Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera delicosa)
Fast growing houseplant with good all round air cleaning properties and particularly effective in humidifying air conditioned interiors.They are easy to grow and with proper care, leaves of up to 45cm (18") across can be achieved!
Site: Bright indirect light to bright shade
Originally from the rain forests of Central and South America, where they climb up trees to reach higher light levels, consequently sturdy support is essential as stems can reach a height of 20' or more. They are easy to grow and with proper care, leaves of up to 45cm (18") across can be achieved!
Temp: Average warmth..
Water: Water well in the growing season. Let the compost dry out slightly between watering. Mist frequently.
Feeding: A liquid feed every month or so over the growing season.
Tip: If water drips from the leaves then it has been over watered, let the compost dry and water less
Zamioculcas zamifolia
Only recently has this plant been seen locally. Zamioculcas is beginning to find itself brought into offices by interior landscapers, probably due to its affinity with modern design. Each of the branches coming from the compost is actually a leaf and the ' leaves' are leaflets coming of them. An easy and very impressive plant for a semi shady room.
Site: Light Shade (Will take sun as well)
Temp: Average warmth. Not below 65°F in the winter.
Water: Let the compost surface dry before re-watering. Over the winter water sparingly.
Feeding: A very weak liquid feed every month or so over the growing season.
Tip: It can be divided and replanted when repotting is required. Do not let the plant get over wet, rotting can occur over winter if overwatered.
Philodendron
These handsome plants are very tolerant of shady conditions and can make a stunning architectural statement in a darkish situation. In a NASA study they were shown to be particularly effective in removing formaldehyde molecules as well as other toxins.
Deep purples reds and greens make this elegant plant a striking choice for a dark room. Unlike many philodendrons (Tree lovers) Imperial red makes a lovely upright specimen that is tidy in its growth habit.
Site: Dislikes too bright a spot fantastic for a shady corner.
Temp: Average warmth.
Water: Water thoroughly in the growing season, less over the winter months. Loves high humidity so mist regularly.
Feeding: A weak feed every month over the growing season.
Tip: Will tolerate quite cold conditions
Dracaena fragrans"Janet Craig"
The dark-green leaves of dracaena "Janet Craig" make it a most attractive plant. It is one of the best plants for removing trichloreoethylene. These plants can tolerate neglect and dimly lit environments. This plant can be kept best in semi-shade and will tolerate dimly lit areas, but growth will be slow
Bold and simple wide dark green leaves form the large crown of this choice Dracaena. A wonderful choice for a room with contemporary design. Although slower growing than d. marginata it will still reach a height of 6-7 feet.
Site: Light shade.
Temp: Average warmth.
Water: Do not let the compost dry out, in the growing season keep moist and reduce the watering in winter. Keep the humidity up with misting (Dracaena draco will tolerate dry air)
Feeding: A liquid feed every month or so.
Tip: Place in a pebble tray to increase humidity
Boston Fern (Nephrolepsis exaltata)
Ferns are probably one of the oldest groups of plants. Many have been found as fossils dating back to prehistoric times. The Boston Fern's stiff fronds arch out, drooping downward as they age. It is grown strictly for its foliage for it does not produce flowers. It is best displayed in a hanging basked or sitting upon a pedestal. As an indoor plant, the Boston Fern requires a certain amount of attention. It must have frequent misting and watering or the leaves will quickly turn brown and begin to drop. Of the plants tested, it is the best for removing air pollutants, especially formaldehyde, and for adding humidity to the indoor environment. This plant can be kept best in semi-sun to shade
Discovered a century ago in Boston (The name gave it away!) this graceful variation on the sword fern (N. exaltata) has become a common sight in rooms all over the world. It is one of the easiest ferns to grow inside giving a mass of soft foliage all year round in exchange for a small amount of care.
Site: Light Shade.
Temp: Average.
Water: Water well throughout the growing season and less over winter. Loves a misting as often as you can. A pebble tray would also be beneficial.
Feeding: Apply a weak liquid feed every three weeks or so.
Tip: A great plant for a bathroom
Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
Bred for toughness, it will survive in less light than most plant of its size. It will tolerate dim light and cool temperatures. This plant is easy to grow and is especially effective at removing formaldehyde. It receives high marks in all categories and is an excellent overall houseplant. Of the ficus plants tested to date, the rubber plant is the best for removing chemical toxins from the indoor environment. This plant can be kept best in semi-sun to semi-shade.
Very well known spiecies of fig. The rubber plant is a very easy plant to look after. It can grow large and loose leaves at the base of the plant but can be cut back over the winter when the rubber sap will not fill up the pot! 'Bali' is a great cultivar with bright red leaf sheaths and leaves so dark they almost appear black.
Site: Bright indirect light to bright shade, will take a small amount of direct sun.
Temp: Average warmth.
Water: Quite regularly in the growing season but leave to dry out slightly first. Rarely over the winter months. Benefits from occasional misting.
Feeding: A liquid feed every month or so.
Tip: Prune to shape in the winter if required.
Sansevieria
Dracaena Lemon Lime
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