Facts About Common House Plants
- A spider plant is a good choice if you are a beginner at keeping house plants. The spider plant is characterized by long, slender leaves that branch out of the pot or hanging basket like spider legs. The leaves are green with a white stripe down the middle and can grow up to 1 foot long from the center of the plant. The spider plant can do well with most quality potting mixes and likes average room humidity. Keep the soil evenly moist throughout and use distilled water if your tap water contains fluoride.
- The snake plant is a common household plant that is also known as the "mother-in-law's tongue." The snake plant has stiff leaves shaped like a sword that can grow up to 2 feet in length. The snake plant is native to South Africa, and does well with average humidity. When you water the plant, let the top inch of soil dry out before you water again during the growing season. Try not to get water on the leaves, or they may rot. The plant can get top heavy, so use a heavy pot to prevent it from tipping over.
- The Boston fern originated in Central America and likes a higher level of humidity than many other house plants. The Boston fern is well-suited to a pedestal or hanging basket and should be misted each day to keep the humidity level up. The fronds of the Boston fern can grow between 1 to 3 feet in length and the plant likes bright light, but no direct sunlight.
- The African violet doesn't have any specific flowering season, which makes it an ideal house plant. African violets have thick green, fuzzy leaves with small flowers that can range from a strong purple to light-pink color. The African violet does well in bright light, but not necessarily direct sunlight. From later in spring to early fall, place the plant where it gets bright light for a good part of the day, but not much direct afternoon sun. An east-facing window is the ideal spot for the winter. When watering, pour tepid water into the saucer underneath the pot and let the plant soak up the water it needs for 20 or 30 minutes and then drain off whatever is left.