Common House Plants
If the leaves of a house plant appear leggy or lopsided, it is trying to tell you that it needs more light. Try moving it closer to a bright window or use a grow light.
Plants from tropic and subtropical regions thrive indoors due to their ability to adapt to the dry, warm conditions found in homes. These common houseplants are ideal choice for people with limited time and space to plant.
Rubber Tree
The Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica) is a well-loved indoor house plant because of its green lush leaves. It is also known to be able to clean the air inside homes and offices. It is an eucalyptus tree, which means it thrives in warm, humid environments that have plenty of sunlight and water.
Despite its stunning appearance, this plant is actually quite easy to maintain. It is important to remember that this plant can get extremely tall. If you don't want it become a weed, it is important to cut the stems when they become too long. You can do this easily using a pair of scissors or gardening shears.
Another aspect to be aware of about this plant is that it has the ability to produce a sticky sap known as latex. The latex can be used in a variety of ways, such as to make rubber balls and waterproof shoes. In the past, Olmec, Maya, and Aztec people gathered this valuable substance by tapping the trees. In addition to its commercial use, the Rubber Plant's sticky latex is an effective insecticide that can cling to the surface of insects and kill them.
It is tolerant and is an excellent choice for those who are new to gardening. Unlike many plants, the Rubber Tree does not need any pruning to keep its shape. The primary priority should be removing dead or dying branches and leaves and cutting the plant when it grows too tall.
Water is the most important factor for maintaining a healthy rubber plant. This is particularly relevant during the summer's hottest months which is when the plant is most active. The moisture of the soil is an excellent indicator of how much water to give to a rubber plant. The soil will begin to dry up after watering the plant.
Rubber plants can also be propagated using cutting a stem and planting. This method is most effective if you soak the stem in rooting hormone prior to planting. Air layering is a method to propagate Rubber Plants. To do this, you will need to cut off a small part of the plant, and then put it into the moss. The moss will naturally root around stem.
Spider Plant
The spider plant, also known as Chlorophytum Comosum is named for the long, wiry plantlets which hang from the mother plant, as spiders do on webs. It is one of most sought-after indoor plants due to the fact that it is a breeze to grow, and thrives almost anywhere. It is also considered to be a "hardy plant" because it can tolerate a variety of conditions.
The most popular use of the spider plant is as an air-purifying houseplant in offices and homes. It has been proven to be effective at eliminating harmful chemicals from the atmosphere which include carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and xylene. It can also help get rid of airborne allergens, such as mold spores, dust mites and pet hair, which can trigger allergic reactions.
When indoors, spider plants thrive best in bright, but filtered light, with a good humidity and warm temperatures. They can tolerate some shade but are better suited for brighter windows protected from direct sunlight. They don't require the same amount of watering as other plants, and a gentle misting with a hose can provide sufficient moisture. They are sensitive to fluoride, chlorine and other chemicals in tap water. This may cause browning of leaf tips.
Spider plants, just like other houseplants, are prone to pest infestations such as spider mites and whiteflies. To minimize house plants names clean the leaves frequently and rinse the soil with water in between. A periodic repotting may be needed, especially when roots begin to sprout out from the top of the container.
A healthy spider plant will usually produce "pups," or offshoots which can be separated from the mother plant to create new plants. In addition, healthy plants will often produce tiny flowers that can be removed or pressed into compost to create their own new plants. However, 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 plant that has a graceful shape and lush foliage. The tree is known for its beauty and is often used in bonsai.
The weeping fig grows slowly and needs a specific set of conditions to thrive. It is best suited for bright rooms with plenty of indirect sunlight. It can thrive outdoors in warm climates. The tree is often utilized in indoor gardens to improve the quality of air. The ficus tree is able to remove air pollutants like formaldehyde and xylene.
Depending on the variety of weeping fig its leaves could be green or variegated. Certain cultivars have wavy foliage, while others are more pointed. Some weeping figs grow to over six feet tall, however they can be cut back to a smaller height.
Ficus benjamina is easily propagated through cuttings of the stem. The plant releases irritants when cut, which is why gloves are required. The stems are then snipped and placed in water so that they will start to develop roots. After a few days, the cutting can be moved into a larger pot.
To ensure house plants online , young weeping figs require frequent irrigation. The plant is prone to excessive water and needs a soil that drains well. A soil that is too wet could cause 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 needs trimming every couple of years to keep it looking fresh and attractive.
The weeping fruit is produced in the second to third year. The fruits of medium size are edible and can be incorporated into daily cuisines as a tasty addition. The fruits should 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 use later. The fruit has a distinct taste, and it can be eaten raw or cooked.
Peperomia
Peperomia plants (pronounced pep-er-ohmah) have thick, fleshy leaves which stores lots of water. They are available in a variety of shapes and colors, including emerald and silvery green. Some, such as the ripple peperomia or pellucida are characterized by puckered leaves which resemble ruffled fabric. There are also variegated varieties of peperomia that have creams and whites on their leaves. Peperomia flowers aren't common, but they are usually spindly spikes of brown and greenish white. These flowers are not attractive and hinder the overall look of the plant. Peperomia plants thrive in the garden, and are easy to cultivate.
Peperomias are epiphytes as well as lithophytes in nature. They grow on plants, trees and other species living in the rainforest. This makes them a great houseplant, because they don't require bright light to flourish. They are usually seen as hanging or cascading plants however, they can also be grown as bushy or upright plants.
house plants online of Peperomias are a source of medicinal benefits and are utilized in application on the skin to treat burns and rashes, insect bites, and other skin problems. The dried leaf powder can be combined with oil to make salve to apply to the skin or added to bathwater to soften and moisturize the body.
While Peperomias don't require much care they are best found in areas that are somewhat secluded. They prefer warm temperatures and medium to high levels of humidity. They also require plenty of indirect light, which is why that a space in your home located a few feet from a west- or south-facing window is the best choice. The brighter sun rays can burn the leaves, and a lack of light will result in less lively foliage.
They aren't a fan of being overwatered. According to the site for houseplants and gardening Bloomscape excessive watering can result in mushy leaves and yellow stems. Allow the soil to dry between waterings to avoid this.
If you overwater your Peperomia, remove any affected leaves and repot in a fresh, well-drained soil. To minimize the risk of a repeat overwatering, you should water slowly and thoroughly when you do water.