10 Popular House Plants That Are Unexpected
Popular House Plants For a Tropical Touch
The heartleaf Philodendron makes a great option for those looking to add a tropical feel to their home. These colorful leaves are easy to take care of and can tolerate low light.
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Calatheas, sometimes referred to as peacock plants, are beautiful patterns on their leaves. Similar to other house plants, calatheas are easy to grow, but need good drainage and filtered light.
Ponytail Palm
The ponytail palm, Beaucarnea Recurvata is a beautiful plant that is easy to care for. It has become one of the most popular houseplants in recent years. Although it appears to be a palm tree however, this is a succulent that grows well in dry conditions. It can withstand for weeks without watering because its trunk is swelling. It is a fantastic plant for people who live in colder climates or have a busy schedule. It is also known as the elephant-foot or bottle-palm.
Ponytail palms thrive in warm indoor conditions and can withstand cold temperatures. In summer they prefer bright places with indirect sunlight to keep warm and to avoid burning their leaves. They can adapt to full sun exposure however, only in warmer climates. They can also be found outdoors as an outdoor landscape in areas that are frost-free. They can grow to a diameter of six inches or greater when planted indoors. Offsets can be propagated through cuttings taken from the base of the tree's trunk.
Ponytail palms require a small amount of water and thrive in the same draining soil as succulents, cacti and others. A clay pot is suggested to aid in this process because it helps to wick water away from the roots. If your ponytail palm is root bound then place the plant in a pot only a few inches wider than its trunk. Slowly move it to the new container over a couple of weeks to avoid shock. Fertilize every other season using an aqueous cactus fertilizer at half strength.
Schefflera
The genus Schefflera includes many house plants that are popular and have leaflets that look like umbrellas. Schefflera actinophylla Schefflera Arboricola and other common varieties have elongated leaflets ranging from four to six leaves that gracefully fall off the central stem. This is what gives them their common name. The smaller variety, Areca catechu, produces the same leaf shape, but with smaller leaves that are often variegated with cream or yellow. In addition to providing stunning greenery, both varieties are effective as an organic air freshener and deodorizer.
This tropical houseplant is easy to take care of and thrives in a high humidity environment. However, it needs warm temperatures and does not tolerate sudden temperature drops or drafts. It is susceptible to a number of diseases such as fungal and bacterial leaf spots. To avoid these problems ensure that you keep the soil moist, but not overwater it, and make use of a potting mix that is made from peat moss. If you must water your plant, wait until the top inch of soil is dry before watering again.
It is possible to feed your plant more frequently if it shows signs of nutrient deficiency like yellow or wilted leaves, or brown tips. This can be done by adding liquid fertilizer to the water or by using slow-release pellets. Pruning your schefflera on a regular basis, since this will promote the development of new leaves and increase the growth.
Areca Palm
Palms are a staple in tropical climates and make stunning house plants because of their green fronds that remain all year round and blend well with the majority of interiors. They can be grown as a centerpiece or pots for a natural look. They also provide a lot of interest to the entrances or corners and are ideal for brightening the dark corners of the home.
In their natural habitat the areca palm thrives in a tropical rainforest. It is naturally adapted to high humidity and warm temperatures. The areca is abrasive and may burn when exposed to sudden blasts of cold air. It is crucial to keep your palms out from cold windows, heating and air cooling units.
It is vital that areca palms receive ample light. They are not tolerant of light that is dim or moderate, so make sure they are in a location that has plenty of direct sunlight.
Areca palms require constant irrigation However, they should not be overwatered. Overwatering can cause rot and fungus diseases. The soil should not be drenched, but it should be humid. It should be allowed to dry between waterings. If your soil isn't rich and loamy, you can amend it by adding some builder's gravel or peat moss bark. This will result in an even more drained, richer mixture.
Chinese Money Plant
The Pilea peperomioides is also known as the Chinese money plant, coin plant or pancake plant. It's a perennial flowering plant in the nettle genus that's cultivated for its round UFO-shaped leaves. It's a houseplant that grows quickly and is easy to propagate and maintain.
This houseplant thrives in medium light conditions. Avoid placing it directly in the sun because this can cause burning of its gorgeous leaves. Instead, put it in a window that receives abundant indirect light.
To prevent the Chinese money plant from becoming lopsided, turn its pot by about a quarter each week or more. This ensures that all leaves get equal amounts of sunlight. It's also recommended to fertilize it once a month using an appropriate liquid plant food that has been diluted to half strength.
The Chinese money plant is tolerant of low humidity levels. However, if you notice that its leaf edges are starting to get crisper this could be a sign that it's time to increase the humidity.
This plant is a favorite in Feng Shui where it is believed to promote prosperity and wealth. It's an excellent plant to have in the office because it has been shown to increase worker productivity and reduce employee stress. Additionally, it's safe for pets and children. Enjoy your greenery! This plant can be found in local nurseries, garden centers as well as the majority of home improvement and supermarkets that have a gardening section.
Majesty Palm
Majestic palms, or Ravenea Rivularis have long frosts that are a stunning addition to any home. https://houseplantalley.com/ possess properties that purify the air. Due to their high humidity requirements and growing requirements, they can be difficult to maintain.
Like most other indoor house plants palms require moderate light and evenly moist soil. They should be watered regularly, but not excessively. Regular fertilizing will also benefit the plant.
When watering a palm with majesty, ensure that you apply the water to the entire surface of soil. Avoid watering a plant directly on the crown of the base because this could cause rot and damage to new fronds.
Majesty palms thrive in a pot 2-3 inches larger than the root ball. The plant will also appreciate a pot with good drainage, as it's prone to root rot. Add some drain rocks to the bottom of your pot to improve the drainage. Repot a Majesty Palm every year or when the roots are extending out of the drainage hole in the bottom of your pot.
Majesty palms can be susceptible to scale insects and aphids and spider mites. To keep these pests out it is important to spray your plant with mild soap and water solution. Majesty palms are also sensitive to low humidity, making it crucial to ensure they are in an area with good air circulation.
Peperomia
Peperomia is a great houseplant for those who are new to gardening, as it doesn't require a lot of watering. The plant is a tropical rain-forest species and is a fan of warm climates and moderate humidity. It thrives in humid places like terrariums or brightly lit bathrooms and in misted areas within the home. It can be kept outside during summer, but you should bring it inside before temperatures drop.
Lindsay Pangborn, an expert from gardening site Bloomscape suggests watering only when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. She also recommends using a chopstick to aerate the soil before watering to ensure that it can reach all areas of the roots. Aeration helps prevent rot and encourages deeper root growth. Peperomias don't have a particular preference when it comes to feed. They can be fertilized twice per week with a general-purpose fertilizer for houseplants.
The leaves of peperomias have a distinct texture that adds an appealing visual appeal. They can be smooth, crinkled, or with ridges or grooves. They can also be variegated or spotted. Some exhibit a pattern that resembles a watermelon skin or ripples that are emerald in color. They can be cleaned by wiping them with a damp cloth in order to remove dust from crevices. This is especially true in species that have ripples or grooves. If you notice swollen areas on the leaves of peperomia plants, this could be a sign of an issue. You should treat the plant with insecticidal detergent.