The Best House Plants for Beginners
A plant at home can increase oxygen levels and reduce the amount of pollutants and dust. The care of a plant can be a source of immense satisfaction and has been proven to improve your mental health.
But which house plant is the best for you? We spoke to experts about their top choices.
Marble Queen Pothos
Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum) is a well-loved house plant thanks to its heart-shaped leaves and a beautiful white variation. It is also simple to care for, making it an ideal choice for those who are new to gardening. Like other tropical plants pothos thrives in a variety of lighting conditions, however it prefers moderate amounts of bright indirect sunlight. It is also able to thrive in less light or full shade. Moderate household humidity and a slightly acidic soil mix work well for this plant, too.
So as the soil isn't allowed to completely dry out it is tolerant of missed waterings, though overwatering is the most common cause of death for houseplants. If you're unsure, stick your finger in the soil and check whether the soil is damp. If not, water the plant. If the leaves are turning yellow, it could be due to too much sun or a lack of light. It could also be a sign that there's a fungal infection.
In contrast to the majority of plants, pothos can be tolerant of air pollution, including Ozone and Volatile Organic Compounds. It can be utilized in the kitchen or bathroom to purify the air.
Like all plants This one is also susceptible to pests and diseases. It is recommended to deal with problems as soon as you can to ensure that they don't spread. Pests like mealybugs and thrips are most common on this plant. Make sure to keep your Marble Queen Pothos well-watered and it will be less likely to attract insects like these.
To keep your plant looking at its best Trim the tips of your stem frequently. This helps the marbled leaves remain full and keeps the vines from getting too long. These stem tips can be used to propagate plants.
If you're looking to stimulate your Marble Queen to grow, give it something to cling on. This could be a moss rod, houseplant trellis, or the length of string. Make sure to spray the moss, or any other support, with water as part your regular routine of irrigation to aid in helping it grow quicker.
Monstera
The monstera plant (Monstera deliciosa), commonly known as the Swiss Cheese Plant, is one of the most sought-after house plants. Its leaves have natural holes, known as leaf fenestration. These can bring a tropical vibe to any room. It is easy to propagate, simply by cutting it up and growing it in water solutions.
Monstera deliciosa is a fast-growing plant, so you may need to plant it again every few months. To keep big house plants remove a few leaves at a time and place it back in soil that is well-drained. Use a container that is well-ventilated. houseplants near me can also add perlite or lava rock to the soil for Aeration, if needed.
As house plants that are evergreen, these vines are easy to care for when they are given enough light and humidity. They're content to climb a trellis or vine downwards and can be easily trimmed to form them if you prefer it in a particular way. You can mist a Monstera with a water spray bottle to increase humidity in its leaves.
Contrary to its name Monstera is not a succulent. While succulents have thick, fleshy leaves that hold water, monsteras have thin heart-shaped leaves that have fenestrations. Monsteras are tolerant of dry climates, but they require more water to grow than succulents, which is why they need to be kept at the right temperature and enough humidity.
The leaves of the monstera plant, despite their appearance, aren't edible. The stems, fruits and leaves contain oxalic acid which can cause throat and mouth irritation when consumed.
Blank suggests that those who have learned to play the fiddle-leaf fig, move to a monstera to get a better idea of how easy it can be to plant indoors. "A monstera is able to adapt to many different conditions," says Blank. It needs a warm environment, but it is able to endure lower temperatures and greater humidity than what homes typically provide.
ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is one of the most durable house plants that are available. It's slow-growing and tough and can withstand a variety of conditions. It thrives in dark areas, and is not bothered by low humidity. It's also kind to forgetful owners, requiring only sporadic waterings to survive. The leaves of this succulent can be lime green, purple-black or a mix of both as they age.
You can reproduce the ZZ plant by splitting its rhizomes. These are the root-like tubers on the bottom of each stem. Take the plant out of its pot, cut off the rhizomes and cut them back a bit prior to planting them in new pots that have fresh potting mix. Alternately, you can plant new ZZs from stem cuttings that have two leaves and are about an inch long. Place the cuttings in a pot with a 50:50 mixture of perlite and multipurpose compost and then place them in a warm spot. It could take up to a year for the cuttings to grow.
Despite being tall houseplants of the most difficult house plants, certain things can cause it to die. These include overwatering or direct sun, as well as dry soil. big house plants to prevent these problems is to only water the ZZ plant only when the soil feels dry. If the soil is moist, it's fine to leave it be. The plant can go for weeks without watering because its rhizomes hold water.
The plant isn't a magnet for many pests, but it could be prone to fungus and rot. The best way to avoid these problems is to routinely remove dead and old leaves from the plant. Keep it out of reach of small children and pets, as the stalks and leaves can be irritating when eaten.
The ZZ plant is a great air purifier since it can assist in removing benzene, toluene and xylene out of indoor environments. It can also remove volatile organic compounds such as formaldehyde and carbon monoxide. The ZZ plant is an excellent option for offices or apartments that don't have good ventilation.
Parlor Palm
Palms have a long history as indoor plants, and for good reason. They can be grown in different temperatures and lighting conditions. They also give a lush, tropical feel to your home. The chamaedorea, also known as palm, also known as parlor, is not different. The plant, also referred to as neanthe Bella palm, is native to Central America and is gaining in popularity due to its versatility. It thrives in bright, well-filtered light, but can also be grown in areas with lower light levels, such as rooms facing north or east. tall houseplants is a slow-growing plant, so it can take up to a year to reach its full height of 2-6 feet.
If you want your plant to grow it can be fertilised each month with a balanced liquid fertiliser. Bridget Zazzara is the retail indoor and seasonal plant supervisor at Logan's Trading Company. She suggests using a well-draining mix. Choose an organic soil that drains well and has a pH between 6.1 and 7.8. Add a little sphagnum moss for better soil structure and water retention.
Keep your palms in a safe distance from areas that are drafty, and mist their leaves daily to keep the humidity in check. You can also include an humidifier to your home. If your parlor palm becomes rootbound, you can repot it in the spring. Overwatering can lead to root decay. Water the plant as soon as the top inch or so of the compost is dry to the point of contact. Water more frequently during warmer weather, and less often in winter.
These palms are attractive to bees, however be sure to place them out of reach of pets and children. Their needle-like leaves can be poisonous if they are eaten, and they are also a magnet for mealybugs. These insects look like fluffy, white blobs on the underside of leaves and can be difficult to eliminate. If you notice them, wipe the bugs off using the help of a cotton bud, or a cloth soaked in an insecticide containing the fatty acids or plant oils.