Common Houseplants
One of the most well-known house plants Pothos is a forget-it-forget-it plant that thrives in low light. It is also a tough and beginner-friendly house plant.
Mist the soil often. Keep soil moist but not soggy. The distorted leaves could indicate pests such as mealy bugs or scale; be sure to inspect the area and treat with insecticidal soap, or neem oil.
Pothos
Pothos is a beautiful plant that can be found in different styles and colors. The leaves are smooth and glossy and its stems can be up to 10 feet long as an erect vine. It is easy to propagate, which makes it a great option for a hydroponic setup. It doesn't require much feeding and is ideal for those who don't have time to maintain their plants. The plant will grow well in most climates but will begin to suffer when temperatures drop below 55oF.
The vine can grow as a hanging vine or be trained to climb a wall or trellis. In best houseplants can be used as a ground cover for an indoor garden. It can also be placed around furniture, such as an office desk or mantel.
Cuttings can be used to create plants. To accomplish this, remove an attractive stem from the plant. It should be between 4-6 inches in length and include some leaves attached. Make sure that you cut it above the node, which is the place where aerial roots develop. Place your stem in a glass containing water or a moist rooting mixture. The roots should form in one month. Once they have rooted you can plant them into soil.
To help your plants thrive, be sure to provide them with plenty of indirect light. Direct sunlight can cause them to turn dull or brown, and it can also cause burns to the leaves. Pothos tolerates low light but will not produce its full range of shades.
Pothos can grow to the height of a foot in the wild. However, it is usually kept smaller at home. Pothos is usually found in jade green. However there are a myriad of cultivars that have different leaf varieties. Some, like 'Marble Queen' and 'Golden', have heart-shaped green leaves that are variegated with white, while others, like "Neon" and "Joy" are characterized by vibrant yellow-green leaves.
Schefflera
For a long time, umbrella plants (scheffleras) with their lush, tropical appearance and ability to thrive in a variety of environments, have been popular. They come in a range of styles and colors that make them an excellent choice for any office or home. These tropical beauties require little maintenance, but if you do not follow the instructions certain issues could arise.
Scheffleras need to be only watered infrequently to avoid overwatering. This plant thrives in soil that drains well, so it is important to allow the soil to dry between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, and the plant may begin losing leaves. Rub the soil gently between your fingers to determine if it is too moist. If it feels dry and brittle, you'll need to give the plant less water.
It's also essential to keep the schefflera plant trimmed to encourage growth. This plant will often appear leggy without regular pruning. It is recommended to wear gloves when handling the sap of this plant, because it is a source of calcium oxalate crystals that can cause skin irritation. Pruning can help to create more branches which helps keep the plant from becoming too excessively sluggish.
The ideal temperature for a schefflera plant is between 15 and 21 degrees Celsius The plant must be kept away from drafts and air conditioners. The plant is tolerant of direct sunlight in the early morning or late at night but prolonged exposure can cause burns to the leaves.
Scheffleras are also known for their ability to attract pests. This includes aphids as well as spider mites. If you notice evidence of pest infestations clean the leaves with soapy water or neem.
If your schefflera begins exhibit signs of disease, you may need to repotte it. Signs of disease include brown spots and mushy roots. You'll require a lighter, looser soil to repot your plant in the event that this occurs. The schefflera is also susceptible to root rot that can be caused by overwatering and poor drainage. This problem is easily solved by not irrigating the soil overhead and only in the evening. If this does not work, you could use a copper-based fungicide.
Maranta
Maranta plants are long, low-growing tropical houseplants with curiously patterned leaves. The leaf pattern can vary between species. Some have red fishbone-patterned leaf, while others have silvery central stripes, dark or light blotches, and even silvery central stripes with a central stripe. The leaves are tethered at a level with the ground during day and then elevated into an oblique 'prayer' posture at night, giving the plant its common name of prayer plant. They require shade, high humidity and moist soil.
The most common of these species is Maranta leuconeura "Tricolor" or herringbone plants, which have herringbone patterns throughout its long leaf. Other varieties of this species include the 'Silverband' as well as the cultivar 'Green Stripe that both have dark green leaves and a silver central stripe. The herringbone pattern can also be present on the leaves of "Maranta Leuconeura Var. erythroneura', which are also known as the red prayer plant or the red nerve plant. Other varieties of Maranta varieties include 'Fascinator Tricolor' and 'M. leuconeura var. kerchoveana', both of which have lighter green leaves than herringbone plants, which are darker in color.
Propagation of this plant is fast and easy with stem-tip cuttings or head cuts easily growing in water. To root a Maranta stem-tip cutting cut a healthy plant just below a node, and then put the cutting's end in rooting hormone. Place the cutting in a glass of plain water and locate an area with a good temperature and light to keep it. Change the water frequently to help it adjust to the soil. Move it to soil once roots start to develop.
Like many tropical plants, prayer plants require moderate to high levels of humidity for optimal growth. To ensure that they have a good humidity level, try placing the plant in a humidifier for the room or misting it often. Ensure the soil is well-draining and not soggy to prevent root rot. Use a rich, multi-purpose potting mix that offers adequate nutrients. Regularly trim your plants to eliminate dead or yellow leaves and stems. This will encourage new growth and keep the plant looking healthy. A balanced water-soluble fertiliser may be applied every two to three weeks throughout the growth phase however, only once per month when growth is slow.
Hoya
Hoya plants boast beautiful flowers that appear in rounded clusters on short stems known as peduncles. Each tiny flower resembles a hand-carved work of art. They can be transparent white or in colors that range from pink to orange. In certain species like Hoya kerrii the flowers grow in clumps on the ends of vines which can be up to 13 feet long.
Other Hoya species are more erect, such as the rosy-hued H. carnosa, and the elongated leaves of the H. kerrii cultivar 'Tricolor.' Other species, such as the Hoya Publicalyx are also elongated sword-shaped or rounded leaves. The dark green leaves have slender, slightly wrinkled edges and are gracefully curving. They grow alternately on thin, draping vines.
Hoya publicalyx vines can also bear the fuchsia flower in spherical clusters at the tips their peduncles. The flowers are a creamy white color with a yellow ring in the middle. They can be very decorative in a hanging pot. This variety is easier to grow than other species of Hoya and blooms earlier than other Hoya species.
Hoyas, like all epiphytes, require bright, indirect lighting as well as plenty of moisture. Regular watering is also required to prevent the growing medium drying out. However, Hoyas dislike over-watering, and they should be allowed to dry in between waterings. This will help prevent rot. Hoyas do best in a warmer climate, and should be grown indoors. However they can also be grown outside in tropical areas.
In the wild they are usually found in moist forests and along riverbanks, where they attach themselves to trees and other plants by means of long tendrils. They are easy to propagate using stem cuttings, which root readily in water or a slightly damp growing medium. Additionally, Hoyas can be grown from seed. The seeds germinate quickly, and they develop faster than seedlings from cuttings. Hoyas are non-toxic to pets and children, which is why they are a good choice for homes with small children or animals.