Sunday, May 19, 2019

Learning To Care For Exotic Indoor Houseplants

By James Thomas


Live plants and greenery add life and beauty to any home. The type chosen adds a sense of style, color, and exotic flair to the environment. Exotic indoor houseplants can produce amazing results when cared for properly. It is important to know where they will be placed since some crave a lot of light and humidity while others crave a dark environment or dry, arid climate.

Sago Palms have always been popular. They're not too big and are very slow to grow. The thick and sturdy base makes them seem invincible but the leaves are actually easier to damage. These enjoy a dry and arid climate so extra humidity in the air is not needed. The soil should be kept mostly dry. They also do not have to be re-potted for several years.

ZZ Plants are a choice that is enjoying increased popularity. This one is easy to grow because it needs very little care and is forgiving if you do not water it enough. It does well in low light situations and doesn't require fertilization. Too much water can quickly kill this plant. You will want to err on the side of too little water than too much with this one.

For a plant with beautiful leaves, the Zebra plant is a great go-to option. The leaves are emerald and white striped color. The flower produced in the fall is a striking yellow that blooms for several weeks. They do not like direct sunlight but they enjoy a bright setting. Since they are typical in a rain forest, they are used to lots of water and humidity. The planter does need to have drainage holes to keep from over-saturating and causing root rot.

Elephant's ear is always a good addition. The leaf on this one are arrow-shaped and are dark green with silver veins. They thrive on humidity, so be sure to mist them regularly. In the winter the soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings. Too much water will lead to root rot on this plant.

The Crab Cactus is a nice option for low maintenance. This particular plant is a tropical cactus and desires a higher level of humidity than their desert cousins. The fall will bring beautiful multi-colored flowers. After the flowers are done, reduce the amount of water until the spring when new growth will appear. The soil should be moist but not wet.

The Elephant Foot is also known as the Ponytail Palm. They grow from a base that is both bulb shaped and very woody. Being native to the desert, they do not require weekly watering. In fact, they are used to going weeks without it. The air can be dry as well. This is a great option for those with little time to pay attention to the care of a plant.

Adding plants to the home is a great way to help purify the air and liven the place up. Many people fear caring for a plant because they do not know how much to water it. Some exotic plants require quite a bit of knowledge and care, but there are many that are low maintenance and very forgiving to forgetfulness. Desert palms are the best for those that want to try their hand but worry about not getting it just right.




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