Common House Plants
If the leaves of a house plant appear leggy or lopsided, it is trying to tell you it requires more light. Try moving the plant closer to a window with plenty of light or use grow lights.
Plants from subtropical and tropical areas thrive indoors, as they adapt to the warm and dry conditions of homes. These common house plants make the perfect choice for people who has limited space and time to maintain a garden.
Rubber Tree
The Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica) is a very popular indoor house plant for its lush green leaves. It is also renowned for its ability to cleanse the air in homes and offices. It is a tropical tree, so it does best in humid, warm climates with bright sunlight and lots of water.
Despite its stunning appearance, this plant is actually easy to maintain. However, it is important to keep in mind that this plant can get very tall. If you don't want it grow into a jungle then it is important to cut the stems when they become too long. This can be done easily with a pair or gardening shears.
This plant also produces an oily sap that is known as latex. The latex can be used in a variety of ways, including to make rubber balls and shoes that are waterproof. potted house plants , Maya and Aztec people used to tap on the trees to extract this valuable substance. The sticky latex of the Rubber Plant is also a natural insecticide. It is able to stick to the surfaces of insects and kill them.
Because this plant is tolerant, it is one of the best choices for the beginner gardener. Rubber Trees do not require much pruning in order to keep their shape. The primary focus of pruning should be to remove dead or dying leaves and branches, as well as to cut the plant back when it becomes too tall.
The most important factor in the maintenance of the health of a rubber plant is water. This is especially true during the hottest summer months which is when the plant is the most active. One method to determine the amount of water needed to a Rubber plant is by looking at the moisture levels of the soil. The soil will begin to dry up after watering the plant.
potted house plants can also be propagated with a stem cut and planted. This method is most effective if the stem is coated with the rooting hormone prior to planting. potted house plants layering is a different method to propagate Rubber Plants. To do this, you need to cut one small branch from the plant and place it in moss, which will naturally grow around the stem.
Spider Plant
The spider plant, also referred to as Chlorophytum Comosum, gets its name from the long, stiff plantlets which hang from the mother plant, like spiders on webs. It is among the most popular indoor plants because it is easy to cultivate and can thrive almost anywhere. It's also thought of as a "hardy" plant since it is able to withstand a wide variety of conditions.
Spider plants are utilized as air purifiers in offices and homes. It has been proven effective in getting rid of harmful chemicals like carbon monoxide and formaldehyde from the air. It can also help remove airborne allergens like mold spores, dust mites and hair of pets, which could trigger allergic reactions.
When indoors, spider plants thrive best in bright but filtered light, with a good humidity and warm temperatures. They can tolerate a little shade, but they're best for windows that are brighter and are protected from direct sunlight. They do not require as much watering as other plants, and a light misting with a hose will provide enough moisture for them. They are sensitive to fluoride, chlorine and other chemicals in tap water. This can cause browning of the leaf tips.
Spider plants, as well as other houseplants, are prone to pest infestations such as whiteflies and spider mites. To reduce their number, wash the leaves periodically and wash the soil between. A regular repotting is needed, especially when the roots begin to sprout out of the top of the container.
A healthy spider plant will produce "pups" or offshoots which can be separated from the mother plant and used to grow new plants. Healthy plants will also produce tiny flowers which can be detached or put into compost to grow their own plants. But, it's important to keep in mind that fertilizing doesn't encourage flowering in spider plants.
Weeping Fig
Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina) is a common indoor house plant that has a beautiful shape and lush foliage. The tree is known for its beauty and is frequently used in bonsai.
The weeping fiddle develops slowly and requires a set of specific conditions to thrive. It is best suited for rooms that are bright and have plenty of indirect light. It can also grow outdoors in warm areas. It is a popular choice for indoor gardens because it can improve air quality. The ficus tree has the capacity to remove certain contaminants from the air, like formaldehyde, toluene, and xylene.
Based on the variety of weeping-figs its leaves could be either green or variegated. Some cultivars are characterized by wavy leaves, while others have pointed leaves. Some weeping fig plants can grow to over six feet tall, however they can be pruned to a smaller height.
Ficus benjamina can easily be propagated through cuttings of the stem. This process involves wearing gloves as the plant releases irritating sap when cut. The stems are then cut and placed in water so that they will begin to develop roots. After a few weeks, the cutting can be transferred into a larger pot.
Young weeping figs require regular irrigation to ensure proper growth. However the plant is prone to too much water and requires a well-drained soil. Overly wet soil can lead to root rot. Avoid applying excessive fertilizer, since this could also harm the tree.
The weeping fig is a large feeder and must be fed regularly throughout the growing season. The plant requires a light trim every couple of years to keep it looking fresh and attractive.
The weeping fiddle is a fruit-producing plant between the second and third years. The medium-sized fruits are edible and can be added to everyday meals as a delicious addition. The fruits must be washed prior to eating to get rid of any insects. The fruits have a high nutritional value and can be dried and stored to be used later. The fruit has a distinct taste, and can be consumed raw or cooked.
Peperomia
Peperomia plants (pronounced pep-er-ohmah) have thick, fleshy foliage which stores lots of water. They come in a variety of shapes and colors, including deep emerald green and silvery markings. Some, such as the ripple peperomia or pellucida, have puckered leaves that resemble ruffled fabric. There are also variegated peperomia with creams and whites in their foliage. Peperomia flowers can be scarce however they are typically spindly spikes in brown and greenish white. They aren't attractive and can detract from the overall look of the plant. Peperomia plants thrive in the garden, and are easy to grow.
In nature, peperomias live as epiphytes or lithophytes, growing on trees and other living things that live in the rainforest's understory. They are therefore ideal houseplants since they do not require sunlight to be bright to flourish. They can be grown as bushy, upright or upright-growing plants.
The leaves of Peperomias are medicinal and can be used to soothe burns and skin rashes. They also help with insect bites as well as other skin conditions. The powder of dried leaves is combined with oil to create salve that is applied to the skin. It can also be added to bathwater to soothe and moisturize.
While Peperomias don't require a lot of care they thrive in areas with a little privacy. They prefer warm temperatures and medium to high levels of humidity. They also need lots of indirect light, which is why you should choose a place in your home that's located a few feet from a west or south-facing window is ideal. The sun's brighter rays could burn the leaves, and a lack of light will result in less lively foliage.
These plants require regular to moderate watering, however, they do not like to be overwatered. According to the houseplant and gardening site Bloomscape overwatering can result in yellow stems and mushy leaves. To avoid this, allow the soil to dry between waterings.
If you have overwatered your Peperomia plant, take off the damaged leaves and plant it in a clean well-draining soil. Water slowly and deeply to decrease the risk of overwatering in the future.