The Most Common House Plants
Nothing will brighten up a room like the presence of a plant. If you're new to the world of houseplants, it can be hard to know which plants are best suited to your home.
We asked the experts of plant care to share their favorite common house plants--from trendy newcomers to tried-and-true classics. So grab your watering can and read on for some ideas for greenery!
Peace Lily
This popular plant, also known as the Cobra Plant or Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii), was the most searched for plant on a variety of furniture websites in 2023. This is not a surprise, considering the beauty of this houseplant and its air purifying properties.
The peace lily has long been a staple for anyone who is looking for a beautiful plant for their home that is easy to care for. The white flowers (which, technically aren't true flowers however, they are bracts) appear in spring, fade in autumn. But, a few sprays of water and you'll be rewarded with flowers in the fall.
They prefer a warm, humid environment, with temperatures ranging from 68 to 85F during the day and dropping to 10 degrees at night. They flourish when the soil is moist but not soggy and has filtered indoor lighting. Avoid direct sunlight because it can cause burns to the leaves. Water the plants often, but do not let the soil dry out completely. This can cause root decay.
If your peace lily starts to look yellow, you're probably overwatering. If you're not sure how often to water it, a general rule of thumb is to water it whenever the soil's top layer begins to feel dry. When you water, use water that is distilled or filtered to reduce the chlorine.
Another common problem with peace lilies is that they begin to brown at the leaf tips. plants house can be caused by sunburn, but more often it's the result of excessive fertilizer. To treat it water the soil until the water is able to drain out of the drainage holes. After six months stop fertilizing.
Often, people think their peace lily is dying if they see flowers that are green and no new buds. The reason is that if your plant was fertilized for flowering and it was given too high levels of nitrogen, which can hinder the flowering capacity of the plant. To correct this, you should switch to a fertilizer lower in nitrogen and higher in phosphorous. Move your peace lily into an area that is brighter to encourage blooms. If that doesn't work you can try a different variety of peace lily or even an alternative fertilizer.
Spider Plant
Spider plants are popular because they are easy to care for and produce numerous babies "spiderettes". When they reach maturity, they can be detached and rooted to form new plants (known as "Spider Plants"). This makes the Spider Plant a great choice for those who are new to houseplants , because it's extremely durable and can take a little bit of neglect.
The original Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum) has long grassy green leaves and is available in various colors, including yellow and striped. It produces tiny white plantlets that can be cut back and planted. The long, wiry stems of this plant be beautiful when grown in hanging baskets.
The Spider Plant as well as the Peace Lily is a versatile and adaptable plant that can thrive in all lighting conditions. It does need bright indirect sunlight, however, to keep its variegated leaves. It is best to avoid direct sun, since 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 must be just moist enough to allow droplets of water to fall off the leaves and into the bottom of the pot.
You can prevent soggy soil by using smaller pots and the potting mix. You can also create it yourself. Spider Plants are also a excellent candidate for a basic, all-purpose fertilizer. However it is not recommended to over-fertilize your plants since this can cause salt to build up in the soil.
The Spider Plant purifies the air inside your home by getting rid of indoor pollutants, such as formaldehyde. It is recommended to place the plant in a location where there's a lot of natural sunlight in order that the plant will absorb these chemicals and assist them escape through its foliage. The plant can be utilized in conjunction with other plants to improve the air quality of your home. It has been proven to eliminate odors, such as cooking and smoke smells.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
The fiddle leaf fig, also called Ficus lyrata is the most sought-after most popular plant due to its beautiful, violin-shaped leaves. It's a tropical species that thrives in warm, humid conditions and it's easy to understand why so many people are attracted to this house plant: it can grow quite large and adds visual interest to any room.
The only downside for this plant is that it can be prone to mold and other fungal infections. It is essential to keep a close watch on the plant and watch for these conditions, especially in the case of soil that has been in place for several years. Changing the soil regularly is also important to keep the plant healthy and decrease the risk of infection.
Overwatering a fiddle-leaf fig one of the most frequent mistakes. The fiddle leaf fig is native to rainforests in the rainforest, where it is used to being submerged in water and then dried out. You should water sparingly and let the soil completely dry between waterings.
It is also essential to keep the plants clean from dirt and other particles which could clog the leaves and block photosynthesis. This can be done by wiping the leaves with a damp cloth each week. This will help keep the health of your plant and keep pests at bay.
There are a handful of serious issues that could happen to a fiddle-leaf fruit, apart from fungus or mildew. However, it's recommended to keep an eye on the plant for scale insects and other common pests of houseplants, such as aphids and mealy bugs. Also, keep an eye out for thrips that can cause yellowing on the leaves.
You can also mist the fiddle-leaf with sprays to increase humidity in your home. This is particularly beneficial in winter as indoor air is generally drier. It's best to mist the plant in the morning, so that the moisture can have a chance to evaporate before sunset.
Dracaena
Dracaenas thrive in all indoor environments. They tend to be low-maintenance and slow-growing, but certain varieties (such as the 'Lemon Lime' dracaena) have bright shades that lighten the areas that are shaded in the home.
The spiky leaves on the dracaena can be found in a range of shades and patterns. This creates a unique, rustic and modern look. Certain dracaenas are solid forest green, whereas others have yellow, red or white stripes. The leaves are also curved to give it a tree-like look.
Like other tropical plants, dracaenas can live in a shaded or indirect environment. Be aware, however that the absence of sunlight can cause the loss of variegations, as well as other distinctive characteristics.
When caring for dracaenas, be careful not to over-water the plant as this can lead to root rot and other problems. Allow the soil to completely dry before re-watering it. If you notice that your plant is dying, move it to an area that is more sunny or mist the leaves with plain tap water to add moisture to the air.
Pests are rarely a problem for dracaenas. However it is crucial to inspect the plants regularly to ensure that they are healthy. Aphids are insects with no wings which can squeeze the juices from the stems, buds, and leaves of the dracaenas. This can slow their growth and decreases their vigor.
Mealybugs and scale insects, which have the appearance of cotton, can also be found feeding on dracaenas. If left unchecked they can choke the plant by sucking the sap out of its leaves.
Propagation of dracaenas is easy and simple via cuttings from the tip that can be taken year round. To start new plants, simply cut a tip 8cm in length and above a node from the parent plant. Place the tip in a container of water on a windowsill and then refresh the water frequently. After a few weeks the roots should be appearing and you can plant the plant in a fresh soil that is draining.
house plants common can be prone to fluoride. It is therefore important to only use non-fluoridated dracaena water. It is also recommended to fertilize your plant with a 'Houseplant'-branded feed every four times during spring and summer, reducing this frequency slightly in the fall and winter.