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Types of Houseplants
From CopperWiki
Houseplants are varied,offering multipurpose usage ranging from enhancing of offices and homes as beautiful foliage, offering tasty treats to acting as air purifiers.
These houseplants are native to many tropical and subtropical zones, and thus are equipped to adapt themselves to indoor environments characterized by dry heat and low light intensity prevalent in many homes.
Most houseplants are known either by their botanical names, common names or by their light requirements. However, for our understanding they tend to fall under the following categories.
- Foliage
Majority of the tropical plants thrive in warm seasons and can be classified as blooming or foliage (commonly referred to as houseplants).
‘Foliage’ refers to the leaves of a plant taken collectively. It is also the means by which vascular plants transpire and photosynthesize. These plants can either be grown both indoors and outside. They also act as the means for passing on bacteria into a plant’s vascular system.
Foliage plants are characterized by leaves of great many vibrant colours ranging from burgundy, silver, gold, splotched to variegated and have a tendency to look fresh and colourful all through the year. They usually prefer bright, indirect sunlight with moderate levels of humidity
They could be climbers or foliage vines like – Philodendrons, Ivies, Grape Ivy, Chestnut or Kangaroo vines. Swedish Ivy, Wandering Jew etc. To read in detail visit – [1]
They could be plants with medicinal benefits like Aloe Vera, with spiky foliage and fruit bearing like Ivory Pineapple, indoor medium or large conifer like Norfolk Island Pine, dwarf varieties like the Begonia or small tree ferns like Blechnum Gibbum, and many more on the same lines.
Some plants that remain green throughout the year - Monstera deliciosa; Begonia rex; Asparagus; Chlorophytum; Zebrina and Sansviera (which also occasionally bloom) Coleus; Croton; Gynura; Begonia; Maranta
For attractive combination with foliage perennials visit - [2]
- Flowering Plants
These are plants that produce flowers and fruits, also known as angiosperm. Amongst the land plants, they are the most dominant and familiar group. Flowering plants differentiate themselves from other seed plants by a series of characteristics, the flowers being the most remarkable feature.
Accounting for more than 300 varied species growing on every continent, including the likes of Antarctica, they are very diverse in their habits, form and size. They have a tendency to adapt themselves to any kind of habitat. Most flowering plants reproduce using their specialized reproductive organs and/or by way of seeds.
While they do adapt to most habitats, some work better in greenhouses, as they require high light intensity, careful watering, and day–night differences in temperature.
Many outdoor flowering plants can be brought indoors which would continue in full bloom for atleast a week if not more. These include miniature roses, hydrangeas, mums and azaleas.
However there are a few plants that grow well indoors year-round and bloom over and over again. To read more on the best ones to grow and how to grow, visit – [3]
To read further on types of flowering plants, please visit- [4]
- Ferns
These are basically non-flowering, vascular plants belonging to the Polypodiopsida class.
With popularity acquired from the Victorian era, ferns, today, can be seen adorning atriums, greenhouses, conservatories and homes.
Ferns are characterized by features such as beauty, grace and versatility, combined with a toughness, which very often contradicts its delicate appearance. These plants fall into the category of some of the most useful and rewarding plants. There are approximately 9000 - 12000, different species, grown all over the world, with a lot of them being outdoors.
The sizes of ferns vary from 6inches which are grown best in a terrarium, to larger ferns of a 5-foot-ball, grown in hanging baskets.
Different ferns require different growing conditions. While some ferns with tough, leathery foliage can adapt indoors there are other feathery, delicate types, which may require special care, like a terrarium or a very humid area.
Even though most ferns are used to the tropical climate, they prefer cool temperatures and high levels of humidity, with indirect light inside.
Ferns are of different kinds varying from ornamental ferns, maidenhair ferns, birds-nest, large leafed, tree ferns, mounted ferns, xeric ferns to Boston ferns that are generally found in pots or hanging baskets.
To read extensively on ferns – their lifecycle, types, maintenance, visit – [6]
- Succulents
In botanical terms, plants with thick, fleshy, and water storing leaves and stems are called succulents. Plants that usually fall into this category are tropical or desert plants that are designed to retain water. Regions with little rainfall are where you will find them. Characterized by long roots, they survive by absorbing and storing maximum amounts of water, thereby surviving long dry periods. Thus giving many varieties a swollen appearance
Even though most succulents are used to high light, they often adapt well indoors in the dim lighting conditions. However, they do like their warmth and so it is advisable to keep them away from drafts and cold windowpanes. Also despite being from the sturdy variety, they cannot be treated casually like other houseplants; otherwise they have a tendency to perish. Attention needs to be given to them during various seasons, as they grow and rest according to them. A seasonal pattern of watering and keeping them dry needs to be maintained.
A mix of well –drained soil with either sand or perlite is the best potted medium for them. The soil needs to dry in between waterings, and less watering should be done when they are inactive.
Many succulents are extremely challenging, and so it is important to keep in mind that one could be faced with disappointments when growing them.
Three common examples that make ideal houseplants are aloe, ponytail palm, and the jade plant. Another common variety is the cactus, which are leafless or have short, prickly leaves. However one specific characteristic that sets them apart from the other succulents is the areole, which means it is composed of two buds.
- Trees
Some indoor trees can be grown very successfully, given the requirements are met effectively. What they usually require are bright and indirect light, supplemental humidity and of course the space. Most trees grow anywhere between 6 feet to 20feet.
The soil used, should be a light mixture allowing proper drainage. It is advisable to water the tree only if the soil turns dry, otherwise it may lead to dropping of leaves. Also the ideal indoor temperature for them to thrive in, should range anywhere between 65 and 85 degrees. Anything lesser will reduce the growth rate.
All indoor trees need to be fertilized, every two weeks in order to provide them with the required nutrients. There are several types of trees that are grown indoors, some common and easy to maintain are –
- Ficus Tree: Also known as figs, and are can adapt well as indoor plants. These are Ficus Alii, rubber plants, weeping figs and fiddle leaf figs.
- Palm Tree: Such as Sentry and Bamboo palms and Areca and Chinese Fan palms
- Dracaena: also called Dragon Tree, characterized by an upright frame and long narrow leaves.
- Succulent/Cactus: Such as Milk Stripe Euphorbia, Silver Torch, Snowball and Column cactus.
- Citrus Trees: Various lemons, oranges, limes, grapefruits and other citrus are used as indoor plants.
To learn further on how to grow a few of them visit –[7]
- Climbers and Trailers
These are plants with very weak stem supports, and they are found in most plant families. They could range from small leaved to variegated varieties. They are both indoor and outdoor plants. Most indoor varieties prefer a cool location to thrive in, and can do well even on a windowsill. Some common climbers are the many varieties of Ivy, several cissus species, belonging to the grape family and popularly known as grape ivy, which make ideal pot plants too, bougainvillea, hedera etc.
