How to Choose Houseplants
When choosing houseplants it is very important to select ones that will do well in the different light conditions in your home. Some houseplants prefer bright light that occurs near a south- or west-facing window. Others like a little less light, like you might find across the room from a bright window. But probably the most difficult situation for any houseplant is in low-light conditions, such as you might find far from any window or in a room with only a little natural light. Only a few houseplants will thrive there. Here are a few of the best:
Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema modestum) bears large, deep-green leaves, which have bold silver markings in some varieties. Grows about 2 feet high and at least as wide.
Parlor palm (Chamaedorea elegans) is the classic Victorian palm with wonderfully textured, feathery, dark-green leaves. Can grow up to 8 feet high but is usually smaller.
Philodendrons are a large family of plants that thrive under low-light conditions. It includes popular heart-leaf philodendron (Philodendron scandens oxycardium), which is a vining plant that can be trained to climb a wire pillar or grown in hanging baskets. The closely related split-leaf philodendron (Monstera deliciosa), however, is actually not a good choice for low light, becoming spindly with small leaves.
Pothos (Epipremnum pinnatum 'Aureum') is a vining plant with heart-shaped green leaves splashed with yellow. With good care, it can climb seemingly forever.
Mother-in-law's tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata) has thick, upright, sword-like leaves beautifully marked with shades of green, yellow or white. Most grow about 12 to 18 inches high but there are also dwarf varieties. Mother-in-law's tongue is about as tough a houseplant as you can grow, adapting to a variety of conditions.
Spathiphyllums bear large, deep-green, arching leaves and beautiful, calla-like, white flowers on tall stalks. They are one of the few plants that will bloom in low light. There are many types to choose from, ranging in height from under 2 feet high to over 6 feet high.
Even the plants described above will need some natural light to thrive. None will grow well in a dark room or one with no windows. Water and fertilize regularly, but be careful not to over water since soil will be slow to dry out. To fertilize and protect from insects like mealybugs, scale and thrips at the same time, use Bayer Advanced™ All-In-One Rose & Flower Care Concentrate or to kill insects on contact, use Bayer Advanced™ Dual Action Rose & Flower Insect Killer Ready-To-Use.
Products Mentioned In This Article
Bayer Advanced
