Lesson 1: Selecting the best houseplants for YOU
Easy Care Gems: 10 good, solid starter plants
If you can handle enough waterings and the occasional feeding, these plants will reward you well with graceful leaves and bright color.
1. Screw Pine
A slow-growing plant that eventually turns into a palm-like "tree". When still small, looks great on top of bedroom nightstands, in the den, in Victorian "parlors" or in dark-paneled rooms.
2. Spider Plant
Spider Plant by Howie Deutch, Suite101 Garden Adventures
You know this plant. Little spiderlets dangle from the main plant in a charming way. Fits in best with Victorian and country cottage decor.
3. Philodendron
This is the plant Tarzan swings on in the jungle. Comes in two main varieties: the small heart-leafed viny type, and the large, showy split-leafed type. Either are easy to grow, and just as easy to find in nurseries.
4. Monstera/Swiss-Cheese Plant
Like the philodendron, this jungle vine is easy to care for. It's architecturally stunning in any setting, given enough room to grow.
5. Pothos
An ubiquitous houseplant. In other words, it's so common in homes and officers, that few people even notice it's there. Easy to care for and fits into any decor. If it gets wilty-looking from lack of water, quickly submerge the entire pot in a sinkful of tepid water. It should perk up if it's not too far gone.
6. Dracaena/Dragon Tree
This yucca-like tree has sinuous lines and a very modern look. Also mixes well with Asian decor. Place it in any corner and allow it to grow tall.
7. Dieffenbachia/Dumb Cane
This easy white-on-green foliage plant fits in best with masculine or modern decor.
TIP:Bear in mind this plant's common name: Dumb Cane. It paralyzes the vocal cords when injested. Keep away from children and pets.
8. Peperomia/Radiator Plant
A compact rosette of leaves that sits happily on any windowsill or bookshelf. The dark-green bushy types are easier to care for than the succulent, green and white upright varieties that drop their leaves after drying out too long.
9. Geranium
If you place it in full sun, it will reward you with nearly year-round flowers. Let it dry out between waterings.
10. Chinese Evergreen
This one likes shady places but can adapt to almost any condition. Great for offices or Victorian decor as a "parlor plant".
1. Yucca
Yucca by Howie Deutch, Suite101 Garden Adventures
The yucca's big spiky leaves grow from a thick brown stalk, and holds court in whatever corner it occupies. Great for filling in odd corners in Modern, Asian, or Southwestern-style decor.
