HOUSEPLANTS
Here at Andy's Garden, we love houseplants. We carry a diverse selection of varieties with new shipments arriving frequently. Whether you're just starting or you are an old pro, we've got the perfect houseplant for you!
We all could use some pointers from time to time, especially with houseplant how-to's and TLC to get your plant to thrive. Check out our downloadable PDF guide for some tips.
Can you ever really have too many plants?
Small, compact African Violets (Saintpaulia) have soft, furry, dark green leaves, and beautiful delicate flowers. They come in assorted colors and love medium to bright indirect light and warm humid conditions. Water with room temperature water at the soil level and avoid getting the leaves wet, as they tend to get spotted very easy. For the best flowering performance, fertilize with a water soluble fertilizer every 2 weeks. Do not allow African violets to go below 60 degrees F.
Air plants are ephiphytes, in that they use their roots to anchor themselves to other plants or supports and absorb nutrients and water through their leaves. Place air plants in bright indirect light areas and mist them several times a week or soak in water 2-4 times a week depending on how dry the air is in the home.
Aloe vera is a well known succulent plant. The gel type juice inside the leaves can be used to relieve pain from burns and minor cuts. Place in a bright indirect light location. A west or south facing window is the best. Water once the top 1/3 of the soil is dry. Mature aloe plants will develop offsets along the base of the mother plant. These can be removed to start new plants.
A tropical plant known for the colorful spathe type blooms. Anthurium plants like bright indirect light and temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees F. The soil mix should be a coarse mix, like orchid soil with sand and peat moss mixed in. Keep the soil evenly moist and never allow it to dry out completely. Set the pot on a tray of pebbles and water to create high humidity.
The arrowhead plant (Syngonium podophyllum) is known for its heart or arrow-shaped leaves. As the plant matures, it will begin to vine out which makes it great for a hanging basket. For lighting, bright, indirect light is best. The arrowhead plant prefers to dry out between waterings–when the top inch or two is dry. Plant in well-draining soil.
Baby Tears (Soleirolia) is a low growing, creeping plant with tiny, round, leaves. It prefers medium to bright, indirect light. It grows 2 - 4" tall with a nice trailing habit. Water when the top of the soil is dry to the touch. Great houseplant for terrariums or hanging baskets!
Bromeliads have large strappy leaves that develop colorful rosettes. Needs bright indirect light and soil that drains quickly. Water from above so water collects in the cups at the base of the leaves. This is where Bromeliads absorb nutrients. Set a saucer of gravel beneath the pot filled partially with water to increase humidity and help provide a moist atmosphere. This plant is relatively low maintenance. It is a terrestrial or epiphytic plant.
Cactus, like succulents, have thick leaves with the ability to store water. But cactus have sharp spines or hairs to help protect it in its natural environment. They are suitable for a direct sun spot in your home. Let cactus go completely dry in between watering.
Calathea
Calathea has striking foliage patterns that make them a proper houseplant.
Light: Bright, indirect light
Soil: Gritty, sandy soil that can go completely dry between waterings.
Watering: Allow top layer of soil to dry. Calatheas like moist, but not wet soil which is why good drainage is essential.
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) is one of the most common and easy houseplants. Provide medium to low light and water when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. They do appreciate high humidity but will do just fine in lower humidity. This plant also purifies the air.
A Chinese money plant (Pilea peperomioides) is also known as the missionary plant and UFO plant. Because they grow densely and have a mounding appearance, they are well suited to a container life. They should be placed near a sunny window, but should not get direct sunlight. This plant also likes sandy, well-draining soil and should be allowed to dry out between waterings.
A popular holiday gift, the Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi) tend to bloom around the U.S. holidays Thanksgiving and Christmas. This plant prefers to be placed near a bright window, but away from the sun's rays. Unlike traditional desert cacti, this plant likes moist soil, but is not soggy, during its growing season of spring and summer. A well-draining soil that retains a bit of moisture is best for this plant.
Crotons (Codiaeum variegatum) have bright, variegated leaves with shades of yellow, red, and green with an upright growth habit. They are fairly easy plants to grow indoors. Depending on the variety of croton, the light needs vary. Some prefer very bright light, while others like lower light levels. The rule of thumb is that the more color a croton has, the more light will be required. The croton prefers soil that is evenly moist at all times and has high humidity.
Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum) is a popular houseplant for its blooming nature during the winter holiday season. They prefer bright, indirect sunlight while still maintaining cooler temperatures. Water when the soil feels dry to the touch, but it is best practice to let water be soaked up through the bottom of the plant by placing it in a saucer of water.
The Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) houseplant is highly adaptable and low maintenance. They prefer partial sun and can even perform well in shade, but this causes their growth to slow down substantially. Be sure to rotate your plant so it gets even sunlight to prevent it from reaching. This plant requires consistently moist soil, but not boggy. After watering, remove excess water from the saucer.
Dracaena, a very hardy houseplant, comes in many different varieties, but their care is similar to each other. This plant likes bright, indirect light, but many kinds will do well in lower light. Dracaena should be watered regularly after the top layer of soil has dried. They also prefer high humidity. This plant thrives in sandy, rich soil.
English Ivy (Hedera helix), known for its easy care, is a vining, trailing plant that are great for hanging baskets, topiary, or grown on a support. This ivy prefers bright, filtered sunlight. This vigorous growing plant does well in evenly moist and well-drained soil.
Ferns
Ferns make beautiful houseplants that come in a variety of textures, shapes and sizes. There are great options for both a beginner and an expert planter.
Light: Medium, indirect light
Soil: Moist, well-draining soil
Watering: Most ferns like moist soil. Water when soil begins to feel dry to the touch.
The Ficus tree is a popular choice for the home and office for its tree-like appearance. However, they can tend to be finicky houseplants. Most ficus trees enjoy bright, indirect, or filtered light. These trees prefer high humidity, so placing them near a drafty window is not ideal. Regular misting or setting the tree on a pebbled tray of water is a great way to increase its humidity. Water when the top of the soil feels dry. The ficus tree is also a well-known air purifier.
The Fiddle-leaf fig tree (Ficus lyrata) is the perfect houseplant to make a statement. This tree prefers high, indirect light exposure, and you'll want to make sure you rotate the tree to get even light distribution. Plant in well-draining soil. You may also need to dust off the leaves every few weeks.
Fittonia (Fittonia argyroneura) or the nerve plant has striking leaves of pink and green, white and green or red and green. The nerve plant likes well-draining soil, but not too wet. It's best to let the soil dry out between waterings. To keep its beautiful color, this plant needs to be placed in bright, indirect light conditions.
The Fish Hooks succulent (Senecio radicans) features small, green fish-hook or banana-like foliage. Being draught-tolerant, it is easy to grow and will put up with some neglect. This succulent does best with bright, indirect to medium light. Let the soil dry out between waterings, sometimes 2-4 weeks apart.
The Ginseng ficus (Ficus microcarpa) grows thick exposed roots that swell into a potbelly trunk sporting a thick canopy of dark leaves. The ginseng ficus prefers bright, indirect light. Water when the surface is dry to the touch. This plant also enjoys high humidity which encourages more aerial root production. Mist frequently.
The Hoya plant, commonly referred to as wax plant, comes in a variety of different species. Most hoya plants enjoy bright, indirect sunlight. Keep the soil moist, while misting to help increase humidity. Because most hoyas new growth is at the end of the tendrils, there is no need to prune.
One of the easiest and longest-living house plants, the jade plant is a must-have on your houseplant list. The jade plant requires well-draining soil but prefer moderately moist soil. Overwatering is often a issue with succulents in general. The best practice is to let the top inch of soil dry out before watering again. Jade enjoys full sun, but be watchful of how your plant reacts to the direct sun rays.
Kalanchoe has thick, beautiful succulent leaves and colorful bloom clusters. Place them in bright, indirect light. Kalanchoe prefer well-draining soil. When the soil is 50% dry, water thoroughly.
The lipstick plant (Aeschynanthus radicans) has pointy, waxy leaves and bright red blooms that emerge from a dark maroon bud, similar to a tube of lipstick. This plant enjoys airy soil and fertilizer to succeed. Water moderately, but do not soak the soil to prevent root rot. The lipstick plant needs bright, indirect light for a portion of the day. Do not place plants in full sun or full shade.
Maidenhair vine, (Muehlenbeckia axillaris) or creeping wire vine, is a low-growing, fast-spreading plant that requires little maintenance. This plant enjoys full sun or partial shade in well-draining soil. The maidenhair vine does well in a variety of soils. Keep soil moist when first planting, but once the roots are more established, it can go through longer periods without being watered.
The money tree (Pachira aquatica) gets its name from the Feng Shui practice and believes luck will come to the owner of this plant. The money tree prefers infrequent but deep waterings along with moderate humidity. Let the soil dry out completely before watering. Adding a saucer filled with water and pebbles under the plant will help boost humidity. The money tree does like to be fertilized during the warmer months but not during the winter.
Also known as the Swiss cheese plant, the Monstera plant prefers full sun but will adapt to partial shade. This plant enjoys moist, but well-drained soil and requires high humidity. It is best to let the soil dry out some between waterings. The Swiss cheese plant grows well on poles or in hanging baskets.
Philodendrons
With a wide array of Philodendrons, you're bound to find one you love. Their leaves are typically large, green, and glossy and add a great tropical flair to your home.
Light: Bright, indirect light
Soil: Light, well-draining soil; moist but not wet
Watering: When the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.
Peperomia
Peperomia come in many colors and interesting leaf shapes and textures. They are relatively easy houseplants.
Light: Bright, indirect light; some can tolerate medium to lower light levels.
Soil: Light and well-draining soil
Watering: Allow the soil to go dry between waterings.
The pilea (Pilea spp.) genus consists of a large variety of foliage plants that typically make low-maintenance houseplants. Most of the pilea varieties like bright, indirect sunlight. They prefer well-draining soil and need water when the first inch of soil feels dry. Pilea plants enjoy moderate humidity and are great for terrariums.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) has long, paddle-shaped leaves that can grow to be more than a foot long. They produce spathe-type white blooms throughout the year. Provide medium to low light and keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Provide good drainage and empty excess water from saucers. The peace lily also improves indoor air quality.
Prayer plant (Maranta) has velvety green leaves with decorative red or yellow veining. The plant gets its name from the way the leaves curl up at night and will uncurl and rise up in the morning. Provide bright, indirect light, but will tolerate lower light levels, and water to keep the soil evenly moist. Yellowing leaves and leaf drop indicate too little or too much watering.
The pothos is a trailing tropical plant perfect for hanging baskets or training on a totem-type support. Provide medium light but will tolerate low light as well. Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Golden, Marble Queen, Pearls and Jade, N'Joy, Neon, and Satin pothos are just a few varieties that we carry.
The distinctive swollen trunk of a Ponytail palm (Beaucarnea) actually stores water, which allows the soil go almost dry between waterings. Place the palm in a bright to medium indirect light. They can reach as tall as 6-8' tall as an indoor potted plant.
The Rubber plant (Ficus elastica) needs indirect bright light. This plant needs to be watered at least once a week and the soil kept moist. You should also wipe off your leaves with a damp cloth. Rubber plants are heavy feeders so provide a water-soluble fertilizer regularly. It is also an air-purifying plant.
Schefflera, also called Umbrella plants because of their large, shiny dark leaves that drape down like the spokes of an umbrella. Provide medium to bright, indirect light. Keep soil evenly moist. If it goes too dry it will start shedding leaves.
The silver dollar plant (Xerosicyos danguyi) is a climbing succulent with slender cylindrical stems branching out from thick leaves. This plant thrives in full sun, but will grow in partial shade. Watering is similar to other succulents, soak through but let dry out completely before watering again.
Sansevieria, also commonly called Snake plant and Mother-in-Law's Tongue, is an easy house plant to grow. It does well in low-light conditions where other houseplants fail. It also likes to go dry in between waterings. Sansevieria is also known as an air-purifying plant and removes toxins from the air.
The Spider plant (Chlorophytum) has long leaves and produces smaller plants, called pups or spiderettes, at the end of long arching stems. This easy-to-care-for houseplant thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light. Keep soil evenly moist and allow the top inch of soil to dry before watering again. The spider plant is also a great air-purifying plant.
Also known as rosary vine, the string of hearts (Ceropegia woodii), gets its name from pairs of heart-shaped leaves every few inches along a slender stem. This plant is prone to root rot if watered too much. Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering and use a pot with good drainage. This plant also prefers to be placed in a very sunny room.
An easy trailing succulent plant, the string of pearls (senecio rowleyanus) plant is great house plant for hanging baskets. Bright sunlight and well-drained, sandy soil are key features for your string of pearls to thrive. When watering, let the first half inch to inch of soil dry out completely before watering again.
Succulents come in many shapes, sizes, and color variations. The thick leaves give them the ability to store water. They prefer gritty, sandy soil that can go completely dry in between waterings. Provide a bight, direct sun location.
We have a great selection of terrarium plants for all styles. Most of our plants are in 2" pots, which are great for small planters for shelves or limited space.
The purple waffle plant (Hemigraphis alternata) features beautiful oval leaves with gray-green tops and purple bottom surfaces. The waffle plant enjoys a rich, well-draining soil and prefers humidity. Use a pebble tray to help boost humidity in your home, especially during winter months. The sun can burn the foliage, so it's best to place your plant in a bright, but indirect sunlight area. The waffle plant is also known as having excellent air-purifying properties.
ZZ plants (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) are great low-maintenance houseplants. They have shiny, wide, oval-shaped leaves that shoot upward. They prefer bright, indirect sunlight, but can tolerate lower light areas. These leaves can also accumulate dust; using a damp washcloth gently wipe away any dust or debris. ZZ plants aren't overly picky about their soil, other than it needs to be well-draining. Because of their thick rhizomes, they are highly drought tolerant. Water when soil dries out.
Tradescantia
Tradescantia encompasses a diverse plant genus that includes Wandering Jews, Nanouk, Oyster Plant (Moses-In-The-Cradle), and Spiderwort.
Light: Most varieties prefer bright, indirect light
Soil: Rich, moist, well-draining soil
Watering: Most tradescantia prefer for the soil to be 50-75% dry before watering.