Five Types of Inside House Plants
If you're an indoor gardener or need to add some greenery to your garden, there are plants that can make excellent houseplants. They prefer moderate to bright indirect lighting and humidity or mists.
A NASA study found that snake plants (Sansevieriatrifasciata) also known as mother-in-law's tongue, removed toxins over time from indoor air. They are decorative and easy to take care of.
1. English Ivy
Ivy plants, such as Hedera helix is a stunning indoor houseplant. Their twisted tendrils spill out from flower pots and hanging containers. They are also often trained on trellis frames or wire topiary shapes to create formal and whimsical forms. There are many hedera-helix cultivars that have leaves of different shapes and colours. While English Ivy is the most common type but there are many other varieties. There are a variety of varieties, including 'Culy Locks which is an extremely vigorous grower, with green leaves that twist, and curl. Gold Baby, is smaller than the other varieties, 'Glacier, which can withstand low light conditions, and 'Shamrock, which is a glossy, green variety that looks like ivy in the wild.
Ivies need medium to bright indirect lighting when they are grown indoors. They're not as happy in dim lighting as they are in brighter light and variegated Ivy tends to prefer light over high light. Make sure to water your ivy frequently enough to keep the soil moist but not saturated, and be sure that your plant receives bright light for a few hours every day.
Ivy is a naturally humidifier and can improve the air quality of your home. Ivy is an excellent natural humidifier and it is able to absorb toxic substances in the air, like volatile organic compounds and particulates. This is why you'll see ivies in many schools, hospitals and office buildings, where they are used to reduce respiratory problems.
Some people aren't convinced that Ivy to purify air because it contains harmful elements. If you don't want risk it, try other less aggressive ivy substitutes such as philodendron or 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 two of the most frequent pests. Both can be treated using a strong insecticide. indoor house plants , caused by oomycetes in the Phytophthora Genus, is a common problem with ivy that can cause leaves to turn brown or become wilted. If you see spots on your ivy plant, use a copper fungicide.
Root rot can also be seen in indoor ivy. This issue is more prevalent outdoors and in greenhouses however it can happen in homes too. The plant's roots are affected by necrotic black spots and the entire plant may begin to wilt and then die. If you notice any signs of root decay, provide the plant less moisture and keep the soil as dry as is possible between waterings.
2. Snake Plant
Sansevieria, also known as snake plant, as it's sometimes called is among the most adaptable and sought-after indoor plants. These robust, tolerant houseplants have sword-like leaves that add interest and depth to interior design. They are also simple to care for. You'll have to be incredibly hard at killing one! This makes them ideal for the first time plant parents or those who have trouble keeping other houseplants alive.
Snake plants need bright indirect light in order to thrive. However, they possess an unique survival system that allows them to adapt to low light conditions, as well. Sansevieria can withstand more fluctuations in light than other houseplants. It is possible to place them in an area that gets some direct sunlight throughout the day. But, you should avoid the harsh afternoon sun which can scorch other plants.
Because of its ability to hold water, snake plant has a higher tolerance for droughts than most other indoor plants. Additionally it is immune to a variety of common household pests and diseases such as spider mites.
Another advantage of snake plant is its air-purifying abilities. It helps reduce allergies by trapping pollen and dust. It can enhance the acoustics of a room by absorbing sound.
If you have snake plants that begin to turn brown or has mushy roots, it may be suffering from root rot. If you suspect this, remove any dead leaves or roots and then repot the plant using fresh potting mix. This will bring back your beloved houseplant and bring it back to life.
As an added bonus As an added bonus, snake plants are believed to attract positive energy to the home. They are believed to help combat negative emotions like anger and jealousy. They are also believed to help maintain a healthy blood pressure as well as heal burns and wounds and relieve headaches. They also flush out parasites. While not backed by scientific proof, these claims are still believed to be true by many people.
3. Philodendron
Philodendrons are an excellent plant for those looking to grow an indoor plant that can add color and life to their living space. They are easy to care for and can provide a lot of oxygen. They also grow very quickly plants and be rewarded with new growth. They also function as a natural air purifier. The large, porous leaves aid in removing harmful chemical compounds from the air like formaldehyde.
You can grow them as a houseplant when you plant the seeds in a soil mix that drains well and place them in a warm, indirect light. After six weeks the seeds will begin to germinate and begin to develop roots. At common houseplants , it is an ideal time to begin spraying the soil with water to keep it moist. Once the seedlings are ready to move into larger containers and be placed in a bright indirect light and fed on a regular basis with liquid fertilizer.
Each philodendron has its own requirements. Certain philodendrons require high humidity while others can tolerate low lighting conditions. In general, philodendrons do best in indirect light that is medium to bright during the day. They need to be watered on a frequent basis and can be easily identified when they require to be hydrated by the wilting of leaves.
A fun fact about Philodendrons is that they produce edible fruits. Indigenous tribes often gather them from the rainforest to use for medicinal purposes. The fruit is usually consumed raw, but can be cooked to aid digestion.
If you are thinking of purchasing a philodendron for an indoor plant, it is suggested to select the heart-leaf variety, which is the best option for those with low light conditions. However there are other varieties of philodendron is an excellent choice so long as they are slowly moved to brighter lighting to ensure that their leaves do not burn. Having an indoor plant that can help to correct the quality of your indoor air is not only attractive visually, but it also offers significant mental health benefits as well.
4. Air Plants
Air plants, also known as Tillandsias are epiphytes that grow on trees naturally. They're becoming popular in homes due to their attractiveness and ease of maintenance. These beautiful plants don't require soil to develop. They can be planted in a variety ways. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some have flat, spiky, strap-like leaves. Others have blooms which are pink, red or purple.
Air plants, like all plants, need water to live. In the wild, they get this moisture from the regular rains and humid conditions that occur in their native habitat. However, without soil and drier indoor conditions, providing constant water can be a challenge for most air plants. Spraying your air plant with a mister twice or three times a week is the best method to water it. This also helps to prevent the leaves from getting too wet, which can cause fungal or rot infections. You can also dip your air plant into an aquarium filled with water at room temperature. Some people suggest soaking it for half an hour or more to make sure the plant is saturated with enough water.
The ideal place to grow air plants is in a bright area where they can receive indirect sunlight. But, you should be aware that some air plant species prefer shady or dappled sunlight rather than full sun. If your air plant is located in direct sun, you should protect the leaves by using a piece fabric or glass.
Most air plant problems stem from improper watering or humidity conditions. If your plant starts to look dull or brittle, it may be dehydrated. It could be suffering from rot if it's mushy, or has dark spots at the base. If you see twigs of varying sizes appearing out of the soil, it is probably the time to plant.
You can be more relaxed and comfortable with the presence of plants around your home. low light houseplants can lower cortisol and help you sleep better. Plants around you can even increase your creativity!