4 tips to choose the right indoor plants
Photograph: Shutterstock
Indoor plants can be divided into two categories: foliage plants and flowering plants. Foliage plants are mostly leafy, like the rubber plant, although some do produce flowers. Flowering plants are those that are prized for their blooms, like the African violet, but they also have very attractive leaves. Mario Fernandez, Ferntastica Gardens Ltd, gives us simple tips to choose the right indoor plants.
- Indoor varieties like the philodendron are excellent plants to be hung in baskets. Choose plants that have thick foliage.
- If you are a novice, you can opt for a hardy variety. Plants with large leaves need less care and can be easily dusted.
- It is important to keep the foliage free of dust so that it does not interfere with plants pores.
- If you buy a tropical plant like begonia, keep it in a room that is warm and moist like the bathroom. They thrive on moisture and because of the steam from showers, tropical house plants will get the necessary humidity.
African violet, Saintpaulia species.
Aluminium plant, Pilea cadierei.
Arrowhead vine, Syngonium podophyllum: These leaves are pointed and the veins are clearly defined. After sufficient growth, the leaves begin climbing.
Asparagus ferns, Asparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri' and Asparagus setaceus (formerly plumosus): These durable potted plants with fleshy roots produce fernlike leaves.
Begonias: Angelwing, B. coccinea; Beefsteak, B. xerythrophylla; Iron cross, B. masoniana; Flowering, B. semperflorens; and Painted B. rex varieties. Most plants of this family are suitable for growing in the medium light range. Begonias like high humidity and constantly moist soil. Chinese evergreen, Aglaonema modestum. Dieffenbachia, Dieffenbachia maculata. Dracaena.
Ficus species: (Rubber plant, Ficus elastica varieties; Fiddleleaf fig, Ficus lyrata; and Weeping fig, Ficus benjamina): These large plants are well suited to most home conditions. Little-leaf schefflera, Schefflera arboricola.
Palms: Areca palm, Chrysalidocarpus lutenscens; dwarf date palm, Phoenix roebelenii; Neanthe bella palm, Chamaedorea elegans 'bella'; Bamboo palm, Chamaedorea erumpens; and Kentia palm.
Philodendrons: Heartleaf philodendron, Philodendron oxycardium; Splitleaf philodendron, Philodendron pertusum and other suitable species.
Sansevieria, snake plant, mother-in-law-tongue; Sansevieria trifasciata: This very popular and durable plant and grows well indoors.
Spathiphyllum, peace lily.
Spider plant, airplane plant; Chlorophytum comosum.
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Mario Percivel Fernandez
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