Following the success of urban gardens and allotments, considerable attention has been paid in recent years to an innovative branch of interior design: so-called “houseplants.” Much loved in the 1970s and 1980s, when they were perhaps more appreciated as decorative accessories than as living beings, these plants are now considered an opportunity to delve into gardening for those without a plot of land or a terrace to grow vegetables.
What are the most popular houseplants?
The most common houseplants are those that naturally thrive in climates that provide sun exposure and temperatures that can approach those of our indoor homes. So-called epiphytic plants, ferns, orchids, and some succulents, tolerate—and indeed require—shaded locations protected from extreme temperature fluctuations, or specific humidity conditions that can be found in some rooms.
And the most resistant houseplants?
The most hardy houseplants, readily available on the market, are numerous, ranging from traditional “grandmother’s plants” such as Sansevieria trifasciata and Sansevieria cylindrica, or the so-called “pothos,” the timeless Scindapsus aureus, to aspidistras, philodendrons, peace lilies, scheffleras, and today’s very popular plants such as Zamioculcas zamilifolia, hoyas with their characteristic heart-shaped leaves, peperomias, and the beloved Pilea peperomioides. Numerous books have also been written on the topic of urban jungles, the “urban jungles” that enthusiasts create in their homes by accumulating these species. Let’s take a closer look at some of them.
Sansevieria trifasciata
The main characteristic of the Sansevieria trifasciata is its hardiness, making it suitable even for those who are not particularly gifted gardeners. Added to this important characteristic is the fact that it is a plant capable of purifying the air in our indoor environments. Along with its relatives, such as the Sansevieria cylindrica, they are evergreen plants with long, fleshy leaves and tend to grow very rapidly.
Scindapsus aureus
Scindapsus aureus, or more commonly known as Pothos, is an evergreen plant, highly prized for its ease of cultivation and maintenance. Its main characteristic, not to mention its beauty, lies in its heart-shaped, evergreen, and bright green leaves. Although this plant thrives in any environment, it is recommended to place it in a bright location, away from direct sunlight and away from drafts and sources of humidity. As for its benefits to our homes, we can confidently say that it is capable of purifying the air of toxic substances.
Zamioculcas zamilifolia
This particular plant seems, in many ways, to be the favorite and best houseplant: it grows slowly, is easy to grow, requires little care, and like its predecessors, has a very high resistance to bacteria. It also belongs to the evergreen family, with distinctive heart-shaped leaves. Despite these positive characteristics, it also has some drawbacks: in addition to not growing indoors, it can be toxic to humans if ingested, so it is best to keep it out of the reach of children and pets.
Pilea peperomioides
This ornamental plant is ideal for apartment dwellers and for gardening beginners. It requires little maintenance and care but cannot tolerate temperatures below 10°C or above 28°C. It features round, bright green leaves resembling large coins (hence the common name “Coin Plant”) that can reach up to 15 centimeters.
It can grow up to 1 meter tall, maintaining a very neat and orderly structure. If you have a garden or terrace, it can be placed outdoors, but be careful not to expose it to wind and direct sunlight. Furthermore, since it loves humid environments, it can also be placed in the kitchen or bathroom.
What is the ideal exposure for houseplants?
Exposure. Houseplants generally need to be grown near a well-lit window (east or southwest facing), but away from direct heat sources. They tolerate being well watered at least once a week and fertilized regularly. They don’t grow excessively and require repotting annually or biennially, or even more frequently. They also have another advantage: they are often easily propagated from cuttings and can be exchanged with others to expand your collection without spending money.
Can you keep succulents indoors?
Indoor Succulents. It’s a widespread belief that succulents are excellent houseplants, capable of shielding from the harmful effects of modern computer radiation. In reality, these plants do little to protect against screen radiation, but they do have the advantage of being practical and adaptable, and they make little mess. Succulents, such as Crassulaceae, are the best choices. Among cacti, Schlumbergera and Mammillaria are also popular.
Orchids. The spectacular phalenopsis orchids attract many buyers, but they require protection from waterlogging, growing in transparent pots, and good exposure to sunlight, but shielded by a curtain. They are usually very pleasing when grown near an east-facing window, even hanging in baskets. Fragrant zygopetalus and dendrobiums are also easily grown indoors, but they require more frequent repotting because they only flower from new growth.