Houseplants bring life—by way of delightful foliage—to every room (even one without a lot of sunlight). The options are varied, with as many distinctive shapes and textures and shades as what you see out your window. Follow the instructions on pages 229–230 to prepare the pots and do the planting. Then use the tips provided here to help them thrive.
There’s an indoor plant to suit every space. Generally speaking, kitchens and baths are more humid (so are better for thirstier plants); hallways and bedrooms are cooler and drier. Ultimately, though, it’s the amount of light that matters most.
These plants can even grow in a dark corner or a basement with some natural light coming in.
Also known as butterfly palm, this popular plant has long, feathery fronds and is among the easiest to care for, requiring little in the way of light or water.
This tropical understory plant—in nature it grows on the forest floor—can take a lot of neglect (hence its name) and thrives in even dark spaces.
In the South, this shade-loving, big-leaved plant is a shrub. In the North, it makes a dramatic foliage plant in a dimly lit corner of a house.
Easy to grow—and to love, with its draping foliage—this plant is highly adaptable, needing little light to thrive. It is, however, potentially toxic to pets (and people) if ingested.
With its tall, thick, spiky leaves, this striking architectural succulent (known as the snake plant) is among the most forgiving, prospering in dry air and with minimal direct light.
To combat dry winter air indoors, invest in a few houseplants. Their moist soil is a natural humidifier.
Grow these in rooms that get lots of filtered sunlight (ones with windows that face east, west, and north).
The easy-to-care-for rhizomatous varieties thrive in high humidity, but need to dry between waterings.
When these South African natives bloom in midwinter, they’re ready to take center stage. For best bloom, give them a dry period from late October to late November.
Large, marbled (usually) tropical leaves make this a favorite houseplant, either alone or as part of a mix. Its English name, dumb cane, is a reference to its toxic sap that, when chewed by humans or pets, can cause numbness or swelling in the tongue (consider yourself duly cautioned).
Many in this group of plants, which includes African violets, can bloom on and off all year if given bright filtered light and allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. Remember to keep water off the leaves, lest they end up spotted. A regular dose of African violet fertilizer will increase the bloom.
This frilly plant adds a breezy, casual feel to your interiors. Like begonias, ferns benefit from high humidity, so set them on pebble-lined trays that have been filled with water to just below the surface of the stones.
With its glossy green leaves, this upright woody plant is usually sold as a single-trunk tree, though you can also find it in a more expansive shrub form. It prefers constant conditions, so keep it in its happy place.
Trained ivy grows well in filtered light. Small-leaved varieties make the best topiaries. For a dash of color, try a variegated form.
While you can always count on orchids to do well in southern exposures, many collectors cultivate them entirely under grow lights.
This plant produces pretty white flowers—and, according to NASA, tops the list of plants that reduce indoor volatile organic compounds (VOCs). However, it is also potentially toxic if ingested by pets. It prefers constantly moist soil (so water frequently and lightly).
Here’s another climbing, cascading plant that looks like philodendron, but with larger, thicker leaves that tend to be variegated. Caution: It’s also potentially toxic to pets and children.
Southern exposure is a must for these sun-seekers.
During winter, myrtle topiaries can live near a sunny south-facing window. To encourage vigorous growth, move them outdoors during summer months.
See page 236 for more about succulents.