The lovely plants that flourish on a windowsill , track from a hanging pot or sate a brightly lit turning point range of mountains from friendly little flowers to towering trees . It ’s important to place houseplant to insure that they receive the correct amount of warmth , brightness level , piddle and plant food .
While most common houseplant are tropical plants , hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zone 9 through 12 , a few can be develop outdoors in cold climates .
When a house member , friend or neighbour provides a cutting or seedling , they may come to to the plant by a common name . Common names may be shared by several works species , so they are not a full indicator of the caution that a fussy plant needs for grow in the home .
Learning How to Identify Houseplants
To identify a house plant , start with a pencil , paper and measuring tape . Take time to document the size , leaves , flowers and so on before sit down and peruse the cyberspace or an illustrated usher to houseplant .
Though a picture does speak a thousand words , it can also be perplexing if the image is a close up of a leaf or flower instead of life size . If possible , take a delineation and rapid climb in as necessitate to match the paradigm sizing on the web site or in the Holy Scripture .
The size of an indoor plant is an important element , not only in identification , but in ensuring that it has enough way to grow . A tree diagram may start out small , but turn 15 or more feet tall unless pruned regularly .
Unless spring up a tree as a bonsai , a little or slow - growing mintage may be advisable for an office staff works or to tuck into a windowsill . hang back plant more often than not thrive when allowed to stick with their normal design , give ear from a basket or sprawling over the top of a bookcase .
Leaves: Size, Shape and Color
Leaves can avail identify a plant by size , shape and people of colour . The foliage may be green , gold or other coloration and/or variegate with lighter undersides . They may vary in texture from feathery to fuzzed to rubbery , and in size from bantam to huge .
Some plants have brilliant splash of coloration spill across the leave of absence , make them easy to identify despite wide-ranging leaf size , figure and colour , while others have simple oval or oblong green foliage . Examine and document the leaves by :
1 . Measuring the distance and breadth of the leafage . 2 . Observing if the edges are toothed or smooth . 3 . remark the shape of the leafage — ellipse , oblong or foresighted and thin . 4 . Comparing to known foliage types . 5 . fit if the leaves are placid , crinkly or blurry and if the veins on the underside are big , parallel , netted or a dissimilar color . 6 . Documenting the width and thickness of the foliage , if it is thin and stiff or thick and fleshy .
Stems: Shape, Color and Sap
theme can also be an index number of metal money . Shape , color , or whether the stem is woody or herbaceous , all can serve identify a plant . Succulents have wooden-headed , fleshy stems while shrub and Tree feature woody trunks and bark .
The type of sap can also help identify a plant . Some plant produce a white , milky sap when the stems are broken or cut .
Flowers: Size, Colors and Scents
While not all popular houseplants bring out flush , the blossoms can quickly take to the correct identification . The size , color , shape and fragrance are all place factors . Document the bloom by :
1 . numeration and measure out the flower petal and flower size . 2 . look at the flower maturation convention : individual blossoms , flower spikes or clumps . 3 . mark the flower part and colors . 4 . sense the flower to see if there is any scent .
Warning
While not all plants that ooze a thick , latex paint - comparable tomfool are toxic , they may still get hypersensitised peel reaction as well as harm eyes and mucus membrane . Wear guard gear , including gloves and safety gadget goggles , when working with these type of plants and keep them out of orbit of children and ducky .
Choosing a Houseplant
Whether a gift or purchased topically or online , choosing the right houseplant for the indoor garden varies wildly , depending on the flora ’s needs and householder ’s esthetic .
A forward-looking décor may be enhance by a spiky succulent , while an office can host a favorable petty blossoming plant or a lucky tree . Hanging trailing plants add greenery without take on up special infinite in a little home . When take a houseplant , consider :
In general , there is an easy - to - originate plant that will fit into about every home .
Epiphytes for Indoors
Unusual and beautiful plants that evolved to grow above the terra firma on Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree trunk and branches admit epiphytes likemoth orchids(Phalaenopsisspp . , USDA zone 10 to 12 ) . The easiest orchid for founding father , they sport arching stems with multiple bloodless , pinkish , yellow or multi - colored blossoms . Bright filtered light and hebdomadal or biweekly watering keeps these tropical peak blossom for week at a time . The identifying characteristic of moth orchid include :
While not all bromeliads ( Bromeliaceae family ) are epiphytes , there are a number of species grow as houseplant . Air plants(Tillandsiaspp . , USDA zone 10 to 12 ) are among the leisurely - care bromeliad coinage . Plant guardianship let in lachrymation by soaking the entire plant life in a bowl of water for two hr every week or two and/or misting regularly . While air plant ' foliation and flower colors depart , they have several identifying characteristics :
Exotic Focal Points
Plumeria(Plumeriaspp . , USDA geographical zone 10 to 12 ) , often call frangipani , is a mathematical group of 11 flower shrub and trees . The fragrant bloom are used for leis in Hawaii . Each Plumiera metal money has its own decided forms and flush colors , but there are a few universal identifying characteristics :
The brilliantly colored leaf ofcrotons(Codiaeumvariegatum , USDA zones 11 to 12 ) make them a focal point in the garden and inside the home . While frost tender , some householder allow their indoor houseplants to enjoy a summer vacation on the patio before bringing them inside for the wintertime . croton can farm up to 6 substructure tall and evenly all-embracing under idealistic condition . While the leaf size and colour may vary , depending on the cultivar , common identifying features include :
Friendly Little Flowers
Whether on an office desk or on the table at home , African violets(Saintpaulia ionantha , USDA zones 11 to 12 ) are friendly little flowers that enjoy the same indoor environment as man . Keep these small plants flowering year around with vivid filter or collateral lighter , an acidulous and well - draining potting premix and regular watering to keep the mix evenly moist but not waterlogged — just be indisputable to avoid wetting the leave . The primary characteristics of African violets admit :
A member of the same plant sept as African violets , tropical gloxinias(Sinningia speciosa , USDA zones 11 to 12 ) produce showy white , ruby-red , violet , lavender or bi - one-sided flower , or in the cause of hybrids , a variety of pastels . Gloxinias may be identified by :
The smart yellows , pink , oranges and reds ofgerbera daisies(Gerbera jamesonii , USDA zones 8 to 10 ) add a upbeat ambience to the post or habitation . While these daisy - comparable perennials flourish in balmy wintertime climates , they are also potted and used as houseplants in bright indirect luminance or near brightly dismount window . Some characteristic of gerbera daisies include :
Home for the Holidays
The winter vacation are filled with bright flower , includingamaryllis(Hippeastrumhybrids , USDA zones 8 to 10 ) . The red , pink or candy - strip amaryllis bloom develop from large bulbs placed in bright dribble light and watered on a regular basis . implant at Thanksgiving , the plants are ready to flower by Christmas . Amaryllis can be identified by :
Poinsettias(Euphorbia pulcherrima , USDA zones 9 to 11 ) , native of Mexico , are found everywhere during the holidays , adding to the festivities with their bright red , pink , jaundiced , ointment or bicolor bract . While the poinsettia is actually a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 12 feet tall and 8 feet wide in ardent climates , it needs regular lacrimation and shining illumination to boom when the holidays are over . A poinsettia plant can be identify by observing :
Theholiday cacti(Schlumbergeraspp . , USDA zones 10 to12 ) produce snowy , yellow , pinkish , magenta or bi - color flowers . These tropic aerophyte cacti produce flower buds when provide 13 hour of complete darkness every night for approximately three months before the vacation . Keeping night temperature between 45 and 55 ° F also results in flower bud formation . To key these works , look for these feature :
Succulents and Cacti
succulent and cacti are often difficult to definitively identify , but there are a few species that mob and booster share with anyone who ’d care a cutting . Jade plants(Crassula ovata , USDA zona 10 to 12 ) are relatively broken - upkeep plants and drought tolerant , but prefer regular watering without overwatering . To discover a jade industrial plant , search for these machine characteristic :
Aloe vera(USDA district 10 to 12 ) is another succulent that is often share , in part due to its traditional use in soothing burns as well as its air purifying properties . Grown in a sunny kitchen windowpane , the gel - comparable sap inside the plant can be liberally applied to burns . However , sensitive individuals may have a skin reaction to the gel ; keep this plant life out of grasp of children and pets . When identify aloe vera , calculate for :
With its tall , spikey leafage , thesnake plant(Dracaena trifasciata , formerlySansevieria trifasciata , USDA geographical zone 10 to 12 ) is a drouth patient of , easy - tending succulent suit to beginners . However , like other dracaenas , it should be kept out of reach of child and pets as it can result in gastric suffering if have . A serpent plant can be identified by :
Trailing Plants for Hanging Baskets
Thespider plant(Chlorophytum comosum , USDA zones 9 to 11 ) feature longsighted thin leaves , multiple " babies " and sometimes flowers cascading from the pot . One of the best indoor plants for melodic line purifying and easy flora care , wanderer plants produce babiesthat are easily clip from the parent plant life and popped into their own flowerpots . To identify a wanderer plant , depend for :
While theBoston fern(Nephrolepis exaltata , USDA geographical zone 10 to 13 ) suffers from brown point if exposed to lineal sunlight or dry air , its fronds provide a mass of lush lacy foliage best see as a hanging plant . Growing up to 3 feet in diam , Boston ferns need high humidity and evenly moist soil . This fern is among the plants that facilitate remove indoor air pollutant . Characteristics to front for when identify this tropical fern include :
Thezebra plant(Tradescantia zebrina , USDA zone 8 to 12 ) , also get it on as " column inch plant " and " roving dude , " features motley parting and from time to time flowers . render bright filtrate visible radiation and evenly moist soil for the brilliant leaf . The 1- to 2 - foot - long trailing prow and showy leaves need regular trim , provide cutting to make more industrial plant . When identifying whichTradescantiaspecies is mature in the window , look for :
Trees in Pots
maturate from seeds or cut , with proper carecitrus trees(Citrusspp . , USDA zone 9 to 11 ) may even produce yield indoors if paw pollinated . Naturally lowly , an Improved Meyer lemon tree ( Citrus×meyeri ) fly high in a sunny corner , and more light source can be added with grow lights . Keep the soil evenly moist , but not waterlogged , and cut back regularly to keep the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree humble . Citrus tree are easily place by :
The pyramid cast and symmetrical diffuse branch of theNorfolk Island pine(Araucaria heterophylla , USDA zones 9 to 11 ) make this evergreen tree a popular pick for large entries and gay atriums . Keep indoor trees evenly moist and turn regularly to ensure even growth of the limb . To mark the Norfolk Island pine from other conifers , seem for :
Usually found with a braided bole through local vendors and online , theGuiana or Malabar chestnut(Pachira aquatica , USDA zones 10 to 12 ) is really an evergreen tree that grow up to 60 feet tall in the natural state . Also known as the money tree or Formosan money plant life , this water - screw tropic grows 6 to 8 feet tall when grown indoors . site this tree diagram in bright trickle light and water regularly to keep it sizeable . Identifying characteristics include :
