 | african violet — (saintpaulia ionantha) | high / 2x per week | african violets require 8 to 12 hours of bright, indirect light every day for best growth and flowering, however direct sunlight can burn the leaves. provide a well drained, slightly acidic potting mix,: use a soil mix formulated for violets. avoid splashing water on the foliage. mist weekly to provide the humidity required. they like to be kept moist, but can dry out slightly between waterings. unexpected withering can be indication of crown rot caused by improper watering or drastic temperature changes. |
 | air plant — (tillandsia species) | low / 1-2x per week | no direct sun required. mist with a water bottle once or twice per week. |
 | areca palm — (chrysalidocarpus lutescens) | medium / 1x per week | the areca palm requires bright indirect light and a regular watering although it can survive dry periods. the tips of the palms will turn brown so be sure to trim regularly. do not allow base to sit in water as this will cause root rot. avoid extreme temperature fluctuations and drafts for a healthy beautiful palm. |
 | asparagus fern — (asparagus densiflorus 'sprengeri) | high / 2x per week | the asparagus fern prefers bright light and occasional dryness. this fern will look its best when used in a cascading appearance or hanging basket. if your fern begins to drop needles, it may not be receiving enough water. also, yellowing of the foliage can signal under watering. aim to keep the soil semi moist allowing to somewhat dry in-between watering, but not completely. yellow foliage can be pruned out.
fyi: this fern is poisonous if eaten, so please use caution around children and pet. |
 | bamboo (per stalk) — (dracena sanderiana) | medium / 1x per week | bamboo are slow growing and will tolerate most types of growing conditions but thrive on neglect. bamboo is an aquatic plant and does great when provided with plenty of water. the water level must be 2 to 3 inches above the root level. avoid extreme temperatures while maintaining the indoor bamboo plant. do not place your plant under direct sunlight to prevent leaves to turn yellow. provide with some diluted plant food (the plant food must be diluted in 1:10 ratio with pure water). |
 | basil — (ocimum basilicum) | high / 2x per week | water regularly, but do not allow the soil to remain saturated. repot or transplant if the soil is not well-draining. during the growing season, most basil plants prefer warm temperatures fertilize 1 to 2 times a month with a liquid plant fertilizer. remove any flower stalks. once basil starts to bloom it will put all of its energy into flowering instead of growing leaves. trim often by pinching center leaves.
fyi: can cause low toxicity if ingested. |
 | begonia — (begoniacea) | high / 1x per week | most begonias require bright sunlight. temperature should be kept above 60 degrees fahrenheit due to the plant's particular sensitivity to drastic fluctuations. water begonias between once a week and once every two weeks. do not to over water a begonia because the plant can rot. insert your finger into the dampness of the potting mix; if is not moist, then it is time to water. snip off any yellow leaves to prevent from rotting and fungus.
fyi: can cause low toxicity if ingested. |
 | birds nest — (asplenium nidus) | medium / 1x per week | place your potted fern where it is out of direct sun and away from drafts, which can scorch the fronds. provide a weekly mist and keep the soil evenly moist. the rosette can easily rot if it gets wet; so be careful during watering the plant. plant the bird's nest fern in coarse potting soil and administer a balanced fertilizer to keep your plant looking resplendent. also, you can cut the brown outer fronds off at the base to keep the plant looking its best as the bird nest fern ages. |
 | boston fern — (nepholepis exaltata, bostoniensis) | high / 3x per week | the boston fern is easy to grow indoors. requires plenty of indirect sunlight so an east or west-facing window is the ideal location. poor lighting can result in less growth and shedding leaves. boston ferns also require moderate to heavy watering. keep the soil moist at all, but slightly on winter months and only when the soil feels dry to touch. mist the plant two times a week to provide the humidity required. if the foliage begins to fade in color then you are under watering the fern. fertilize monthly during spring, summer, and fall with high nitrogen water-soluble plant food diluted to half-strength. do not fertilize in the winter. pruning dead fronds at once is recommended. |
 | bromeliad — (bromeliaceae) | medium / 2x per week | bromeliads requires to be planted in a large pot with enough room for its roots. use a loamy soil that drains well. bromeliad plants do not care to be situated in direct sun but do well in bright, defused light. they should be watered regularly. make sure the soil is evenly moist yet not saturated. use your finger to verify that the soil is damp dry before watering again. remove the water residue from the plant's saucer. during summer, fertilize the plant with a liquid organic fish fertilizer. avoid fertilizing throughout winter. |
 | cape primrose — (streptocarpus) | medium / 2x per week | place the primrose in a window that receives full, direct sunlight during the winter months and move the plant to an area that receives bright indirect, light during the summer. the primrose prefers cooler temperatures at night, and warmer temperatures during the day. water at the base of the primrose with room temperature water. water the plant when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil begins to feel dry. over watering can cause the roots, leaves, and base of the plant to rot, as well as, the leaves to look wilted. prune the dry leaves as the plant ages and re-pot the primrose into a larger container during spring. feed the primrose once monthly with a high-phosphate, soluble houseplant fertilizer. |
 | coleus — (coleus blumei) | medium / 3x per week | most coleus species do not care to be placed in full sun exposure but their colorful foliage is often improved when they are grown in the shade. coleus prefers loose and rich soil that drains well. a liquid fertilizer is recommended every one to two weeks. every now and then is acceptable to pinch the tips of the shoots to help the plants grow bushier and keep a good appearance. make sure to do this with an upward pull however, because if pinched down, a long strip of skin will be stripped from the stem along with the leaf. apply weekly doses of dilute liquid fertilizer, when the plants have filled their pots with roots. |
 | compacta, janet craig — (dracaena compacta) | low - medium / 1x per 2 weeks | janet craig compacta's should be watered during spring throughout fall and scarcely in winter.insert your finger 1 inch to test the soil, if it is bone dry it is time to water. moderate humidity. brown spots on the leaves indicate the plant is under watered. as the name suggests the dark green leaves are small and grow in tidy, compact profusion around the slow growing branches. |
 | corn plant, mass cane — (dracaena fragrans) | low / 1x per 2 weeks | the corn plant is a low light plant. be sure to water around the canes where the roots normally grow. he corn plant needs watering every two to four weeks and only when the top half of the soil is dry. wrinkling on the green stem, where it joins the cane, is an indication of under watering. continual dehydration leaves you with crinkled withered foliage, and possibly cane rot. evidence of spots on the new growth and yellow hallows around the very tips of the leaves means you are over watering the plant. use a liquid fertilizer only every other month, applying when watering. maintain the height and existing shape by pulling out the very center new growth of the plant.
fyi: poisonous, so please keep them out of reach of children and pets |
 | creeping fig — (ficus pumila) | medium / 1x per week | water the creeping fig when young, and soil is dry. once the vine matures you can let it fend for itself even during droughts. foliage may vary depending on climate and environment. if the soil is dry 1 inch deep then it is time to water. lower water in the winter when growth has slowed. this plant is fast growing so it needs to be pruned in order to maintain a good shape. cut off new stems regularly to encourage branching and to shape them as they grow. trimming up to one-third in spring will keep the plant compact. it prefers moist, well-drained, loamy soil and partial shade but will tolerate full sun. it needs no maintenance once established, tolerant of drought for short periods, and can endure freezing temperatures for short durations. |
 | dumb cane — (dieffenbachia) | low / 2x per week | dumb cane needs moist soil, so water frequently.you may also place a tray under the pot with water in it to help in keeping the plants soil moist at all times. this plant prefers loose, well-drained soil so use rich, loamy soil. the root of dumb cane plant can rot easily, if it is allowed to sit in standing water. let the soil dry in between watering and avoid overwatering the plant. occasionally, the leaves of dieffenbachia turn yellow. this is a sign that it is not getting adequate amounts of nutrients for proper growth. the dumb cane prefers temperatures of 60 f. avoid placing the plant near drafty areas. this houseplant prefers to be within 5 to 8 feet of a window, but will survive lower light levels.
fyi: dumb cane contains a toxic sap that if it gets into your mouth, it can cause painful temporary loss of speech, thus giving the name dumb cane, so please keep out of reach of children or animals that may try and eat the plant. |
 | elephant ears, pink — (caladium bicolor) | medium / 2x per week | pink elephant ears are primarily grown for their attractive foliage and prefer indoor temperatures of 65-75 degrees f. keep plants evenly moist, but not in standing water. if the soil dries out, the foliage will turn yellow and plants may stop growing and go dormant. they need high humidity or their. to prevent leaf scorch keep away from direct sunlight. feed lightly with a soluble fertilizer monthly during the growing season.
fyi: poisonous, so please keep them out of reach of children and pets. |
 | emerald moss | low / 1-2x per week | no direct sun required. mist with a water bottle once or twice per week. |
 | evergreen shrub, juniper — (juniperus chinensis 'blue point') | | |
 | false heather — (cuphea hyssopifolia) | medium / 3x per week | the false heather prefers some direct sunlight for a few hours and partial shade for the rest of the day; preferable a bright window with indirect sunlight. the plant may need watering every few days during hot temperatures to keep the soil from drying out. employ a liquid fertilizer of 10-10-10 (nitrogen, phosphates, potassium). trim the plant in the spring as it starts to get long, ragged branches sticking out. the idea is to keep the false heather shaped in a flat-topped, rounded mound. cut off the tips of the branches shears so that they are even with the top of the mound and retain its shape. prune back in the spring. the plant does well in cool temperature and avoid over-watering. |
 | flamingo flower — (anthurium) | medium / 1x per week | the flaming flower requires proper drainage; so be sure your pot has drainage holes. also, it is a good idea to put 1 to 2 inches of pebble stones in the bottom of the pot. mist the anthurium weekly for a better look. keeping the plants soil clean from dead foliage and do not allow water to sit in the drain tray.
fyi: this leaves of this plant are poisonous. |
 | gardenia — (gardenia augusta) | high / 3x per week | gardenias can be a challenge to grow indoors, so just remember to provide proper night temperatures around 60 degrees f and enough light. most gardenias have double flowers, and bloom regularly from spring though fall, and sometimes year-round. plants will not bloom if night temperatures go over 65 degrees f. gardenias need both bright light and cool temperatures. usually, daytime temperatures should range from 65-75 degrees f. bud drop is a common problem caused by dry air, hot temperatures, or a sudden change in temperature. keep away from drafty areas. mist often to provide an adequate humidity level. |
 | grafted cactus — (cactaceae family) | high / 3x per week | all cacti thrive in bright light, sunshine. confirm that the soil is dry before watering and make sure to dampen the entire root ball thoroughly. most cacti use an incredible amount of water during spring and summer and hardly anything at all throughout months with less daylight and cooler nights. in some cases these plants can go an entire winter without using water. keep in mind that these plants will be potted in a sandy soil, unlike most of your other houseplants. sand is powdery when dry and holds together when moist.
fyi: there are other methods to determine when to water besides sticking your finger in the soil, one is by squeezing the very top of the plant, if it is mushy and flexible then the plant has used its stored water and requires to be watered again. in the same way, this method can tell you when the cacti does not need water. |
 | greek oregano — (origanum vulgare hirtum) | high / 2x per week | it is easy to take care of oregano plant. these plants requires well-drained soil. the oregano plants are a hardy species and can resist the cold temperatures or very hot summers. it needs little water, about 2 inch per week and is vigorous enough to squeeze out most weeds. cut the tops back several inches and keep them cut to stimulate more production. only the newer leaves are tender and flavorful. this plant may also get affected by the root-rot disease, so avoid overwatering the plant. |
 | ivy — (hedera, hedera felix) | high / 3x per week | a classic, elegant and easy to care for houseplant. there are three ivy species commonly grown indoors: algerian ivy (hedera caneriensis), persian ivy (hedera colchica), english ivy (hedera helix) is probably the best-known ivy and an excellent houseplant for a beginner. its aerial roots can easily be trained to climb a moss stick or trellis. cool, humid air and evenly moist soil will help your ivy do well indoors. keep away from drafty areas. mist the plant regularly to keep its leaves from drying out. ivies are happy in any temperature but they prefer cool nights. try placing them in a room with minimal heat. an ideal temperature is above freezing between 40-60 degrees at night. feed monthly from spring through fall with a high-nitrogen liquid fertilizer.
fyi: the leaves of this plant are poisonous if eaten and can cause skin irritation. it's a good idea to wear gloves while handling this plant. |
 | jade — (crassula arborescens) | medium / 1x per week | ade plants or money plants require moderate light levels. if the stems become lanky, your plant is probably not getting enough light. allow the soil to dry out almost completely in between watering. if the usually plump leaves become wrinkled, the plant is not receiving enough water. it is recommended to prune it as needed in order to keep in a nice compact shape. also, remove any dead leaves or stems. |
 | jasmine — (jasminum officinale) | medium / 2x per week | the jasmine plant grows well in bright light to partial shade. the leaves may go limp, turn yellow, and fall off if placed in a shady spot. provide the planter with a tray filled with pebbles, as this will help raise the humidity around the plant. since jasmine is a tropical plant, it likes high humidity. water it when the soil has dried out one inch below the surface. only fertilize when the plant is healthy and actively growing. use a fertilizer with a low concentration of nitrogen once a month. pruning also helps keep an abundance of flowers. |
 | kalanchoes — (kalanchoe blossfeldiana) | medium - high / 2x per week | kalanchoe plants are easy to care for. these plants can take full sun indoors or out, but if your plant develops brown spots it may be getting too much sun. the potting mix of kalanchoes should be allowed to dry in between waterings. remove dead bloom stalks from plants when they become unattractive. this will encourage the plant to keep flowering. |
 | lipstick — (aeschynanthus radicans) | high / 2x per week | the lipstick plant requires high humidity levels; so give your plant mistings often. it will also prevent the leaves to turn brown and dry out or flowers to turn black due to lack of humidity. exposure to large amounts of direct sunlight can burn the foliage. in winter months, water the plant less than in the summer. apply a 10-10-10 nitrogen, phosphate and potassium fertilizer once per month during the growing season from spring until the middle of fall. |
 | miltonia orchid — (miltonia celle) | medium / 1x per week | miltonia orchids, also known as pansy orchids, like bright indirect light. direct sun will burn the leaves. they require temperatures during the day to be below 80 degrees fahrenheit and about 55 to 65 degrees at night. avoid sudden temperature changes or cold drafts. this particular orchid will grow throughout the year provided that you keep it evenly moist, but not wet. water your orchid once or twice a week, or more in hot weather. do not let them sit in a tray of water or the roots will rot. in the spring and summer months add balanced water soluble orchid fertilizer mixed to half strength to the water once a week. |
 | money tree - braided — (pachira glabra) | low - medium / 1x per week | the money tree plant will grow best receiving bright indirect light. temperatures down to 50 degrees and as high as 100 degrees are tolerated. misting of the foliage will temporarily increase the humidity around the plant. it is best to keep the soil evenly moist or allow it to dry only partially. prune any overly tall or long branches to keep your plant compact and to encourage branching. apply a general house plant food at half recommended strength every few weeks from march to august |
 | moon cactus — (cactaceae family) | high / 1x per week | all cacti thrive in bright light, sunshine. confirm that the soil is dry before watering and make sure to dampen the entire root ball thoroughly. most cacti use an incredible amount of water during spring and summer and hardly anything at all throughout months with less daylight and cooler nights. in some cases these plants can go an entire winter without using water. keep in mind that these plants will be potted in a sandy soil, unlike most of your other houseplants. sand is powdery when dry and holds together when moist.
fyi: there are other methods to determine when to water besides sticking your finger in the soil, one is by squeezing the very top of the plant, if it is mushy and flexible then the plant has used its stored water and requires to be watered again. in the same way, this method can tell you when the cacti does not need water. |
 | peace lily — (spathyphillum) | medium / 3x per week | peace lily does the best in lower lighted areas, which make it work almost anywhere. it may not flower if exposed to extremely low light. direct sunlight can damage the peace lily's foliage. this plant requires heavy watering, allowing the soil to dry out in-between watering, as well. under watering causes the foliage to drop. cut off all the yellow leaves if necessary. this plant also loves higher humidity levels, so providing it with a nice misting a couple times a week will help the plant remain beautifully healthy. fertilize the peace lily only in the spring and summer with a half or three-quarter dose
fyi: poisonous, so please keep them out of reach of children and pets. |
 | peperomia — (peperomia caperata) | low / 1x per 2 weeks | peperomias are low maintenance and easy to grow. they require bright light, but not direct sunlight. they behave like tropical plants and require high humidity. placing a tray of pebbles underneath the pot, and misting the foliage once a week will help provide the humidity required. unlike most tropical plants, peperomias should be watered once every 2 weeks and only when their soil has dried out down to the bottom of the pot. you can test the moisture by inserting your finger in the soil. feed monthly spring through fall with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half. |
 | petit licorice — (helichrysum microphyllum) | high / 2x per week | petite licorice is a very easy houseplant to grow. this plant has cool dusty white leaves, and will provide exceptional beauty with extremely basic care. licorice plants typically do best in well-drained soils. drought tolerant, soil must be let to dry between waterings. the small white flowers produced by the petite licorice plants are insignificant, and can be removed without any counteracting effect on the plant. prune to control the size and shape. fertilize during the growing season, spring for summer plants and fall for winter plants, with a generic (nitrogen - phosphorus - potassium) fertilizer. |
 | phalaenopsis orchid, butterfly orchid — (orchidaceae family, phalaenopsis) | high / 1x per week | orchids as beautiful as they are, are not difficult to care for. they require at least 10 hours of bright, indirect light, however, avoid too much exposure for leaves can burn. with proper care orchids can have extremely long lives. it is quite important to use a fast draining soil mixture that allows air circulation so be sure there is a medium such as bark mixed within the soil. orchids require lower water levels, so watering once every week to two weeks is recommended. an indication of over watering is the presence of yellow leaves, which should be removed right away. orchids prefer high humidity levels, so provide a daily misting. avoid drafty areas. |
 | philodendron, heartleaf — (philodendron scandens oxycardium) | medium / 1x per week | philodendrons prefer moderate light. if new foliage starts to develop smaller or the distance between leaves is larger in distance, your plant is most likely not receiving enough light. however, too much exposure to sunlight can burn the foliage. keep soil evenly moist and, do not allow to dry between waterings. mist often and keep leaves clear of dust in order to improve plant's appearance. philodendrons like to vine and so they grow quite long so do not be afraid to trim the plant back.
fyi: some philodendrons are toxic if eaten, so be sure to keep them away from your pets and children. |
 | pink allusion — (syngonium podophyllum) | low - medium / 1x per week | place the pink allusion in indirect sunlight. water once a week to keep soil evenly moist, but not soggy. allow soil surface to dry 1/2 inch between waterings. mist to keep your plant looking at its best. pruning is recommended to keep plant compact. place the cuttings in a jar of water to grow new plants. feed the pink allusion a water-soluble houseplant fertilizer. |
 | pink croton — (codiaeum variegatum) | high / 1x per week | the croton plant requires moderate to bright light, so keep the plant within 3 - 5 feet of a window receiving sunlight. croton plant depend upon heavy watering as well as high humidity. it is recommendable to mist the plant once or twice a week to keep an adequate humidity level. always keep the plant's soil evenly moist. if leaves begin to fall off or slope downward, then the plant is not being properly watered. if the leaves edges start to bend, this may be an indication that you are over watering the plant, so try cutting down on how often you water the plant to see if it improves the appearance of the leaves.also, the croton does well in a warm environment (up to 80 degrees f). fertilize the plant with a 20-20-20 fertilizer every two weeks, except during the months of october through february when the plant's growth is naturally slower.
fyi: the juice or sap of these plants is toxic and can cause skin eczema in some people. it is also toxic if eaten in small quantities. it has been used in herbal medicine to treat gastric ulcers. |
 | poinsettia – (euphorbia pulcherrima) | high / 3x(+) per week | poinsettias like lots of bright, indirect sunlight and prefer humid conditions (you may want to mist your plant if your home is very dry). as for watering, let the soil dry out between watering ~ soil should be dry to the touch. also, be sure not to let the plants pot stand in water at the plants base (do not leave plant standing in water ~ overly wet soil results in root injury). a wilted plant may drop its leaves prematurely, so check soil frequently. poinsettias are sensitive to extreme temperature, so don’t place your plant next to a heater or near a drafty window or doorway ~ daytime temp of around 65 degrees and nights around 60 degrees will provide perfect conditions. poinsettias are not poisonous plants, however, they exude a milky sap when broken ~ some people are sensitive to this sap, which can cause an itchy rash. be especially careful not to rub your eyes after touching the plants. |
 | polka dot — (hypoestes phyllostachya) | low / 2x per week | the polka dot plant prefers moderate light and no more than 5 hours of direct sunlight in order to maintain its spots. keep the soil moist at all times, but not soggy so avoid over watering the plant. if the foliage begins to wilt, you are probably under watering the plant. feed the polka dot plant with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks, from spring through fall. pinch off constantly the tips of the polka dot plant with your fingertips to promote healthy growth and keep the polka dot plant looking more compact. dark green leaves splattered with pink make polka dot plant an unusual and attractive house plant.
fyi: all parts of plant are poisonous if ingested. |
 | ponytail palm — (beaucarnea recurvata) | medium / 1x per week | the ponytail palm should be watered once weekly. be sure to let the soil become dry to touch, at least half an inch before watering again. if the lower foliage starts to turn yellow or brown you may be under watering the plant. the ponytail palm requires bright light so be sure to place it near a window where full sun is received. between waterings remove with a any dead leaves in the palm's lower foliage levels. do not trim off the brown ends. brown is normal and more cutting will produce more brown, plus an irregular edge. |
 | primrose, cowslip — (primula sp.) | high / 3x per week | these charming blooming plants require bright, indirect sun. this blooming houseplant will last longer in cooler temperatures (60f). provide an acidic soil and keep it moist (not wet) during bloom. avoid overwatering, do not let the plant sit in water, it can cause toot rot. pinch off spent blooms to extend blooming time.
fyi: glandular hairs on leaves and stems are poisonous, so please keep out of reach of children or animals. |
 | rex begonia — (begonia rex-cultorum) | medium / 2x per week | known for the beautiful painted patterns on the foliage. the light should be indirect or filtered. avoid splashing water on the foliage, keep soil evenly moist…don't let it dry out. leaves will droop but once watered bounce back. they prefer a light rich soil. cluster them together to create the humidity or mist them often. |
 | ribbon — (draceaena sanderiana) | medium / 1x per week | the ribbon plant is ideal if you are looking for an attractive, versatile indoor plant that doesn't demand much of your time or attention. they are easy, tolerating low light, low humidity and infrequent watering. keep in mind that while the ribbon plant will tolerate adverse conditions, they will be much happier and healthier with just a little care. |
 | sago palm — (cycas revoluta) | medium / 1x per week | the sago palm prefers bright light, but will also tolerate moderate levels as well. it is a good idea to turn the plant slightly every couple of days to keep the plants shape. allow soil to dry out in between waterings. if matured foliage begins to yellow you are probably over watering the plant. this houseplant is pretty hardy. it does not have any temperature or humidity requirements. during dry months, a misting may add some extra lift to your plant.
fyi: sago palm is extremely poisonous if ingested so please keep it away from children and pets. |
 | shrimp — (justicia brandegeeana) | medium / 1x per week | the shrimp plant gets its common name from the arching 3- to 4-inch reddish brown to golden yellow spikes of overlapping bracts that cover this plant nearly year-round. the shrimp plant will thrive in bright indirect light. keep soil evenly moist spring through fall and, slightly drier in winter. average room humidity. the small, white flowers that appear at the end of the bracts are insignificant and last only a short time. pinch off growing tips to encourage stems to branch out for a fuller, bushier plant. regular pruning is necessary to control growth. fertilize once a month with a general purpose fertilizer for flowering plants. |
 | snake — (sansevieria fischeri) | high / 2x per week | the snake plant prefers moderate to bright light, however you can put it anywhere and it will grow. warm temperatures (80 f) will encourage growth, but it will survive a cooler environment (60 f). this houseplant prefers to be watered once every 7 to10 days thoroughly, allowing the soil to dry in between waterings. over watering will cause the foliage to start dropping. on the other hand if the foliages begins to wrinkle or bend over you are not providing enough water. this houseplant likes to be pot bound, so refrain from repotting unless the current pot is too small to keep upright.
fyi: if ingested these plants may cause minor gastro-intestinal problems. the sap of these plants may cause a skin rash or irritation. |
 | succulents — (cactaceae family) | high / 1x per week | these plants have evolved in some of the toughest growing conditions on earth, and are actually at their best when grown in hot sun and poor soil. all cacti thrive in bright light, sunshine. confirm that the soil is dry before watering and make sure to dampen the entire root ball thoroughly. most cacti use an incredible amount of water during spring and summer and hardly anything at all throughout months with less daylight and cooler nights. in some cases these plants can go an entire winter without using water. keep in mind that these plants will be potted in a sandy soil, unlike most of your other houseplants. sand is powdery when dry and holds together when moist. |
 | thyme — (thymus vulgaris) | high / 1x per week | thyme requires very little attention. water only in very dry conditions and feed sparingly. thyme likes a well-drained light soil, it should not be too rich in nutrients which will only make the plant 'leggy' and loose its compact shape. harvesting can occur all year round, although the best flavor is in the months of mid-june and mid-july. thyme is virtually free of pests and disease. |
 | travelers's palm — (ravenala madagascariensis) | high / 1x per week | travelers palm like full sun but will do well in semi-shade as well. water the plant moderately, keeping soil moist and fertilize regularly as it responds well to it. best soil is sandy loam or clay loam.
fyi: plant leaves always face east to west and apparently its name is derived from helping disoriented travelers find their way. |
 | trailing velvet — (ruellia makoyanna) | high / 3x per week | provide your vine with a soil that retains water yet drains well. keep the soil evenly moist at all times, but avoid over watering as the plant is very prone to root rot. let the plant settle before feeding with a water-soluble fertilizer diluted by half. the trailing velvet needs considerable amounts of light to maintain its purple color or it will fade. pinch tips occasionally. discard flowers as they appear, as their odor is offensive. place pebbles or gravel in the drainage dish to hold water and increase the humidity, make sure the pot is sitting on the gravel and not in the water.
fyi: the toxicity level of the trailing velvet differs in opinions. while it is listed on the non-toxic plant list and is generally thought to be non-poisonous, it should not be ingested. some people may have an allergic reaction to the plant. |
 | tree fern - indoor — (cyathea dealbata) | medium / 1x per week | place the fern tree in an area with mid-to-light shade or dappled sunlight. total direct sunlight can burn the fern tree. make sure the environment is humid enough for your fern tree. do not over-water the plant. water the fern tree only when the soil is dry to the touch. if the soil is not dry don't water the fern tree as this can cause damage to the tree. cut off dead fronds. |
 | vinca vine — (vinca major, vinca minor) | medium / 1x per week | a fast growing vine popular for their attractive and widely variable foliage as well as for their delicate flowers. these vines require soil evenly moist, as well as medium humidity so mist every now and then with warm water. water one inch per week, and after the first growing season, the plants will require watering only during times of drought. with proper care the vinca vines will flower during spring to summer and sporadically in the fall. fertilize the vinca vines with a water-soluble fertilizer.
fyi: the leaves of this plant are poisonous if ingested. please keep children and pets away from this plant. |
 | weeping fig — (ficus benjamina) | medium / 1x per week | ficus is a very popular houseplant. weeping fig does well when expose to bright sunlight but cant tolerate moderate shade. the plant prefers temperatures of 60-75 degrees f. remove undesirable leaves to keep a good shape. weeping figs are famous for dropping their leaves when moved to a new location or whenever their normal climate changes. if it does drop all its leaves, reduce watering until new leaves are formed, and try not to move it again. use a soluble fertilizer once a month to maintain growth and color.
fyi: the sap of these plants may cause a skin rash or irritation. |
 | zebra plant — (aphelandra sqarrosa) | high / 2x per week | watering the zebra plant twice a week should be sufficient however, do not allow the plant to dry out. if the leaves start to drop, you are probably under watering. the plant loves to be misted to provide for its humidity needs. prune out the old bloom giving room for the growth of future blooms. |
