its variegation.

Pothos is easy to propagate by cutting the stem tips. Simply cut the length of the vine and remove three or two leaves, cutting it down to 2″-3″. Place it in a container with water. It will begin to develop roots quickly. Remember to change out the water on a regular basis, usually every other week. It will root in either water or potting soil. Once the root system is established (usually within 4 weeks) it is possible to transfer it to a pot that has regular potting soil for houseplants.

Pothos as with all houseplants, requires a an all-purpose fertilizer to ensure its health. However, it does not require fertilization as frequently as most other houseplants. A feeding every month during spring and summer months should suffice.

As with most plants, it’s essential to avoid placing Pothos Pothos in drafty areas or near a radiator as it can cause its leaves to turn brown and shrink. If this happens, place it in a brighter part of the house and then fertilize it again as usual.

The leaves of a Pothos will tell you whether it needs watering. If the edges of the leaf are brown and dry, it’s time to give it a drink. If the leaves begin to lose their shape then it’s time to water them.

Epipremnum (Pothos) is a variety of heart-shaped leaves in green, white or yellow, is available. Popular varieties include ‘Marble Queen with striking white and green variegation and ‘Neon with green leaves that have red and yellow markings.

The lifespan of a Pothos is about five to 10 years, but providing it the right environmental conditions and regular maintenance, it can prolong its life significantly. It is also easy to propagate making it a perfect option for those who are just starting out.

Monstera

Monstera deliciosa is also known as the Swiss cheese plant or split-leaf Philodendron. It is a common houseplant indoor houseplant found in temperate climates. It can be grown outdoors in warmer climates and is a popular landscape plant. It is a moderately greedy plant, requiring only to be watered every now and then to keep the soil moist.

A part of the Dracaena genus Monstera is named for its unusual-looking leaves with a strange web of holes, giving it the appearance like Swiss cheese. The fenestrations (also called holes or lobes) appear on the leaves when they grow. Monstera deliciosa plants produce fruit in the wild, however it’s difficult to get the plant to bear fruit under average indoor home conditions.

Contrary to the majority of succulents Monsteras are not able to thrive in cold temperatures and will not survive when left out for more than an hour. They prefer tropical temperatures that are similar to their native rainforest habitats. This makes them a great option for a conservatory or another spot in the sun that’s cool enough to avoid frost and freezing.

Monsteras are vine plants that use aerial roots to ascend through the soil. In the wild, they often attach themselves to rocks or trees after growing along the forest floor for a few years. This natural behavior is why many gardeners add a tree or moss pole to their pots as the plant expands.

The moss rod made from chicken wire or sphagnum with long-strands will support the plants and let them climb up instead of escaping from their pots. The pole can also help deter pests such as sap-sucking aphids, mealybugs and tiny cigar-shaped thrips which can harm the leaves of the plant.

Repot the plant frequently and provide it with plenty of indirect bright sunlight. It is tolerant of some direct sunlight, but should not be exposed to intense sunlight from dawn to dusk. If a monstera is exposed to sunlight for prolonged periods can develop burnt leaves and may even die.

ZZ Plant

Zamioculcas zamiifolia, better known as the ZZ plant, made a big splash when it first hit the market and is considered to be one of the easiest house plants to maintain. It’s a great choice for darker spots in the house that other plants can’t thrive in, since it can thrive in any lighting conditions other than direct sunlight. ZZ plants can grow quite tall – up to a metre or more – which is why they’re ideal for larger pots and stand-up plants.

The ZZ plant is poisonous and should not be eaten by pets or children. It can also cause irritation to the skin, so be sure to wear gloves when handling it. It is rumored to cause cancer, but this has not been proven.

Like all succulents, ZZ plants are relatively easy to care for. They do not require a lot of moisture, but they should be well-watered and the soil should dry between waterings. Overwatering can cause root rot so it is best to err on the side of not needing one inch.

The best potting mix for them is a hefty well-draining, well-drained mix that has perlite or sand added to increase drainage. The plant isn’t quick to grow and can be left in the same pot for years. However, they will need to be replanted when they begin to poke their way through the soil.

Fertilize your plants throughout the growing season using an organic liquid fertilizer that is half strength. It is usually every other month, or once or twice during the warmer months.

Check for Aphids As you would with any other indoor plant. Check for spindly stems that are leggy and long and spots or yellow patterns on the leaves (see the image above). The leaves are also prone to rot and mold, so don’t ignore these signs and let them get out of hand.

They need a little humidity, but they are good at all temperatures. Misting the leaves regularly will keep them dust free, not only for aesthetic reasons but to help them function as air-purifying plants.

Kentia Palm

A stunning and easy-to-maintain tree, the kentia palm (Howea forsteriana) has been in vogue since the Victorian period and was a popular house plant for many royal and aristocratic families. This is because of its ability to thrive in harsh conditions, such as the lack of sunlight exposure, air conditioning and central heating. It’s also tolerant of neglect, which makes it an ideal choice for houseplants beginners.

Kentias like bright, indirect light and can tolerate some shade, but it’s best to keep them from direct sunlight as this could cause scorching of the leaves. They also don’t like draughty places so don’t place them near windows that are frequently opened and closed.

The kentia needs soil that is rich in nutrients and drains well. To achieve this, a mix of perlite, peat moss and pot soil can be used to create a planter’s medium. Plant your kentia plant in a pot that has drainage holes. Water thoroughly every time the top ten centimetres of compost are dry. It’s important to avoid overwatering the plant, as this could cause root rot. It’s also recommended to allow the soil to dry slightly before watering it again.

You can trim the fronds of your kentia palm to maintain its shape, and also remove dead leaves when they appear. Pruning should be done with caution as too many fronds cut can damage the trunk and open the plant to infection. If you choose to prune using shears, make sure you use ones with a an even cutting surface. Also, remove the leaf bases from their bases instead of removing them. This could leave permanent scars.

A kentia can be susceptible to insects such as mealybugs, spider mites and scale insects. Regularly dusting the fronds with a sponge or cloth can help prevent this problem. If they do, you can try spraying the plant with insecticidal soap, or neem oil.