Common House Plants
The gorgeous, easy-care plant philodendron thrives in dark corners. It grows more quickly when it is regularly watered and fed.
Arrowhead vines (Syngonium) have thick green leaves and are native to tropical rainforests. There are varieties with variegated leaves, and even some that resembling bark.
ZZ plants (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) are among the most commonly killed houseplants. They are tolerant of low to bright indirect sunlight and are found with attractive leaf designs.
Snake Plant
Snake plant, also known as Mother-in-law's Tongue or Sansevieria Trifasciata is a common houseplant that is simple to care for. It can thrive in any climate and tolerates low light levels, making it the perfect houseplant for any space. It has a stiff leaf and can grow from six inches to eight feet, depending on the kind of plant. The snake plant is an excellent air purifier, and can eliminate formaldehyde in indoor environments.
Sansevierias are drought-resistant and do not require regular watering. Sansevierias are able to survive for a long time without water and still appear healthy. This is why they are so popular among newcomers to the world of houseplants. Despite their tolerance of a variety of conditions however, there are some things that could harm the Sansevieria. Insufficient watering or cold winter breezes may cause the leaves to become damaged. The snake plant is vulnerable to gnats and fungus but it is also resistant to many other pests in the household.
Snake plants are also known for reducing stress at work, improving moods, and improving productivity in workplaces and offices. They also help reduce allergies by releasing oxygen and moisture into the air, which decreases the amount of dust and pollen that are floating around in the air.
Snake plants are very hardy and can withstand droughts and frigid temperatures. It doesn't require a lot of fertilizer however a small amount will encourage the plant to grow faster and bigger. Fertilize the plant twice each year with either a powder or liquid houseplant fertilizer. Water the plant once the top inch of potting soil is dry.
Pothos
The pothos, also called Devil's Ivy or Epipremnum aureum is a green trailing plant with heart-shaped leaves. This plant can grow to 40 feet long in tropical forests. Indoors, it typically stays just a bit shorter, perhaps a foot or two at the most--though it can grow much larger if it is given the appropriate conditions.
Generally, the plant is easy to care for and doesn't require high levels of humidity. However, the plant may be susceptible to root rot if water is not properly drained after an event of rain or for a long period without humidity. The best way to prevent this problem is to water plants thoroughly, but with care.
Like most houseplants, pothos is tolerant of low light, but it will grow bigger and more vibrantly in brighter light. If you notice that your plant isn't growing quickly or if it's creating long gaps between leaves, it's likely that your pothos needs more light. It thrives under fluorescent lighting which makes it a great option for offices.
Pothos can be easily propagated by stem tip cuttings taken from vines that are healthy and appear bright. The ideal cutting is a 4-6 inch tip with a few leaves. Just above the node (the location where aerial roots develop), cut the point. Dip the cutting in the rooting hormone, then stick it into a glass of water, and keep the water humid. Roots should start forming within a month or so.
The most well-known cultivars of pothos are 'Golden Pothos', which has leaves streaked with yellow; 'Marble Queen' with handsome white marbles; and 'Neon', abundantly splattered with white. Other color variants are available as well, including the all-green 'Jade Pothos' and "Pearls and jade" with yellow leaves edged with white.
ZZ Plant
ZZ plants are a go-to house plant for beginners and office workers who are occupied and those with brown thumbs. low maintenance house plants to cultivate and can withstand dry conditions, and come with the added benefit of air purification. They're related to philodendrons as well as peace lilies. They're known for their ability to eliminate volatile organic compounds such as ethylbenzene and benzene as well as toluen and xylene from indoor air.
Zz plants are resilient and can tolerate a little neglect. However when a stem becomes higher than the others, it is important that you remove it. This will make the plant aesthetically pleasing and stop it from taking over and obscuring light to other parts of the plant.
The rhizomes of the plant store water, which makes them drought-tolerant and allows them to thrive in dry conditions. They don't require a specific soil but a well-draining potter's mix with additional ingredients such as perlite or lava rocks will aid in absorbing water better. They also don't need to be fertilized regularly however a balanced liquid fertilizer applied every six months will keep the plant healthy and strong.
All ZZ plants can be poisonous if consumed by your pets or children eat ZZ plants. Also in the event that you don't wear gloves, be careful when handling the leaves. The leaves can cause skin irritations in some people, so be sure to wash your hands after handling it.
One of the most common problems that plague ZZ plants is when the lower leaves begin to turn yellow and wilt. This is a sign of excessive watering. Be sure to examine the soil for moisture, as a dry soil can lead to decay. You can also mist your leaves to increase humidity.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is a popular house plant due to its pleasant scent and ability to clear the air. It's also a great addition to kitchens or bathroom, where the aroma can be enjoyed while cooking or taking a shower. The menthol-like fragrance can be used to make a variety herbal remedies. Eucalyptus plants are relatively simple to cultivate and don't attract a lot of pests or diseases when kept inside. However, there are certain things you need to keep in mind when growing one of these trees.
Eucalypts aren't tolerant of drastic changes in temperature. They prefer a temperature at home of 65 to 75oF and require plenty of sunshine. They should be kept clear from drafty doors and windows and vents for air conditioning and heat. This plant is susceptible for mildew and root rot. To avoid problems like this make sure that the soil has adequate drainage and doesn't stay wet for long periods of time.
When watering, it's important to do it with a light touch to ensure that the soil does not get too saturated. Too much moisture can lead to the growth of fungus and leaf curl. It is recommended to let the soil dry before watering it again.
Some eucalyptus varieties, such as the alpine apple gum Eucalyptus areri and the northern gray ironbark Eucalyptussiderophloia are well-known for their ability to thrive in harsh environments. The latter is a medium-sized tree native to the higher regions of Australia and is often found in soils that are sandy and nutrient-poor. It is an evergreen tree and has a bright, luminous foliage with a blue-gray Glaucous hue. It is a very popular option for landscaping in colder climates due to the fact that it has an unassuming canopy that does not interfere with sunlight.
False Aralia
The false aralia's lacy fern-like foliage brings the beauty of tropical gardens to your home. Its leaves have feathery, "fingered" arrangement with serrated edges that appear delicate when young, and dark green when they are mature. Its leaf shape and color can make it a stand-out against the more common houseplants. The plant is great for tight spaces, and can be used in places that aren't obvious.
low maintenance house plants is a great houseplant in a warm, ambient climate. Outside, it thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 10, 11, however, you'll probably bring it inside during winter. False aralia likes soggy soil however, they require an ongoing supply of water. If you are growing them outside in hot weather, you must be sure to water them more frequently. Wait until the top inch of soil is dry, then you can water again.
best houseplants can add a little liquid fertilizer for your fake aralia in the spring and in the summer, based on the manufacturer's instructions. It's important to not over-fertilize your plant, as too much fertilizer can cause it to die or become damaged. The false aralia does not require much pruning, but you should trim off any damaged or dead parts of the plant to keep it looking neat.
False aralias are prone to disease and pests So keep them away from other plants. It is susceptible to attack by spider mites that are attracted to dry, dusty conditions in winter, and mealybugs that appear as white, fuzzy specks that appear on the stems and leaves. You can control the mealybugs by boosting the humidity around the plant and treating the infested areas with a pesticide or horticultural oil, or both. The false aralia also may be attacked by fungi such as those in the Pythium, Phytophthora and Rhizoctonia genera.