Common Houseplants For Warm Climates

Many plants that thrive outdoors can be grown indoors. Indoors, many palms thrive, such as the robustly tolerant parlour as well as the elegant paradise palm.

Pothos and some 100+ Alocasia Varieties With Names and Pictures - Houseplant Alley (such as the Crotons that have variegated) are easy to grow and feature attractive foliage. Orchids require bright sunlight and constant moisture. However, let the soil dry between waterings.

Aroids

The aroids form a large family that includes a number of the most sought-after plants in our homes today. They are monocotyledonous, and a lot of species are valued for their foliage more than their flowers. They come in a broad variety of shapes, sizes and growth habits and are available in a wide range of colors as well. These include monstera, philodendrons anthuriums, and colocasia.

They thrive in indirect light that is moderate to bright. They can be tolerant of less lighting conditions, like windows facing north (just ensure that the sun doesn't directly shine on the leaves).

Most of these plants thrive best in warm, moist climates. Make sure you use a potting mix that has adequate drainage and aeration in the container. Aroids are susceptible to overwatering, so make sure How To Grow Bonsai From Seeds - Houseplant Alley check the top 2 inches of soil often. Overwatering can cause them to shrink, wilt, or develop dark brown, soft patches.

Bromeliads

The bromeliad plants in the family have a unique characteristic that allows them to store water in their leaves or in cups at the base of the plant. They also make use of trichomes to release the water when needed. This makes them among the most drought-tolerant houseplants, but they could still benefit from being misted occasionally.

Certain species, such as the Guzmania and neoregelia varieties, are grown for their vibrant foliage which can include stripes, spots or bands of color. Others, such as the Tillandsia and Vriesea species, produce spikes of brightly colored flowers.

Certain bromeliads can be grown all year round, while others need to be moved outdoors during the warmer months when temperatures are above freezing. At the Safari Park, we can see bromeliads growing in our Hidden Jungle garden. The genus Guzmania has a wide variety of tropical plants which include the pineapple (Ananas comosus) that was introduced to Europe after Columbus' second trip to the New World in 1493.

Cacti

Many people enjoy bringing the beauty of cacti to their home. These unique plants are adapted to desert conditions and most species have spiny stems. Many of them produce flowers and fruit. The spines serve a purpose they are able to stop herbivores from eating the leaves and fruit.

Cacti, as with other desert-adapted plants can store water in the stems and the roots of their plants for times of drought. They can also utilize their stomata to store carbon dioxide in the daytime and release it through photosynthesis, a process that produces food for the plant.

In Central and South America, some cacti such as the cholla and the prickly-pear (Opuntia), are used to create living fences. Certain cacti, including Lophophora Williamsii (cactus Peyote), are used for their hallucinogenic effects.

Ferns

Ferns are the most common houseplants you'll see, even though they lack flowers and fruit. They're nevertheless easy to grow. The key to success lies in a growing medium that mimics the forest floor. This should be rich in organic matter but also contain coarse gravel or perlite, for proper drainage.

The needs of a fern will determine the frequency with which it is misted. They enjoy the humidity of living rooms and family spaces, however if you find the fronds becoming brown or House Plant Alley dropping leaves, it is a sign of low humidity.

To prevent water logging or root rot, the soil needs to be evenly moist but not overly soggy. Simply insert your finger in the soil to look for moisture. It should feel moist but not wet. Avoid overwatering, as it may cause a yellowing of the fronds. Keep it away from direct sunlight as these dry the plant too quickly.

Begonias

If you're displaying them in a decorative pot on a macrame hanging basket or in a garden, begonias provide vibrant color to indoor spaces. They thrive when they are exposed to indirect, bright light but require a lot of humidity.

Fibrous-rooted begonias, typically categorized as bedding plants, are low-maintenance and easy to grow. The 'Dragon Wing' variety is the most well-known, featuring blooms of pink, scarlet and yellow on dark-bronze and green foliage. For a compact version, try the 'Babywing' series that can grow to 12 to 15 inches tall.

They are sold as floor plants that grow to 4' high and feature beautiful leaves with polka dot patterns on both the front and back. They require regular watering, and a regular application of liquid fertilizer. They can wilt when the soil is dry, so be sure to check the level of moisture regularly. The begonias aren't fussy about the type of soil they prefer, however they do benefit from a lightweight, House Plant Alley fast-draining mixture like African violet pot soil or one that is specifically designed for houseplants.

Palms

Palms can add a tropical ambiance to your home, and they are frequently utilized in indoor gardens. They are easy to care for and can be the focal point of any room. They are tough, but they could be killed by cold temperatures. They should be kept in the garage in winter or in a protected area inside the home.

Palm leaves are referred to as palmate or pinnate and they are generally V-shaped in cross section. The leaflets are joined together or overlapped for a portion or all of their length and are joined by the costa which is an extension of the petiole to the leaf blade.

Many palm species are harvested for their fruit and wood. They are also used for shade in warmer regions as well as indoor plants when a tropical appearance is desired. For instance the peach palm (Brassica pendula) is grown for its edible fruit and also as an agricultural crop for coffee, whereas the tagua, also known as ivory palm (Phytelephas aequatorialis) is used to create vegetable ivory and rattan.

Schefflera

Scheffleras are also known as umbrella plants or octopus plants. They are among the most well-known types of houseplants. They are easy to Begonia Brevirimosa Care And Propagation Guide - Houseplant Alley for and don't require any care.

Scheffleras can survive in medium-light, but thrive best in indirect light that is bright. Excessive exposure to direct sunlight can cause burns to the leaves. Insufficient light can make the plant leggy and floppy.

Regularly watering is essential however, do not overwater. Overwatering can cause root rot. When repotting, use the container that is only a little larger than the original pot; the over-sized pot could result in a lot of soil that stays moist for too long.

Be aware of insects like aphids or spider mites. If you find pests you can nip them off the plant or use a natural insecticide like neem. If you notice that the leaves are turning brown it could be due to an absence of moisture or a temperature shock.

Polyscias

Polyscias literally translates to 'lots of shade', and that is exactly what this plant needs that was bred from subtropical islands in the Pacific. It is a stunning House Plant Alley with a twisting stem and gorgeous leaves. It is a wonderful houseplant to create a tranquil atmosphere. The leaves have medicinal properties and are used as a tonic, diuretic, antitoxin and to treat fever, coughs and colds. The plants also contain anti-inflammatory and antifungal effects. Studies have also revealed that they contain eight new saponins derived from oleanolic acid (polysciosides) and three known ones (polyacetylenes).

Place your Polyscias in a sun-drenched area that doesn't present direct sunlight on the leaves, as this may cause them to be burned. Water the soil as it is dry, but do not overwater. This can cause root rot and even leaf dropping. Fertilise with a Caladium - Houseplant Alley labelled feed every four waterings in summer months, but cut down to every six days in the winter and autumn.

Philodendrons

Philodendrons can be grown easily and they are a great option for novices and new gardeners. The classic trailing philodendron, hederaceum5, is fast-growing and adaptable to different lighting conditions, flourishing as a hanging basket, or climbing up a trellis outdoors in frost-free areas and happily spreading its heart-shaped leaves over windows in the bedroom or at a desk sill inside.

Try the cultivar Congo Rojo, which has elliptical-shaped leaves with a dark brown-purple shade. The unique color of the plant highlights its sculptural form and is perfect for modern rooms with modern furniture or ones decorated in black. Avoid overwatering philodendrons and put them in a bright area with indirect sunlight. Overwatering can result in leaf edge yellowing and a slowdown in growth. Always use lukewarm water and then add plant food using water-diluted solutions, rather than directly into the soil. The direct watering of the soil can also shock philodendrons and cause them to lose their health.