Growing House Plants by Marguerite Callahan.
House plants add a touch of beauty to our dwelling places and surely help bring the outside world into our home. People who think they cannot grow houseplants simply have to select the right plant type for their home’s amount of sunlight and the level of care that they are able to provide. House plants have many uses. Plants can be used to add color, accent, and vitality to your home and herbs can be used for both aesthetic purposes as well as cooking. Herbs such as rosemary, thyme, oregano, parsley, chives, and mint are great plants to have in your home. Listed below are some easy house plants to grow. Be aware that some of these plants are toxic.
Pothos (Scindapsus aureus also called Epipremnum aureum) – This hardy trailing vine is sometimes listed as Golden Pothos due to the yellow variegation in their heart-shaped leaves. These trailing vines can be placed in low light conditions and do not have to be near a window at all. Pothos are forgiving if you forget to water regularly, but if you forget too many times you will notice significant yellowing and loss of leaves. You will find that the more you trim the plant the bushier it will become. The stems you remove from the plant can be readily rooted in water and you will soon have many more plants. Pothos is a very popular vine that contains calcium oxalates, which can cause burning, itching, vomiting and difficulty swallowing if any part of the plant is ingested.
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) – Like most succulent plants, they have limited water requirements. Allow soil to dry completely between watering. Remove new shoots when they are 3 to 4 inches high and replant in their own pots. This plant prefers sun to partial shade. It can cause contact dermatitis and may cause vomiting if ingested.
Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) – Many homes feature Spider plants hanging near their windows. A little water from time to time, a little sun, and spider plants almost always thrive. They’re also easy to propagate. Baby spider plants just grow right on stems off the adult houseplant, and can be picked and potted.
Sansevieria (Snake Plant or Mother-in-Law’s Tongue) – This tough plant is the ultimate drought survivor because of the long sword-like leaves. They are slow growers but with occasional watering (when the soil is extremely dry) and a bright room they will be with you for a long time. Remember that the leaves and plant saps can be poisonous to people and pets.
Select only those plants which appear to be insect and disease free. Be sure to check not only the top of the plants but also the undersides of the foliage. Select plants that look shapely and well-covered with leaves. Remember that it is easier to purchase a plant which requires the same environmental conditions your residence has to offer than to alter the environment of your home to suit the plants.