The Asplenium ‘Birds Nest’ is a wide leafed Asplenium, adding a decorative touch to your home or office. These lush, tropical ferns form nest-like rosettes, with leaves emerging in a circular pattern from the centre of the plant hence their name. The glossy fronds are highly efficient at converting CO2 into oxygen and cleaning the air. It is also one of the longest living pot plants and extremely easy to look after, making it excellent value for money. Light and Water Bird's Nest Ferns thrive in medium to bright indirect light and tolerate low light as well. Avoid direct sunlight and deep shade. They do not like hot dry conditions, so mist regularly if your home isn’t very humid. Water when the top two inches of the soil is dry to touch, and water just enough to fully saturate. This will keep the soil moist throughout without it sitting in water. Allow water to drain freely.
The Chlorophytum Comosum aka Spider Plant is one of the best air purifiers and a very hardy plant. This plant is considered one of the most adaptable of houseplants and the easiest to grow. This plant can grow in a wide range of conditions. Light and Water These hardy plants can grow in a variety of conditions and suffer few problems. Keep them anywhere from low to bright light settings but avoid direct sunlight during summer to avoid over drying the soil which can lead to brown tips. Water when the soil feels dry to touch and ensure it drains fully before watering again.
The Parlour Palm was popular with the Victorians being display in their parlour rooms when entertaining guests (hence their common name) and remains a firm favourite to this day. An elegant plant, easy to look after, with excellent air purifying qualities. They are undemanding in terms of light, water, temperature, humidity and feed, making them perfect for those of us that like low-maintenance plants. With their bright green leaves on clusters of long slender arching stems, this plant is a classic indoor favourite. Light and Water They are shade tolerant and brighter, indirect sunlight will encourage flowering. They can also tolerate some dry, indoor air, but does better with a little extra humidity and will appreciate the occasional misting with lukewarm water. This will also help keep the leaves free of dust. Brown leaf tips are an indication that the plant is not getting enough humidity.
The Chinese Money plant (or Pilea Peperomioides) has been a popular plant ever since it was originally brought over from the southwestern Yunnan province of China. Their bright green pancake-shaped leaves provide a burst of colour against white walls or paler backgrounds. Light and Water Light-wise, the best situation for a Chinese money plant is bright light, with no direct sunlight. Direct sun scorches leaves, and light shade may encourage larger leaves. They’re said to be hardy down to freezing, and a period of cool temperatures may make them more likely to produce their tiny white flowers on pink stems. The Chinese money plant prefers a well-draining potting soil, and a pot with drainage holes is necessary. The soil needs to mostly dry out between waterings, with more watering required in warmer, sunnier weather. If the leaves start to look slightly droopy, that’s a sign that the plant needs water. To keep your Chinese money plant nicely shaped, rotate it at least once a week to prevent it from getting lopsided. The large leaves tend to accumulate dust, so these plants benefit from regular showers, or at least wiping down of their leaves. Treat monthly with an all-purpose plant fertilizer during the spring and summer growing seasons.
This unique looking tree with its thick pot-bellied trunk resembling a ginseng root is a popular indoor tree species for beginners at bonsai. Light and Water These plants like bright indirect light, ideally some shaded light. A Ficus Ginseng will tolerate some over or under watering but aim to keep soil moderately moist throughout the summer and back off a little in the winter. To make the air more humid, set the tree on a tray filled with pebbles and water. Just make sure the roots aren't sitting in water.
Begonia Maculata commonly referred to as the Polka dot Begonia, is undoubtedly one of the most strikingly gorgeous species of indoor plants. This is not your average hanging basket begonia but a tropical talking point! The long leaves have a lovely red backing as well as the striking symmetrical patterning on the front. Warmth is the key with these plants this along with some light and they will thrive. Light and Water The Polka dot Begonia prefers a bit more shade than most indoor plants. Placing it in a bright, well-lit room away from direct sunlight is advisable to keep those silvery-white olive leaves vibrant. If the leaves start to appear scorched, you should move it to a less sunny part of the room. If you like to take your plant outside during summer, make sure to place it in the shade away from direct sunlight. This plant is highly susceptible to root rot. As such, it is always best to add a layer of pebbles and on a tray to allow better drainage. Make sure the pot drains fully between watering. The soil should be kept damp but not overly wet. Like most tropical plants, they like high humidity so regular misting is best.
The String of Pearls plant is an apt name, with its round, succulent-like leaves carried down long, slender stems. Despite its delicate appearance, this unusual succulent house plant is a vigorous grower, quickly creeping across the surface of the pot, then cascading down the side. Its trailing stems can reach 2-3 ft (60-90 cm). If long stems become straggly, you can cut them off, this type pruning will help encourage new growths and you can propagate cuttings too. Light and Water Keep in bright light with some direct sunlight. Although beautiful, it can be a little fussy when it comes to care. It likes the soil on the dryer side as it is very vulnerable to rot, and it needs to be in a consistently warm, bright spot. In winter, when less light is available, reduce watering to an absolute minimum. Try watering your plant to keep it moist during growing seasons (spring, summer) and cut back in winter to just enough so the soil doesn’t dry out. Beads that look flat are a sign that the soil is too dry. Give it a good drink but take care not to over water. This succulent will not tolerate soggy soil.
Boston Ferns are the easiest of the fern family to care for and look stunning. With its vivid green leaves and elegant shape, they are sure to transform any space. Light and Water They thrive in any light levels from bright indirect light to shadier corners of the room. When looking after one at home, the rule is to never let a Boston fern dry out. Make sure to keep the soil moist and humidity level high. Water when the surface becomes slightly dry. Do not over water and use lukewarm, soft water where possible. Keeping them in a humid room like the bathroom is a good idea, otherwise it is recommended to mist regularly when in kept in other rooms, especially in the winter. Although it's very tempting, try to resist touching their fronds as they really don't like it and it might turn them brown.
A striking and beautiful houseplant, Alocasia Amazonica is a robust evergreen perennial with dark green, narrowly arrow-shaped, wavy-edged leaves, growing up to 2 ft. long (60 cm). When grown in preferred conditions and given proper care, this hybrid Alocasia will grace your indoors with its lush growth and distinctly coloured leaves for years to come. Light and Water For the best performance and for the foliage to retain its deep green colouring, it is best to situate your Alocasia Amazonica in a location that receives bright indirect light. If you live in an area where the temperatures and light conditions are not intense can place it in a location that receives direct sunlight. If placed in a location lacking enough light the plant loses its colour, including the leaf veins and can eventually die. Even when placed in a location that receives a medium amount of light, the plant won’t be happy and won’t produce the best growth and leaf coloration as when placed in a brighter location. So, experiment on locations and keep an eye of its health and change locations where necessary. As with most tropical plants, maintain evenly moist but not soggy soil during the growing season, watering when the surface begins to dry. Reduce watering significantly in winter.
Native to Columbia and Venezuela Calathea are known also known as prayer plants as they open their leaves at sunrise and fold their leaves at night, like praying hands. A stunning plant variety has dark glossy green leaves with pinstriped pink overtone patterning to their purple undersides. This plant is also a great for air purifying. Light and Water As with most variegated plants, Calathea need plenty of diffused light however direct sunlight will cause the leaves to fade and lose their markings. They can tolerate some degree of shade, but the better the light con-ditions, the more you will be rewarded by fine foliage. Experiment in your home to find the perfect spot for your plant. To keep a prayer plant happy, make sure you don’t let its soil dry out. Check it at least once a week and wa-ter it when the top two inches of soil feel dry. It will also benefit from feeding once a month in spring and summer. High humidity levels are a must. Stand on a wet pebble tray to improve humidity and mist frequent-ly. Pop it in the shower room or kitchen from time to time to give an extra boost.
The Silver Crown is a very sculptural succulent. It grows incredible oyster shell-like leaves that neatly overlap each other. Each leaf has this silver like dust (bloom) that protects it against strong sunlight. It’s a unique and stunning colour not seen in many plants. Light and Water It grows in sun or part shade but flowers best in full sun. In summer keep cool and provide some shelter from direct sun during the hottest hours. In shade the body colour will remain greener, while in harsh full sun conditions the foliage can develop its characteristic blue-grey tinge. This is a very dry-tolerant plant so its ok if your one of those who regularly forget to water their plants! You should water regularly in the growing season but avoid waterlogging and let the soil dry between watering. This plant should be watered from below in ordered to preserve the waxy covering on their leaves. If grown in a container, watering by immersing the container is recommended. Good drainage is very important as it is prone to root rot and prefers dry to very low humidity environments.
Dieffenbachia plant known also as the “Dumb Cane” makes an excellent tropical houseplant. It has big showy variegated leaves to add a ‘jungle’ touch to any room. It’s a hardy plant and will reward you with a long lifespan if properly cared for so a great beginner plant for those looking to grow their indoor plant collection. This variety “compacta” as the name suggest grows to around 24-28 inches when fully mature while others can go to 4-5 feet. Light and Water In terms of difficulty and its requirements, it is one of the easiest indoor houseplants you’ll ever have the pleasure of caring for and maintaining. It grows no matter the month or season. It survives in light shade but will do best in bright indirect light. When it comes to watering, water thoroughly and allow the soil to approach thoroughly dry before watering again. It’s also important to note that the leaves, if chewed or eaten, can cause temporary swelling of the tongue and throat, leading to a temporary loss of speech and the common plant name of Dumb Cane. While this is usually not serious, it can cause suffocation. Avoid placing the Dumb Cane plant where curious children or pets might be tempted to taste it.
Aloe Cosmo is a stout, bright green variety of succulent. It has rich green fleshy leaves in a dense rosette with fine white spots running along the leaves. Ideal in any succulent garden, or suitable in pots, this plant tolerates wide range of positions, provided the soil drains freely. Light and Water A small companion to any desk or shelf, which likes any bright indirect sunlight. Place a few around your home to help green up your spaces as well as pull any toxins form the air. Lives best in dry environments and you should allow the soil to dry thoroughly before watering fully as it does not do well standing in water.
Famed for its healing properties within its fleshy leaves. The Aloe Vera is a welcome addition to space adding a stylish touch as well being very low maintenance, the perfect houseguest! Light and Water Place your Aloe Vera in a spot with lots of bright light, but avoid too much direct sunlight during the summer, and in a warm place away from drafts. The leaves hold a lot water, so it doesn’t need frequent watering. When it does, it should be water thoroughly and only when the soil is fully dry.
With beautiful coloured fleshy spathes and flowering spikes, these Anthuriums are essential to anyone look-ing to create a tropical feel in their homes. These indoor plants are epiphytes, a type of air plant that come from warm, tropical regions where they either grow on the surface of other plants or in rich organic humus. Therefore, as a houseplant, the Anthurium is extremely durable and requires little care. Light and Water Flowering Anthurium requires bright, indirect light (direct sunlight will scorch the leaves and flowers!). Low light will slow growth and produce fewer, smaller “flowers.” Most Anthuriums thrive on humidity. If your humidity level is less than 50%, then consider using a humidifier to increase the level to at least 60%. Filling small trays with pebbles and water and grouping indoor plants together can slightly increase the humidity immediately surrounding your plants.
More commonly known as Crotons, they will add an explosion of colour to any room. With their vibrant foliage changing as they mature and many leaf forms on different species. In their native habitats, Crotons like humid, warm conditions with dappled light and plentiful water. The problem indoors is typically temperature—when it is too cold, they start losing leaves so avoid keeping them near cold drafts. However, Crotons are well worth the effort because a well-grown Croton is an explosion of colour. Light and Water Crotons need bright, indirect light. They do not like unfiltered, direct sunlight, but thrive in dappled sunlight. Vibrant colours depend on bright light so put in some effort to find the perfect place in your house. A Croton knows only two seasons: a warm, rainy growth phase, followed by a cool, dry dormancy period. Keep them evenly moist in the summer and reduce watering in the winter to biweekly but don’t let the soil get completely dry. Mist frequently during the growth period (March to October) to encourage new growths. Humidity, along with the lack of bright light, also affects the colour of the leaves. Keep the humidity level at 40 to 80 percent. If the humidity isn't high enough, the plant may drop some of its leaves. If you have trouble maintaining the humidity in your home at this level, run a humidifier in the room or set a humidity tray beneath the plant and group it with other plants.
More commonly known as Crotons, they will add an explosion of colour to any room. With their vibrant foliage changing as they mature and many leaf forms on different species. In their native habitats, crotons like humid, warm conditions with dappled light and plentiful water. The problem indoors is typically temperature—when it is too cold, they start losing leaves so avoid keeping them near cold drafts. However, crotons are well worth the effort because a well-grown croton is an explosion of colour. Light and Water Crotons need bright, indirect light. They do not like unfiltered, direct sunlight, but thrive in dappled sunlight. Vibrant colours depend on bright light so put in some effort to find the perfect place in your house. A croton knows only two seasons: a warm, rainy growth phase, followed by a cool, dry dormancy period. Keep them evenly moist in the summer and reduce watering in the winter to biweekly but don’t let the soil get completely dry. Mist frequently during the growth period (March to October) to encourage new growths. Humidity, along with the lack of bright light, also affects the colour of the leaves. Keep the humidity level at 40 to 80 percent. If the humidity isn't high enough, the plant may drop some of its leaves. If you have trouble maintaining the humidity in your home at this level, run a humidifier in the room or set a humidity tray beneath the plant and group it with other plants.
A graceful and attractive palm, with closely growing upright stems and long arching linear leaves that will create a handsome focal point in any room. Still one of the most popular houseplants and it is easy to see why as it is so versatile and easy to look after. This palm does best in warm, humid conditions. A popular houseplant, the Areca palm is fairly easy to care for as long as you don’t over-water it. Although it is a heavy feeder, its fronds may yellow if it is over-fertilized. Don’t be alarmed about sooty flecks that develop on the palm’s sheaths as they occur naturally and are not a sign of disease or pests. Light and Water Although they like a warm atmosphere don't place it near a radiator or heat source and choose a brightly lit spot but not in direct sun. A bright indirect light spot will suit it best. Water regularly through the growing season with soft water, or rainwater but let the surface of the soil dry out slightly before watering again. Reduce watering through the winter months. These plants need humidity so mist the leaves regularly or stand on a tray of damp pebbles with some water. Lastly wipe of any dust from the palm fronds/leaves from time to time and trim off fronds/leaves if they yellow and dry out.
Ficus Benjamina ‘Anastasia’ is also known as the 'Weeping Fig'. This is a beautiful classic indoor plant ideal for the house or office being prized for its many glossy dark variegated foliage. As a bonus it also filters toxins purifying the air! Light and Water This ornamental tree is very adaptable in terms of light; soil and weather growing with minimal care both in-doors and out in warm climates. It will tolerate lower light, but prefers bright, indirect light, and just asks that it not be allowed to dry out. Try rotating it once a week so it grows towards the light and keeps straight. You can also encourage it to grow more strongly by giving it a feed with plant fertiliser once a month in spring and summer. Water the soil to keep it moist but not soggy, allow the top two inches of the soil to dry out before watering again to maintain its ideal wetness. Mist regularly to keep the leaves healthy and green as this is the plant can also absorb moisture through their leaves.
The Haworthia Fasciata or “Zebra Plant” is a common household succulent. It’s perfect for beginners, be-cause it grows well indoors when taken care of properly. It also propagates easily, which makes it perfect for arrangements or gifts. This succulent is also great for your indoor succulent garden. It has thick, dark green leaves with white horizontal stripes on the outside of the leaves. Light and Water Display this plant anywhere it can receive plenty of direct sunlight or bright light. During the growing season from April - September water the plant thoroughly and then water when the soil becomes dry to the touch. It’s best to use the “soak and dry” method. Fully soaking the soil but watering from above or submerging and allowing the soil to dry out completely between watering sessions. Winter is a tricky time for these plants although they are a tough species. Many growers will overwater then alongside cold temperatures or drafts the plant can become very sick, or even die. The leaves are storage organs so during the winter water much less and allow the topsoil to dry out.