Five Great Houseplants

If your home looks a little sparse after the holiday decorations are packed away, a statement making houseplant is an easy solution.  Houseplants offer bold foliage, long lasting flowers, and/or space filling height.

So what are your choices for bold plants that are easy to care for and can thrive in environments typical of our homes?  Here are five that fit the bill.

Dracaena
Dracaena is an excellent houseplant because it requires relatively little care and can take the low light conditions typical of our homes.  Dracaena prefers daytime temperatures of 75 to 80 degrees F and 65 to 70 degrees F during the night. The soil should be kept consistently moist, but not soggy and they only need fertilizer every 6 months. Although dracaena can take low light conditions, they do best when placed in bright but indirect light. Try to avoid placing them in full sun as it will burn the leaves.

Strelitzia Nicolai (White Bird of Paradise)
This species of Strelitzia has large glossy green foliage and the same bird-like flowers as its cousin S. reginea but in white.  The tall, upright form makes it perfect for filling blank spots where space is limited. Plants don't bloom until they are 4 to 6 years old.  Give your Strelitzia full sunlight and soil should be kept on the dry side. 

Croton
The croton's multi-colored leaves make it a standout.  For a real statement put several pots in a large decorative container.  To maintain their richly hued foliage, give the plant plenty of bright light.  Soil should be moist but not soggy.  Prune in spring if the plants become leggy.

Stromanthe sanguinea 'Triocolor'
Stromanthe has strappy foliage with green, white and pink variegation.  It's a great plant for brightening up a room with low light.  In spring the plant produces dark pink flowers.  Place in filtered light and keep the soil moist, but not saturated. 

Spathiphyllum (Peace Lily)
Full and leafy, the Peace Lily makes short work of filling spots that need a little lift.  Place in bright, but indirect light; allow the soil to dry between watering but don't wait so long the leaves wilt and fertilize every 2 months during the growing season.

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Peace Lily

PAllen

Reply #9 on : Tue January 19, 2010, 15:30:59

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Jamie,

There are several reasons why leaf tips turn brown - the humidity could be too low, perhaps they got a little too dry, or if they are in an area with foot traffic, it could be from being brushed or bumped too much.

Regards,

P. Allen Smith

Peace Lily

Jamie Colllins

Reply #8 on : Sat January 16, 2010, 18:07:18

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Why so the tips of the leaves on my plant turn brown?

Poinsettia care

Ann Jordan

Reply #7 on : Sun January 03, 2010, 07:59:54

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I love plants but I have a little knowledge in gardening. Last year, I bought two beautiful poinsettias and this year, I was hoping they will turn red, but no! I was so disappointed..I look up 'You tube' on how to care of poinsettia and stuff..and I was lead to your site. Wonderful! and very informative. Thanks for sharing it..You are the best.

I have it on my bookmark!

Re: Five Great Houseplants

Joan Wherley

Reply #6 on : Sat January 02, 2010, 21:31:26

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Dear Mr. Smith, I wondered about my Amyrillis Bulbs. I brought them inside, kept in a cool place and did not water until a tip of green leaf appeared. I brought into a well lit area and watered . The leaves are shooting up quickly and I wondered if I need to fertilize at this time. Thank you for your attention. Joan

Dracaena winter hardiness

PAllen

Reply #5 on : Mon December 28, 2009, 16:15:22

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Gay - Dracaena are only able to withstand temperatures down to 50 degrees F without damage. If your plant has frozen, it is probably dead. Regards, P. Allen Smith

Great Houseplants after Christmas Decorations

Patty Harman

Reply #4 on : Sun December 20, 2009, 21:30:37

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Was hoping you's mention African Violets. I've started a small home business selling premium blooming African Violets and would have used your article as a promo after Christmas.

dracaena

Gay Brown

Reply #3 on : Sat December 19, 2009, 11:37:38

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I planted dracaena in my outdoor pots last spring. In the fall I could not get the plants out of the big pots becaues the roots had filled the pots. Half the plants are now frozen outdoors. How would you winter dracaena?

great houseplants

Elaine D

Reply #2 on : Fri December 18, 2009, 17:49:38

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Hibiscus also can be a beautiful houseplant (I put mine outside for the warm weather and bring it when the chill comes). What I like most is that it flowers profusely several times each year (in and out of doors) and doesn't seem to require much trimming.

Your croton pic today

Will Ryan

Reply #1 on : Fri December 18, 2009, 10:41:25

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Your feature today "Five Great Houseplsnts"---
just what variety of croton would that be pictured here?