Common Houseplant Strategies That Will Change Your Life
Common Houseplants
One of the most sought-after house plants Pothos is a forget-it-forget-it plant that thrives in dim light. It is also a durable and beginner-friendly house plant.
Water: Mist soil frequently. Keep soil moist, but not too wet. Pests like mealy bugs and scale may cause leaves to sag. Be sure to inspect the area and treat with insecticidal oil or neem soap.
Pothos
Pothos is a stunning plant that grows in many different colors and styles. Its leaves are smooth and glossy, and its stems grow up to 10 feet a vine. It is easy to propagate and makes it an ideal option for a hydroponic setup. It also doesn't require much feeding, so it's an ideal plant for those who don't have a lot of time to take care of their plants. The plant will grow well in most climates but will begin to suffer when temperatures fall below 55oF.
The vine can be grown as a hanging vine, or it can be trained to climb an trellis or wall. Additionally it can be used as a ground cover to an indoor garden. It can also be placed around furniture, like an office desk or mantel.
Cuttings can be used to help propagate plants. To do so, cut a healthy and attractive piece of stem from the plant. It should measure between 4-6 inches in length and have a few attached leaves. You should cut it at the point at which aerial roots develop. After you have cut your stem, put it in an ice cube or in a moist rooting mix. The roots should form in a month. Once they have grown, you can plant them into soil.
If you want your plants to flourish ensure that you provide them with bright indirect lighting. Direct sunlight can make them dull or brown and also cause burns to their leaves. Pothos can tolerate low light, but will not produce its full range of colors.
Pothos can grow to the height of 1 foot in the wild. However it is generally kept at a lower height in the home. The most common color is jade green, but there are many different cultivars of this plant with various leaf variations. Certain varieties, like 'Marble queen' and 'Golden', have heart-shaped green leaves colored with white, while others, like 'Neon' and 'Joy' have vibrant yellow-green leaves.
Schefflera
Since many years, umbrella plants (scheffleras), with their lush tropical appearance and capacity to thrive in a variety environments, have been popular. They come in a wide variety of colors and styles making them an excellent option for your home or office. These tropical beauties are simple to maintain, however there are some issues that could arise in the event that you don't adhere to the proper instructions.
To avoid overwatering, scheffleras need to be watered very sparingly. This plant thrives in soil that drains well, therefore it is crucial to allow the soil to dry between waterings. Overwatering may cause root rot, which can cause the plant will begin losing leaves. Try rubbing the soil with your fingertips to check whether it's moist enough. If the soil is spongy and crumbly you should give it less water.
It is also essential to keep the schefflera plant in check to encourage growth. If it is not pruned regularly, this plant can develop a leggy look. It is best to use gloves when handling the sap of this plant, as it contains calcium oxalate crystals that can irritate your skin. Pruning the plant can allow for more branching, which can help keep it from becoming too leggy.
The ideal temperature for a schefflera plant is between 15 and 21 degrees Celsius, and the plant needs to be kept out of drafts and air cooling units. The plant can withstand a little bit of direct sunlight in the morning or evening but too much sunlight will scorch the leaves.
Another issue that schffleras face is their propensity to attract pests. This includes aphids and mites. If you notice signs of pests wash the leaves using neem or soapy water.
You may need to repot your schefflera if it starts showing signs of disease or. Brown spots and a mushy root are signs of disease. If this occurs, you'll need to plant the plant again using an easier, lighter soil. The schefflera is also susceptible to root rot, which can be caused by overwatering and poor drainage. This problem can be easily resolved by not watering the soil overhead and only in the evening. If this isn't working, you can apply a fungicide made of copper.
Maranta
Maranta plants are low-growing long-legged tropical houseplants known for their unique leaf patterns. The leaf pattern can differ among species. Some have red fishbone-patterned leaf, while others have silvery central stripes, light or dark blotches, and even silvery central stripes with a central stripe. The leaves are tethered in a parallel position to the ground during day and then elevated into the perpendicular 'prayer' pose at night, which gives the plant its common name, prayer plant. These plants require partial shade, high humidities and moist soil.
The most well-known of these species is the Maranta leuconeura 'Tricolor' or herringbone plant, which has herringbone patterns on its leaves that are elongated. Other varieties of this species include the 'Silverband' and 'Green Stripe' cultivars that both have dark green leaves with a silver central stripe. Herringbone patterns are also seen on the leaves of 'Maranta Leuconeura variant. erythroneura', also called red prayer plant or red nerve plant. Other variegated Maranta varieties include 'Fascinator Tricolor' and 'M. leuconeura var. Both have lighter green leaves in comparison to the darker herringbone plants.
Propagation of this plant is quick and simple with stem-tip cuttings or head cuttings easily growing in water. To root a Maranta stem-tip cutting cut a healthy plant just below the node and place the cutting in the rooting hormone. Place the cutting into a glass of water and then place it in an area that is warm and well-lit area. Change the water frequently to help the cutting adjust to the soil and move it into the soil when roots begin to develop.
As with many tropical plants that thrive in high humidity, prayer plants also prefer this kind of. To ensure that potted house plants have a good level of humidity you can place the plant in a humidifier for the room or misting it regularly. To avoid root rot and ensure that the soil drains well it should not be soggy. Use a multi-purpose pot mixture with adequate nutrients. Regularly prune your plant to eliminate dead or yellow leaves and stems. This will encourage new growth and help keep the plant healthy. A balanced water-soluble fertilizer can be applied every two to three weeks throughout the growth phase, but only once a month when growth is slow.
Hoya
Hoya plants are adorned with stunning flowers that form small, rounded clusters on stems that are short known as peduncles. Each flower is a miniature work of art. They can be white, red or pink. In certain species, like the genus Hoya kerrii These flowers bloom in clusters near the ends of trailing vines that can be up to 13 feet (4m) in length.
Other Hoya species are more erect, such as the rosy-hued H. carnosa and the elongated leaf of the H. kerrii cultivar 'Tricolor.' Other types, like the Hoya Publicalyx, also have elongated, sword-shaped, or rounded leaves. The leaves of this type are dark green with slender, elegantly curved and slightly wrinkled edges, and they grow alternately along thin flowing, tangled, draping vines.
Hoya publicalyx vines can also bear fuchsia flowers in spherical bunches at the tips of their peduncles. The flowers are a creamy white hue with a lemon yellow ring around the center, and they can be very attractive in hanging baskets. This variety is easier to grow than other varieties of Hoya and blooms earlier than other varieties.
Like all epiphytes, Hoyas require bright but indirect light and plenty of humidity. They also need regular watering to stop the growing medium from drying out. However, Hoyas dislike over-watering, and should be allowed to dry somewhat between waterings. This will help prevent the growth of rot. Hoyas do best in a warmer climate and are best grown indoors. However they can be cultivated outdoors in tropical regions.
These plants are found in the wild in humid forests, along riverbanks and on trees. They attach themselves by long tendrils to other species and trees. They are easy to propagate from stem cuttings which root readily in water or in a slightly damp growth medium. Hoyas can also be grown from seeds. The seeds germinate quickly, and they expand faster than seedlings that are derived from cuttings. Hoyas aren't harmful to pets or children, making them a good choice for households with animals or children.