The Most Common House Plants
Nothing can liven up a space like plants. But if you're new to the houseplant scene it can be difficult to know what plants will thrive in your home.
We asked the experts of plant care to share their most-loved typical house plants ranging from trendy newcomers to tried-and-true classics. So grab your watering container and read on for some greenery inspiration!
Peace Lily
This popular plant is also known as Cobra Plant or Peace Lily. (Spathiphyllum wallisii) It was the most searched plant on a variety of online furniture-related websites in 2023. It's not a surprise given this set-it-and-forget-it houseplant's beauty and air purifying properties.
The peace lily has been a popular choice for anyone looking for an attractive houseplant that is easy to take care of. The bracts (which are technically not flowers but bracts, which are white) appear in spring and fade in the autumn. But, a few sprays of water and you'll be rewarded with flowers in the fall.
These plants prefer a warm and humid environment with temperatures that range from 68F and 85F during the day, and dropping to 10 degrees at night. The soil should be moist, but not soggy. Indoor lighting that is filtered will aid in their growth. Avoid direct sunlight as it can burn the leaves. Make sure to water the plants regularly however, don't let the soil dry completely. This can cause root rot.
If your peace lily is starting to appear a bit yellow, you're probably overwatering it. If you're unsure of how often to water, a good rule of practice is to water it when the soil's top layer starts to feel dry. Make use of distilled or filtered water if you want to keep the amount of chlorine down.
The browning of the tips of the leaves is a common problem with peace lilies. This can be caused by sunburn but more often, it's due to excess fertilizer. To remedy it, water the soil until the water runs out through the drainage holes. Then, stop fertilizing for six months.
Often, people think their peace lily is dying if they see green flowers but no new buds. If your plant was fertilized to flower it may have received too much nitrogen. This hinders the capacity of the plant to produce flowers. To fix this, switch to a fertilizer that is less nitrogen-rich and higher in phosphorous. Also move your peace lily into a brighter location to encourage blooms. If that doesn't help, you can experiment with a different variety of peace lily or even a new type of fertilizer.
Spider Plant
Spider plants are a favorite for a good reason--they're easy to grow and produce lots of baby "spiderettes" on their edges. When they reach maturity, they can be removed and rooted to create new plants (known as "Spider Plants"). The Spider Plant is a good choice for new houseplant owners because it's hardy and can take care of neglect.
The first Spider Plant, Chlorophytum comosum is a long grassy plant that comes with a variety of colors including yellow and stripes. It produces tiny white plantlets that can be trimmed and planted. The long, slender stems of this plant make a beautiful display when placed in hanging baskets.
Like the Peace Lily like the Peace Lily Spider Plant is a pliable plant that will do well in any light condition. However, it requires bright indirect sunlight to keep its variegated leaves in good health. Avoid direct sunlight as the variegated Spider Plant will burn. It is also essential to keep soil moist, but not too wet. The soil should be moist enough to allow droplets of water to fall from the leaves to the pot.
It is possible to avoid soil that is too wet by using a smaller pot and potting mix. house plants names can even make it yourself. Spider Plants are also a excellent candidate for a basic, all-purpose fertilizer. However, you should not over-fertilize your plants because this can cause salt to build in the soil.
The Spider Plant purifies the air inside your home by getting rid of indoor pollutants, such as formaldehyde. house plants names is recommended to put the plant in a location that receives plenty of sunlight in order that it can absorb the chemicals and aid in helping them escape through its foliage. The plant can be utilized in conjunction with other plants to further improve the air quality inside your home. It has been proven to lessen odors like smoke and cooking smells.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
The fiddle leaf fig, also called Ficus lyrata, is the most popular plant due to its gorgeous, violin-shaped leaves. It's a tropical plant that thrives in warm, humid environments and it's easy to see why so many people are drawn to this house plant because it can grow quite large and can add visual interest to any room.
The one drawback to this popular plant is that it can be prone to fungal and mold infections. It's important to keep an eye on the plant to monitor for these issues, especially if you're using old soil that's been in place for a number of years. It is also important to ensure that the plant stays healthy and decrease the chance of getting sick.
Overwatering a fig with a fiddle leaf is one of the most common errors. The fiddle leaf fig is native to rainforests and is accustomed to being flooded with water and then dried out. It is important to water sparingly and let the soil completely dry between waterings.
It's also essential to keep the plants clean from dust and other debris that can block the leaves and prevent proper photosynthesis. houseplants near me can be done by wiping the leaves using a damp cloth once a week. This will maintain the health of your plant and help keep pests out.
Other than the occasional fungus or mildew there are a few other serious problems that can be affecting a fig with a fiddle leaf. It is essential to keep an eye out for scale insects and other common pests that attack house plants, such as aphids and mealy bugs. You should also be looking out for thrips, which could cause leaves to yellow.
You can also mist the fiddle-leaf fig with sprays to increase humidity in your home. This is especially helpful in winter, when the indoor air is less humid. It's best to mist the plant in the morning, so that the moisture can have a chance to evaporate before evening.
Dracaena
Dracaenas thrive in most indoor environments. They are generally slow-growing and low-maintenance, and certain varieties (such as "Lemon Lime" dracaena) have bright colors that brighten up areas that are shaded.
The spiky lanced leaves on the dracaena can be found in a variety of shades and patterns. This creates a unique modern and rustic appearance. Some dracaenas are solid forest green, while others feature red, yellow or white stripes. Leaves also curve slightly, creating a more tree-like appearance.
Like many tropical plants Dracaenas thrive in indirect sun and are tolerant of a shaded area. Remember that a lack sunlight could cause loss or alteration of other characteristics.
Avoid over-watering dracaenas since this can lead to root rot as well as other problems. The soil should be allowed to dry out completely before watering again. If you notice that a plant is dying, move it to a more sunny area or mist the leaves with plain tap water to help add moisture to the air.
Pests aren't a problem for the dracaenas. However, it is important to check the plants periodically to ensure they remain healthy. Aphids are insect with no wings that can suck the juices out of the stems, buds, and leaves of dracaenas. This stunts their growth and reduces vigor.
There are also mealybugs and scale insects which are covered in cottony material. These pests can suffocate the dracaenas when they are not kept under control. They do this by sucking out the sap from the leaves.
Tip cuttings are a simple and easy way to propagate dracaenas. They can be taken throughout the year. To propagate new plants, simply cut a tip that is 8cm in length and above a node on the parent plant. Place the tip in a jar filled with water on a window and keep the water refreshed regularly. Within a few weeks, roots will appear and the plant can then be planted in fresh free-draining soil.
Dracaenas can be sensitive to fluoride. Therefore, it is important to use only non-fluoridated water. It is also an excellent idea to fertilize your plant with a 'Houseplant'-branded feed every four waterings in spring and summer, reducing this frequency slightly in autumn and winter.