House Plant Options

I love the look of plants in a room because of the warmth and life they bring to it.  However, I know nothing about them and I’m terrible at keeping them alive.  A few people have recently asked me about plant options so I did my research.  Below are a few varieties and the information about each.  The type of light in the room is very important, so be very careful!!  

Ficus Benjamina - Braided Stem (Woven stem weeping fig) is a traditional weeping fig but grown with an exotic braided stem. 

Requirements for success:

·         Good light essential to prevent leaf drop but avoid full sun

·         Water once every two weeks if planted in a planter, otherwise keep moist.

·         Liquid feed - April to September

Ficus Cyathistipula - has rich deep green leaves like a large laurel. It makes an ideal screening plant and can grow up to 4m.

Requirements for success:

·         Good to medium light but avoid full sun

·         Water once every two weeks if planted in a planter, otherwise keep moist.

·         Liquid feed - April to September

Ficus elastica - is the rubber plant or Indian rubber tree.  The thick leaves that come in several shades of green are about 12 inches long. Some are variegated. 

Requirements for success:

·         Good light

·         Frequent feeding. 

·         Moist soil but be careful not to overwater.

·         Minimum or no exposure to dry heat or drafts.

·         Limit changes of environment as it does not do well in being moved.

Dracaena marginata - is probably the most versatile of all the Dracaenas and hearty.  It is used in most offices and hotels.  Some confuse this houseplant with a palm but it is not one.

Requirements for success:

·         Provide indirect light.

·         Allow the soil to dry out between watering and provide high humidity with a saucer filled with gravel and water.

·         Feed monthly with half-strength indoor plant fertilizer.

·         Although bright light is the preference it will handle lower light levels and the leaves will be thinner. Plants sold as house plants have been acclimated to lower light so be sure to ask where it has been grown to sit. 

I hope this has been helpful for you!  Good luck in your search for a house plant.  xo