So if you think you have a black thumb, the good news is that you might just need to stop doing these things.

You’re overwatering

Overwatering, not underwatering, is the most common mistake houseplant owners make. Soggy roots are a death trap for any plant, and some more so than others. This is why it’s important to ask questions or do research on the type of plant you’re growing.

Peace lilies don’t like to dry out, but they don’t like wet bottoms either. Succulents of all kinds will not tolerate consistently wet soil. Pothos can dry out to the point of wilting and bounce back after a good soak, but alocasia is not so forgiving. So there is no one size fits all recommendation for watering houseplants.

What should you do if you think you’ve overwatered your houseplant?

You’ll often bring home a plant from the store that is or has been overwatered. It’s important to check because big box stores are notorious for trying to kill their inventory.

There are a couple of ways to handle an overwatered plant. If it seems like the soil is staying soggy, make sure there is a drainage hole for water to escape. If not, change the pot stat. If you have your plant in a nursery pot, pull it out of the cover pot (if in one) to get more air to the bottom of the pot. You can also supplement light to increase the uptake of water.

If those things aren’t working, and it’s looking really puny, it’s time for diagnostics. To find out what’s going on, remove the plant from the pot and brush off the soil to check the roots for evidence of rot. Remove anything that is brown and mushy, you can even rinse off the roots in the sink to clean it up. Then when you repot it, replace the old soil with new, better draining soil.

You’re not fertilizing your houseplants

In fresh soil, many houseplants won’t need to be fertilized often. But if it’s growing rapidly or has been in the same soil for several months, chances are the nutrients in the original mix are depleted. And if you’re growing your plants in water, they definitely won’t be getting everything they need without some addition of food. However, over-fertilizing can and will kill your plant no matter what so you need to exercise some caution.

1. Always follow the directions on the bottle – dilute it just as recommended unless you’re very familiar with the brand and the plant.
2. Buy fertilizer formulated for the type of plant that you’re growing. This makes it easy not to overdo it for plants that don’t need as much supplemental food, like succulents.
3. A good rule of thumb is to fertilize once per month. You can skip a few in the winter if your plant is slowing down, or if you can keep conditions right for it to grow year-round, keep the once monthly schedule.

You’re not giving them enough light

I had a pothos growing in possibly the darkest room that ever existed. Seriously. All windows were under porches, and I was forever shocked that it was doing so well. But some plants won’t tolerate such low light conditions. If your plant is not growing and/or the leaves are changing color (green to yellow or losing variegation), then your plant may be begging for supplemental lighting.

How to add more light to your houseplants?

Fortunately, it couldn’t be more simple to add supplemental light to your plants. I have used regular lamps with full spectrum light bulbs, individual halo lights, hanging light bars, and under-shelf light kits. I’ve bought grow light bulbs in person at the grocery store, walmart, and homedepot. There are also innumerable options online.

When you set up the light, pay attention to how far away it is from the plant. I have a grow light bulb in the fixture over my sink, and it’s fine for the peace lily and the pothos, but my succulents were getting anemic. I brought in a halo light but it was still not very bright. I had to bring it right down as close as possible to the plant. LEDs are nice because they don’t produce much if any heat, however, make sure to check for heat on any light you choose. With seedlings, we keep the lights 2-4 inches away, but this may be too close for plants that prefer indirect light. Pay attention to your plant and move it closer or further depending on how it responds.

Their location is too drafty

Naturally, we all locate live plants next to windows and windowed doors so they can receive the most light. But some plants are going to be VERY sensitive to drafts and fluctuations in temperature. This is especially true in the winter since most houseplants won’t tolerate freezing temperatures. So if your plant is dropping leaves, think about whether it’s getting blasted with cold air every time you open your door. Or if your house is old, like mine, is it generally too cold in the window during winter?

Cold and wet soil is a recipe for disaster so think about whether you should move them or provide supplemental heat if your plants are suddenly not doing well. In all seasons, make note of whether you’re plants are in the path of air coming from your a/c vents. Heated air blowing from your vents directly onto plants is not going to be well tolerated – it will cause them to dry out a lot faster and make your work harder.

You’re not rotating your plant

Unless you’re supplementing with overhead light, it is natural for plants to grow toward light coming in through the window. So to keep your plant nice and fluffy, you’ll want to rotate your plant about a quarter of a turn once per month – or if you notice it leaning into the light. Rotation helps keep the growth even all the way around and keeps its stem strong.

You’re moving them too much

I’m not referring to rotating, here, I mean you’re moving it from one room or window to another. A houseplant lives a pretty passive life. From the time it sprouts to the time it gets to your home, it is moved from location to location and often needs time to adjust. From one place to another, the lighting and temperature might change drastically. The watering schedule might change drastically, too. It has no control, it just gets plopped in a room and has to adjust or die.

So one of the things to do if you have recently moved a plant is simply to let it be. Give a plant at least 2 weeks to adjust to a new spot before you try moving it again. Obviously, if there are clear signs of illness, you’ll want to step in. But if it just seems a little stressed and you recently moved it, give it a little break. You’ll still be watering it, but don’t worry too much if you see it drop a leaf or two, or start to turn a little yellow. If it bounces back after a couple of weeks, it just needed to pout a bit. Careful watching and waiting can be your friend to make sure you’re giving your plant exactly what it needs.

How often should houseplants be moved?

Some plants don’t ever want to be moved especially if they’ve found themselves a sweet spot. I’m looking at you, fiddle leaf fig. But if you need to move your plants around, shoot for about once a year. Some plants won’t bat an eye at being moved around, but if you are moving them and notice that some are not thriving, consider whether they’re being moved too often or to the wrong place.

You’re not checking for pests

I don’t know about you, but I spend a lot of time inspecting my plants. I like to touch them, lift them up and look under the leaves, poke my finger in the soil, etc. Seriously. They get no privacy. But one of the reasons I do that is so I can recognize any pest problems early.

Certainly, we should be checking any new plants we bring home for signs of pests and disease. Looking under the leaves in the store and after you get home is recommended. If you see any webs on the plants, run away. Far, far away. Many pests look like small or tiny white specs or fuzz. It’s not a bad habit to treat new plants with pesticide and put them in quarantine before you introduce them to their new friends.

What should you do if you find pests on your houseplants?

First and foremost, you should spring into immediate action. If you can do nothing else, take the infected plant to a place where you can isolate it from your other plants. Then get your hands on some form of pesticide.

Personally, while I’m not for using pesticides on my vegetables, I have no feelings against using them on my houseplants. I’m not eating them, and I don’t, as a rule, keep pollinators indoors. I will not tolerate bugs making their home in my home, and I won’t let them ruin my happiness by eating my planties, either. Which one to use? If you can identify the pest, use one directed to kill that pest. If not, just pick one labeled for houseplants and follow the directions on the bottle.

You’re not dusting the leaves

I often forget to dust shelves, fans, etc in my house, but I do wipe the leaves on my plants with some consistency. I saw an influencer, I believe it was Plants With Krystal (I love her). She uses microfiber gloves to clean her plant leaves, and that is what I do now as well. It’s so easy to wipe both sides of the leaves gently and wiping alone often gives them a nice shine. You can dampen the gloves with a little water if you wish, but I personally don’t use anything other than water.

You’re not pruning them

It may seem counterintuitive, but many plants will respond positively to pruning. In a lot of cases, you can even cut them completely down, and they’ll sprout several new branches in response. Anyone dealing with wild privet and oak trees can attest to this. For the most part, houseplants are the same way.

So if you have a plant that is really stretched out and sparse in foliage, do not hesitate to thin out some of the branches. Propagate them or compost them if you wish, but cutting back your houseplants will stimulate new growth almost every time. Add in some extra light and they’ll bush out nicely. Alternatively, thick bushy plants can harbor moisture or pests in their leaves so it’s a good idea to cut them back to encourage airflow and check for nasty buggers.

You’re inconsistent

Last but not least, if you’re not paying attention to your plants and alternate underwatering with overwatering, for example, it could be the reason your plants are stunted or growing poorly. It’s the same with light, humidity, and temperature. All of these conditions in their environment influence how they grow. It can affect the small hairs on the plant, called trichomes, the size, shape, and color of leaves, the thickness of the stem, and so on.

Many times, they’ll acclimate to a certain set of conditions and a sudden change in that can cause stress. It’s best to understand what your plant likes and provide that care consistently. Otherwise, it may not die, but it definitely won’t be able to thrive. If and when you do have to change your plant’s environment, understand that it may need time to reacclimate to its new situation.

I hope this has helped you understand what may be going wrong when you bring plants into your home. If you’re worried about a plant you’re growing indoors, don’t hesitate to put on your planterinarian hat and dive in. Oftentimes just by careful observation, you can figure out and fix a problem before you lose another plant pal.

The post 10 Reasons Your Houseplants Are Dying appeared first on You Should Grow.

It’s a fast-growing plant if given appropriate conditions, but in indoor conditions, it’s often kinda slow to grow. That’s because it is often placed in the least ideal location, but that’s what makes the plant itself ideal. It will tolerate almost any lighting situation you give it. It’s actually one of the hardest plants to kill.

So if you’re looking for something that will survive your black thumb, snake plants are a good choice.

Snake Plant Care

Lighting: Sansevieria like bright indirect light – unless you’ve acclimated it to something else. They will tolerate just about anything from direct sun to complete shade. Yep. You can put one of these in a bathroom with no windows, and it will be a long time before it will suffer from lack of light. It won’t grow, mind you, but it won’t die either. It will be quite satisfied if you move it to a bright location during spring and back to the bath for winter.

Water: here again you are in luck with the snake plant because it is very tolerant of neglect. In fact, you can let it dry out completely between waterings and it won’t batt an eye. It’s much less tolerant of overwatering, though. So err on the side of caution and if you think you should water it, maybe wait a week and then water it.

Soil: being susceptible to root rot, make sure you grow your snake plant in sandy, well-draining soil. You can use a regular potting mix with added sand or perlite or just grab a bag of cactus soil for this guy. Avoid something with a lot of peat as it will retain water and may lead to problems. However, if you bought a healthy plant from a well-maintained nursery, you likely won’t need to repot your snake plant any time soon.

Fertilizer: in spring to fall, you can fertilize once a month with a succulent formula if needed. Unless your plant is growing quickly, be careful not to overdo the plant food. Since it’s a slow grower, it doesn’t need a lot of extra nutrients. Hold off on fertilizer in the winter.

Native conditions: in the wild, snake plants will grow in zones 9 and up. It does not like cold weather at all. Temps as low as 50F can cause damage and a frost will cause it to leave this earth. So for most of us, our snake plants will need to remain indoors most of the time. You can move it outside in the summer, but be careful not to shock a plant that’s been in low light with a sudden burst of direct light. You will get leaf burn that way.

Snake Plant Varieties

There are over 70 different species of Sansevieria, also known as Snake Plant or Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, which are native to Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. These plants are known for their hardy nature and ability to thrive in a variety of environments making them popular choices for use as houseplants. 

Dracaena trifasciata  formerly Sansevieria trifasciata

The snake plant, Laurentii, is perhaps the most well-known and widely cultivated species of Snake Plant. It has long, upright, sword-like leaves that are green with distinctive silver or grey stripes running horizontally and sometimes yellow streaks vertically along the length of the leaves. 

It’s a lovely houseplant and any indoor gardener would never turn one down. But if you want to get some different snake plant varieties (that are still easy to care for), have a look at these 10 unique snake plant varieties.

Sansevieria cylindrica – African Spear Plant

This species of Snake Plant is native to Angola and is characterized by its cylindrical leaves which are a deep green color. It is a slower-growing plant and is more drought-tolerant than some of the other species. It’s got a very interesting growth habit that can be left wild or braided for a more tamed aesthetic.

Whale Fin & Shark Fin

This species is native to West Africa and is characterized by its large, oval-shaped leaves which are a deep green color with lighter green or yellow stripes running along the length of the leaves. The big difference with the whale fin and shark fin varieties is that the leaves are very wide which makes them a very interesting houseplant especially when grown as a single specimen. It’s a minimalist, modern look that anyone can appreciate.

Blue Sansevieria aka Sansevieria ehrenbergii

With a striking growth pattern in the shape of a fan, you’ll love growing this unique snake plant. Another one of the cylindrical snake plant varieties, this one has such an interesting pattern of growth. In the right conditions this one can grow to be several feet long and wide so keep that in mind if it starts getting to big, you might want to propagate.

Sansevieria ‘Cleopatra’

Taking a break from the harsher lines of other snake plant varieties, Cleopatra has the sweetest scalloping along its leaves and a habit of growing in a rose pattern. This dwarf snake plant grows to about a foot tall, and if you see one in the store grab it. This is one of those rare snake plant varieties that are harder and harder to come by.

Sansevieria ballyi

Bursting with clusters of small plants, ballyi is a very interesting type of snake plant. Its cylindrical leaves grow in small rosettes making them a variety that is sometimes grown as a dwarf. However, if kept healthy dozens of the clusters can grow from the same plant making a wild and interesting living thing. Anyone else think they look like the shrimp hands from Beetlejuice?

Sansevieria Kirkii

Sansevieria kirkii is known for its long, scalloped leaves which are green with distinctive silver or grey stripes. Sansevieria kirkii is a good choice for use in indoor spaces because it remains small and can tolerate low light conditions. It is also said to purify the air by removing toxins, making it a popular choice for use in homes and offices.

Golden hahnii

This is a cultivar of Sansevieria trifasciata and is characterized by its small, compact size and short, narrow leaves which are green with distinctive yellow stripes. It’s also known as the bird’s nest snake plant because of it’s diminutive growth.

Sansevieria gracilis

This species is native to West Africa and is characterized by its narrow cylindrical leaves which are a light green color with darker green stripes running horizontally along the length of the leaves.

Tornado and Twister Snake Plant

If you’re looking for something with curves, you can’t go wrong with these two. Their dark green leaves twist and twirl earning them a name after the spinning winds of the midwest. A dwarf snake plant hybrid variety, the tornado and twister snake plants are great for bringing life and greenery into small spaces and offices. Twisted sister snake plant has a similar look.

Moonshine

With a lovely sage green color, the moonshine snake plant is a pleasure to behold. It’s a nice break from the streaks and stripes of other snake plant colors. The silvery green color can be affected by lighting so if you notice your plant darkening up, give her a boost of light to encourage that paler sheen.

In addition to the above species, there are many other types of Snake Plants available for cultivation, including hybrids and cultivars. Some of these are more rare and may be difficult to find, while others are more widely available. Regardless of the specific type, Snake Plants are generally easy to care for and make great plants for both experienced gardeners and those who are new to plant care.

Propagating Snake Plants

Now that you have your favorite snake plants at home, you’ll be glad to know that they are quite easy to propagate. While you can also grow snake plants from seed, it’s slower and has a high failure rate. Fortunately taking leaf cuttings from snake plants is easy peasy.

1. Cut a section off of a healthy leaf. Cutting into a point like the natural shape of the leaf helps to hide the scar and makes it easy to remember which end goes up. Lay it on a paper towel and set it aside for a day to let the cut end dry. This helps to prevent rot on the cut end.
2. After it’s dried, dip the cut end in rooting hormone and place it into soil or water depending on how your preference. It will root well with either method. As far as soil, choose a well draining potting mix, like a succulent mix. If it’s in water, change the water every couple of days to a week. If it’s in soil, water it well and keep it slightly moist for a few weeks while it’s developing new roots.
3. After a few weeks, you can repot your new snake plant into any container that pleases you.

Regardless of which method you choose, it is important to keep the soil moist (but not soggy) and to provide the young plants with plenty of light in order to encourage healthy growth. With proper care, your propagated Snake Plants should thrive and grow into healthy, mature plants.

How do I know when my snake plant needs to be repotted?

You won’t need to repot your snake plant very often. It is common to let them stay in the same pot for 2-3 years at a time…unless it’s growing rapidly and is showing signs of stress. Here are a few signs that may indicate that it is time to repot your Snake Plant:

1. The plant is pot-bound – If you notice that the roots of your Snake Plant are growing out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot, or if you see roots visibly growing above the soil surface, it is likely time to repot the plant.
2. The plant is overcrowded – If you have multiple Snake Plants growing in the same pot and they are starting to crowd each other, it may be time to repot them into separate pots to allow for proper growth.
3. It starts to need water more often – plants that are severely root bound will use up water at an increased rate. If you’re finding that your plant is needing more frequent watering, check the roots to see if it’s rootbound and repot if needed.

In general, the best time to repot houseplants is in the spring when the plant is just starting to come out of its dormant period. This will give the plant plenty of time to adjust to its new pot and soil before the growing season begins. When repotting a Snake Plant, choose a pot that is one size larger than the original pot. Make sure it has drainage holes and use a well-draining cactus mix to minimize the risk of root rot.

What’s wrong with my snake plant?

There are a few common problems that people may encounter when growing Snake Plants (Sansevieria), including the following:

Yellowing leaves – One of the most common problems with Snake Plants is yellowing leaves. This is most frequently caused by over-watering or possibly a lack of sunlight. If your plant’s leaves are yellowing, the first thing to do is check the moisture level of the soil. If it’s soggy and has a bad odor, get that baby out of there asap. Take a look at all the roots and remove anything slimy and black then repot in fresh soil and don’t overwater it. If you do happen to overwater your snake plant, you can move it to an area with more light. Increased light will encourage it to use up the water in the soil more quickly.

Drooping leaves – If the leaves of your Snake Plant start to wilt or droop, it could be a sign that the plant is getting too much water or not enough light. Alternatively, if the soil is loose and unsupportive, the plant can sag or fall over. Make sure you have filled your snake plant’s pot with quality, well draining soil.

Brown tips on leaves – If the tips of the leaves on your Snake Plant start to turn brown, it could be a sign of over-watering or under-watering. Make sure you are watering the plant consistently and that the soil is well-draining to prevent this problem.

Make sure to address any issues as soon as they arise. Plants undergoing stress are more likely to get infested with houseplant pests.

Common houseplant pests on snake plants

Like any plant, Snake Plants (Sansevieria) can occasionally be susceptible to pests. Some common pests that may affect Snake Plants include mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites. Mealybugs are small, white, cottony insects that feed on the sap of the plant and can cause leaves to yellow and wilt. Aphids are small, green or black insects that feed on the sap of the plant and can cause leaves to curl and become distorted. Spider mites are tiny, spider-like insects that feed on the sap of the plant and can cause leaves to yellow and become mottled.

If you notice any of these pests on your Snake Plant, there are a few steps you can take to control them:

1. Isolate the affected plant – If you have multiple plants, it is a good idea to isolate the affected plant to prevent the pests from spreading to other plants.
2. Remove the pests – If the infestation is small, you may be able to remove the pests by spraying your plant with water or place a sticky fly trap if they’re flying insects.
3. Use a pesticide – If the infestation is more severe, you may need to use a pesticide to control the pests. There are many different pesticides available for use on houseplants, but many minor infestations can be controlled with organic neem oil solutions.

It is also a good idea to practice good cultural care to help prevent pests from becoming a problem. This includes keeping the plant well-watered and fertilized, and providing it with proper lighting and ventilation. By following these simple steps, you can help to keep your Snake Plant healthy and pest-free.

Do all types of snake plants clean the air?

One of the most interesting things about Snake Plants (Sansevieria) is their ability to purify the air by removing toxins. These plants are said to be able to absorb toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air, making them a recommended choice for use in homes and offices. In fact, a study conducted by NASA found that Snake Plants are among the most effective plants at removing toxins from the air and improving indoor air quality.

Are snake plants poisonous to pets?

Technically, yes. Snake plants are poisonous to people and pets, so it is not recommended to eat them. Symptoms of poisoning can vary from mild gastrointestinal upset (vomiting and diarrhea) to numbness and swelling of the mouth and throat. If you’re concerned about snake plant poisoning, please see a medical professional immediately.

Overall snake plants are excellent choices for novice and experienced indoor gardeners. You can hardly kill them, they’re so generous and forgiving. Just make sure you don’t OVER water and you should be able to enjoy all these snake plant varieties and benefits for many years.

The post 10 Unique Snake Plant Varieties You’ll Want To Grow appeared first on You Should Grow.

How to make your plants grow faster

No matter what plant you’re growing, there are 3 things all plants need to grow at their fastest pace.

Light: Even low-light plants need some light. If you don’t have a sunny window, simply twist a grow light bulb in a lamp you already have and place it near your plants. Moving your plants to more light will instantly encourage them to grow faster. Just know that when they grow faster they will need more watering and fertilizer attention.

Watering: Overwatering is a very common reason for houseplant problems. There is no one size fits all watering schedule for plants. The type of plant and the environment it’s living in dictate watering needs. When you do water, make sure to water thoroughly.

Fertilizer: Your plants need basic nutrients to be especially lush, so make sure you’re adding some liquid fertilizer in your waterings or add slow-release granules or sticks to your potting medium. Follow the directions on your fertilizer bottle as you can easily overdo it and kill your plants. It’s normal for plants to slow growth or go dormant in the winter, but if you’re maintaining an indoor environment keep giving them a boost as long as you see new growth.

Fast growing indoor plants require more maintenance

Repotting: you’ll need to make sure your fast growing plants aren’t overgrowing their containers. Check to make sure the roots are not coming out of the drainage holes or twisting around and around the sides of the root ball.

Crowding: along those same lines, bigger plants need more space to have adequate ventilation. Make sure you are giving the plant the room it needs to grow big. Touching walls and other plants can discourage its growth.

Soil requirements: a plant can only be as healthy as the soil it is grown in. The largest concern is overwatered and wet soil which can lead to root rot and all kinds of bad things for your plants. Each plant prefers a different type of soil, but make sure you’re using quality brands and ingredients (the same goes for your fertilizer as well).

Things that slow the growth of your plants

• Not giving them enough light
• Inconsistent or incomplete watering
• Smothering them in soggy soil
• Not providing adequate nutrients
• Keeping them in too small of a container

What are some fast-growing, easy-to-care-for houseplants?

If you want your plant to grow fast, it’s going to be higher maintenance. It will need more water and more fertilizer and will need to be repotted sooner. However, some of the plants listed here need so little care that you could easily create a perfect balance of new growth rewards with relatively low maintenance. So if you’re wanting to know what plants grow the fastest, check out these 20 picks.

Heart Leaf Philodendron

Talk about an easy keeper, pretty much anyone can keep a philodendron alive. And she’ll happily grow as long as you give her simple care. In ideal conditions, you can grow your philodendron up your wall and around the corner. If you don’t have the space, simply keep her pruned back to suit your needs.

Spider Plant

If you love to propagate your plants, this guy is sure to please you. Lovely bright variegated leaves, and it sprouts babies like gangbusters. Often grown in hanging planters, spider plants droop and drip over their containers to a gardener’s delight.

Epipremnum aureum, Pothos

Similar to the philodendron, the pothos is a vining beauty that will happily grow and grow as long as you give it the space. Being so prolific, in some areas, it’s known as devil’s ivy. It’s also easy to propagate so you could buy a single plant and quickly fill your home with its lovely greenery.

Peace Lily

Peace lilies are frequently given as gifts and touted as tolerant of low light. But if you want it to grow fast, give it bright light, keep the soil consistently moist (but not soggy), and fertilize monthly. Re pot it as needed because its roots are growing as much as the leaves.

Fast Growing Succulents

Looking for plants that will grow fast and like the least watering? Succulents are known for needing infrequent watering, but when you do water make sure you water thoroughly. Check out these quick spreading succulent varieties that don’t require a lot of maintenance.

Pilea peperomioides, Chinese Money Plant

Also known as the friendship plant, Pilea makes a very cute and forgiving houseplant. If given adequate light and not over-watered, this cutie will thrive and is sure to please. Super easy to propagate and share with friends, or leave the pups with the mother and let it fill out.

Jade Plant

Known for being a low-maintenance plant, Jade is a great houseplant for beginners. Its number one concern is not being overwatered. This succulent is said to bring luck to those who care for it and makes a great housewarming gift.

Aloe vera

Practically a household necessity, keeping a live aloe vera plant in your house is essential for your first aid kit. It’s fairly low maintenance, but can grow quite large and produce little pups spreading both upward and outward.

Hoya obovata

A unique and beautiful plant, the hoya obovata is one of the fastest-growing hoyas and tends to be the least finicky. It does prefer bright indirect light and really dislikes overwatering, so if yours isn’t growing like gangbusters, consider whether it’s getting the right care.

Dracaena trifasciata (aka Snake Plant, Mother-in-law Tongue)

Known to be one of the hardest houseplants to kill, the snake plant is an easy keeper that will adapt to pretty much any surroundings. If you want it to grow fast and furious though, keep it under bright light and fertilize monthly. They can grow quite large so be prepared to re-pot as needed.

Dracaena Sanderiana (aka Lucky Bamboo)

This classic houseplant is a symbol of good fortune (except in groups of 4 stalks) and requires little care. It’s quite happy grown in water or cactus soil. Did you know it’s not actually a bamboo, but more closely related to the snake plant above? That said, it makes an easy-care houseplant that anyone can be proud of.

Unique Looking Houseplants

These plants may not be rare, but they do have a unique look that sets them apart from others on this list. Bringing in a variety of colors, shapes, and textures increases the beauty of your houseplant displays.

Gynura aurantiaca (aka Purple Passion Plant, Velvet Plant)

You’ll love the rich colors and texture of the velvet plant. Bright purple and magenta with a sweet fuzzy leaf, it’s low maintenance and a nice change from all the green. To achieve deeper color in the leaves, give them more light (but avoid direct sun or it will burn them).

Asparagus Fern

Left wild and crazy or neatly trimmed into a bushy mound, the asparagus fern is a welcome addition to your houseplant collection. With fine, whispy leaves growing on long drooping stems, it will be most happy in a humid room like your bathroom or kitchen. Keeping up with watering may be the biggest challenge, but the final result is definitely worth the effort. While there are several types of asparagus ferns, A. aethiopicus is the variety most commonly grown indoors.

Monstera Deliciosa, Split-leaf philodendron

Oh monstera, thou art the most famous of houseplants. And for good reason, their uniquely shaped (and quite large) leaves are just so iconically beautiful. It’s such a pleasure to grow and watch the leaves mature from solid to their famous swiss cheese appearance. Remember this is actually a vining plant so as it gets bigger, you’ll need to support it with a moss pole or similar design.

What are the fastest growing indoor plants?

If quick growth is the main goal, these pretty plants are among the fastest growing on this list. You might even find that it outgrows your space sooner than expected. In addition to philodendron, pothos, and spider plants the following plants are the fastest growing houseplants. In fact, they’re so fast you’ll need to add ‘prune houseplants’ to your monthly to-do list.

English Ivy

Whether you’re looking to cover a wall or a pretty trellis, an English ivy plant will quickly provide results. It’s an easy keeper indoors, too, and with several varieties of leaf shapes and colors, you’re sure to find a look that suits your aesthetic.

Mint

An uncommon houseplant, however, mint is one of the few herbs that will tolerate an indoor environment. In the garden, it’s known to be invasive and in the right conditions, you can get similar growth indoors. Plus, it’s a wonderful cooking herb – personally, my favorite addition to any tea.

Syngonium podophyllum, Arrowhead Plant

Left to itself in the right conditions, the arrowhead plant will send out its lovely vines in every direction. Be prepared to stake and clip this plant up your walls, along your ceiling, and anywhere it wants to go. It does enjoy high humidity, so it’s a great choice for your bathroom as well.

Tradescantia zebrina (aka Wandering Jew, Wandering Sailor)

Any of the Jews (plants not humans) are quick to form a very lovely mound of growth. Especially pretty in hanging containers, you will love the purple variegated leaves of this variety. It’s happy to grow in a sunny window, and you may even get frustrated by how frequently it needs to be pruned (or propagated).

Fast-growing indoor trees

Growing indoor trees is popular for making a statement in your home decor. Growing a tree may require more maintenance, but if you’re down for the challenge try one of the following big beauties.

Dracaena trifasciata, Fiddle Leaf Fig

Known to be finicky, the fiddle leaf fig is still a very popular houseplant. Just look at its giant yet elegant leaves and you’ll understand the appeal. Also, it requires a delicate balance of attention and neglect, so figuring out how to get it healthy and beautiful in your space will certainly bring bragging rights among your houseplant friends.

Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)

With large graceful leaves that almost look fake, this is a popular choice for making a statement in your home or office. Healthy dieffenbachia can grow to 6′ tall and 3′ wide. To improve humidity around this plant, set it on a tray of pebbles with a little water, place it in your kitchen or bathroom, or simply group it with several other plants to improve humidity.

Weeping Fig / Ficus

The ficus houseplant is quite versatile being grown in small bonsai style or as large 6-foot trees. It’s a fast growing plant, and you may need to prune it often to keep it an appropriate size for indoors. In their native environment, these trees have been known to grow up to 60 feet tall!

Rubber Plant

Maturing up to 10 feet tall, rubber plants are hardy and forgiving when grown indoors. Things it doesn’t like include too much water, a spot that is drafty (like next to a door you use frequently or directly in front of an a/c vent), and being moved around a lot. So pick the right spot, leave it there, and just don’t forget to water it.

Growing an indoor jungle

Choosing plants that grow quickly can be a source of pleasure and pride. Make sure you’re choosing plants that are most appropriate for your space so you don’t get frustrated. If you’re not getting the results you want, consider each plant individually and run through this short checklist.

1. Is it in a bad location? Most houseplants don’t want to be right under or in front of an a/c vent. It not only changes the temperature of the air around them but can dry them out very quickly. In the winter, make sure they aren’t sitting next to a drafty window that could be giving them the chills every night.
2. Is it getting appropriate light? Most indoor plant enthusiasts invest in one (or 50) full spectrum grow lights sooner or later. No, it’s not too much to get each plant its own light if you need to. It brightens up your space and makes your plants happy.
3. Did I f-up the watering? All plants have a goldilocks zone for watering – not too much, not too little, but juuust right. Some of them have great big goldilocks zones that give you plenty of wiggle room which makes growing them much easier. But others are going to be very sensitive to any inconsistency in their watering. If your plant seems unhappy, do some research about how and when it likes to be watered – and perhaps whether it should to be distilled or filtered.
4. How is the soil? Last but not least, check on the health of the soil in your plant’s pot. Stick your finger or a wooden skewer down to check the moisture. If it’s soggy, you may even want to remove the plant and check for root rot. Remove brown mushy roots and leaves and repot with fresh soil. If it’s not rotted, then when was the last time you fertilized or repotted it? While the plant is growing, most will enjoy a houseplant fertilizer once monthly. As far as repotting, some plants will tolerate or even thrive in a root-bound pot, but others will wilt and pout until they’re given more space.

Sit back and enjoy fresher air

Once you have your favorite greenery surrounding you indoors, you’ll never want to live without them. It’s not just that they are a reminder of the beauty of life, but they refresh and purify your indoor air through photosynthesis making you healthier and happier. It’s true, studies have suggested that having a living wall of plants can actually improve your quality of life. And it only makes sense, right? Humans are not meant to live in sealed up little boxes.

What’s your favorite fast growing houseplant? Share your thoughts below.

The post 20 Fast Growing Houseplants That Will Liven Up Any Space appeared first on You Should Grow.

So what’s hot for 2023? Let’s take a look at what may be the most popular plants for the new year.

Big and Bold Statement Plants

Plants with big and bold leaf designs are very popular for adding interest and variety to your plant collection. While the Monstera or Swiss Cheese Plant is a popular choice, many houseplant enthusiasts are looking for something new and different.

Bird of Paradise

Bird of Paradise is going to have a hot moment in 2023. To be on trend, go as big as possible for your space. Often used in landscape plantings in warmer climates, this striking bloomer also makes a great houseplant. Show her off in a bright sunny spot (a north or east-facing window is best) and she’ll reward you with show-stopping foliage and make a big, bold statement.

Paper Plant

Fatsia japonica, aka paper plant, is also a fun choice for its interesting foliage. It likes bright (but not direct) light and high humidity, so it is happy in your bathroom or kitchen where it’s naturally more humid. It won’t tolerate drying out well so water it as soon as its soil is 50% dry.

Low Light Plants To Brighten Dark Spaces

Plants that can tolerate low light settings are gaining popularity for bringing life to dark spaces. Make a note, however, that they tolerate low light which is different from thriving in low light. Here are a few suggestions.

Alocasia Black Velvet

Not only does this one meet the bold leaves requirement, but it’s also quite happy to live in low-light settings. In fact, its dark leaves are its adaptation to surviving in low light. You’ll want to keep this baby out of direct and bright sunlight which makes it perfect for a space with few windows.

Watering needs will vary depending on your space, but generally, you’ll want to water when the top 50% of your soil is dry. If it seems like it’s requiring frequent watering, you can add a humidifier or pebble tray to add humidity to its space.

Ponytail Palm

Plop a ponytail palm in any room to instantly add whimsy and interest to your space. To properly care for this precious beauty, you have to recognize that it’s not a palm or a tree, but rather a succulent. So even though it will grow in low light, it is most happy in bright light. In fact, if you keep it in a low-light space, you’ll get the best results if you put it outside in warm months. And don’t go crazy with the water for this guy. Its thick trunk stores water so let it dry out completely between waterings.

Other easy to grow low-light plants to consider: peace lily, pothos, snake plant, and ZZ plant.

Colorful Leaves Bring Cheer To Indoors

Pink is especially popular, but we will also see lots of bright reds, greens, and yellows. Dark and variegated leaves are also trending.

Stromanthe Triostar

A striking choice with deep green variegated leaves and pops of pink that are sure to please. This one also likes bright light, but direct sun will bleach its color. Let it dry out up to 50% between waterings.

Philodendron Imperial Red

Another colorful choice that is popular is Philodendron Imperial Red. Philodendrons are very prolific houseplants. This variety is a neat choice because, as it grows, it changes from bright red to burgundy to dark green making it fun to watch. Bright but indirect light is the prescription for this plant and be sure to let it dry out between waterings.  

Indoor Trees To Impress

Tall statement plants can add a lot to your decor. Some popular indoor trees for 2023 include bird of paradise, cat palm, and money tree.

Cat Palm

The cat palm is popular for bringing in a tropical feel. It prefers bright, indirect light although it will tolerate some direct sun. Its native environment has high humidity so it likes to stay moist but not wet. Water evenly when the soil is 50% dry and use filtered water if your tap water is high in chlorine and minerals.

Money Tree

The money tree is also hot for 2023. Choose a large, mature plant to bring in height and soft green color or a smaller plant for your office or desk. It thrives in low-light settings and is low maintenance, but it doesn’t adjust quickly to new settings. So try to pick a good spot for it and leave it alone.

Blooming Houseplants With Vintage Vibes

Violets and Begonias

Violets and Begonias are trending again for their nostalgic throwback to your grandmother’s house. Specifically, these plants are precious in groups and tablescapes. Their blooms can add color and a sense of life to little corners in your house. I wouldn’t put them in the ‘easiest houseplants to grow’ category, but give them bright light and don’t miss their watering and they’ll provide you with endless beauty.

Orchids

Not into the throwback style? Consider orchids. Orchids make striking houseplants and offer tons of variety to fit your style. Although they require little care, they are a bit picky. Too little light can decrease blooms, so 10-16 hours of bright indirect light is required for the best show. Also, don’t overwater these guys. Root rot is a real issue with this beauty.

Make a statement with your current collection

Some plants are trending, but this is not to say that you should puck your pothos, and you definitely want to hang on to strings of succulents. The plant core look is always going to be appealing, but if you want to tweak it for the new year, you could always get them a new pot or give them an interesting trellis to grow on and change the look entirely.

What houseplants will you be hunting for in 2023?

The post Trendy Houseplants We’ll Be Seeing A Lot Of In 2023 appeared first on You Should Grow.

You Should Grow Houseplants

You might think that you have a black thumb, but I promise you growing houseplants isn’t hard. Further, there’s no shame in killing a houseplant. We’ve all done it.

In fact, the most common reason for killing houseplants is overwatering. That means most of us are paying too much attention to our houseplants.

This is good news for anyone who thinks they don’t have time to care for houseplants. The key is to choose the right plant and the right location.

Research the types of plants you want to grow, then choose one that is best suited to your home. And don’t let lack of light stop you, you can always supplement with artificial lighting.

Benefits of houseplants

In addition to their effects on anxiety and depression, their unassuming beauty is a natural complement to many decor styles, and through photosynthesis, they use up carbon dioxide and release oxygen improving the air quality in your home.

I love how plants add beautiful natural color to a room. Whether it’s the soft green fronds of a Boston fern or bright blooms of spring-flowering bulbs, I think plants fit in with any decor.

And let’s not forget about the power of aromatherapy. Grow some sweet smelling blooms like hyacinth or daffodils to remind you that there is plenty to be grateful for even amid times of uncertainty.

Favorite Easy To Grow Houseplants

Some plants are more suited to indoor growing. Plants that tolerate low light are ideal for indoor gardening, and you can grow houseplants even in spaces that don’t have a ton of windows.

Most of my indoor gardening experience is with edible plants like tomatoes and herbs. But recently, I’ve been growing more houseplants.

I just love being surrounded by greenery and life. So here are some of my favorite houseplants and some easy to grow recommendations I’ve got on my wishlist.

Spring flowering bulbs

Light: Bright indirect lighting
Moisture: Do not let soil dry out
Temperature: Cold hardy

If you even a slightly sunny spot, try growing tulips, daffodils, and hyacinth indoors. You can always plant the bulbs out in the garden later, but let them bloom one time indoors.

Colorful flowers are cheerful and a good choice if you don’t mind the pollen. If you get seasonal allergies, blooming plants might not be the best choice for you. I bought blooming bulbs at the garden center, but if you’re buying bare bulbs, here’s some helpful info to force blooming.

Ferns

Light: Indirect light – at least 2 hours daily
Moisture: Likes humidity, do not let dry out
Temperature: 50-70F

Ferns are excellent low light plants. They have beautiful intricate leaves that unfurl from the most beautiful spiraled fronds. Their fronds are delicate, and can’t tolerate hot direct sunlight.

Dappled and indirect light is ideal for ferns. While they are easy keepers, you can’t let your ferns dry out. They like to stay moist and can help with humidity in the air.

Pothos

Light: Moderate, indirect light
Moisture: Allow top 2 inches of soil to dry between waterings
Temperature: 55 – 85F

In my short experience growing Pothos, I can understand why it’s so popular among houseplant enthusiasts. The glossy, heart-shaped leaves gently cascade out of its container and down any surface it touches.

It thrives in indirect light and has grown quite quickly in my shady glass porch. You can easily overwater this plant and cause yellowing of leaves, too much light can also cause the leaves to turn colors.

Spider Plant

Light:  Bright indirect lighting
Moisture:  Use well-draining soil, do not overwater
Temperature: >50F

Next on my list to grow is the spider plant. I love how the variegated leaves can provide contrast to other monotone plants. But my favorite thing about this plant is how it grows little baby plants that hang down like spiders dropping out of their web.

It’s said to be one of the most adaptable and easy to grow plants, so I’ll for sure be picking one of these up ASAP.

Jade Plant

Light:  At least 4 hours, tolerates direct sunlight
Moisture: Water when the top of soil is dry, do not overwater
Temperature: 50-75F

Another beautiful houseplant I’m looking to add to my collection is the Jade Plant. This lovely succulent is easy to grow as long as you don’t overwater it.

It grows slowly and is low maintenance. It has such an interesting growth habit, and, if you take good care of it it, will make the most lovely and delicate blooms.

String of Nickels & String of Pearls

Light: Moderate to bright indirect light
Moisture: Water when top 1/2 of soil is dry
Temperature: 55-80F

Love, love, love the trailing leaves on these vining succulent plants. These beauties are so interesting to look at and add a warm touch to any room.

Aloe

Light: Full sun to part shade
Moisture: Water when top 2 inches of soil is dry
Temperature: 55-80F

Aloe is an easy to grow plant that not only purifies the air but is also edible and has medicinal properties. It’s low maintenance, but expect it to do better in sunnier locations.

Swiss Cheese Plant

Light:  Bright indirect light, avoid direct sunlight
Moisture: Water when top inch of soil is dry
Temperature: 50-80F

This is a beautiful glossy green leaved plant that adapts well to indoor gardening. As it grows, new leaves mature and get slits or holes earning this plant its name. This shrub grows quite large under ideal conditions, so don’t underestimate it’s growing space.

It rarely flowers and forms fruit when grown indoors, but if you ever have the pleasure, indulge in the sweet tropical flavors of this plant’s fruit.

Snake Plant

Light: Low to bright indirect light
Moisture: Allow to dry between waterings, do not overwater
Temperature: 50-85F

If you’re looking for a plant you can’t kill, the snake plant is your answer. Also known as Mother-in-law’s Tongue, its simple erect stature offers a contrast to softer houseplants like the fern.

So many great houseplants!

As time goes on, I’m sure I’ll grow my collection of houseplants as well as keep adding new plants to my wishlist. But since it makes me happy and it’s good for my mental health, I have no problem with that.

How about you? What are your favorite houseplants to grow?

The post Growing Houseplants Improves Air And Mood appeared first on You Should Grow.