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Houseplants come in a wide variety.

Houseplants - Houseplants 2

Healthy houseplants need more than water. Learn how light, airflow, leaf care, and quick checks can keep indoor plants growing well and pest-free.

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Fascinating Fact:

Dust on leaves can reduce the light a plant gets. Wiping leaves gently can help photosynthesis and can also reveal pests early.

Caring for houseplants is about creating the right indoor conditions and spotting changes early. Plants use light to make food, so the position you choose matters, especially in winter when daylight is weaker. Airflow also plays a part. Stagnant air can encourage mould and make pests harder to notice. It helps to rotate pots so growth stays even, and to remove yellowing leaves before they decay. Houseplants can also struggle if their roots are cramped, the compost has broken down, or water collects in the bottom of a decorative pot. A simple routine works well: check the compost with a finger, look under leaves and along stems for pests, and notice any sudden drooping or leaf drop. If a plant is not thriving, small adjustments are often enough, such as moving it to brighter light, reducing watering, or repotting into fresh compost with better drainage.

Key Terms

Photosynthesis: The process where plants use light, water, and carbon dioxide to make sugars for energy and growth.
Humidity: The amount of water vapour in the air, which affects how quickly leaves lose moisture.
Repotting: Moving a plant into fresh compost, sometimes in a larger pot, to improve drainage and give roots more space.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

How do I know if my houseplant needs more light?

Signs of low light include slow growth, long stretchy stems, and smaller new leaves. Moving the plant closer to a bright window, without harsh midday sun, often improves growth.

Should I mist houseplants to increase humidity?

Misting can raise humidity briefly, but it does not last long in a warm room. Grouping plants together, using a pebble tray, or running a humidifier is usually more effective for humidity-loving plants.

What is the best way to check houseplants for pests?

Check the undersides of leaves, where stems meet, and the compost surface for tiny insects, webbing, or sticky patches. Regular checks help you treat a problem early before it spreads to nearby plants.

Try These Related Quizzes

To see a larger image, click on the picture.

1 .

When growing a gloxinia from a tuber how deep should the tuber be planted?

Photograph courtesy of www.flickr.com/photos/sirelroka/

Sitting on the surface

Lightly covered

An inch below the surface

Two inches below the surface

Extremely showy plants that can either be purchased in bloom or (if you are more adventurous) grown from tubers.
Like its close relative the saintpaulia it does not like water on its foliage.
Gloxinia connoisseurs usually insist that the plant is stood in tepid water for up to an hour so that the compost sucks it up from the bottom.
Strong sunlight will scorch the developing leaves whilst too little light will make them stretch and go leggy.

2 .

This is a Ficus benjamina. To which group of plants do Ficus belong?

Photograph courtesy of www.flickr.com/photos/ykjc9/

Eucalyptus

Figs

Palms

Spruce

Native to Asia and Australia.
Easy to grow in homes and offices.
There are a number of variegated forms but these are more difficult to look after than the plain green form.
It is noted as a plant that adds a degree of elegance and sophistication wherever it is seen.
Once settled it dislikes being moved and will quickly show its annoyance by dropping several leaves!

3 .

The edible asparagus is asparagus officinalis. The closely related plant that is grown as a houseplant is called what?

Photograph courtesy of www.flickr.com/photos/plant-in/

Asparagus deliciosus

Asparagus decorosus

Asparagus fernosus

Asparagus plumosus

Sometimes referred to as the lace fern although it is not a fern at all.
A native of South Africa.
Foliage is sometimes used in floral decorations but it is best not to denude your prize houseplant for this purpose!
Considering its very delicate appearance it is surprisingly drought-resistant.
Compost should be allowed to become quite dry before watering.

4 .

To grow well, begonia rex requires which of the following?

Photograph courtesy of Gtr Nelson

Constantly wet compost

High humidity

High level of nutrients

High temperature

There are numerous varieties with fascinating combinations of coloured leaves.
The rule of thumb is that the lower the temperature the more light the plant requires.
In the depths of winter it is best to keep in the sunniest position in the home.
Take care not to over-water because waterlogged compost results in the plant rotting.

Begonia rex can withstand fairly low temperatures provided the compost is not too wet

5 .

What is the name of this plant?

Saintpaulia

Sanseveria

Sinnigia

Spathiphyllum

The common name for this plant is African violet.
Originates from Tanzania and Kenya.
Available in a wide range of colours including blues, purples, reds and whites.
Recent breeding work has produced double flowers.
Temperatures should not be allowed to fall below 15 degrees C.
Cold water is a definite no no! Ensure that all water used has been warmed to room temperature.

6 .

Which type of ivy is this?

Photograph courtesy of Digigalos

Canariensis

Colchica

Helix

Hibernica

The non-variegated form is unexciting and seldom grown but the variegated forms (such as the one shown) can make excellent houseplants.
In deep shade it will lose the colouring of the leaves and revert back to plain old green!
It will tolerate a wide range of temperatures and even light frosts do not harm it.
When growing strongly it requires a weekly dose of fertilizer and it will also need some form of support.

7 .

To get hyacinths flowering inside for Christmas you will need to give them a cold treatment lasting how long?

Photograph courtesy of TBoard

2 weeks

5 weeks

8 weeks

11 weeks

Hyacinths naturally flower in the spring but specially treated bulbs can be bought that can be persuaded to come into flower early.
Making bulbs flower early is known as 'forcing'.
Bulbs should be planted in containers before the cold treatment begins.
The ideal temperature for the cold treatment is 2 - 8 degrees C. This can be achieved by wrapping the containers in a polythene bag and keeping them in a refrigerator. If this is not possible then a cold shed will suffice or failing that keep them outside. Take great care not to get the containers frosted because this will damage or kill the bulbs.

8 .

What type of orchid is this?

Photograph courtesy of www.flickr.com/photos/ed_gaillard/

Cymbidium

Cymberbidum

Cymberitum

Cymsersitum

This is the type of orchid that is most widely used as a houseplant.
Flowers come in virtually every conceivable colour combination.
Not as difficult to grow as the delicate flowers would suggest but you require a greenhouse or conservatory to persuade it to flower a second time.
In cool conditions an individual flower will remain in pristine condition for several weeks.

9 .

This leaf pattern is typical of which houseplant?

Photograph courtesy of www.flickr.com/photos/abbynormy/

Money plant

Rubber plant

Swiss cheese plant

Zebra plant

Latin Name: Monstera deliciosa.
In Mexico an infusion is made from the roots which is believed to relieve the symptoms of arthritis!
It grows quickly when provided with adequate warmth (over 20 degrees C), shade and high humidity - all but the last are easily provided in the home.
Frequent misting of the plant helps.
As it grows it will need firm supports - poles wrapped in moss are often used.

10 .

This plant is variously known as heart of Jesus, angel wings and elephant ears but what is its scientific name?

Photograph courtesy of Ram-Man

Caladium

Chamaeodora

Chlorophytum

Crassula

There are over 1,000 named varieties with wonderful leaf patterns of pink, red and white.
Most varieties can grow to about 60 cms square under ideal conditions.
Plants are grown from corms which go dormant during the winter and then grow quickly from spring onwards.
Keep the growing plant moist at all times.
They are not easy to grow in the house but they make admirable conservatory plants that can occassionally be moved around to other rooms.

Author: Colin King

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