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Issue Date: December 16, 2007
Everything you need to know about houseplants
More than just decoration, they improve your health and shape your style.
By Fran Sorin
If you're one of those people who still think of houseplants as spider plants in macrame hangers, it's time to update your thinking. Houseplants are back in not only for decorating, but also because green plants give off oxygen and absorb toxins, and they are thought to reduce headaches and sore throats.
Today's houseplants come in a variety of shapes and heights, with or without blooms and scents. When used correctly, plants can represent your lifestyle and help shape the style of a room. Want something architectural or sculptural? Not a problem. How about something modern, romantic, fussy, funky or tropical? You've got it. Examples of all of these and more are available at your local garden center, through mail-order catalogs or online.
Before you buy
Walk around your house and note areas where some plants could add atmosphere. Consider empty spaces in the living room, on the mantel, in the bathroom, on a windowsill or bedside table or in the entryway.
For each location in need of plant life, make a note about the amount of light the spot receives each day. A true southern exposure (six or more hours of direct sunlight) is great for sun-loving plants; eastern or western exposures (three to six hours of sunlight) work well for plants that thrive in partial shade and sun; a northern exposure is good for shade-loving plants.
Measure the length and width of each area. If you plan to have some smaller plants on top of a commode or perched on a windowsill, know the exact dimensions before purchasing.
With larger plants, find out how large they'll be at maturity so you can take into account how much space will be needed.
Purchasing plants
Browse the selection at the store before making any decisions. Check out the quality of the plants to see if this is where you want to invest your dollars. Are the plants displayed well? Do they look healthy, with lots of new growth at the top and no yellow, brown or damaged leaves?
Read the label of any plant that grabs your attention to check the conditions under which it will thrive so you can determine whether it will fit into one of the areas for which you're shopping. Also, take the style of the room into account. Will the new plant add some panache to the decor or warm up the room a bit?
Caring for plants
Once home, position your plants according to their sun or shade needs.
Be sure to place a saucer under each plant for drainage. If you're grouping plants together, move them around, as you might do in your garden, until you like the way the grouping looks. Keep plants away from drafts or heating sources, but remember that they'll need circulation, so keep a fan nearby and use it every few days.
Always water a plant according to the instructions that came with it. Some plants like to be bone dry before being watered; others do better when kept moist (but not soaking wet). A general rule of thumb is to stick your finger 1 inch into the soil. If it's dry, then it needs to be watered. Pouring water into the saucer is an efficient way to give roots the moisture they need. If there's still water in the saucer an hour later, drain it.
If a plant loses a few leaves, don't worry. But if the problem persists, check the top and bottom of the leaves for insects or fungus. If the plant is infected, isolate it from other plants and spray with an organic insecticide or fungicide. Keep it isolated for a few days and check it before moving it back with other plants.
Houseplants organized by styles:
Architectural: dieffenbachia, dracaena, ficus, palm (windmill, European, Chinese fan, sago, Burmese fishtail), philodendron, umbrella tree, yucca, cactus, fiddle leaf, Bengal and rubber plant, fig, banana, heliconia
Tropical: chenille plant, datura, cigar plant, spiral ginger, goldfish plant, coleus, bromeliads (scarlet star, blue-flowered torch, bird's nest, flaming sword, pineapple), lipstick vine, flowering maple, boat lily, cardinal flower
Blooming: bouvardia longiflora (scent), golden trumpet, gardenia (scent), fuchsia, heliotrope, variegated wax plant, hydrangea, impatiens, king's crown, jasmine (some with scent), flaming Katy, oleander, orchid, geranium, passionflower (scent), black-eyed Susan
Unusual: rex begonia, pilea moon valley, ornamental pepper, pencil euphorbia, angel wing
Romantic/Sweet: begonia, geranium (rose, lemon mint), orchid, passiflora, primrose and cape primrose
Mediterranean: mock orange (scent and blooming), dwarf pomegranate, calamondin orange, citrus limon
Succulents: agave, aeonium, cactus, aloe (lace, hedgehog, partridge-breasted), jade plant, silver crown, echeveria (blue, red, firecracker, painted lady), ox tongue, pearl plant, panda plant, ghostplant
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