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 house plants. They are a fan of indirect light that is bright to medium and mist or humidity.
A NASA study revealed that snake plants (Sansevieriatrifasciata), or mother-in-laws tongue, eliminated toxic substances over time from indoor air. They look attractive and are easy to take care of.
1. English Ivy
Ivy plants, Hedera helix, are a beautiful indoor houseplant. Their twisted tendrils spill out from flower pots and hanging containers. They're also frequently trained on trellis frames or wire topiary shapes into more formal and playful forms. There are many cultivars of hedera-helix that have leaves of different shapes and colours. While English Ivy might be the most common type however, there are other varieties. There are many varieties, including "Culy Locks which is which is a vigorous cultivar with green leaves that twist, and curl. 'Gold Baby,' which is smaller than other varieties, 'Glacier,' which can handle lower light conditions, and 'Shamrock,' a glossy green variety that appears like ivy that grows outdoors.
Ivies require medium to bright indirect lighting when growing indoors. They do not like low light and prefer brighter lights. Ivy that is variegated is more likely to thrive in medium light than in high light. Make sure to water your ivy frequently enough to keep the soil damp but not saturated, and be sure that the plant is exposed to bright light for a few hours each day.
As a houseplant, ivy can help improve air quality in your home. Ivy is an excellent natural humidifier and it can absorb toxic substances in the air, such as volatile organic compounds and particulates. There are ivies that are employed in schools, hospitals, and office buildings to help reduce respiratory problems.
Some people don't consider ivy to be an air purifier since it contains some harmful components. If you don't wish to take the risk then you can experiment with other ivy-like plants like philodendron and pothos.
While ivy does well as an indoor plant it can still suffer from common indoor pests and diseases. The most common pests are aphids as well as spider mites, both of which can be treated with a strong insecticide. Leaf spot is caused by oomycetes from the Phytophthora genus and can cause ivy leaves to brown or to wilt. If you notice spots on your ivy, treat it with copper fungicide.
Root rot can also be seen in indoor ivy. This problem is more common in greenhouses and outside, but can also occur in homes. The roots of plants will develop black spots and eventually die. If you see any indications of root decay, provide the plant less moisture and keep the soil as dry as possible between waterings.
2. Snake Plant
Sansevieria - also known as snake plant as they're sometimes called - is one of the most popular and versatile indoor plants around. These robust, tolerant houseplants have sword-like leaves that add interest and depth to interior designs. They are also incredibly simple to take care of. In fact, you will have to try hard to kill a plant! This makes them perfect for people who are new to gardening or are having trouble keeping other houseplants alive.
Snake plants need bright indirect lighting to flourish. They have a unique survival system which allows them to adapt even to low light conditions. Sansevieria can withstand more fluctuations in light than other houseplants. You can put them in a place that gets some direct sunlight during the daytime. But, you should avoid the harsh afternoon sun which could scorch other plants.
Snake plants are more resilient of droughts since they can hold on to water. It is also resistant to a variety of household pests and illnesses including spider mites.
Another advantage of snake plant is its ability to purify the air. It can help reduce allergies by capturing dust and pollen. It can also improve a room's acoustics by absorption of the sound.
If you have a snake plant that begins to turn brown or has mushy roots, it could be suffering from root rot. If tall house plants suspect root rot and you suspect dead roots, take out the dead roots and leaves and repot your plant with fresh pot soil. This will help to revive your beloved houseplant and restore it to its original health.
Snake plants are also said to bring positive energy into your home. They are believed to fight bad spirits such as jealousy and resentment. It is also believed that they aid in maintaining the blood pressure of a healthy person as well as heal wounds and burns alleviate headaches, and eliminate parasites. Many people believe that these claims are true however they are not backed up by scientific evidence.
3. Philodendron
Philodendrons are a wonderful indoor plant to add color and life. They are easy to care for and are a great source of oxygen. They are also a very fast growing plant and can quickly benefit from proper care by releasing new growth and leaves. They also function as a natural air purifier. The large, porous leaves aid to eliminate harmful chemicals like formaldehyde out of the air.
They can be planted as a houseplant by planting seeds in a well-draining soil mix and then putting them in warm, indirect light. After six weeks, seeds will begin to germinate and grow roots. It is a good idea at this moment to spray the soil with water to keep it damp. When the seedlings have grown enough to be able to move them into a larger container, they should be placed in a direct light that is bright and regularly fed with fertilizer in liquid form.
It is important to note that every philodendron species has its own unique requirements. Certain philodendrons require high humidity, while others can withstand low lighting conditions. In general, philodendrons thrive in moderate to bright indirect sunlight during the daytime. They need to be watered on a regular basis and are easily spotted when they need to be watered by the appearance of wilting leaves.
A fun fact about Philodendrons is that they produce edible fruit. They are typically harvested from the rainforest by tribes of indigenous people who use them to formulate herbal remedies. The fruit can be consumed raw or cooked, depending on your preferences.
If you are interested in getting a philodendron as an indoor plant, it is recommended to select the heart-leaf variety, which is the best option for low light conditions. However there are other varieties of philodendron is an excellent option as long as they are slowly exposed to brighter conditions so that their leaves do not burn. Having an indoor plant that helps to improve 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 referred to as Tillandsias, are epiphytes that are naturally growing on trees. They're becoming popular in homes because of their aesthetic appeal and ease of maintenance. These interesting plants don't require soil to grow, so they can be cultivated in creative ways. They come in various shapes and sizes. Some have flat, spiky, strap-like leaves, while others have blooms that are red, pink or purple.
Air plants, like all plants, require water to live. In the wild, they receive this moisture from the regular rains and humid conditions of their natural habitat. However, without soil and dry indoor conditions, sustaining constant moisture can be difficult for most air plants. Spraying your air plant with a mister every two or three times per week is the best way to ensure it is watered. This will prevent the leaves from becoming damp, which can cause fungal infections or rot. Alternately, you could dunk your air plant in a container of water at room temperature. Some people recommend that you soak it for an hour or more to ensure the plant is saturated with enough water.
The best place to grow an air plant is in a sunny area that can receive indirect light. Be aware that some species of air plants prefer shaded or dappled lighting over full sun. If your air plant is exposed to direct sun, you should protect the leaves with glass or a piece of fabric.
Most air plant issues result from poor humidity or watering. Dehydration can cause your plant to become brittle or dull. It may be suffering from rot if the plant is soft or has dark spots on its base. If you see small twigs coming out of the bottom, it is probably the time to plant.
Having houseplants in your home can help you feel more comfortable and relaxed. Research has shown that plants lower cortisol levels, and can aid you in sleeping better at night. Plants can boost your creativity.