Easy House Plants
A monstera with glossy leaves and a contemporary pot will add a touch of elegance to any corner. It's easy to care for and is happy to be rooted, reducing the need for the need to repot.
It is important to match plants with the light conditions. Avoid houseplants with drooping foliage and soil that is sloppy or with mushy roots as they may be too damaged to save and carry disease.
Pothos
Pothos, also called Devil's Ivy or Rapunzel plant, is one of the easiest to maintain plants for foliage. It thrives in light to low indirect light and is ideal to fill in dark spots in the room. It can tolerate most conditions, and even direct sunlight, as long as it's not prolonged. If it is exposed to too much sunlight, it may be swollen and lose its variegation.
tall house plants is easy to propagate by cutting the stem tips. Simply cut a length of vine and cut a couple of leaves down to about 2"-3". Place it in a pot with water. It will begin growing roots quickly. Make sure to change the water frequently, at least every two weeks. It can be planted in either potting soil, and will do well in both. Once the root system is established (usually within 4 weeks) then transfer it into a pot that has regular houseplant potting soil.
Like all plants, Pothos needs good general houseplant fertilizer to keep it healthy. Pothos does not require regular fertilization like other houseplants. It is sufficient to feed the plant once per month in the spring and summer months.
Like all plants, it's essential to avoid placing a Pothos in a drafty area or near a radiator as the leaves are likely to become brown and shrunk. Place the plant in a brighter space of your home and fertilize as usual.
The leaves of the Pothos will tell you whether it needs watering. If the edges of the leaves are dry and brown it's time to give it a drink. If the leaves begin to drop it's probably time to get it watered.
Epipremnum (Pothos) Epipremnum (Pothos) variety of heart-shaped leaves in green, white or yellow It is available. Popular varieties include "Marble Queen," with a striking green and white variation. Another variety that is popular is "Neon," which has green leaves with yellow and red markings.
The life expectancy of Pothos is about five to 10 years, but giving it the right conditions and regular maintenance, it can prolong its lifespan significantly. It is also easy to propagate making it a perfect option for people who are new to gardening.
Monstera
Monstera Deliciosa, also known as the Swiss cheese plant or split-leaf Philodendron, is a popular indoor houseplant in temperate climates. It can also be grown outdoors in warm climates and is a well-loved landscape plant. It is a moderately generous cultivator, and only needs to be watered once or twice a week to keep the soil damp.
The monstera, a species of the Dracaena family is named after its odd-looking leaves with an odd pattern of holes. It resembles Swiss cheese. The Fenestrations (also known as holes or lobes) appear on the leaves as they grow. Monstera deliciosa plants produce fruit in the wild, but it's difficult for the plant to bear fruit under typical indoor conditions.
Unlike most succulents, Monsteras are not a good choice for cold temperatures and cannot survive when left out for more than a few hours. They prefer tropical temperatures that are similar to their native rainforest habitats. This makes them a good option for a conservatory or another sunny spot that is cool enough to avoid frost and freezing.
Monsteras are a species of vining plant and use aerial roots to climb up through the soil. In the wild, they often grow along the forest floor and then attach themselves to trees or rocks. This is the reason many gardeners add a trellis or moss pole to their pots as the plant expands.
The moss pole that can be made with chicken wire or a piece of long-strand sphagnum moss, will provide support to the plant and allow it to climb up instead of escaping from the pot. The pole can also help deter pests such as sap-sucking aphids, mealybugs, and tiny cigar-shaped thrips which can harm the leaves of the plant.
Repot the plant on a regular basis and supply it with plenty of indirect, bright sunlight. It can withstand some direct sunlight, but should not be exposed to direct sunlight from dawn until dusk. If exposed to sunlight monstera can burn its leaves and even die.
ZZ Plant
Zamioculcas zamiifolia also known as the ZZ plant was a huge hit when it first appeared on the market and is one of the easiest house plants to care for. It's a great choice for areas of the home that many other plants can't live in, as it can thrive in any lighting conditions other than direct sunlight. ZZ plants can reach heights of up to an elongated metre or more so they are well-suited to larger pots and stand-up plants.
The ZZ plant is poisonous and should not be eaten by pets or children. It can also cause irritation to the skin, so make sure you wear gloves when handling it. There are reports that it causes cancer, however, there is no proof of this.
Like all succulents, ZZ plants are relatively easy to cultivate and take care of. They do not require a lot of moisture, but they should be watered thoroughly and the soil should dry between waterings. Overwatering can result in root decay, so it's best to be cautious and use less water.
They thrive best in an adsorbent, free-draining potting mix that includes perlite or sand for better drainage. They're not a fast-growing plant for the home and can last for years without repotted, but they'll need to be repotted once their roots start to peek out from the top layer of soil.
Fertilize your plants in the growing season by using a liquid fertilizer that is half strength. During the warmer months, this is typically repeated once or twice a month.
Like any indoor plant, be sure to check for insects like Aphids on a regular basis. Be on the lookout for stems with spindly leaves that are long and leggy and spots or yellow patterns on the leaves (see above photo). The leaves are also prone to rot and mold, so don't overlook these signs and let them get out of hand.
They require a bit of humidity, but they are suitable for most temperatures in the house. The leaves will remain dust-free by misting them frequently. This is not only to enhance the appearance of your home but it also helps them function as air purifying plants.
Kentia Palm
A stunning and easy to maintain plant, the kentia palm (Howea forsteriana) has been popular since the Victorian era and was a staple house plant of many royal and aristocratic families. It is able to thrive in poor conditions, like air conditioning, central heating and even low sunlight. It also tolerates neglect, which makes it an ideal choice for people who are new to gardening.
Kentias prefer direct, bright light and can tolerate a little shade, but it's recommended to keep them away from direct sunlight since this could cause scorching of the leaves. They also don't like draughty places so don't place them close to windows that are often open and closed.
The kentia palm needs soil that is nutritious and well-draining. To achieve this, a combination of perlite, peat moss, and pot soil can be used to create an ideal planting medium. Plant your kentia plant in a pot with drainage holes and then water it thoroughly when the top ten centimetres of compost is dry. It's essential to not overwater the plant since this could cause root rot. It is recommended to let the soil air dry out before watering.
You can prune the fronds on your kentia palm to keep its shape and eliminate dead leaves when they appear. Pruning should be performed with caution as too many fronds removed can damage the trunk and open the plant to infection. If you choose to prune, use shears that have smooth cutting surfaces and remove the leaf bases from their base, instead of forcing them off. This can cause permanent scars.
A kentia plant can be very susceptible to pests, like spider mites, mealybugs and scale bugs. Cleaning the fronds frequently using a sponge or cloth can help to prevent this issue. If they do, spray the plant with insecticidal oil or soap.