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Rss Directory > Misc > Misc > Houseplant Care Tips


 

Common Name: Shamrock Plant
Scientific Name: Oxalis species
Lighting: Low to Moderate
Watering: Moderate


Shamrock plants come in a wide variety of species. Varieties include those with deep burgundy foliage with white or pink flowers to green foliage as well. Shamrock plants form a mound like appearance by continually sprouting new shoots. One thing to be aware of, is that generally within 2 months of receiving your Shamrock plant, the plant will appear to be dying and actually seem dead. Don't throw it out! It is a bulb and goes into a dormant state.


Shamrock plants prefer low light levels in most cases. Some varieties like higher levels, so be sure to follow the tag for your specific variety. If your plant is stretching or becomes lanky in appearance, it is probably not receiving enough light.


Shamrock plants prefer to have their soil somewhat moist at all times. However you do not want the soil to be soggy, so be careful not to over water. Generally, if the soil does dry out, this houseplant will spring back from a wilted state quite quickly. But do not make a habit of under watering the plant. If the foliage begins to yellow, you may be over watering the plant.


If you're Shamrock plant has not bloomed, you can try to cut back water levels on the plant to force it into a dormancy state. Then in 2 to 3 months begin to increase the water levels.


I have never had this plant, so any tips or advice are welcomed and encouraged to assist my readers in caring for this houseplant.


Today has been designated Blog Action Day. A day for bloggers to unite for a common cause. This year bloggers focused their efforts on poverty. With the economy in crisis this year poverty I feel will be an issues more so than others. With increased costs of food, gas, heat, etc, more families will need our help.

There are many ways in which you can help whether it be on a global scale or right in your own backyard. Below are some ideas that you can help out:

  • Donate to your local food pantries.

  • Donate clothing, coats, hats, blankets, etc to organization's supplying those in need with them.

  • Volunteer at local groups, whether it be a shelter, food pantry, Salvation Army, literacy programs, etc.

  • Utilize your own resources to gain awareness such as your own personal blog, Web site or company.

  • Bookmark the Hunger Site and click it every day. Be sure to share with all you know as well.

  • Donate funds to a charitable organization.

Indoor house plants not only add beauty but can also help improve the air quality in your home. There is an endless supply of indoor house plants that you can purchase at almost any home and garden store. Listed below is my list of 20 common house plants in which many are fairly easy to care for. If you need to learn more about these common house plants, simply follow the links to their own plant care page.


Common House Plants


African Violet
Aloe Vera
Chinese Evergreens
Christmas Cactus
Corn Plants (Dracaena)
Crotons
Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)
Heart Leafed Philodendron
Jade Plants
Madagascar Dragon Tree
Majesty Palms
Orchids
Peace Lily
Ponytail Palms
Rubber Plants
Sago Palms
Snake Plants
Spider Plants
Yuccas
Zebra Plants


Arrowhead Vine

Common Name: Arrowhead Vine
Scientific Name: Syngonium podophyllum (Nephthytis)
Lighting: Bright to Moderate
Watering: Heavy


The Arrowhead Vine is a fairly easy to grow houseplant. The Arrowhead vine tends to resemble a heart-leafed philodendron. Due to the vining nature of Arrowhead vines, they make great houseplants for hanging baskets or areas where allowed to climb. New shoots seem to grow more upward and have a more arrow shape. As they get older, the vines tend to start climbing and foliage will change shape.


There is a large selection of varieties of Arrowhead vines. Depending on the variety the foliage may have white, pink, or silver markings on the leaves upper surfaces.


Arrowhead Vines prefer bright to medium light levels. They will tolerate low light, but grow much better in brighter lighting. Keep the plant within 5 to 8 feet of a window receiving bright light.


Arrowhead Vines require moist soil at all times, so do not allow the soil to dry out in between watering however do not allow the soil to be soggy either. This houseplant also prefers high humidity levels for a daily misting would be beneficial. You’ll also want to water to the soil directly. Getting water on the foliage may cause spotting.


Another note is that this houseplant likes to be root-bound therefore you do not need to repot as much as other houseplants. Keep the roots more compacted.



Common Name: ZZ Plant, Aroid palm, Fat Boy, Eternity Plant
Scientific Name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia
Lighting: Bright to Moderate
Watering: Low


The ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is an easy to grow houseplant. It seems to handle neglect and miss-care very well. The ZZ plant is characterized by stems radiating shiny, dark green foliage. The ZZ plant is a slow grower therefore do not expect large amounts of growth to come from this houseplant. In outdoor or greenhouse situations it appears to grow faster. The average height for the ZZ plant is approximately 15-30 inches, however I have seen some up to 3 feet.


The ZZ plant prefers bright, indirect light; however it can grow fairly well in low light situations as well. Keep in mind, in bright, indirect light, this houseplant will do even better. Do not place this plant in direct sunlight though as its foliage can burn fairly easily. Keep direct light exposed to the plant filtered.


The ZZ plant likes to have its soil on the dryer side of things. Do not allow the plant to sit in water or the soil to stay moist. If the foliage begins to yellow, chances are you're overwatering the plant. Your ZZ plant should only need watering once every 2 weeks or more. Others have said once a month is sufficient.


This houseplant can be kept outdoors if temperatures stay above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. However do keep in mind that it should be placed in an area where direct sunlight is limited.


I have not taken cuttings from this houseplant, however others I've read say you take a leaf cutting and place it within soil and it grows, thus giving you an endless supply of houseplants!!



Common Name: Dallas Fern
Scientific Name: Nephrolepis exaltata 'Dallasii'
Lighting: Moderate to Bright
Watering: Moderate to Heavy


The Dallas Fern is similar to the Boston Fern with exception is its more compact size and shape. Dallas Ferns fronds are typically shorter than its cousin the Boston Fern. Both ferns are usually quite easy to grow requiring low maintenance.


Dallas Ferns prefer moderate to bright indirect light. Too much direct light can burn the foliage. Keep in mind it is said that the Dallas Fern is more tolerant of lower light levels, so if you have a place that doesn't receive a lot of light, try it. This plant may do very well in lower light levels as well.


Aim to keep your Dallas Ferns' soil moist at all times, but don't allow it to sit in water. If you fern is not receiving enough water, the foliage may begin to lose its dark green color and appear faded. The Dallas variety it said to tolerate lower humidity levels, however a misting every couple of days will only help the plant.


Typically it is fine to give any of your plants a little houseplant food periodically. For ferns its a little different. Once a month feel free to use a water-soluble houseplant food with exception to the fall and winter months. During that time period, I'd just skip the fertilizer.


Common Name: African Violet
Scientific Name: Saintpaulia ionantha
Lighting: Moderate to Bright
Watering: Moderate


The African Violet is an extremely common houseplant. The African Violet is characterized by low-growing, heart shaped hairy leafed foliage remaining fairly oval in overall shape. African Violets are available in many varieties with flowers ranging from pink to blue to the traditional violet. Foliage can range from dark green to variegated.


African Violets prefer moderate to bright indirect sunlight. Keep them near an east or west window for best results. Aim to provide your African Violet with at least 8 hours of sunlight a day. If your African Violets foliage begins to yellow and the plant seems to be reaching, it is probably not getting enough light. On the reverse side, if the foliage begins to have brown spots or the foliage curls, the plant may be receiving too much light.


African Violets prefer their soil semi-moist. Allow the soil to slightly dry out in-between watering for best results. One trick with watering African Violets is you want to avoid getting water on the foliage. Water either from the bottom, such as a water tray in which the water can be seeped up or directly on the dirt. Either way the goal is to avoid getting the foliage wet. If water does get on the leaves it will usually leave white spots. Be sure to try and use room temperature or warm water instead of cold.


African Violets prefer higher humidity levels and usually do well in temperatures between 62° and 75°. Try not to let the temperature drop below 60°. Also, as with most houseplants, keep them away from vents and entry ways.


This houseplant also prefers its own special soil mix. Most garden centers have African Violet soil mixtures already pre-packaged for you. This houseplant also prefers some root for its roots, so make sure it has enough space to prevent becoming root bound.


As like their soil, there are also special fertilizer and plant food mixtures for this plant. I have always just used my normal Miracle Gro houseplant food but that's just me.


To encourage new blooms, pinch off dead blossoms and their stems.


This houseplant is known to have some pest problems. Mealybugs and red spiders are the most common pests. If you begin to see a problem on your plant, I would suggest using specific insecticides labeled for African Violets. I personally haven’t had a pest problem with this plant so I cannot say if my homemade soapy dishwater mixture works or not. If you have solutions, please post comments below and share with other readers.


Happy Growing!!!

Common Name: Staghorn Fern, Elkhorn Fern
Scientific Name: Platycerium bifurcatum
Lighting: Moderate
Watering: Moderate to Heavy


The Staghorn Fern is characterized by large glossy green leaves somewhat resembling the antlers of a deer. I really don't see the antler resemblance, but that's just my opinion. Overall this fern is a slow grower so don't expect dramatic growth.


The Staghorn Fern in its native surroundings doesn't grow in dirt. Instead it grows on rock, cliffs or sides of trees. This plant is commonly grown in warmer climates outdoors on a piece or wood, more characterizing its native habitat. As a houseplant it should be planted in a course soil mixture such as a sphagnum moss mix.


The Staghorn Fern prefers bright light so keep it within 5 feet of a window that receives sunlight. However try to limit the amount of direct sunlight it receives. The bright light should be filtered or non-direct to prevent burning the plant.


Staghorn Ferns prefer frequent watering, however you want to be sure not to over water the plant. You should water the plant in the center of it. To check if the plant is in need of water check the center of the plant. If it is moist then it's time to water again. Typically Staghorn Ferns need to be watered one to two times a week.


These houseplants also prefer higher humidity levels, so if the air is dry in your home, give the plant a nice misting every other day or so to help fulfill its humidity needs. However, mist the air around the plant and not directly on the foliage. If you spray directly on the plant, the foliage will get spots unless you wipe the foliage right away.


You should also try and keep your plant in temperatures above 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Typically they do poorly when dropping below 65.

Common Name: Persian Violet
Scientific Name: Exacum affine
Lighting: Bright to Moderate
Watering: Moderate to Heavy


The Persian Violet is a very popular houseplant used for gifts. Persian Violet plants create an explosion of small pink, white or blue flowers with yellow centers. Blooming can last for months adding to the attraction of the Persian Violet. The plant stays rather compact with estimated growth of 10 to 18 inches tall.


The Persian Violet prefers moderate light levels so aim to keep it within 5 to 7 feet from a window receiving sun. If the plant begins to reach and begin spindly, it is reaching for the light so move it closer to the window.


The Persian Violet requires moist soil at all times so do not allow the soil to dry out in between watering. However, beware to not allow the soil to become soggy otherwise you will promote root or stem rot. Allow for good drainage by allowing excess water to drain out of the pot into a tray.


The Persian Violet requires high humidity levels so if the plant begins to look not as healthy, try giving it a daily misting.


The downfall to this common houseplant is that once it's done blooming, it can be difficult to get it to bloom again. You can try removing faded blooms to encourage new blooms. Others have also taken cuttings from the plant to start new plants, however success seems to be limited.


For the most part, enjoy this plant in it's prime and keep an open mind for what happens next. Please share your tips.



Hello everyone.


I am actually looking for help from my readers this time. My split leafed philodendron which you can see a picture from about 1 1/2 years ago is growing out of control. Caring for Split Leaf Philodendron. It is now about 6 feet wide in diameter and about 3 feet tall.


I have been reading posts on forums all over about split leafed philodendrons and what they are, what they aren't, etc. Some are saying it is a climbing plant, others say it is not. Some posts say you can trim it and take cuttings, some say not. So I am looking for my readers help. If you have any information about Split Leafed Philodendrons that can help me and getting mine back to manageable or just how I should be handling it's size, I would greatly appreciate it.


This is one of my favorite plants in terms of appearance, I just don't want to trim it or try training it up a stake and hurt it. I love it's hugeness, but I'm running out of room with all the other plants.


In advance thank you for all my houseplant readers.


Happy Growing!!!


Common Name: Poinsettia
Scientific Name: Euphorbia pulcherrima
Lighting: Moderate
Watering: Low to Moderate


The holidays and Christmas aren't the same without Poinsettias. You can find Poinsettias in a variety of colors ranging from the traditional bright red, to a faded red, all the way to the beautiful "Freedom White". How long you decide to keep your plant determines how much care is needed.


Poinsettias prefer moderate light levels. Do not place them in direct sunlight. It could burn the foliage. Poinsettias actually tend to do best when placed in a window with a shade allowing diffused light through.


Poinsettias require low water levels, however try and keep the soil moist at all times. You do not want the plant to be sitting in water, so be sure the roots aren't sitting in water and proper drainage is given.


Keep the temperature above 50 degrees and below 80 degrees. If the plant is exposed to temperatures out of its comfort zone, leaves may begin to drop. Also keep your Poinsettia away from heat sources or drafts.


It is possible to keep your Poinsettias for years with some extra care. If you would like your Poinsettia to bloom again the following year, provide them with at least 5 weeks of 15 hours of darkness per day. Put them in a closet or unlighted room. You could also cover it with a box. Of course do give it at least 4 hours of sunlight each day. Poinsettias are considered short day plants, thus needing the darkness to stimulate blooming. This can be a tricky process, but it's oh so sweet when successful.


Please share your Poinsettia care tips by commenting below!


Common Name: Fiddle Leaf Fig
Scientific Name: Ficus Lyrata
Lighting: Moderate to Bright
Watering: Moderate to Low


The Fiddle Leaf Fig is characterized by large, wide, stiff almost leather like dark green leaves radiating off wooden stems. The Fiddle Leaf Fig comes in both bush and tree forms. It is one of the easiest of the Ficus variety to grow, making it a good choice for beginners. This houseplant tends to grow slowly, so if you decide to prune it in order to make the plant more compact, due keep this in mind. The Fiddle Leaf Fig can grow up to 12 feet in height and up to 6 feet wide, therefore at some point you may need to prune it.


The Fiddle Leaf Fig prefers moderate to bright light. If it is not receiving enough light, the plant will appear to be reaching as well as new growth will be limited or smaller than older growth. Leaves may also begin to drop if the plant is not receiving enough light. If your Fiddle Leaf Fig foliage begins to discolor and look almost bleached, the plant may be receiving too much direct sunlight.


This houseplant requires moderate to low amounts of water. They tend to prefer to dry slightly in-between watering. If the edges of the leave begin to brown, you are most likely over watering the plant. On the other hand, if the foliage begins to droop and yellow leaves begin falling, chances are you are under watering the plant. Be careful not to continue over watering this houseplant because it is susceptible to root or stem rot.


This houseplant is semi temperamental to temperature. Normal indoor temperatures are fine, however do keep it away from drafts or heat sources. This is also on the list of poisonous houseplants if digested, so please keep it away from children and pets.



Before I had a child, my houseplants always looked beautiful. Now they still look nice, but I am unable to give them the care an attention they deserve. Many people, like myself have many houseplants. All together I have over 20 plants scattered around the house. Everything from philodendrons, Yucca's, Warneckei, Corn Plants, Madagascar Dragon Plants, Bird of Paradise, geraniums and the list continues. When you purchase your first houseplant you think, all I have to do is put it in a good spot and water it. Easy! Then if you're like me, you get another plant, and then another and the addiction begins.


Well now that I have the little one, I am really beginning to realize how much time my houseplants do take. Not only does watering them take a significant amount of time, but then trimming, repotting, and routine care. I had today off of work so when the little one went down for a nap, I told myself this time is for my other babies, my houseplants. My outdoor gardens need work too in order to get ready for winter, however the last couple days in Wisconsin have been totally out of the ordinary with high 80’s and extremely humid, so I'm avoiding the outdoors until tomorrow when it's supposed to be a normal October temperature, around 60.


One of the things I did today was give my heart shaped philodendron not just a haircut, an extreme makeover. On my post for the Heart shaped philodendron you can see my philodendron was huge, covering most of the sunroom walls. Well a lot of that growth was old and thus no new leaves were growing so I had 12 foot vines with 6 feet only having leaves. The plant is over 7 years old, but it was from my grandmother's funeral, so it's very sentimental, thus my lack of ambition to give it the much needed makeover. It is now only about 3 feet tall, with the longest vine only being about 4 feet. Of course all the other vines are in water now in order for them to root. Now new growth can grow from the bottom of the plant again instead of being choked out. My walls just seem so bare now though!


This is just one example, where time runs away from you and you are unable to do the things you need to in order to keep your houseplants healthy. So the moral of the story is, that houseplants are fairly low maintenance, but sometimes all of the other things in life can takeover, so be sure to allow yourself adequate time to work on your plants. Giving you not only cleaner air in your home, but the enjoyable atmosphere they provide.

I would like to send my thoughts and prayers to all of those involved in the recent Crandon shooting. I cannot imagine what families and those in the area are experiencing right now. Crandon is a beautiful small town in northern Wisconsin in which I have stayed many times only about 2 hours north of my home. This tragedy hits home extremely hard.


A wonderful person created a Tribute on Respectance to share memories, stories and respects. Please visit the Tribute at http://respectance.com/Crandon.


A memorial fund has also been set up for the victims. Donations can be dropped off at any Laona State Bank (For locations visit http://www.laonastatebank.com/locations.aspx) or mailed to:
Family Memorial Fund
c/o. Laona State Bank
P.O. Box 128
Laona, WI 54541


Please make checks payable to "Family Memorial Fund." Please call the Laona State Bank main office at (715) 674-2911 with any questions.


May God be with everyone touched by this tragedy,
drayas

Common Name: Boston Fern
Scientific Name: Nephrolepis exaltata 'Bostoniensis'
Lighting: Moderate to Bright
Watering: Moderate to Heavy


Ferns are popular houseplants, however the Boston Fern is one of the most common ferns you see in people's homes. Arching long green fronds forming an elegant mound characterizes this houseplant. Boston Ferns can reach up to 5 feet so keep that in mind when looking to repot.


Boston Ferns prefer medium light levels, so try and keep your plant within 4 to 7 feet of a sunny window providing indirect sunlight to the houseplant. If the foliage begins to wither, the plant is probably not receiving enough light. You may remove the dead fronds as needed.


Boston Ferns also require moderate to heavy watering. Keep the soil moist at all times with exception to the winter months. In the winter, water your fern once the soil feels dry to touch, however do not let the soil dry out too much. Boston Ferns have high humidity requirements so give your plant a misting a couple times a week to help fulfill its requirements. If the foliage begins to fade in color, chances are the plant is not receiving enough water.


Ferns prefer normal temperatures. 60 – 75 during the day and slightly cooler at night. Keep these plants away from drafts and registers as well. It's also a good idea to provide your plant with some houseplant food. Once a month use a water-soluble houseplant food except in fall and winter months.

Common Name: Orchids
Scientific Name: Varies by variety
Lighting: Bright Light
Watering: Low


Orchids are beautiful houseplants. Their unique flowers characterized most commonly on a single stem. Along with the beautiful orchid flowers, usually is a pleasant fragrance as well. There are many varieties of orchids with Phalaenopsis being the most popular. Colors can vary from white, to pink, to yellow to a mixture, either way they are all gorgeous.


Orchids as beautiful as they are, they can be very finicky plants. On the other hand, some people find them to be one of the easiest. Orchids also when cared for properly can have extremely long lives.


One area where Orchids are particularly finicky is the soil they are planted in. Use a fast draining soil mixture. The soil must also allow air circulation so be sure there is a medium such as bark mixed within the soil.


Orchids prefer lower water levels, so watering once every week to two weeks is all you need. If the leaves begin to yellow, you may be over watering the plant. You can remove the yellowed leaves as needed. However, they do prefer high humidity levels, so a daily misting will do wonders!


Orchids require bright light. Try to give your plant at least 10 hours of bright, indirect light. If the foliage begins to brown, your plant may be receiving too much direct sunlight, thus burning the plant.


Common Orchid Varieties:
Cattleya
Dendrobium (Lily of the Valley)
Phalaenopsis (Most common Orchid)
Cymbidium
Oncidium (Dancing Lady)


I came across this article about a couple in North Carolina with a 20 foot Corn Plant (Dracaena). I had to take a double look! This is truly my dream Corn Plant. The couple had to rent the largest Uhaul truck in order to move the Corn Plant to their new home. Usually Corn Plants only get 4 to 5 feet in height, but this one is 20 feet and growing.


The couple claims to have no secret recipe besides proper houseplant care, including lighting and watering. I can only dream of having my Corn Plant looking this healthy and being that tall. My Corn Plant has been struggling, thus why no picture on my Corn Plant Care page.


So please, take a look at the following story. It truly is amazing and really neat!!


You can read the complete story in the Winston-Salem Journal.


Common Name: Jade Plant
Scientific Name: Crassula argentea
Lighting: Moderate
Watering: Low


The Jade Plant is an easy houseplant to care for, thus why you see many people having them. The Jade Plant is characterized by plump, full leaves with a glossy appearance coming off of thick stems. In the right conditions, Jade Plants can reach up to 4 feet in height and width.


Jade Plants prefer moderate light levels. Placing it this houseplant in a east or west-facing window or within 2 to 3 feet of a south facing window works best. Overall, try to allow the houseplant to receive 3 to 5 hours of bright, direct sunlight each day. If the stems become spindly, your plant is probably not getting enough light.


The Jade Plant requires low water levels. You should allow the soil to dry out almost completely in between watering. A good way to tell if you houseplant is not receiving enough water is if the usually plump leaves become wrinkled.


This houseplant is usually pretty good when it comes to common pests such as mealy bugs or mites. If pests appear spray a soapy dishwater mixture on the plant twice a day. If that does not get rid of the pests, visit your local garden center for a stronger insecticide.


Since these houseplants can get large in size, you can prune it as needed in order to keep in a nice compact shape. Feel free to also remove and dead or dying leaves / stems.



Common Name: Amazon Alocasia, Elephant's Ear
Scientific Name: Alocasia x amazonica
Lighting: Bright Light
Water: Moderate


The Amazon Alocasia is characterized by dark green leaves with wavy edges. Within the foliage are dramatic white veins giving this plant its ultimate character. The Amazon Alocasia is also known as Elephant's Ear due to its foliage resemblance. This houseplant does not require a lot of extra care besides trying to fufill it's high humidity requirements.


The Amazon Alocasia, Elephant's Ear prefers bright, indirect light, so keep within 5 feet of a window. If the houseplant is placed in direct sunlight you may burn the foliage.


This houseplant prefers its soil to be evenly moist at all times, so water it often. However, be careful to not over water the plant, making the soil soggy. The Amazon Alocasia also requires high humidity levels, so provide the plant with a daily misting or set it on a water filled tray.


Overall the Elephant's Ear is usually not prone to pests, but if they should appear, spray the plant with a soapy water mixture twice a day.


Please take caution!! This is one of the many poisonous houseplants you may have in your home, so keep away from children and pets that may eat or bite at the plant.


Please share your tips by commenting below!



Common Name: Lipstick Plant
Scientific Name: Aeschynanthus species
Lighting: Bright Light
Watering: Moderate


The Lipstick Plant is characterized by green foliage with bright red, tubular flowers. Many times the Lipstick Plant does best in a hanging basket due to its cascading and arching foliage. Many varieties of Aeschynanthus are available as houseplants. Some are more compact while others have different sized flowers. All of which can be called Lipstick Plants.


The Lipstick Plant is related to African violets and Cape Primrose, thus it too requires higher humidity levels. So give your plant a daily misting to help provide it with the humidity it prefers. If the leaves begin to brown and dry out or flowers turn black, the plant is not receiving enough humidity.


The Lipstick Plant does best when provided with bright, indirect light. Do not allow this houseplant to be in a lot of direct sunlight. It can burn the foliage, especially in younger plants.


This houseplant can be quite particular in terms of its water requirements. Keep the soil moist at all times, however not soggy. Be sure to keep the soil moist, you do not want it to dry out. If the leaves begin to fall off, it may not be receiving enough water. In winter months, you have to provide a little more attention to this houseplant. Water the plant less than in the summer. Due to the shorter light levels in the winter, the plant doesn't work as hard, thus giving your plant the same water levels as the summer can actually over water your plant.


The Lipstick Plant's blooming times and size depend on the pot size you use. If you would like your houseplant to focus on new growth, keep it in a larger pot size. However it you are satisfied with the size, having the plant root bound will help the plant to bloom.


Overall this plant is a low maintenance plant. The drama it adds to a room makes it well worth it.



Houseplants are helpful in absorbing indoor air pollutants in your home. However, some houseplants are better than others. They are like you own little air purifiers. Roughly 15 houseplants can purify almost a 1800 square foot home!!! Below is a list of houseplants that are most effective in removing indoor air pollutants.


Peace Lily
Snake Plants
Philodendrons
Pothos
Dracaena Varieties
     Madagascar Dragon Tree
     Corn Plants
     Warneckei
Ferns
Spider Plants
English Ivy
Ficus Varieties
Bamboo Varieties


If you have others to add to the list, please add them through the comments.



Bathrooms offer challenges in terms of what houseplants to put in the area. However, bathrooms also offer great opportunities for houseplants that may not do well in other areas of your home. For example, a bathroom usually will have higher humidity levels from showers and baths; therefore a houseplant that requires higher humidity levels will do very well in a bathroom without you having to mist it.


In order to choose the best houseplant for your bathroom you have to consider the environment your bathroom offers. Most importantly is lighting. If your bathroom has low light levels, which many do, be sure to choose a plant with low light requirements. Like mentioned above, many houseplants require high humidity levels, therefore do not choose a plant that does not like high humidity levels.


Listed below is my list of the best houseplants for bathroom environments:
Chinese Evergreen
Bamboo Varieties
Spider Plants
African Violets
Snake Plants
Aloe Vera Plants
Boston Fern
Peace Lily
Dieffenbachia
Pothos
Heart-Leaf Philodendrons
Prayer Plants





Madagascar Dragon Tree
Common Name:Madagascar Dragon Tree
Scientific Name: Dracaena marginata
Lighting: Moderate to Low
Watering: Moderate


The Madagascar Dragon Tree is to me one of the most popular houseplants, yet one of the hardest to identify. I looked through many houseplant books before actually finding the name of this particular Dracaena. Needless to say, this is a great houseplant and one of my favorites. Long, narrow, spike like foliage characterize this plant. Foliage is usually green with a red outline, thus giving the houseplant its drama.


The Madagascar Dragon Tree is fairly easy to care for. The greatest thing I like about the Madagascar Dragon Tree is that it allows you to create your own look with it. As you can see from mine, I just let them go at will. However you can brace your stalks up, twist them or create your own attraction with them.


Dracaena

The Madagascar Dragon Tree requires moderate to low light levels. This Dracaena can usually withstand lower light levels than some of the other Dracaena's. As with many Dracaena varieties, if the dramatic coloring or variegation on the foliage begins to fade, the plant may not be receiving enough light.


This houseplant prefers to have moderate water levels. So keep the soil fairly moist at all times. Dracaena's are native to the African jungles, so they do require higher humidity levels. If the tips of the foliage begin to brown, it may be a sign that there is not enough humidity in the air. In the winter, simply running a humidifier may be enough to supplement their high humidity requirements. Otherwise you can also give your plant a nice daily misting instead.


Keep in mind, this houseplant sheds its bottom foliage frequently. This does not mean you are doing anything wrong in terms of caring for it. Just as the plant grows the bottom leaves shed.



Common Name: Goldfish Plant
Scientific Name: Nematanthus wettsteinii
Lighting: Bright to Moderate Light
Watering: Moderate to Heavy


The Goldfish plant is characterized by bright orange flowers radiating from glossy green foliage. The flowers looking like orange goldfish thus the name. This houseplant prefers a little more work than others due to the high humidity it requires.


The Goldfish plant prefers bright light. A nicely lit area out of direct sunlight will work perfectly. If the leaves begin to curl up, your plant is most likely not receiving enough light. Try moving it to a more lighted area.


The Goldfish plant requires moderate to heavy water levels. Keep the soil moist at all times, however prevent the soil from being soggy. This houseplant is in the same family as African violets and thus requires high humidity levels. Mist the plant daily to help fulfill its humidity requirement.


This houseplant also needs warmer temperatures. Keep temperatures above 60 degrees. Be sure to also avoid vents and drafty areas. Another area of caution. This houseplant can go into a resting period. If your plant begins to drop healthy looking leaves, keep the plant dryer than usual for about a month, then begin normal watering again. This should spring the plant back into gear.


Seeing as this houseplant can be a tricky one, please share any tips you have with everyone!





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