PHILODENDRONS

This is probably the largest, most familiar and most adaptable family of houseplants around.  Philodendrons are natives of the rainforest, so they’re perfectly at home wherever it’s humid.  Many types will climb up any nearby structure.  Others, like the “Temptation” (pictured above) may opt to trail gracefully down the sides of a container.  They are so easy to care for, it’s almost impossible to find a home that doesn’t have at least one variety of philodendron tucked away somewhere.

CARE:  Wash leaves once in a while to get rid of dust.  Too much dust further diminishes the amount of light the leaves are able to absorb for food production.  Keep soil moist but not soggy.  Feed every two weeks to every quarter; feeding the smaller varieties and those grown indoors more frequently.

LIGHT:  Bright indirect light is best but they can survive in the shade.  If new growth looks weak and has small leaves, move the plant to an area with brighter light but no direct sun.

  MEDIUM:  Grows well in Plantastic soil-less potting mix.

PROPAGATION:  Cuttings and division.

GOLDEN POTHOS

Tops in versatility and ease of growth, this makes the Golden Pothos an excellent first choice for beginners.  Put it in a pot, or in a hanging basket.  Let it climb or let it trail – the pothos will gladly oblige and give you a graceful show of leaves.  Its quick rate of growth is very rewarding, even the brown-thumbed will be pleased with their success in no time.  The best part is that, unlike many houseplants, its patterned leaves don’t lose their color variations even when grown in a dark setting.  Its quiet grace, ease of growth and maintenance, high adaptability, and resistance to pests and diseases makes it our #1 recommendation for newcomers to indoor gardening.

Although it looks like the common philodendron vine, pothos is not a philodendron but the two plants are related.  “Golden” pothos is the most popular variety.  “Marble Queen” is just as easy to care for and has even more remarkable leaf colorations, but is a much slower grower.  “Jade” is the least popular because of its relatively plain green leaves.

CARE:  Cuttings easily root in water, which is perhaps why it has unfortunately acquired the name “water plant” locally.  Once roots form, the plant should be transplanted into standard potting mix.  In fact, you should even let the soil dry slightly between waterings to keep the plant happy.  To encourage bushiness, pinch off the growing tips.   Clean the leaves periodically with a damp cloth to remove dust.  Dust further diminishes the amount of light the leaves can absorb for food production.  To keep growth slow, keep plants somewhat pot-bound. 

LIGHT:  Partial shade to shade

MEDIUM:  Grows well in Plantastic soil-less potting mix.

SNAKE PLANT

  Also known as sansevieria, mother-in-law’s tongue, and sword plant or espada, this plant has quite an assortment of names that the conversation it triggers alone is good enough reason to have it around!

  But more than that, the tall and slender leaves make striking contrast when mixed with other plants.  On its own, in a container, it also makes quite a simple yet elegant statement.  They occasionally bloom, but if kept indoors, it may be best to remove the dainty, fragrant white flowers because they release a sticky substance.

A nocturnal worker, the snake plant removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and converts it to oxygen at night.

CARE:  Almost indestructible, this plant can endure neglect, dim light, haphazard watering, heat, dust, dry air and is rarely attacked by insects.  Because they are succulent, leaves store water for the plant, so keep soil or potting mix on the dry side.  Feed monthly. Repot yearly.

LIGHT:  Semi-sun, partial shade or shade

MEDIUM:  Grows well in Plantastic soil-less potting mix.

PROPAGATION:  Division and cuttings. Cuttings of variegated varieties may revert to green.

Schefflera

Commonly known as the umbrella tree, this stately plant comes in a variety of shades and sizes. If you're on the lookout for a big indoor plant, you can get the schefflera species that can grow up to 10 feet indoors! Or, if you like this plant's shape but not in that size, then go for the new dwarf varieties (The variegated dwarf variety pictured at left is available in limited quantities at GreenHearts). Just in case you've gotten yourself a plant which is growing a bit too big for the space you've given it, you can reduce its height by pruning the main stem back to a node (the point at which leaves join the stem).

Schefflera have long stems with 7 to 16 polished leaves which are green or in variegated form. Their formation resembles the ribs of an umbrella and, thus, its common name. This plant is perfect for the beginning gardener because it's so easy to care for. Contained in pots, older plants can also turn into very handsome "bonsai-like" specimens with hardly any need for wires or training. Simply water thoroughly, allowing the potting medium to dry out slightly between waterings. Feed with water soluble fertilizer once or twice a month. Mist once in a while to reduce the risk of insect infestation.

Schefflera is very good at removing chemical vapors and also has above average performance when it comes to releasing moisture into the indoor environment.

Calathea

These lovely foliage plants have leaves that are mottled or striped and come in an amazing range of greens.  To produce the best colors, they should be fed regularly or plant them in Plantastic Low Maintenance Mix.  Keep them moist, in partial shade.  Leaves burn easily in direct sunlight.

This is a popular plant that many people recognize but simply cannot name. All species of dieffenbachia are commonly called dumb cane because of their sap. Should you be unwise enough to bite any part of the plant, the calcium oxalate in the sap will cause your throat to swell and loss of speech can last for several days. (Now, don’t play any tricks on that talkative person! All parts of the plant are poisonous! )

The plant’s broad leaves help add moisture to the surrounding air. It prefers bright, filtered light so it would be best to locate it near a window. Too dark a setting will cause the variegated leaves to lose their attractive color.