Common Houseplants
One of the most well-known house plants Pothos is a forget-it-forget-it plant that thrives in low light. It is also a sturdy and easy-to-learn plant.
Water: Keep the soil damp but not completely soaked; mist frequently. Pests such as mealy bugs and scale may cause leaves to sag. Examine the area carefully and treat with insecticidal oil or neem soap.
Pothos
Pothos is a beautiful plant that comes in a variety of different styles and colors. The leaves are smooth and glossy, and its stems grow to 10 feet or more as a vine. The plant is easy to propagate, which makes it an excellent option for a basic hydroponic system. It doesn't require much feeding, so it's an ideal plant for those who don't have a lot of time to care for their plants. The plant can thrive in all climates, but it will begin to suffer when temperatures fall below 55oF.
The vine can be grown as a hanging plant, or it can be trained to climb up the wall or trellis. Additionally, it can be used as a ground cover to an indoor garden. It can also be arranged around furniture, such as an office desk or mantel.
Plants can be propagated using cuttings. To do this, cut a healthy and attractive piece of stem from the plant. It should measure between 4-6 inches in length and include a few attached leaves. Make sure to cut it just above a node, which is the place where aerial roots form. Once you have your stem, put it in the water in a glass or in a moist rooting mix. The roots should form in one month. Once they've rooted and formed, you can plant them in soil.
To ensure that your plants flourish, be sure to provide them with bright indirect light. Direct sunlight can cause them to become dull or brown, and it could also burn the leaves. Pothos can handle low light but cannot produce its full spectrum of shades.
In the wild, pothos can grow to an elevation of more than a foot, but it is usually smaller in homes. The most commonly used color is jade green, but there are numerous cultivars of this species that come with a variety of leaf variegations. Some, like the 'Golden,' have heart-shaped leaves that are colored in white. Other varieties, like the 'Marble queen' as well as a 'Neon,' have vibrant yellow-green leaves.
Schefflera
For a long time umbrella plants (scheffleras) with their lush tropical appearance and capacity to thrive in a variety environments are a favorite. They come in a range of colors and styles which make them a perfect option for offices or home. They require only a little maintenance, but if do not follow the instructions, some problems can occur.
To keep from overwatering, scheffleras require to be watered very sparsely. This plant thrives in a light soil that drains quickly, therefore it's important to allow the soil to dry between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can cause the plant to start losing leaves. To determine if the soil is too wet, gently squeeze it between your fingers. If the soil feels dry and crumbly, you need to give it less water.
To increase growth, it is important to trim the schefflera. Without regular pruning the plant could develop a leggy look. It is advised to wear gloves when handling the sap of this plant since it has calcium oxalate crystalline crystals which can irritate your skin. Pruning encourages branching which prevents the plant from becoming too excessively sluggish.
The ideal temperature range for a schefflera plant is between 15 and 21, and it should be kept clear from air conditioners and drafts. The plant is tolerant of direct sunlight in the early morning or late in the evening however, excessive exposure could harm the leaves.
Scheffleras also attract pests. This includes aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. If you spot evidence of pest infestations wash the leaves using soapy water or neem.
If your schefflera begins exhibit signs of disease, you may need to repotte it. The signs of disease are brown spots and soft roots. You'll require a lighter, looser soil to plant your plant again if this happens. Overwatering and poor drainage can also cause root rot in the schefflera. Fortunately, this issue is easily cured by avoiding watering overhead and only watering the soil at night, and if this doesn't help, try copper fungicide.
Maranta
Maranta plants are tall, low-growing tropical houseplants with a variety of interestingly-patterned leaves. The leaf pattern is different between species, with some having red fishbone-like veins, silvery central stripes and light or dark streaks. The leaves are parallel to the ground during the daytime and then elevated perpendicularly at night. This gives the plant its common nickname of a prayer plant. These plants are moderately easy to take care of, and require some shade high humidity, and always moist soil.
Most common among these species is Maranta leuconeura 'Tricolor' or herringbone plant. It has herringbone patterns on its long leaves. Other cultivars of this species are the 'Silverband' as well as a 'Green Stripe,' which both have dark green leaves with an elongated silver stripe running through the middle. The herringbone pattern is also seen on the leaves of "Maranta Leuconeura Var. erythroneura', which are also known as the red prayer plant and red nerve plant. Other Maranta variegated varieties include 'Fascinator tricolor' and M. leuconeura var. Both plants have lighter green leaves in comparison to the darker herringbone plants.
It is simple to propagate, as stem-tip or head cuttings will quickly root in water. To root a Maranta stem-tip cutting cut a healthy plant just below a node, and then dip the end in the rooting hormone. Place the cutting in a glass of plain water and find an area that is warm and well-lit to keep it. Change the water regularly to acclimatize it to the soil. Move it to soil when roots begin to form.
Like many tropical plants, prayer plants require moderate to high levels of humidity for optimal growth. To ensure that tall house plants have a good level of humidity you can place the plant in a humidifier or misting it regularly. To stop root rot and ensure that the soil drains properly it should not be soaking wet. Use a multi-purpose pot mix that has adequate nutrients. Regularly trim your plants to eliminate dead or yellow leaves and stems. This will encourage new growth and keep the plant healthy. A balanced water-soluble fertiliser may be applied every two to three weeks throughout the growth phase however, only once per month if growth is slow.
Hoya
Hoya plants have beautiful flowers that appear in rounded clusters on short stems known as peduncles. Each flower is a miniature work of art. They can be white, orange or pink. In some species, like Hoya kerrii these flowers bloom in clusters at the ends of vines that are up to 13 feet long.
Other Hoya species are more upright like the rosy-hued H. carnosa, and the elongated leaves of the H. kerrii cultivar 'Tricolor.' There are other varieties such as the Hoya publicalyx, have elongated or sword-shaped leaves. The dark green leaves have slim, slightly wrinkled edges and are elegantly curving. They grow alternately on thin and draping vines.
Hoya publicalyx vines also bear the fuchsia flower in spherical clusters at the tips their peduncles. The flowers have a creamy white color, with a yellow ring around the middle. They can be extremely attractive in hanging pots. This variety is easier to grow than other varieties of Hoya and also blooms earlier than most other varieties.
Hoyas like all epiphytes, require bright, indirect lighting as well as plenty of moisture. Regular watering is also required to prevent the growing medium drying out. However, Hoyas dislike over-watering, and they should be allowed to dry slightly between waterings. This helps to prevent the development of rot. Hoyas prefer warmer climates and work best indoors, even though they can be cultivated outdoors in tropical regions.
These plants can be found in the wild in the moist forests, along riverbanks and on trees. They attach themselves by long tendrils to other plants and trees. Hoyas are easy to propagate from stem cuttings that easily root in water or in a slightly moist growth medium. Additionally, Hoyas can be grown from seeds. The seeds germinate quickly, and they develop faster than seedlings from cuttings. Hoyas don't harm children or pets and are a good option for households with animals or children.