10 Popular House Plants That Are Unexpected
Popular House Plants For a Tropical Touch
For those who want to give your home a tropical feel take a look at the heartleaf philodendron. These vibrant leaves are easy to care for and will tolerate low light.
The spiky calathea, also called the peacock plant, displays beautiful patterned leaves. Calatheas, like many other houseplants that are popular are easy to grow but require light that is filtered as well as soil that drains well.
https://houseplantalley.com/ that is easy to care for, the ponytail palm (Beaucarnea Recurvata) has become one of the most sought-after house plants in recent times. Although it looks like the palm tree, this species is actually a succulent that thrives under dry conditions. The trunk's swelling stores liquid, and it can go for weeks without watering. This makes it a great plant for people who live in cold climates or who have busy schedules. It is also referred to as a bottle palm or elephant foot palm.
<img width="469" src="https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/https://houseplantalley.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/alocasia-purple-sword-drooping-768x512.jpg">
Ponytail palms thrive in warm indoor conditions and can withstand cold temperatures. In summer, they prefer bright spots with indirect sun for warmth and to avoid scorching the leaves. They can adjust to full sun exposure but only in warmer climates. They can also grow outdoors as an outdoor landscape in areas that are frost-free. When grown indoors, they can reach up to six inches or more in diameter. They can be propagated from offsets that develop at the trunk's base.
The ponytail palms require only a little water and thrive in the same quick-draining soil as succulents and cacti. A clay pot is recommended to aid in this, as it can wick water away from the roots. If your ponytail palm is root-bound it is best to pot the plant into a container that is a little wider than its trunk. To avoid shock, gently move it to the new container slowly. Fertilize your cactus plants every once or twice per season with a liquid fertilizer for cactus at half strength.
Schefflera
The genus Schefflera, also known as the Umbrella Plant or Queensland Umbrella Tree, includes several household plants that have leaflets that resemble those of an umbrella. The common varieties, such as Schefflera actinophylla and Schefflera arboricola, grow leaflets that are elongated, with six to eight leaflets that gracefully drop from an upright stem, giving the plant its popular nickname. The dwarf variety, Areca catechu, produces the same leaf shape, but with smaller leaves, which are typically variegated with cream or yellow. Besides providing stunning greenery, both varieties are effective as natural air fresheners and deodorizer.
This tropical houseplant is relatively easy to take care of and thrives in a humid environment. It will tolerate a moderately warm temperature, but it will not withstand sudden temperature changes or drafts. It is susceptible to a range of illnesses that can cause fungal and bacterial leaf spots. To prevent these issues ensure that you keep the soil moist, not overwatering it, and then use a potting mix based on peat moss. If you have to water your plant make sure that the top inch of soil is dry before re-watering.
You may need to feed your plant more often if it shows indicators of nutrient deficiencies, such as leaves that appear pale or withered or tips that are brown. This can be done by adding liquid fertilizer to the water or using slow-release pellets. You should prune your schefflera regularly, as this will encourage the formation of new leaves and growth.
Areca Palm
Palms are widespread in tropical climates. They make stunning houseplants due to their green fronds that remain lush all year long and are a great match for most interiors. They can be grown as a centerpiece or a pot for natural elegance. They also bring a lot of drama to the entrances or corners and are a great way to brighten the dark corners of the home.
In their natural habitat areca palms live in a rainforest climate and naturally adapt to high temperatures and warm humidity. The areca is abrasive and may burn if exposed to sudden bursts cold air. Therefore, it is important to keep the palms of indoor areca away from cold windows as well as heat sources and air conditioners.
It is essential that areca palms receive ample sunlight. They will not take low/medium lighting Therefore, ensure that they are placed in a location that has plenty of direct sunlight.
Areca palms require constant irrigation, but should not be left to overwater. Overwatering is the cause of fungal diseases and rot. The soil should not be drenched, but it should be moist. It should also be allowed to air dry between waterings. If the soil is not a rich, loamy mix You can improve it by adding some builder's-sand or peat moss to make a more nutrient-rich well-draining soil.
Chinese Money Plant
Pilea peperomioides, also referred to as the pancake plant, Chinese money plant or coin plant is a perennial flowering in the nettle family. It's grown primarily for its unique, round, UFO-shaped leaves. It's a houseplant that is easy to grow.
This houseplant thrives under medium light conditions. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, as this can burn its gorgeous leaves and cause other problems. Set it in a window that gets plenty of indirect light.
To stop the Chinese money plant from becoming lopsided, rotate the pot by about a quarter each week or more. This ensures that all leaves receive equal amounts of sunlight. You can also fertilize your plant each month by feeding it an appropriate liquid food that is diluted to half strength.
The Chinese money plant is tolerant of low levels of humidity. If you notice that the edges of the leaves are becoming crisp, it's a sign that you need to increase the humidity.
This plant is a popular favourite in Feng Shui which is believed to boost wealth and prosperity. It's also a great plant to have around the office, since it has been proven to increase worker productivity and reduce stress. Plus, it's nontoxic to pets and children. So, don't hesitate to give your greenery to family and friends! This plant can be found at local garden centers and nurseries and in most big-box home improvement stores and supermarkets with a gardening section.
Majesty Palm
Majestic palms, also known as Ravenea Rivularis, have tall fronds which are a beautiful addition to any home. These tropical plants also have air-purifying qualities. They aren't easy to take care of, however, due to their growing demands and the need for high humidity.
As with other indoor house plants, majesty palms require medium moist and light soil. It's best to water these plants frequently but not excessively. Regular fertilization will also benefit the plant.
When watering a majesty palm, ensure that you pour the water over the entire surface of the soil. Avoid watering a plant directly at the crown's base as this can cause rot and damage the new fronds.
Majesty palms thrive best in pots that are 2-3 inches larger than their root ball. They also benefit from a pot with good drainage as the plant is susceptible to root decay. Drain rocks can be incorporated into the bottom of the container to improve drainage. Repot a Majesty Plant every other year or when the roots are growing out from the drainage hole at the bottom of your pot.
Majesty palms are prone to spider mites, aphids and scale insects. To keep these pests out, it's important to spray your plant with a mild soap and water solution. Majesty palms can also be sensitive to low humidity. It's important that you keep them in a place with a good air circulation.
Peperomia
Peperomia is a wonderful houseplant for novices, since it doesn't require much watering. The plant is a tropical species that comes from the rain forest and prefers moderate humidity and warm conditions. It thrives in humid areas such as terrariums, brightly lit bathrooms or even areas that are misted of the home. It can be kept outdoors in the summer, but it is best to bring it inside before temperatures drop.
Lindsay Pangborn, an expert of the gardening site Bloomscape, recommends watering only when the top two inches of soil feel dry to the touch. She also suggests using chopsticks to aerate the soil prior to watering so that it can reach all parts of the roots. Aeration helps prevent the rot process and promotes deep root growth. Peperomias aren't in a hurry when it comes to feeding and can be fertilized twice a week with a general-purpose fertilizer that is designed for houseplants.
The leaves of peperomias are distinguished by a distinct texture. They can be smooth, crinkled or with grooves or ridges. They can also be seen or variegated. Some have patterns that looks like a skin of a melon or the emerald-colored ripples. You can remove them by wiping them with a damp cloth. This is especially important for species with ripples and grooves. If you notice swollen areas on the leaves of peperomia plants, this could be a sign of an issue. It is recommended to treat the plant with insecticidal detergent.