A Complete Guide To Best House Plants
The Best House Plants for Beginners
A plant in your home can boost oxygen levels and lower the amount of pollutants and dust. And caring for one can be an excellent source of satisfaction. It's even proven to boost mental health.
Which house plant is right for you? We asked experts for their picks.
Marble Queen Pothos
Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum) is a well-loved house plant, thanks to its heart-shaped leaves that have stunning white variegation. It's also one of the easiest to care for which makes it a good choice for beginners. Like many tropical plants, pothos thrives in a variety of light conditions, however it prefers moderate amounts of bright indirect sunlight. It can also grow in a lower light or complete shade. A moderately humid household and a soil mix that is slightly acidic are ideal for this plant, too.
The plant can tolerate missing waterings, so long as the soil doesn't dry completely. Overwatering is one of the most common causes of death for houseplants. If you're unsure, put your finger in the soil and see whether the soil is moist. If not, water the plant. If the leaves are turning yellow, this could be caused by too much sunlight or a lack of light. It could be a sign there's a fungal illness.
Like the majority of plants, pothos can tolerate air pollution, including Ozone and Volatile Organic Compounds. It can be used in the bathroom or kitchen to clean the air.
This plant is susceptible to diseases and pests, just like other plants. It is recommended to address problems as soon as possible to prevent them from spreading. Pests such as mealybugs and thrips are common on this plant. Make sure to keep your Marble Queen Pothos well-watered, and it'll be less likely to attract these pests.
To keep your plant looking at its best Keep the stem tips trim frequently. This helps the marbled leaves remain full and keeps the vines from becoming too long. The stem tip clippings can be used to create new plants.
If you wish for your Marble Queen to grow taller, encourage it to climb by providing it with something to cling to. This could be a moss rod, houseplant trellis, or even a length of string. Remember to spray the moss, or any other support with water as part your regular routine of irrigation to aid in helping it grow faster.
Monstera
The monstera plant (Monstera deliciosa) also known as the Swiss Cheese Plant, is one of the most well-known house plants. The leaves of the plant have holes that are natural called leaf fenestration. These gives a tropical look to any space. It's easy to propagate by cutting it and growing it in water making it a good option for people who are new to gardening.
Monstera deliciosa is a fast-growing plant and it is possible to plant it again every few months. To keep your plant healthy take one or two leaves at a time, and repot in well-draining soil. Make sure the container is well-ventilated and add perlite or lava rocks to the soil to aid in aeration, if necessary.
As houseplants, these evergreen vines can be easily maintained if they receive enough light and humidity. They will happily climb the trellis or grow downwards. You can easily shape them to your liking by pruning. You can mist a Monstera with a water spray bottle to increase the humidity in its leaves.
A monstera is not actually a succulent, despite its name. Monsteras are distinguished by small, heart-shaped leaves that feature fenestrations. Succulents have fleshy, thick leaves which hold water. Monsteras can withstand dry climates, but require more moisture and humidity than succulents.
It's important to note that, even though the fenestrations on monstera leaves give them the appearance of they could be eaten, they are not safe to consume. The plant's fruits, stems and leaves contain oxalic acid, which can cause mouth and throat irritation in the event of consumption.
Blank suggests that those who have learned to play the fiddle-leaf fig, move onto a Monstera to get a better idea for how easy it can be to grow indoors. "A monstera can adapt to many different conditions," says Blank. It needs a warm environment, but it is able to endure lower temperatures and greater humidity than what homes typically provide.
ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant is among the most durable house plants. It's slow-growing, tough and can endure a wide range of conditions. It is able to thrive in dark places and isn't bothered by low humidity. It's also tolerant of forgetful owners, requiring only sporadic waterings to survive. The leaves of this tropical succulent can be lime green, purple-black, or a combination of both as they mature.
You can reproduce the ZZ plant by splitting its rhizomes. These are tubers that resemble roots on the bottom of each stem. Lift the plant from its pot and separate the rhizomes. Trim them a little before planting them into new pots. You can also cultivate new ZZs by using stem cuttings that have two leaves, each measuring about an inch long. Plant the cuttings in pots with a 50:50 mixture of multipurpose compost and perlite and put them in a warm spot. It could take up to an entire year for the cuttings to grow into an entirely new plant.
Although it is one of the most difficult house plants, certain factors can cause it to die. This includes overwatering, direct sun and dry soil. Water the ZZ plant only when its soil feels dry. tall house plants to keep the soil wet. The plant stores water in its rhizomes, which means it can go for weeks without watering.
The plant doesn't attract a lot of pests, but it can be prone to fungus and rot. The best way to prevent these problems is to regularly get rid of dead and decaying leaves from the plant. It is also important to keep it away from small children and pets, as the leaves and stems can be irritating if they are eaten.
The ZZ plant is a fantastic air purifier, as it helps to eliminate toluene, benzene, and xylene out of indoor environments. It can also absorb volatile organic compounds like carbon monoxide and formaldehyde. This makes the ZZ plant a good choice for offices and apartments that aren't well-ventilated.
Parlor Palm
Palms are a very popular indoor plant, and with good reason. They can be planted in different temperatures and lighting conditions. They also give an exotic, lush look to your home. The chamaedorea, also known as parlor palm, isn't an exception. The plant (also called the neanthe bella palm) is native to Central America, and it's getting more and more popular for its versatility. potted house plants thrives in bright, filtered light, but it can also be planted in areas with less lighting, like rooms facing north or east. It's a slow-growing plant so it may take up to a year it to reach its full height of 2 to 6 feet.
If you want your plant to grow it can be fertilised monthly by using a balanced liquid fertilizer. Bridget Zazzara is the retail indoor and seasonal plant manager for Logan's Trading Company. She recommends using a well draining mix. Choose low maintenance house plants that is well-drained that is slightly acidic to alkaline with a pH between 6.1 and 7.8, and be sure to add a few gallons of sphagnum peat, which can improve the soil's structure and retention.
Keep your parlor palms away from areas with drafts and mist their leaves regularly to keep the humidity in check. You can also install a humidifier inside your home. Repot your parlor palm in the spring time if it becomes rootbound. Overwatering can lead to root rot. Water the plant at the point that the top inch of compost is dry. Water more frequently in warm weather, but less frequently in the winter.
They are attractive to bees, however make sure you keep them away from pets and children. Their needle-like leaves can be poisonous if eaten and are a magnet for mealybugs. These insects appear as white, fluffy small blobs that are hidden beneath the leaves. They are difficult to remove. If you see them, wipe the bugs off with a cotton bud or cloth soaked in an insecticide containing fatty acids or plants oils.