You don’t need endless south-facing windows to have success with these tropical houseplants
Who would n’t love a lush display of mythical foliation fill their home during dreary winter month ? I attempt to achieve this with selecttropical plantsI have nurtured for years . Most spend the summertime on my covered Union porch , happy as can be , with a few in the shade of tree in other parts of my garden . All these flora do well in indirect bright or humiliated light , depending upon their specific need . Wanting to develop my compendium beyond my existingmonstera , ivy arum , anddieffenbachia , I reached out to my booster Ann . She is a bigger plant oddball than I am , so I knew her recommendations would do well in my home . These are her favorites .
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ZZ plants
( Zamioculcas zamiifoliaand cvs . , Zones 10–11 )
Native to Eastern Africa , ZZ works are a staple in office decor throughout the United States . With the common name of “ timelessness plant , ” it is a fine choice of tropical for indoor outer space . Growing with an just form and shiny ovate leaves , it is experience for being one of those laborious - to - kill flora .
Light needs : ZZ plants adapt to a range of light condition , and will grow in windowless environment , but do best in bright , collateral luminosity . Direct sun will ensue in leaf scorch .
lachrymation : allow the soil dry out out whole between waterings , and then body of water deeply . A drought - tolerant plant , it can live calendar month without urine .
stain : No especial soil is necessary ; just use your usual admixture for houseplants .
Note : ZZ plant life are toxic to both brute and people , so do not ingest any part of this industrial plant . The sap can do skin innervation in sensitive masses .
Show-stopping ZZ plant cultivars worth looking for:
Alocasias
( Alocasiaspp . and cvs . , Zones 9–11 )
For a more theatrical statement , alocasia ( a.k.a . elephant ’s ear ) is a well - acknowledge works from the tropics that is often seen in summertime display garden in my country . Loved for its with child , spade - shaped leave and many variegations and color combinations , it can farm speedily under the right circumstance . It is easily grow as a houseplant , whether one select one of the gargantuan or miniature multifariousness .
Light need : Alocasias will thrive in partial shade , permeate , and collateral light . Some of the large - foliage sort will brook direct Sunday .
tearing : Pebble - filled trays , humidifiers , and obscure are options . The dirt should be keep evenly moist , reduce watering in the wintertime as the plant becomes dormant . Keep away from tipple and cold vent , in a spot that is warm with spare humidity if your melodic phrase is dry .
Soil : Native to Asia , they prefer well - debilitate land with an acidic pH of 5.5–6.5 .
observe : Like the ZZ plant , alocasias are also toxic to hoi polloi and pets . With all the species , of course go on variant , and hybrid varieties , there are endless cultivars to choose from .
‘ Red Secret ’ is a jewel alocasia , which is evident by its beautiful iridescence . Photo : good manners of Proven Winners
Another small cultivar , ‘ Black Velvet ’ elephant’s ear is delicate to the speck . pic : Maritxu22 / dreamstime.com
Great alocasia cultivars to try:
Snake plants
( Sansevieriaspp . and cvs . , Zones 10–11 )
A lover of low-pitched Inner Light in an entirely unlike shape , Sansevieriaare ideal plant life for indoors . They are also know as “ female parent in law ’s spit ” or “ serpent plant life . ” Most of us are intimate with the tall , erect leaves ofSansevieria ‘ Laurentii ’ , one of the more vulgar cultivars , which can reach 3 substructure or more as it age . See snake plantshere .
Light needs : Snake works succeed in a variety conditions , from collateral light to full sun .
lachrymation : These are also often used in power setting , as they prefer infrequent watering . industrial plant in container with rich drainage holes .
dirt : Use asoil specifically for cactus or succulent , and admit the soil to dry exhaustively between waterings .
Unique snake plant cultivars to look out for:
Hydra plants are uncommitted in a wide array of colors , shapes , and forms .
I have so minuscule outer space available for new plants , except for corner and rarely - used room . I mean my new accession will have to be alocasia as I have nothing resemble them in my flora collection . I agnise I will have to invest in special lighting for them , but anything worth having is worth the exertion . Which one should I hear first ?
Marti Neely , FAPLD , own and operates Marti Neely Design and Associates in Omaha , Nebraska .
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‘Laurentii’ snake plant is just one of many great choices for those low-light areas in your home.Photo: Mokkie,CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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Glossy foliage makes even the straight species ZZ plant a vibrant addition to any houseplant collection.Photo: Fionuala Campion
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Looking for an indoor plant with more of a moody vibe? ‘Raven’ ZZ plant has the same glossy leaves, but with way more drama.Photo: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz,CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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If you don’t have the space for a giant elephant’s ear, there are plenty of petite varieties like this ‘Polly’ alocasia.Photo: Rebecca Bullene
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‘Red Secret’ is a jewel alocasia, which is evident by its beautiful iridescence.Photo: courtesy of Proven Winners
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Another small cultivar, ‘Black Velvet’ alocasia is soft to the touch.Photo: Maritxu22/dreamstime.com
No matter how much experience or success you have with houseplants, it’s hard to go wrong with a snake plant.Photo: Fionuala Campion
Snake plants come in many fascinating forms that might make you giveSansevieriaa second thought. ‘Boncel’ is a great option if you’re looking for something a little less common.Photo: Diana Koehm
For an option that offers excellent color and texture, check out ‘Twisted Sister’.Photo: David J. Stang,CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
