Fiddle-leaf Fig (Ficus Lyrata)
The Fiddle-leaf Fig makes a dramatic impression with large, glossy leaves. This easy-to-care-for, trendy houseplant ranks high for removing air pollutants and improving air quality. Little leaf varieties also available.
Light: Consistent light, preferably by a sunny window; away from any cold drafts.
Height: 6’ or taller
Soil: Rich, well-drained peaty soil
Water: Only when soil is dry to the touch; then water thoroughly and allow to dry out again.
Orchid (Phalaenopsis)
Orchids make beautiful indoor plants or gifts that blooms several times that last for months. The flowers bloom on a graceful arching stem in white, pink, yellow or deep purple. Orchids are far tougher and hardier than most people think. They are very adaptable to most window sills.
Light: Medium to bright (filtered light), preferably in an east or north facing window. Consistent warm temperatures and humidity help them thrive.
Height: 1-3’
Soil: Orchid Mix for optimum drainage and aeration. They flourish in their small pots, often re-blooming another season in the same container. Repot only when it has finished blooming and arid roots are growing outside the pot.
Water: Each time you water the potting medium, thoroughly soak it so that the water runs from the drainage holes. Allow to dry between watering.
Bromeliads (Guzmania Lingulata)
An exotic, tropical houseplant with a bloom that can last several months and colorful leaves (bracts) that last even longer. New growth sprouts from the center in a natural rosette pattern, until at full maturity it becomes too crowded at which point the bromeliad begins producing pups (offsets). Very easy to grow houseplant that brings a sense of warm sunny climates.
Light: Most prefer medium to bright light
Height: 1-3’
Soil: Porous soil or Orchid Mix
Water: Each time you water the potting medium, thoroughly soak it so that the water runs from the drainage holes. Allow to dry between watering. Bromeliads can adapt to withstand drought, but are much less tolerant of being over-watered.
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema Commutatum)
The Chinese Evergreen is an excellent foliage plant for low to medium light that is lauded for it’s easy care. A slow growing favorite that tolerates poor light, dry air and drought. Even a novice indoor gardener will look like an expert with Chines Evergreens. The lance-shaped leaves are usually variegated with silver, gray, shades of green or even pink. In the spring and summer, small blooms that resemble those of the common peace lily may bloom.
Light: Low to medium
Height: 1-3’
Soil: Any good all-purpose potting mix
Water: Moderate watering, keep soil evenly moist.
Draceana Limelight
This tropical foliage plant with statuesque form and electric lime-green leaves is a good fit for low-light areas, ideal floor plant for that windowless corner or office setting. Often referred to as corn plants, they definitely add a big splash of life to any room. Requires minimal care.
Light: Medium to low light, avoid direct sunlight which can cause leaf scorch.
Height: Up to 5’
Soil: Any good all-purpose potting mix
Water: Allow the soil to dry between watering.
Grape Ivy (Cissus Rhombifolia)
Shiny, deep-green, rhombus-shaped leaves resembling grape leaves that vine with curling tendrils and cling to a stake or trellis. An excellent choice for narrow spaces or hanging baskets. Ranks high for cleaning the air of indoor pollutants. Regular pruning keeps plants compact.
Light: Medium light; adapts to low light and fluorescent lighting.
Height: 1’, trailing 2-6’
Soil: A potting mixture of peat combined with particles such as bark or perlite is best or African Violet Potting Mix.
Water: Evenly moist, but can easily tolerate dry conditions and neglect.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum Wallisii)
Excellent office or house plant with glossy dark green leaves and brilliant white cup shaped flowers throughout the year. A very resilient houseplant. One of the only low light blooming houseplants.
Light: Low to medium light
Height: 1-6’
Soil: Any good all-purpose potting mix
Water: Evenly moist. Peace lilies are far more tolerant of under watering than overwatering.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
The snake plant (otherwise known as mother-in-law’s tongue) is a tough succulent that grows almost anywhere. A strongly vertical plant with leathery, sword-shape leaves often marbled dark green and edged with yellow or white. It’s bold and clutter free lines make this plant a popular choice for interior design.
Light: Low to bright light
Height: 6-48”
Soil: Any good all-purpose potting mix. They will do well in sandier soils.
Water: Moderately dry, can survive weeks without water.