Foliage Houseplants

A.J. · 09-02-2007, 11:41 AM

Aloe Vera

Better known for it's healing properties, Aloe Vera plant is very popular in everything from cosmetics to medicinal uses. Apart from this it is also a great houseplant, easy to look after, oxygenates the air and looks great. An easy way to grow fresh air and plasters at the same time!

Site: A bright position it will take direct sun although full sun all day in the summer will scorch the leaves.

Temp: Keep warm minimum of 16°C / 60°F above 70° in summer will promote faster growth..

Water: Leave it alone! if its damp at all do not water it. Try to use pre boiled water as it hates lime. Water far less over the winter and do not worry about misting.

Feeding: Feed at about a quarter of the usual dilution one a month over the growing season.

Tip: Cut slices from the bottom leaves to use yourself, there is more of the active chemicals in these. Slice across the leaves and rub onto skin, when the juice stops flowing score the edge of the slice to break more cells and reapply.

A.J. · 09-02-2007, 11:42 AM

Begonia

Foliage Begonia's are all hybrids descended from a now extinct species from India. These offer some of the most spectacular range of foliage colour, pattern, texture and shape it is possible to grow in the home. Heights vary from dwarf varieties of 10cm (4in) to B. thurstonii that reaches 2m (6ft). A few foliage Begonias have the bonus of attractive flowers but in most cases any flowers are insignificant and are best removed.

Site: A well lit spot but avoid direct sun.

Temp: Average; keep colder over the winter but not below 5°C.

Water: Well watered in the growing season but allow to dry in-between watering. Do not wet the leaves but keep humidity up by placing in a pebble tray.

Feeding: A liquid feed every three weeks over the growing season.

Tip: Repot every year to keep a good plant shape and strong leaf colour.

A.J. · 09-02-2007, 12:27 PM

Calathea - Foliage Types

Commonly found as houseplants the calatheas are a stunning group of plants. With bold leaf markings as well as the bonus of the purple underside they are a great choice for a shady room

Site: Light shade in summer. Brighter in winter but keep out of direct sun, this will dull the colour of the leaves, and could be fatal!

Temp: Keep warm minimum of 16°C / 60°F

Water: Keep well watered in summer, Caltheas love high humidity mist when you can and keep the compost moist in the summer. Brown tips show that the humidity is too low.

Feeding: Feed with a very weak solution when you water. Don't give it a strong feed every now and then.

Tip: Do not repot too often and use a peat based compost.

A.J. · 09-02-2007, 12:29 PM

Ficus microcarpa - Chinese banyan

An unusual plant, often used for Bonsai, succulent like leaves and contorted trunk create a fascinating plant Treat like most indoor figs water when dry over the summer and don't move it from place to place.

Site: Bright indirect light to bright shade, will take a small amount of direct sun especially over the winter months.

Temp: Average warmth.

Water: Quite regularly in the growing season but leave to dry out slightly first. Rarely over the winter months. Benefits from occasional misting. Remember to mist the trunk.

Feeding: A liquid feed every month or so.

Tip: Prune to shape in the winter if required.

A.J. · 09-02-2007, 12:32 PM

Aglaonema - Chinese evergreen

These are ideal plants where an attractive foliage display is needed for those shady corners. Large spear shaped leaves are usually decoratively variegated with greys, greens and yellows. They are tough indoor plants and are not especially difficult in a typical domestic environment.

Site: Shady to light shade.

Temp: Keep warm 60°F / 70°F

Water: Keep well watered in summer and infrequently in winter. They will enjoy high humidity so mist regularly even in the winter.

Feeding: A liquid feed every two weeks in the growing season.

Tip: Use in a dark corner, a great plant for a north facing room.

A.J. · 09-02-2007, 12:36 PM

Dracaena fragratissima 'Massangeana'

Often grown in the garden in warmer areas, Dracaena is a stunning houseplant with wide brightly marked leaves and thick woody stems. It will tolerate lower light levels but the yellow band will become greener with time.

Site: Bright indirect light

Temp: Average warmth. Does not like the cold.

Water: Do not let the compost dry out, in the growing season keep moist and reduce the watering in winter. Keep the humidity up with misting.

Feeding: A week feed every month or so.

Tip: Spray as frequently as possible and do not place next to heat sources.

A.J. · 09-02-2007, 12:37 PM

Polyscias balfouriana 'Fabien'

A small Oriental houseplant with large rounded leaves.
The dark branches twist giving each plant its own unique character

Site: A bright position, no direct sun. It will adapt to some shade.

Temp: Keep warm minimum of 16°C / 60°F. If the temperature drops in winter it will loose leaves but these will return in late spring.

Water: Do not let the compost dry out, water less over the winter. Humidity is the main requirement mist as much as you can and if possible place the container on a tray of wet pebbles/gravel.

Feeding: A liquid feed every 3 weeks or so.

Tip: Leaf drop is generally caused by dry air and/or temparatures being to low over the winter months.

A.J. · 09-02-2007, 12:39 PM

Devils Ivy

A large, bushy climbing houseplant with heart shaped leaves similar to Philodendron but with a yellow marbled variegation. Out of the stem grow aerial roots which are best given a moss pole to cling to, misting the pole occasionally will give you a much healthier plant. There are other cultivars available but unless you can give them the constant temperatures and high humidity they require then E. aureum is the best choice.

Site: Bright indirect light. Too much shade and the variegation will fade.

Temp: Average warmth; keep warm in the winter minimum of 55°F.

Water: Water well in the growing season. Be carefull to let the compost dry out slightly between waterings. High humidity so mist frequently.

Feeding: A liquid feed every month or so.

Tip: If your plant is getting too leggy pinch out the growing tips in spring and it will bush out nicely.

A.J. · 09-02-2007, 12:41 PM

Dracaena deremensis 'Janet Craig'

Very large houseplant, simple wide dark green leaves form the large crown of this choice Dracaena. A wonderful choice for a room with contemporary design. Although slower growing than d. marginata it will still reach a height of 6-7 feet.

Site: Light shade.

Temp: Average warmth.

Water: Do not let the compost dry out, in the growing season keep moist and reduce the watering in winter. Keep the humidity up with misting (Dracaena draco will tolerate dry air)

Feeding: A liquid feed every month or so.

Tip: Place in a pebble tray to increase humidity

A.J. · 09-02-2007, 12:44 PM

Ficus elastica 'Bali' - Rubber Plant

The best known houseplant, the rubber plant is a very easy plant to look after. It can grow large and loose leaves at the base of the plant but can be cut back over the winter when the rubber sap will not fill up the pot! 'Bali' is a great cultivar with bright red leaf sheaths and leaves so dark they almost appear black.

Site: Bright indirect light to bright shade, will take a small amount of direct sun.

Temp: Average warmth.

Water: Quite regularly in the growing season but leave to dry out slightly first. Rarely over the winter months. Benefits from occasional misting.

Feeding: A liquid feed every month or so.

Tip: Prune to shape in the winter if required.