The Most Common House Plants
Nothing is able to brighten the room like plants. If you're new to the houseplant scene it can be difficult to figure out which plants will thrive in your home.
We asked plant pros to share their top typical house plants ranging from fashionable newcomers to classics that have stood the test of time. So, grab your watering bottle and get reading for some greenery ideas!
Peace Lily
The plant is known as Cobra Plant or Peace Lily. (Spathiphyllum wallisii) It was the most searched plant on many home furnishing sites in 2023. It's not a surprise given this set-it-and-forget-it houseplant's beauty and air-purifying qualities.
Peace Lilies have been a beloved houseplant for a long time. They are easy to care for and look beautiful. The white flowers (which technically aren't real flowers bracts, but are actually flowers) appear in spring and fade in the fall. But, a few sprays of water and you'll be rewarded with blooms in the fall.
They prefer a humid, warm climate with temperatures of 68-85F during the day, and dropping by 10 degrees at night. The soil should be moist but not soggy. Indoor lighting that is filtering will aid in their growth. Avoid direct sunlight as it could cause burning to the leaves. Be sure to water regularly however, make sure that the soil doesn't dry out completely, as this can cause root rot.
If your peace lily is starting to appear a bit yellow You're probably overwatering it. If you are unsure how often to water your peace lily the best rule of thumb to adhere to is to water it when the top inch or so of soil feels dry. When you water, use distilled or filtered water to keep the chlorine down.
Another common issue with peace lilies is browning leaf tips. This could be due to sunburn, but is more likely to be the result of excessive fertilizer. To remedy it water the soil until the water drains out of the drainage holes. After six months cease fertilizing.
Many people believe their peace lily has died when they see only green flowers. The reason for this is that if the plant was fertilized for flowering, it may have been given too much nitrogen, which inhibits the flowering capacity of the plant. Switch to a fertilizer with less nitrogen and phosphorous. Move your peace lily into a brighter area to encourage blooms. If that doesn't help, you can try a new variety of peace lily or even a new type of fertilizer.
Spider Plant
Spider plants are popular for a good reason--they're easy to grow and produce lots of young "spiderettes" on their edges. They can be rooted, and removed to form new plants. The Spider Plant is a good option for new homeowners because it's hardy and can endure the ravages of neglect.
The original Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum) has long grassy green leaves. It is available in a variety of colors such as yellow and striped. It produces tiny white plantlets that can be cut back and rooted. When cultivated in hanging baskets, the tangled stems can create a very impressive and stunning display.
The Spider Plant as well as the Peace Lily is a pliable and adaptable plant that is able to thrive in most lighting conditions. However, it does require bright indirect sunlight to keep its variegated foliage in good shape. Avoid direct sunlight because the variegated Spider Plant will burn. It is also important to keep soil moist, but not too wet. The soil should be just wetted enough to allow water droplets to fall from the leaves to the pot.
A good tip for avoiding soggy soil is to use a smaller pot filled with the potting mix that drains quickly, or make your own. Another important thing to remember is that Spider Plants respond well to basic, all-purpose fertilizer--though it is important not to over-feed them as this can cause salt accumulation in the soil.
The Spider Plant purifies the air inside your home by removing indoor pollutants such as formaldehyde. Place the plant in a location with plenty of sun to absorb the chemicals and help them escape via its foliage. The plant can be used in conjunction with other plants to further improve the air quality in your home. It's even proven to reduce odors, such as cooking and smoke smells.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
The fiddle leaf fig known as Ficus Lyrata is the most sought-after most popular plant due to its beautiful violin-shaped leaves. It is a tropical plant that thrives in humid, warm conditions and it's easy to see why many people are attracted to this house plant as it grows quite large and can add visual interest to any room.
The only drawback to this popular plant is that it may be prone to fungal and mold diseases. It's important to keep a close watch on the plant and watch for these conditions, especially in the case of soil that's been in place for a number of years. It's also important to change the soil regularly to ensure the plant's health and lessen the risk of infection.
Overwatering a fiddle-leaf fig is one of the most common mistakes. The fiddle leaf fig is a native of rainforests, where it's used to be flooded with water and then dried out. You should water sparingly and allow the soil to completely dry between waterings.
It's also important to keep the plants clean from dirt and other particles that can block the leaves and hinder photosynthesis. The best way to accomplish this is by cleaning the leaves with a damp cloth on a regular basis. This will help maintain the health of your plant and keep pests at bay.
Aside from the occasional fungus or mildew There aren't many serious issues that could be affecting a fig with a fiddle leaf. It's important to check the plant for insects that cause scaling and other common pests of houseplants, such as aphids and mealy bugs. You should also be looking out for thrips, which could cause leaves to yellow.
It's also an excellent idea to periodically mist the fiddle leaf fig with a spray bottle in order to increase the humidity inside your home. This is especially beneficial in winter when indoor air is generally drier. It is recommended to mist the plant in the morning so that the moisture can be able to evaporate before evening.
Dracaena
Dracaenas thrive in a variety of indoor environments. They are generally slow-growing and low-maintenance, and some varieties (such as 'Lemon Lime' dracaena) have bright shades that lighten the areas that are shaded in the home.
The spiky, lanced leaves of the dracaena come in various shades and patterns that give it a unique style that is modern and rustic at the same time. Some dracaenas are solid forest green, whereas others feature red, yellow or white stripes. Leaves also curve slightly creating an appearance that is more tree-like.
Like many tropical plants, dracaenas can tolerate a shaded or indirect environment. Remember that a lack sunlight can result in the loss or change of other characteristics.
Avoid over-watering the dracaenas because this can cause root rot and other issues. The soil should be allowed to dry completely before rehydrating. If you notice a slowing or dying plant, try relocating it to a sunny spot or misting the leaves with plain water to add humidity to the air.
Pests rarely bother dracaenas however, periodic checks are essential to keep the plants healthy. Aphids are wingless insects which can squeeze the juices out of the stems, buds and leaves of the dracaenas. This slows the growth of the plant and decreases its vigor.
You can also find scale insects and mealybugs, that are covered with cottony material. house plants names can kill the dracaenas if not kept under control. They do this by sucking out the sap from the leaves.
Tip cuttings are an easy and easy way to propagate the dracaenas. They can be harvested throughout the year. To establish new plants, cut a tip that is 8cm in length and above a node on the parent plant. Place the tip in an jar filled with water on a window sill and keep the water clean. Within a few weeks, roots will appear and the plant will be potted on into fresh, free-draining soil.
Dracaenas are sensitive to fluoride and it is essential to only use non-fluoridated water when watering your dracaenas. It is also a great idea to fertilize your plants with a branded 'Houseplant feed every four waterings during spring and summer. This frequency can be decreased in the fall and winter.