| NAME |
GROWING CONDITIONS |
COMMENTS |
Chinese Evergreen
Aglaonema modestum |
Never place in direct
sunlight. Keep evenly moist (drier in winter).
Fertilize all year, more heavily in summer - feed
with a mild solution every three weeks. Does
prefer a humid environment. |
This is an indoor favorite
because it can tolerate a wide range of
conditions including low light and low humidity.
Its creamy, waxy flowers bloom in late summer and
early fall. Its oblong leaves grow six to nine
inches long and up to three inches wide. |
Cast Iron Plant
Aspidistra elatior |
Place out of direct sun in
average warmth. Water thoroughly but allow to dry
between waterings. In winter reduce water and
keep plant cool. Keep out of drafts. |
This slow-growing, hardy
plant can survive extreme heat and low light. Its
dark green, oblong leaves grow up to 30 inches
long and up to four inches wide. In spring, dark
purple flowers appear at the soil level. Try to
avoid over watering or frequent repotting. |
Fatsia
Fatsia species |
Dry briefly between
waterings. Fertilize three times in summer. Repot
in well-drained potting mix when plant becomes
out of proportion with the pot. |
This large, course
evergreen shrub is native to Japan. Suitable for
large spaces, it can grow to six foot. It is very
tolerant of temperature extremes and drafts.
Selective pruning may help keep height
manageable. Watch for scale. Popular varieties:
F. japonica (Japanese Fatsia) is very easy to
grow and has small, white-yellow flowers and F.
japonica "Variegata" (Variegated
Japanese Aralia) that has bold, variegated,
creamy-yellow leaves. |
Peacock Plant
Calathea species |
Keep moist at all times.
Provide moist air - leaves will scorch if plant
is in a draft or dry conditions. Fertilize
lightly once a year in early spring if plant is
in a low light area - otherwise, a light feed
during summer will suffice. |
This plant has stunning
variegated foliage. Its leaves are large and have
red stalks. Some cultivars have purple and red on
the undersides of their leaves. They need plenty
of room to grow as they can reach two feet high
with leaves extending eight inches across. |
Pothos
Epipremnum aureum |
Keep out of direct
sunlight. Water thoroughly and keep evenly moist.
Ensure drainage is discarded. Prefers average
indoor humidity levels. Fertilize three times a
year during spring, midsummer and early fall. |
This vining plant is
commonly used in hanging baskets as it
heart-shaped leaves cascade over the edge of its
pot. Old runners or vines need to be cut back or
plant will look leggy. If light is too low, plant
may become spindly and weak. |
Prayer Plant
Maranta |
Keep evenly moist.
Fertilize three times in summer or with dilute
fertilizer at every watering during the growing
season. |
This low growing plant is
a native to tropical America, and is grown for
its colorful foliage and arrowroot (M.
arundinaceae) Very slow growing. Avoid drying
winds, cold temperatures and low humidity. Spider
mites may be a problem. Popular selections: M.
leuconeura (Red prayer plant) whose leaves fold
upwards in the evening; M. leuconeura var.
erythoneura whose light green leaves have a
silver and red vein. |
Monstera
Monstera deliciosa |
Keep out of direct
sunlight. Water thoroughly but allow to dry
between waterings. Wash and polish mature leaves. |
Also called a split-leaf
philodendron, these plants are very easy to grow
as long as they are not ignored. Be careful not
to over water. Waterlogged soil will cause leaves
to weep around edges. Dry air will cause leaf
edges to brown. Brown edges and yellow leaves are
a symptom of overwatering. |
Mother-In-Law's
Tongue
Sansevieria species |
Prefers average to hot
temperatures. Will tolerate low light conditions,
but performs best in medium or high light. Allow
to dry out between soakings as it small root
system rots easily. Fertilize infrequently. |
This slow-growing plant is
very hardy and tolerant of many conditions. Many
different species belong to the family and can
grow six to eight inches across and up to four
foot tall. Repot infrequently and prune when
grooming. Some species such as S. parva make for
great hanging baskets. Popular choices: S.
cylindrica (Devil's tongue) with rod-like, sharp
pointed leaves, S. trifasciata 'Hahnii' (Bird's
Nest Sansevieria) is ideal for small pots and
grows eight inches across. |
Philodendron
Philodendron species |
Provide at least moderate
light, but no direct sunlight. Water thoroughly
and discard drainage. Prefers average humidity
and daytime temperatures. Fertilize all year,
more heavily in summer. |
One of the most common
indoor plants tolerant to low light. Wash the
large, shiny leaves once a month. An undersized
pot, low temperatures or poor drainage will cause
leaves to yellow and drop. Overwatering will
cause leaf tips to brown. |
Drop Tongue
Homalamena |
It is important to keep
the soil evenly moist and not allow the plant to
dry out. Fertilize infrequently. Annual repotting
is recommended, or when stems fill the pot, or
when the plant dries out too frequently. Avoid
dry winds and cold drafts. |
This native of tropical
Asia and South America is part of the popular
Araceae family. Mealy bugs and mites can be a
problem. Popular varieties: H. sulcata (Drop
Tongue) grows to 18" high and has green and
copper leaves; H. wallisii (Speckled Drop Tongue)
is a short spreading plant with medium green
leaves marked with golden-green specks. |