10 Websites To Help You Become An Expert In Houseplant
Tall Houseplants
Large plants can make a statement in the home and add texture. They usually require less maintenance than smaller houseplants, too.
Large green leaves, like the Bird of Paradise, are quick-growing and thrive in bright sunlight. They also provide color to your home.
Dragon Tree 'Madagascar
The Madagascar Dragon Tree, or Dracaena Marginata is a very popular indoor plant that is tall because of its gorgeous foliage and easy-care. It is a member of the Dracaena Genus, and is known for the red blood-like resin it produces when damaged or cut and is believed to resemble the dragon's blood from its native Madagascar home.
The Madagascar Dragon Tree, like many other members of the dracaena family, is extremely adaptable and hardy. It is a great choice in containers and can reach 6 feet or more if left unpruned. However, it can be kept much shorter when regularly pruned. If it is given enough light and water the plant can thrive in any environment and shouldn't suffer from overwatering.
The best place to grow your Madagascar Dragon Tree would be in a room that has indirect lighting. Avoid direct sunlight, as this will scorch the leaves and may cause the red resin to ooze out. The ideal spot for your Madagascar Dragon Tree is a North facing window ledge, or a place that gets shade from East/West or South windows.
Dragon trees prefer a decent amount of humidity. This can be accomplished by misting the leaves frequently in the majority of homes. This is particularly important if the plant is in a room that tends to dry out, like an office or bedroom.
If the soil becomes too dry it is when the Madagascar Dragon Tree begins to produce brown leaves. To remedy this, try adding more water to the pot to ensure an even soil, or increase humidity by putting it in a group with other plants that release moisture through their leaves, or by placing it on a tray filled with pebbles and water (so that the bottom of the pot is on the pebbles, which is above the water line). This is a very resilient plant that is easily revived as long as the root ball is healthy.
Growing a Madagascar Dragon Tree is easy as can be, and it is usually sold at retail nurseries in cuttings of the mature plant, to be sold as new plants. It can also be grown by air layering stems, which is a simple procedure that can quickly produce the full-sized plant.
Dwarf Umbrella Plant
The Dwarf Umbrella Plant is a favourite among those who grow houseplants. It is among the fastest growing plants, able of reaching six feet or more with adequate light levels. It is also capable of climbing, and is great for rooms with high ceilings. The foliage is beautiful dark green with creamy blotches and it is available in several different varieties, including all-green and variegated.
Umbrella plants are tolerant of various conditions, but it's best to give them lots of sunlight and avoid temperatures below freezing. They also tend to grow quickly and become overgrown within a growing season. To help keep them looking at their best, cut them frequently and remove dead leaves. These plants thrive in small containers, so it is simple to repot them.
When watering your dwarf umbrella plant it is important to use a watering can or hose that delivers an even mist of water so that the soil is evenly soaked. buy house plants of hydration is necessary to stop root rot. Wait until the top inch of soil is dry before watering the soil again. Don't let the soil become too wet. The frequency of watering is also influenced by humidity and temperature. In the summer, it is more frequent to water and in the winter, less frequently.
Fertilize your dwarf umbrella plant every two weeks with a fertilizer that is designed for plants that produce foliage. This will encourage healthy, lush growth as well as the growth of flower buds, if desired. This can be done at the same time as you irrigate it.
It is also recommended to trim your Dwarf Umbrella Plant regularly. This will keep it from becoming tangled and unruly, as well retaining the most vibrant and healthy foliage. You should also get rid of any blooms as soon as they appear, and remove any faded flowers immediately you notice them.
If you're planning to propagate your Dwarf Umbrella Plant, the University of Florida recommends snipping off 1-inch stem cuttings that are free of foliage from just below the uppermost leaves and putting them in a sterilized medium like seed-starting mix or rooting gel. Keep them warm and damp until they begin to root. It typically takes between 1 and 2 months.
Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree
Fiddle Leaf Figs may be the hottest houseplant of today, but they can be a bit difficult to care for. They require plenty of sunlight and don't enjoy temperatures that are too cold or drafty. They also shed leaves in response to changes in the environment as is normal. However should the plant shed too many leaves, it will have less surface area to absorb sunlight, which can slow the rate of growth.
As a rule Fiddle Leaf Figs average about a foot each year, however they can get taller with the right conditions. If a ficus plant starts growing too slowly it's a sign that something is wrong. It's usually a problem with the amount of sunlight the plant is receiving or it could be a sign that the soil or the container isn't suitable.
The most important thing to take care of a Fiddle Leaf Fig is to provide it with filtered, bright light. It can be difficult to find enough of this kind of light in an indoor environment, so it's usually necessary to add LED lights or other lighting for plants. This allows the plant to thrive without being exposed to too much direct sunlight, which could cause burns to the leaves or cause them to turn brown.
This kind of plant requires a high-quality potting soil that's well-draining. It's important to not over-water, as this could cause root rot and other issues. It's best to let the soil air dry between waterings. However, if you do water, use water that isn't too cold or hot.
To encourage branching, give the plant more light. This will encourage it to branch out from the side and stop growing straight upwards. Another way to encourage branching is to trim it often, removing any damaged or overgrown leaves and trimming branches that cross to keep the plant clean.
Mast suggests using the touch test to determine when to water your plant. Put your finger in the soil until it is at the middle of your knuckle. when you still feel water clinging to your fingertips, it's time to water.
Spider Plant
Spider plants (Chlorophytum Comosum) are a wonderful tall houseplant for a conservatory, sunroom, or other spaces that are tall. They are an easy plant to propagate and grow and also are great at cleansing the air inside your home. Their green flowers are beautiful and add color to any room.
They can tolerate low light levels, but prefer bright indirect sunlight. They can tolerate low levels of light however their health and growth could be impacted if they are kept in dark areas for a long time. Watering is important since these plants don't like to be overly dry. They are also susceptible to fungal infections, so it is a good idea to mist them frequently or set up a tray with pebbles beneath the pot (to reduce the amount of moisture).
One of the best things about these plants is their capacity to create baby plants quickly! It is recommended to remove the trailing spiderettes from the mother plant when they have roots that are at least one inch long. Then you can plant them in pots that have well-drained potting soil. The new plants will start to grow in the next few weeks. Then, you can remove the plants to allow them to grow.
This is a tough plant that doesn't require frequent pruning. However, it may benefit from being cut at the beginning of spring to encourage new growth and blooming. They look stunning cascading from the ceiling and can be used as the focal point of a hanging planter. Spider plants are safe for homes with children and pets since they are not toxic.
These plants are susceptible to brown tips on their leaves which are often caused by excessive direct sunlight and low humidity, as well as too much salt and chemical in the water. They may also be affected by bacterial leaf blight and pest infestations, so it is essential to check them on a regular basis and move them to places in your home that are safe from the reach of children and animals.