| NAME |
GROWING CONDITIONS
|
COMMENTS |
Maidenhair fern
Adiantum species |
50-55oF at night, 60-65oF during the day.
Keep plant moist, but do not allow to stand in
water. Fertilize lightly once a year in early
spring. |
This fern has striking
black stems and broad leaflets, often found
growing in damp, cool areas near mountain
streams. Their main limitation indoors is that
they require a very damp atmosphere and plenty of
room to help them mature. |
Asparagus fern
Asparagus species |
60-65oF at night, 68-72oF during the day.
Keep moist except in winter. Allow to dry between
waterings. Performs best in cool temperatures,
but will tolerate average or hot temperatures.
Fertilize three times a year: spring, summer and
early fall. |
Attractive, feathery
foliage. Small flowers are followed by round
berries. New stems are often bare at first. Very
easy to care for as they tolerate a wide range of
temperatures and light. Pinch back stems to keep
plants bushy. Leaves will turn yellow and drop if
plant is suddenly moved to a new location with
low light. Some popular species are: A. sprengeri
(Asparagus fern), A. plumosa (Plumosa fern), and
A. meyeri (Meyer fern). |
Begonia -
fibrous rooted and tuberous
Begonia species |
60-70oF (min 50oF). Let plants
approach dryness before watering, water
thoroughly and discard drainage. Fertilize only
during late spring and summer. Add extra peat or
leaf mold. Keep soil loosely packed. Prefers high
potash feed. |
There are thousands of
begonia species Ñ some are popular as blooming
plants and others are attractive as foliage
plants. They are very easy to grow. Prefers warm
conditions. Watch for powdery mildew. Keep
atmosphere moist and avoid drafts. Favorites
include: Begonia coccinea (Angel-wing and Cane),
Begonia masoniana (Iron cross), and Begoinia x
rex-cultorum (Rex begoinias). |
Grape ivy
Cissus rhombifolia |
60-70oF (min 50oF). Let plants
approach dryness before watering, water
thoroughly and discard drainage. Fertilize only
during late spring and summer. Add extra peat or
leaf mold. Keep soil loosely packed. Prefers high
potash feed. |
This plant is a vigorous
indoor climber that trains well on a trellis,
string or post. Also, makes for a nice hanging
basket. The foliage is large and shiny. Light
pruning or clipping will keep plant to desired
height and shape. The foliage can become quite
sparse and weak along the stem if the plant is
not in good light. |
Coleus
Coleus x hybrids |
55-60oF at night and
70-75oF during the day.
Keep evenly moist and discard excess water from
saucer. Maintain average indoor humidity levels.
Fertilize when plant is actively growing or
flowering. |
The oval, scalloped leaves
of this plant are very richly colored. It is a
fast growing tropical shrub. Dark blue or white
flowers form in the fall. This plant is easy to
care for requiring regular waterings. Some leaf
drop will occur in the winter. If light is too
low, the plant will become spindly and weak. Keep
pinched back to maintain bushy form. |
Deer's-foot fern,
Rabbit's-foot fern, Squirrel's-foot fern
Davallia species |
50-55oF at night and
65-70oF during the day.
Keep evenly moist. Enjoys humid conditions.
Fertilize three times a year: spring, midsummer
and early fall. |
These ferns are known for
their furry rhizomes that creep over the plant's
container, giving the appearance that they need
to be repotted. These plants work well in a
hanging basket as its feet can then cascade over
the edge. Infrequent repotting is best. Pick off
yellowed leaves. Ensure plant remains out of
drafts or dry air as this will cause leaves to
scorch. |
Schefflera
Brassaia species |
50-60oF at night and
60-65oF during the day.
Let plant approach dryness before watering.
Fertilize during late spring and summer. Pick off
yellow leaves to give plant extra room to grow. |
This fast-growing plant is
relatively easy to care for and is often used in
offices. The leaves of the B. actinophylla can
grow to a foot across and spread out like an
umbrella. The smaller B. arborcola is popular for
its low light tolerance and high resistance to
spider mites. |
Ficus
Ficus species |
50-55oF at night and
65-70oF during the day.
Fertilize all year, more heavily in the summer.
Let plant approach dryness before watering.
Ensure water drainage is removed. Can tolerate
medium light, but prefers high light areas. |
There are more than 800
varieties of this popular tree and shrub. Guard
against overwatering, cold drafts, dry heat and
any sudden changes in environment. Some favorites
include: Ficus benjamina (weeping fig), Ficus
elastica (rubber plant), Ficus lyrata (fiddleleaf
fig), and Ficus reptans (creeping fig). |
Amaryllis
Hippeastrum speicies |
50-55oF at night and
65-70oF during the day.
Keep moist during growth and flowering periods.
Allow to dry between waterings and at other
times. Fertilize during growth and flowering
periods. Maintain average indoor humidity levels. |
The strap-shaped leaves of
this lily-like flower emerge after blooming. It
grows to one- to two-foot. Many colors are
available. This easy to grow plant blooms in late
winter and will live for many years if cared for
properly. Pick off yellowed leaves. Guard against
crown rot by not planting too deeply, watering
over crown, or watering late in the day. |
Kentia palm
Howea forsterana |
50-55oF at night and
60-65oF during the day.
Let plant approach dryness before watering. Water
thoroughly. Fertilize all year, but more heavily
in the summer. Do not subject to direct sunlight. |
Outdoors, this popular
palm grows to be a very tall tree, but indoors it
will rarely exceed seven or eight feet. Its
feather-shaped leaves arch outward from sturdy
branches. Pick off yellowed leaves. Wash leaves
occasionally. Root rot will occur if plant is
left standing in water, or if it is overwatered. |
