Big House Plants
Large house plants are ideal for defining a living space or softening an entryway. They also purify the air and bring nature indoors.
The trend of a leafy interior is everywhere this year and these vibrant green plants are a great way to embrace the trend. Here are the best big leaf plants to give your home a lush appearance.
Cast Iron Plant
Cast Iron Plants (Aspidistra Elatior) are among the easiest house plants to grow. It's virtually indestructible and it can survive low light levels, unreliable watering, and little attention. This makes it a perfect choice for new gardeners as well as those with hectic lifestyles. It's often used as a houseplant however, it can also be planted in the garden under shade trees or even as ground cover.
This perennial with slow growth prefers partial to full shade and is not tolerant of direct sunlight. It prefers rich soil that drains well, but can adapt to dry and nutrient-poor environments. It is easy to grow in containers, however it will spread via the rhizomes if it is it is planted directly in the area in the area where its zone of hardiness is situated.
Standard potting soil is perfect for these plants. It should contain some perlite to aid in drainage, however. To get the ideal balance between moisture retention and drainage, aim for a 70 percent potting mix, and 20 percent perlite.
potted house plants need not be repotted often, but when they do, it's vital that the new container is slightly larger than the original one. Remove the roots gently from the pot, and then repot the plant into a container about one size larger. This will prevent them from growing out of their pots and creating root rot. After repotting the plants remove any soil that has accumulated.
Swiss Cheese Plant
The Swiss cheese plant (also known as Monstera deliciosa) is the 1970s' favorite that's enjoying another moment. The large heart-shaped leaves of the plant are punctured with holes that look like Swiss cheese--hence the name. This green vine is a tropical favorite that makes an impressive house plant. It's also a great choice for outdoor gardens since it can climb walls, fences and even trees, according to Patch Plant.
Swiss cheese plants, like many other plants of the Monstera genus, are relatively easy-to-care for. They need warmth, humidity, and bright indirect light to flourish. They thrive in a mixture that contains perlite, one part, three parts peat-based potting soil or coir, and one part orchid bark. You can find this type of potting mix in nurseries and garden centers, or you can make it yourself by mixing equal parts of all the ingredients.
Give your Swiss cheese plant the benefit of a moss pole, which will encourage it to climb. This will help recreate the natural environment in which it grew by climbing up mossy branches. The trellis can be placed close to a window, however it shouldn't be exposed to direct sunlight, which might cause the leaves to burn.
Swiss cheese plants need to be hydrated regularly. Mist their leaves. Wait until the top inch or two of soil is dry before watering your Swiss cheese plant. If the tips of plants begin to change brown it's time to add more water.
Heartleaf Philodendron
A part of the philodendron family that includes more than 450 varieties as per Smart Garden Guide, the heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) is one of the most renowned houseplants. It has long hanging stems that trail from hanging baskets and climb up walls and shelves. Its emerald green leaves are distinguished by golden yellow or yellow spots and stripes. Philodendrons can also be trained to climb a trellis or mosspole where they add bright color to the house.
Philodendrons tolerate a wide range in light conditions. They do best in indirect, bright light however they can also tolerate shade too. They require a decent amount of humidity to thrive. Aim for a relative humidity of 40 percent that can be achieved by misting or using a humidifier. If you notice that the tips of your plants are beginning to brown, it is a sign that the air is dry.
It is simple to propagate heart leaf philodendrons using stem cuttings and root division. To root a healthy cut cut a clean line just below the set of nodes. Then dip it in rooting hormonal.
It is recommended to repot your plant every two or three years. It is best to thoroughly water it the day before repotting. This will help loosen the roots and reduce the stress. This is also the ideal time to trim any vines that are long or trim any sluggish growing. Aphids, for instance, or fungus gnats can attack Philodendrons. They can be controlled with natural solutions like neem spray or insecticidal shampoo.
Calathea zebrina
Calathea often referred to as maranta or prayer plant is a well-loved tropical plant that can be found in greenhouses and gardens. Also known as good house plants , prayer plant or maranta, this houseplant is able to grow bigger than its relatives (Maranta leucoreura and Aphelandra squarrosa). potted house plants prefers high humidity and moderate to indirect sunlight similar to other species of tropical plants. It's best to locate it away from cold areas and fireplaces as well as radiators. It can withstand some direct sunlight in the mornings However, it's crucial to keep the temperature at a minimum during the afternoon.
In the garden, it prefers a well-drained soil which is kept always humid. It is sensitive to excessive watering, but does not thrive in conditions of standing water. Water it frequently throughout the growing season, allowing the top two inches of soil to dry out between waterings. In winter, water it more sparingly, as its growth slows.
Repotting requires a rich, draining pot soil. It is also recommended to add some organic matter, such as compost or shredded bark, to the mix. Calathea zebrina requires to be repotted every spring or so, as it will grow out of its container very quickly. If your calathea has rosettes at its base, you may need to separate them to prevent overcrowding. If it is overcrowded, the leaves will drop or wilt. This is usually a sign that the air is dry or the water quality has been compromised.
Pachira aquatica
Pachira aquatica is also referred to as money plant and is one of the most common houseplants in modern homes. It is pet-friendly and almost indestructible. It can grow to three metres in height. It will provide you with a stunning canopy of maple-shaped trees and a distinctive braided tree trunk, if it gets enough sunlight and water.
Money trees are native to tropical regions, however they are able to adapt well to indoor environments. They thrive in shady areas or windows that receive indirect sunlight. Money trees prefer moderate, regular irrigation and don't need to be frequently repotted. Just ensure that the potting mix doesn't become soggy - overwatering is usually the biggest issue for this plant, leading to stem and root rot as well as the leaves turning yellow or dropping.
If you're looking to increase your money tree's number of people, get the stem in late spring or summer and dip it in the rooting hormone. Place it in peat-free cactus, or house compost and water it thoroughly. It is also possible to cultivate a money plant by seeds, however this isn't a very reliable method. The most reliable method is to use air layering, which is manipulating the plant to grow roots at the base of a stem, which you can then plant in fresh compost. This is the most reliable method to propagate money plants, but it's not as quick as cuttings.
Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia, a tropical tree has large leaves that can grow up to 16 inches in length. It is a common houseplant that is also used as an outdoor shade garden. There are many varieties of dieffenbachia, such as 'Camille,' that has a wide swath of white leaf that is framed by bright green. The leaves have a leathery texture and smooth surfaces that can be wiped with a damp cloth to keep it fresh.
Dieffenbachias require warmth and humidity for their growth similar to their rainforest home. When they are grown indoors, look for temperatures within the 60 to 75 degree range. best houseplants by putting dieffenbachias in bathrooms or other areas where the air is naturally damp. You can also apply an air humidifier or put pots on trays filled with pebbles and water.
If your dieffenbachia's foliage develops edges or tips that are brown, it may be a sign that the plant isn't getting enough moisture. This could be due to low humidity, frequent irrigation or a high amount of fertilizer. If tall house plants are curled with brown edges Try flushing away the salts that have built up by gently cleaning the plants with clean water.
Dieffenbachias need regular watering, but should be allowed to dry a little between sessions. You can also spritz the foliage with a spray bottle of water to give it a moist feel however, do not use rainwater since it could contain fungus-causing residues.