Gaby
Every plant has its own development needs and requires both knowledge and care. Almost all houseplants come from warm regions—Africa, India, Mexico, Argentina, the Mediterranean, and more. They cannot tolerate frost or temperatures at or below 32°F (0°C). Before buying a plant you like, find out where it comes from and whether it prefers light or shade, moisture or drought, rich soil or moderate conditions. Also consider which direction your windows face.
For rooms with moderate light and east- or west-facing windows, flowering varieties that do well include African violet (Saintpaulia), royal begonia, Kredner’s begonia, purple vallota, clivia, eucharis, and amaryllis. For foliage plants, consider golden tree (Aucuba), cast iron plant (Aspidistra), kurkuligo, asparagus, ferns, tradescantia, and ivy.
In very bright rooms with south-facing windows, flowering plants such as amaryllis, Arabian jasmine, geranium (pelargonium), Chinese rose (hibiscus), pink lily (crinum), zephyr flower (zephyranthes), sultan balsam (impatiens), tuberous begonia, indoor maple, and lantana thrive. Foliage plants that do well in strong light include palms, dracaenas, bay laurel, arum, chlorophytum, snake plant (Sansevieria), yucca, aloe, cacti, opuntia, and cereus.
In rooms with north-facing windows, grow African violets, ivy, tradescantia, feathered asparagus, begonia, and cast iron plant (Aspidistra). These plants are widely available at stores and garden centers.
Buying plants is just the start; you also need to know how to care for them. Here are some tips to help you.
Place plants close to windows. Light in corners and on walls between windows is very weak and can hinder growth.
Water most houseplants more moderately in late autumn and winter than in spring and summer. Use water that has been left standing for a day at room temperature. Avoid misting plants, especially those with soft, fuzzy leaves (like African violets), because misting can cause spotting. Do not mist the crown of a plant while it is flowering, since the flowers may wilt or yellow.
Moisten the soil evenly. Both overwatering and underwatering harm plant growth. Make sure the entire potting mix—not just the surface—is damp. Water from the top and occasionally pour water into the saucer under the pot so the roots can absorb moisture.
Plants prefer calm air and are sensitive to drafts. Avoid placing them directly in front of a drafty window, especially in winter.
If the windowsill is narrow, install shields above the radiator to keep hot air from drying out the soil and leaves.
Most houseplants, except for some bulbous varieties, should be repotted in spring (March to May), and no more than once a year. If a plant is damaged or sick, repot it immediately. Before repotting, water the plant well and carefully transfer it to a pot with nutrient-rich soil without damaging the roots or leaves.
Avoid planting in pots painted with oil-based paint or in fully glazed pots, since they can restrict air reaching the roots. For decoration, place plant pots inside attractive cachepots made of majolica or plastic.
Keep repotted plants in a shaded spot for a week before moving them back closer to the light.
Some plants do better in larger pots (for example, Arabian jasmine, lantana, and aucuba), while others prefer smaller containers (palms, amaryllis, eucharis, and vallota). Low, wide pots suit plants with roots close to the soil surface, such as African violets and azaleas.
Plant bulbous species (amaryllis, vallota, hyacinths) so that not the entire bulb is buried; leave at least one-third of the bulb above the soil. Bulbs like eucharis, zephyr flower, and tulips generally do better when their bulbs are completely covered by soil.
Do not fertilize repotted plants for at least 2–4 months after repotting.
Fertilize houseplants only in spring and summer (March to August), except for certain types such as azaleas. Apply fertilizer no more than once a week; preferably every 10–12 days.
Prune plants before vigorous spring growth begins, especially varieties that tend to get leggy, like geraniums and indoor maples. Remove damaged, diseased, or dry branches from the crown, as well as inward-growing shoots. Prune just above a bud.
