7 Things About Common Houseplants You'll Kick Yourself For Not Knowing

Common Houseplants For Warm Climates

Many plants that thrive outdoors can be grown indoors. Indoors, many palms thrive, such as the robustly tough parlour and the graceful paradise palm.

The popular pothos and certain varieties of philodendrons (like the crotons that have variegated) have attractive foliage and are relatively easy to cultivate. Orchids require bright lighting and steady moisture, but allow the soil to dry little between waterings.

Aroids

The aroids are a large family that includes a lot of the most popular flowers that we see in our homes. They are monocotyledonous and many species are prized for their foliage rather than their flowers. They are available in a variety of shapes sizes, shapes, and habits. They also come in a variety of colors. Monstera, philodendrons and colocasia are among the most well-known of these plants.

The understory plants usually receive the sun's rays in a diffused manner, which is why they thrive in moderate to bright indirect light inside the home. They can tolerate less light conditions, for instance windows that face towards the north (just make sure that the sun doesn't directly shine on the leaves).

Most of these plants thrive in humid, warm climates. Place them in a container that is well-drained and use a potting mix with good aeration. Aroids are susceptible to excessive watering, so be sure to check the top two inches of soil frequently. Overwatering can cause them to droop, wilt, or develop dark brown thick, mushy patches.

Bromeliads

Bromeliad plants possess a unique feature that lets them to store water in their leaves or in a cup at the bottom of the plant. They also release water when they need it using trichomes. This makes them among the most drought-tolerant houseplants however, they still benefit from being misted often.

Certain varieties, like the Guzmania or neoregelia are grown because of their beautiful leaves, which could include stripes, spots, or bands of color. Others, like the Tillandsia and Vriesea species produce blooms that are brightly colored.

Some bromeliads can be used in the indoors all year long, whereas others need to be moved outdoors during the warmer months when temperatures are above freezing. At the Safari Park, we have bromeliads in our Hidden Jungle garden. The genus Guzmania contains a variety of tropical plants, including the pineapple (Ananas Comosus) which was introduced to Europe in 1493 following Columbus' second visit to the New World.

Cacti

Cacti are a popular choice for many to add to their homes. These unique plants are specially adapted for desert conditions and most species have spiney stems. They also produce flowers and fruit. The spines serve a function to deter herbivores from eating the fruits and leaves.

Cacti, along with other desert-adapted plants can store water in the stems and roots of their plants for periods of drought. They also make use of their stomata to store carbon dioxide throughout the day and release it through photosynthesis, which produces food for the plant.

In Central and South America, some cacti such as the cholla and the prickly-pear (Opuntia), are used to create living fences. Others, such as Lophophora williamsii (cactus peyote) are long used for their hallucinogenic properties.

Ferns

Ferns are the most common home plants you'll find, even though they lack flowers or fruit. However, they're easy to cultivate. The most important factor to success is a well-drained growing medium that simulates the forest floor (rich in organic matter, but with coarse gravel or perlite to ensure proper drainage).

The needs of a fern will determine the frequency at which it gets misted. They like the humidity of living spaces and family spaces, but when you notice the fronds turning brown or dropping leaves, it is an indication of low humidity.

The soil needs to be at a constant level of moisture but not too soggy to avoid water logging and root rot. Simply insert your finger into the soil to check for moisture. It should feel moist but not wet. Avoid overwatering as it can cause yellowing of the fronds. Keep it away from direct sunlight since they dry the plant out too fast.

Begonias

If you're displaying them in a decorative container, in a macrame hanging basket or in a garden, begonias provide vibrant color to indoor spaces. They thrive when given indirect, bright light, but require a lot of humidity.

Fibrous-rooted bettonias, commonly categorized as bedding plants, are low-maintenance and easy to cultivate. The 'Dragon Wing' variety is the best-known, with blooms in pink, scarlet and yellow, all on dark-bronze to green foliage. Try the 'Baby Wings' collection for a smaller version. They can grow from 12 to 15 inch tall.

They are sold as floor plants that grow up to 4' tall and feature beautiful leaves with dots of polka dots on both the front and back. They need regular watering, and a regular application of liquid fertilizer. Check the moisture level of the soil frequently since they are prone to wilt when the soil is too dried out. The begonias aren't a fan for soil, but they can benefit from a fast draining light mix, such as African Violet potting soil or one designed specifically for house plants.

Palms

Palms can add an exotic touch to your home. They are frequently used as indoor plants. They require moderate maintenance and can be an eye-catching feature in any room. They are hardy however they could be damaged by cold temperatures, so they should be put in a garage or sheltered in the house during winter.

Palm leaves are called palmate or pinnate and they are usually cross-sectionally V-shaped. The leaflets are joined or overlapping for some or all of their length and are joined by a costa which is a extension of the petiole into the leaf blade.

A variety of palm species are harvested for their fruits and timber. Palms are planted as shade trees in warmer climates and indoor plants for a tropical feel. For example, the peach palm (Brassica pendula) is grown for its edible fruit and also as a plantation crop for coffee, whereas the tagua, also known as ivory palm (Phytelephas aequatorialis) is used to produce the vegetable ivory and rattan.

Schefflera

Scheffleras, commonly known as umbrella plants or octopus plants, are one of the most common types of house plants. They are easy to grow and don't require a lot - or any - coddling.

Scheffleras can survive in medium-light but do best in bright indirect light. Excessive exposure to direct sunlight can burn the leaves. Insufficient light can make the plant weak and floppy.

Regularly watering is essential however, do not overwater. Overwatering can cause root rot. When repotting, use containers that are only slightly larger than the original pot; an oversized pot will result in too much soil that is wet for too long.

Be on the lookout for pests like aphids and exotic spider mites. If pests are detected remove them by pinching them or treat the plants with an insecticide that is natural, such as Neem oil. If you notice that your leaves are wilting the leaves, it could be due to the absence of moisture or a temperature shock.

Polyscias

Polyscias literally means 'lots of shade' and it is exactly what this plant needs it's origins are from subtropical islands in the Pacific. Beautiful plant with a twisting trunk and exotic beautiful leaves, it is the perfect houseplant to create a relaxing atmosphere in your home. The leaves are a source of medicinal benefits and are used as a tonic, diuretic, antitoxin, and to treat coughs, fevers and colds. The leaves have anti-inflammatory properties, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. Studies have also shown that they contain eight novel saponins derived from oleanolic acid (polysciosides) and three well-known ones (polyacetylenes).

Situate your Polyscias in a shaded area that does not reflect direct sunlight onto the leaves, since this could cause them to be burned. Water the soil when it dries up, but do not overwater. This can cause root rot, and possibly leaf dropping. Fertilise using a houseplant that is labeled feed every four waters in the summer, but cut back to every six weeks in autumn and winter.

Philodendrons

Philodendrons are among the easiest houseplants to grow, making them a popular choice for new or beginner gardeners. The classic trailing Philodendron hederaceum5 adjusts to various lighting conditions and can grow rapidly. It can be grown in hanging pots or climb up a trellis outside in frost-free areas or spread its heart-shaped leaves across a desk and bedroom window sill inside.

Try the cultivar Congo Rojo, which has elliptical-shaped leaves with a dark brown-purple shade. Its distinctive color highlights its sculptural form and is perfect for modern rooms with sleek furnishings or those decorated with black. Avoid overwatering philodendrons and put them in a spot with indirect sunlight. Overwatering can lead to leaf edge yellowing and a slowdown in growth. Always use lukewarm or warm water and add plant food using water-diluted solutions instead of directly into the soil. The direct watering of the soil can cause shock to philodendrons and result in their loss of health.