Large House Plants and Trees
Include tall trees and plants in your office or home to stand out. They also cleanse the air and improve concentration and productivity.
These trees and plants are easy to maintain. They can tolerate low levels of sunlight but thrive in bright, intense light. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
African Fig Tree
The African Fig Tree (Ficus Cyathistipula) is a house plant that is fast-growing from central Africa that is known for its long round leaves. It is a good choice for rooms facing north as it will aid in keeping the air conditioning cool or warm, and will also reduce humidity.
It's a very easy plant to care for and can be tolerant of drought conditions. It grows best in indirect bright light and a warm average temperature is ideal. It is sensitive to cold drafts and needs to be protected. Regularly water with tepid chlorinated water, and avoid over-watering since this can cause root-rot. Reduce the frequency of watering during the winter.
The African Fig Tree can be fertilized every two weeks during the growing time with a balanced, general purpose liquid feed for houseplants. It is able to be repotted at the beginning of the growing season or as it becomes pot-bound. Avoid repotted plants during cold months as this can stress the plant and lead to leaf loss. The fig is less susceptible to pests and disease than other houseplants. It is susceptible to aphids, mealy bugs, and other insects.
Yukka Plant
Yucca plants are found in dry areas, including the southwest United States and northern Mexico. They are an evergreen that can last for hundreds of years and grow in a range of shapes, forms, and colors. The two most well-known varieties of yucca grown as large plants for the home are the Adam's Needle, Y. filamentosa, and the Spanish Bayonet, Y. aloifolia. Both have thin trunks that can reach up to 15 feet tall, and stiff leaves that are topped with sharp points that can puncture skin. Yuccas are slow-growing and could remain as tiny plants for a few years before they outgrow their containers.
Cast Iron Plant
The cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) is an evergreen that grows in the shade outdoors or in dimly lit spaces indoors. It has long leaves and a rhizome beneath that creates new growth. It can grow up to three feet tall and wide in the open, but stays smaller indoors. The leaves can be glossy green to bluish with stripes or spots and may show variations. The plants look like asparagus and belong to the same family.
The Cast Iron plant has excellent tolerance to low light and is one of the few plants that can survive days without water. It also purifies indoor air by absorption of harmful chemicals like Formaldehyde.
It is a tough houseplant but it is not one that will grow quickly. It should be repotted about every three to five to years. Repot it in the spring with the potting soil. Choose a larger container when you plant it. It is tolerant of drought, but it prefers moderate moisture levels. Overwatering causes root rot. Water when you are unable to feel any moisture in the soil by rubbing your finger.
Swiss Cheese Plant
The Swiss Cheese Plant, also known as Monstera Deliciciosa, is one of the most popular large house plants due to its striking fenestrated leaves. It has gained a lot of attention with the boho design movement and looks good in the majority of styles of decorating. It's an exotic plant that thrives best in warm temperatures and bright indirect light.
Watering is fairly easy It is necessary to water when the soil's top inch is dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot. Utilize a moisture meter or your finger to determine the soil's moisture level and only water when needed. In the winter seasons, it's a good idea to allow the plant to be removed from windows and vents in order to keep it warm.
Feed your plant every week with a liquid houseplant feed with a ratio of 5-2-3. It is best to wait a month before fertilizing your plant after repotting. This is due to the fact that roots are more sensitive after repotting.
Bird's Nest Fern
The Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium australasicum) is among the most lush and tranquil looking house plants. It's also referred to as the fern that hangs because of its curly, long fronds that remind of birds' wings. Like other ferns, it's epiphytic or lithophytic (grows on wood or rocks) by nature but can thrive in normal soil blends that are uniformly moist.
These ferns are very easy to cultivate, but be aware of bacterial blight, which appears like leaf rot first and is a serious problem for plants that are in contact with soil. The symptoms begin with tiny transparent spots that are water-soaked. They enlarge as they age and become reddish purple.
To avoid this ensure that ferns are in bright indirect light and shade them with sheer curtains when possible. They're a great plant to add a tropical feel to shady parts of the home, including basements and dorm rooms. If the fronds begin change color, it's a sign that there's been too high temperatures in the room, or that they've been exposed the draughts. A humidifier and misting are two great ways to combat this.
Rubber Plant
Rubber Plants (Peperomia Obtusifolia) are easy-care plants that thrive in a wide temperature range. They are mostly used as a houseplant but they can also be cultivated outdoors. This plant can tolerate some shade however, it prefers a brightly lit area of the house, with indirect sunlight.
Watering frequency varies depending on the time of year. In potted house plants , it will require more frequent watering as strong sunlight can cause the soil to dry out rapidly. In winter, the plant will need less water.
Caoutchouc is found in the sap of this plant, giving rubber its flexibility. This compound can irritate mucous and skin tissues, and can be toxic when consumed. It is recommended to keep the plant out of the reach of pets and children.
If you want to prune your plant you can do it by using sterile pruning tools or a budding knife. Wearing gloves is recommended since latex can cause irritation to your eyes and skin. Rubber plants can be propagated by air-layering. Cut a small section of the stem you want to separate from its parent plant. Wrap the wound in plastic and cover it with moist moss.
Heartleaf Philodendron
The Heartleaf Philodendron can be grown in a variety of conditions. The green trailing vines that it produces are a pleasant feature to any room and also help cleanse the air. This plant thrives in shade, making it an ideal option for dark areas in the office or at home.
You should water your philodendron just as you would for any other plant. It is important to avoid overwatering. If your leaves appear limp or wilted, this is a good indication that you need to add more water. It is usually a sign that the soil has become too dry.
The most effective way to reproduce philodendrons is to take cuttings to the stem during warmer months. Simply cut the vine to a node, and place it in water or a moist soil. After a few months the plant will begin to develop roots. If this happens, the philodendron plant can be relocated to a permanent container.
Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachias are an iconic. We love them due to their lush foliage, low maintenance requirements and easy maintenance. It is a tropical plant that adapts well to warm temperatures in indoors and thrives under indirect sunlight.
Dieffenbachia can grow in either water or soil however we prefer a lighter, airier growing medium, like perlite. (Chunky stones that are spongy and amorphous). Ideal is a mix of peat and loam, or a 1:1 ratio of perlite to soil.
The gills of water roots help them extract oxygen from the water, in contrast to the soil roots that cannot breathe underwater and are susceptible to root rot. This could have evolved as a survival mechanism in their natural habitat in the tropical. Be aware that dieffenbachia's leaves sap, roots and the leaves are toxic to humans and pets when they are consumed. Make sure you wear gloves when handling the plant, and be careful around children. The sap contains toxic substances that can irritate the tongue and throat, cause eye irritation, and trigger skin reactions. If you have to contact the plant, you should use mild soap and avoid contact with the sap.