The Most Common House Plants
There's nothing like a plant to liven up a living room. If extra large house plants to the world of houseplants, it isn't easy to figure out which plants will thrive at your house.
We asked experts in the field to share their most-loved common house plants--from modern-day favorites to tried-and-true classics. So, grab your watering bottle and get reading for some greenery inspiration!
Peace Lily
This plant is known as Cobra Plant or Peace Lily. (Spathiphyllum wallisii) It was the most searched-for plant on a variety of online furniture and home decor websites in 2023. This is not a surprise, considering the beautiful appearance of this houseplant and its air-purifying properties.
The peace lily has been a staple for anyone who wants a beautiful plant for their home that is easy to maintain. The bracts (which are technically not flowers but bracts which are white) appear in spring and fade in the autumn. But, a few sprays of water and you'll be rewarded with blooms in the fall.
They prefer a warm climate that is warm, with temperatures ranging from 68F and 85F during the day, and dropping to 10 degrees at night. The soil should be moist, but not soggy. Indoor lighting that is filtered can help them grow. Avoid direct sunlight as it could cause burning to the leaves. Make sure to water the plants regularly, but do not let the soil dry out completely. This can cause root rot.
If your peace lily is starting to look a little yellow You're probably overwatering it. If you're not sure of the frequency to water, a good rule of practice is to water it when the soil's top layer starts to feel dry. Make use of distilled or filtered water for keeping the chlorine content to a minimum.
Another issue that is common to peace lilies is the browning of leaf tips. This can be caused by sunburn, but it is more likely a sign of excessive fertilizer. To remedy it water the soil until the water runs out of the drainage holes. Then, don't fertilize for six months.
buy house plants believe that their peace lily is dead when they see only green flowers. The reason for this is that if your plant was fertilized to flower it could have been given too high levels of nitrogen, which can hinder the plant's ability to produce flowers. To remedy this issue, switch to a fertilizer that is lower in nitrogen and more in phosphorous. Also move your peace lily to a more bright location to encourage blooms. If this doesn't work you, try a new variety of peace lily or even a new kind of fertilizer.
Spider Plant
Spider plants are popular because they are easy to care for and produce many babies "spiderettes". When they reach maturity, they can be removed and planted to create new plants (known as "Spider Plants"). The Spider Plant is a good option for new homeowners because it's durable and able to take care of neglect.
The first Spider Plant, Chlorophytum comosum, has long grassy leaves with a variety of colors including yellow and stripes. It produces tiny white plantlets which can be trimmed and rooted. When cultivated in hanging baskets, the long and tangled stems can create a very impressive and stunning display.
Similar to the Peace Lily, the Spider Plant is a versatile plant that thrives in most light conditions. It will require direct sunlight, however, to keep its variegated leaves. It's best to avoid direct sunlight because the variegated Spider Plant can burn in the light of this type. It's also important to keep the soil moist, but not soggy--it needs to be just wet enough for droplets of water to fall from the leaves and sink into the bottom of the pot.
A good tip for avoiding soggy soil is to use a smaller pot with the potting mix that drains quickly, or make your own. Spider Plants are also a excellent candidate for a basic, all-purpose fertiliser. However, you should not over-fertilize your plants because this could cause salt to build in the soil.
One of the benefits of the Spider Plant is that it's recognized for its ability to cleanse the air in your home by removing indoor pollutants such as formaldehyde. Place the plant in an area that receives plenty of sunlight to absorb the harmful chemicals and help to eliminate them through its foliage. The plant can be used in conjunction with other plants to improve the air quality of your home. It has been shown to reduce odors such as cooking and smoke smells.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
The fiddle leaf fig, formally known as Ficus lyrata, is the current plant of the moment due to its beautiful violin-shaped leaves. It's a tropical plant that thrives in warm, humid conditions and it's easy to understand why so many people are attracted to this houseplant as it grows quite large and adds visual interest to any room.
The only drawback for this plant is that it can be prone to fungal and mold infections. It's important to keep a close watch on the plant to monitor for any of these issues, particularly in the case of soil that's been in place for a number of years. It's also important to change the soil regularly to ensure that the plant is healthy and decrease the risk of infections.
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when you're working with fiddle leaf figs is overwatering it. buy house plants to rainforest-like environments, where they get used to a flood of water that is followed by dry periods, which is why you should be careful with your watering and allow the soil to dry out completely between waters.
It's also essential to keep the plants clean from dust and other debris that can block the leaves and block photosynthesis. The best method to accomplish this is wiping the leaves clean with an aqueous cloth every week. This will maintain the health of the plant and keep pests away, too.
There are a couple of serious problems that can occur to a fiddle-leaf fruit, apart from mildew and fungus. It is important to watch out for insects that cause scaling, and other pests that are common to house plants, such as aphids and mealy bugs. Also, be on the lookout for thrips, which could cause yellowing of the leaves.
You can also mist the fiddle-leaf with sprays to increase humidity in your home. This is particularly beneficial in winter, when indoor air is drier. It's best to mist the plant in the morning so that the moisture can be able to evaporate before evening.
Dracaena
Dracaenas are a popular house plant that thrives in most indoor environments. They are generally low-maintenance and slow-growing, but some varieties (such as the 'Lemon Lime' dracaena) provide cheerful colors that can brighten areas that are shaded.
The lanced, spiky leaves of the dracaena come in various shades and patterns that give it a unique appearance that is both contemporary and rustic in the same time. Some dracaenas are solid forest green, whereas others have yellow, red, or white stripes. Leaves also curve slightly, creating an appearance that is more tree-like.
Like many tropical plants the dracaenas thrive in indirect light and can tolerate a somewhat shady environment. Keep in mind, though that the absence of sunlight may result in the loss of variegations as well as other characteristics that are distinctive.
When caring for dracaenas avoid over-watering the plant since this could cause root rot and other problems. Let the soil completely dry before watering it again. If you notice a wilting plant, try relocating it to a sunnier area or misting the leaves with plain water to increase the humidity in the air.
Pests rarely bother dracaenas but occasional checks are still important to help keep the plants healthy. Wingless insects called aphids can suck juices from the stems, leaves and buds of dracaena plants, thwarting their growth and reducing vigor.
Mealybugs and scale insects with an appearance of cotton, can also be found feeding on the dracaenas. These insects can choke the dracaenas if not controlled. They do this by sucking the sap from the leaves.
Propagation of dracaenas is easy and straightforward via tip cuttings, which can be taken year round. To establish new plants, simply cut a tip that is 8cm in length and above a node on the parent plant. Place the tip in the jar and place it on a window and keep the water fresh. Within a few weeks, roots should emerge and the plant can be potted on into fresh soil that is free draining.
Dracaenas are sensitive to fluoride and it is essential to make sure you use water that is not fluoridated when watering your dracaenas. It is also a great idea to fertilize your plant using a branded 'Houseplant feed' every four waterings in spring and summer. This frequency can be decreased in winter and autumn.