A houseplant is usually a tropical or semi-tropical plant that is grown indoors in places such as residences and offices. Houseplants are commonly grown for decorative purposes and health reasons such as indoor air purification.[1] Divisions Green algae Chlorophyta Charophyta Land plants (embryophytes) Non-vascular plants (bryophytes) Marchantiophyta - liverworts Anthocerotophyta - hornworts Bryophyta - mosses Vascular plants (tracheophytes) †Rhyniophyta - rhyniophytes †Zosterophyllophyta - zosterophylls Lycopodiophyta - clubmosses †Trimerophytophyta - trimerophytes Pteridophyta - ferns and horsetails Seed plants (spermatophytes) †Pteridospermatophyta - seed ferns Pinophyta - conifers Cycadophyta - cycads Ginkgophyta - ginkgo Gnetophyta - gnetae Magnoliophyta - flowering plants... See also list of house types. ... OFFICE WORK IS SHITE!! NEVER WORK IN ONE! end of. ...

Caring for a houseplant

Major factors that should be considered when caring for houseplants are moisture, light, soil mixture, temperature, humidity, fertilizers, potting, and pest control. The following includes some general guidelines for houseplant care. For specific houseplant needs, the tags that sometimes come with plants are notoriously unhelpful and generic. Find care instructions for the species in a book or online. Loess field in Germany Soil horizons are formed by combined biological, chemical and physical alterations. ... spreading manure, an organic fertilizer Fertilizers (British English fertilisers) are compounds given to plants to promote growth; they are usually applied either via the soil, for uptake by plant roots, or by foliar feeding, for uptake through leaves. ... Potting is the action of placing a plant in a container filled with soil. ... Larval form of some beetle is damaging specimen of Sceliphron destillatorius in entomogical collection. ...

Moisture

Both under-watering and over-watering can be detrimental to a houseplant. The best way to determine whether a plant needs water is to check the soil moisture. To do this, use your finger, as moisture meters are notoriously inaccurate. Potted plants must be allowed to reach an appropriate level of dryness in between waterings, and what that is varies greatly depending on the type of plant. Proper soil moisture can range from still slightly moist on the soil surface to very dry to nearly the bottom of the pot. Watering a plant by the calendar is not recommended. If a plant does need to be watered, pour water slowly over the surface of the soil until it begins to drain out the bottom of the pot, ensuring complete saturation. However, sometimes the soil separates from the sides of the pot, allowing the water to flow down the sides of the rootball and out the bottom too quickly to be absorbed and retained by the soil and roots. If this is the case, it may be necessary to set the plant in a shallow dish of water long enough for it to soak up enough water to moisten the rootball to its center. Repotting should eliminate this problem.

Light

Through the process of photosynthesis, plants convert the energy in sunlight to chemical energy, which fuels plant growth. The two important factors for providing light to a house plant are intensity and duration. The leaf is the primary site of photosynthesis in plants. ...

Different plants require different light intensities. Intensity (or quality) of light is difficult to measure without a light meter. It is usually measured in units of lux. 100 lux or less is usually considered "low intensity" or "indirect" lighting. A bright office has about 400 lux of illumination. 1,000 lux or more is usually considered "high intensity" lighting. Direct outdoor sunlight is in the range 32,000-100,000 lux. The lux (symbol: lx) is the SI derived unit of illuminance or illumination. ...

The duration of light exposure is as important as the intensity. Quality exposure of 8 to 16 hours is ideal for most plants.

Windows are the most common sources of light for houseplants. In the Northern Hemisphere, south-facing windows have the most sun exposure, while western, eastern, and north-facing windows have progressively less exposure. Natural sunlight through windows is affected by seasonal changes, cloud cover, and window treatments.

Artificial light sources can provide an alternative or supplement to window lighting. Fluorescent lighting provides excellent light quality whereas standard incandescent bulbs do little to promote plant growth. "Cool", or "blue", fluorescent lights provide the light needed for green foliage plants, while "warm", or "red", fluorescent lights provide the light needed for blooming flowers. Fluorescent bulbs that fit into standard screw-in light sockets are readily available.

Soil

Houseplants are generally grown in specialized soils called potting compost or potting soil, not in local natural soil. A good potting compost mixture includes soil conditioners to provide the plant with nutrients, support, adequate drainage, and proper aeration. Most potting composts contain a combination of peat and vermiculite or perlite. Concern over environmental damage to peat bogs, however, is leading to the replacement of peat by coir (coconut fibre), which is a sustainable resource. A nutrient rich compost can usually be bought wherever potted plants are sold. Loess field in Germany Soil horizons are formed by combined biological, chemical and physical alterations. ... Potting is the action of placing a plant in a container filled with soil. ... Soil conditioners, also called soil amendments, are materials added to soil to improve plant growth and health. ... Peat in Lewis, Scotland Peat is an accumulation of partially decayed vegetation matter. ... Vermiculite is a natural mineral which expands with the application of heat. ... Expanded Perlite Perlite is an amorphous volcanic glass that has a relatively high water content. ... This article does not cite its references or sources. ... Virgin boreal acid bogs at Browns Lake Bog, Ohio A bog is a wetland type that accumulates peat, a deposit of dead plant material. ... Coir (Etymological origin: from Tamil and Malayalam - kayar - cord) is a coarse fibre extracted from the fibrous outer shell of a coconut. ... Binomial name Cocos nucifera L. The Coconut Palm (Cocos nucifera) is a member of the Family Arecaceae (palm family). ...

If local natural soil is to be used, it should first be heat sterilized by placing the soil in an oven at 90°C (194°F) for at least 30 minutes. This will ensure that the soil does not contain any harmful bacteria. Most locals soils, especially those with a high proportion of clay, do not drain well enough to be a suitable growing medium for houseplants. Coir or peat is used to increase aeration and make heavy soils more absorbent. Vermiculite and perlite aid in drainage in a soil mixture. Perlite is recommended over vermiculite because it does not break down as easily. A coarse grade sand or grit can be used as a substitute for a drainage mechanism if needed. These three ingredients can be mixed in varying ratios to create different potting soil types. For a plant that requires fast drainage, such as a cactus, use plenty of coarse sand, grit or perlite. For a plant that requires plenty of moisture, use more coir. A good all purpose soil mixture is 2 parts coir and 1 part perlite or vermiculite. A so-called "heavy soil mix" will contain sterilised soil, milled sphagnum moss or coir, and perlite in equal proportions. It is also possible to make a soil mixture that actually contains no soil by mixing equal parts peat moss and perlite (or vermiculite). The soiless mixture will retain more moisture. Celsius relates to the Celsius or centrigrade temperature scale. ... Fahrenheit is a temperature scale named after the German physicist Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit (1686–1736), who proposed it in 1724. ... Patterns in the sand Sand is a granular material made up of fine rock particles. ... Look up grit, GRIT, grits, GRITS in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Wikipedia:Translation/Cactus Genera See Taxonomy of the Cactaceae The name cactus, plural cacti or cactuses, has been traditionally given to any member of the flowering plant family Cactaceae. ... Species See text. ...

Temperature

Most houseplants are tropical species selected for their adaptation to growth in a climate which ranges from 15°C to 25°C, similar to the temperature in most homes. Temperature control for other plants with differing requirements needs attention to heating and/or cooling.

Humidity

Humidity is slightly more difficult to control than temperature, but is less important. The more commonly used houseplants have established that they can survive in low humidity environments as long as their roots are kept properly irrigated. Most plants thrive in 80% relative humidity while most homes are usually kept around 20% to 60% relative humidity. Besides buying a humidifier, there are a few things that can be done to increase humidity around houseplants. One of the most popular methods used to raise the ambient humidity around a houseplant is to use a pebble tray which is made by filling the drainage pot used by the plant with small pebbles, rocks, polished glass or similar material. The tray is then filled with water and over time the water will evaporate and increase the humidity around the plant. Other methods of raising humidity include grouping plants closely together and not placing plants in drafty areas. Misting plants does little to raise the humidity of plants. Humidity is the concentration of water vapor in the air. ...

Fertilizers

In a potted environment, soil nutrients can eventually get depleted. Adding fertilizer can artificially provide these nutrients. However, adding unneeded fertilizer can be harmful to the plant. Because of this, careful consideration must be taken before fertilizing. If a plant has been in the same potting mix for a year or more and is growing vigorously, then it may be a candidate for nutrient replacement done by using a complete fertilizer at half the recommended label dilution rate.

Fertilizers are usually marked with a number such as 20-20-20. These numbers indicate the percentages of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, elements that are needed for plant growth. A 3-1-2 ratio of these elements is usually good for green foliage plants, while a 1-2-1 ratio is usually better for flowering plants. A complete fertilizer will also include the minor and trace elements, such as calcium, magnesium and iron. General Name, Symbol, Number nitrogen, N, 7 Chemical series nonmetals Group, Period, Block 15, 2, p Appearance colorless Atomic mass 14. ... General Name, Symbol, Number phosphorus, P, 15 Chemical series nonmetals Group, Period, Block 15, 3, p Appearance waxy white/ red/ black/ colorless Atomic mass 30. ... General Name, Symbol, Number potassium, K, 19 Chemical series alkali metals Group, Period, Block 1, 4, s Appearance silvery white Atomic mass 39. ...

While variation may occur between brands, a general rule is to mix 1 tablespoon to every gallon of water. In all cases, it is better to under-fertilize than over-fertilize. The diluted mixture is then used to water the plants. The growth of the plants should be monitored to determine if the fertilizer is helping or harming, and how often (if at all) it should be used. Schedules can range from every other week to every three months.

An indoor Aloe vera plant in a clay container

Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1024x768, 522 KB) Summary This was taken by me. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1024x768, 522 KB) Summary This was taken by me. ... Binomial name Aloe vera (L.) Burm. ...

Pot types and sizes

Proper pot size is an important factor to consider. A pot that is too large will cause root disease because of the excess moisture retained in the soil, while a pot that is too small will restrict a plant's growth. Generally, a plant can stay in the same pot for two or so years. Pots come in a variety of types as well, but usually can be broken down into two groups: porous and non-porous. Porous pots are usually clay and are highly recommended because they provide better aeration as air passes laterally through the sides of the pot. Non-porous pots such as glazed or plastic pots tend to hold moisture longer and restrict airflow. Another needed feature is drainage holes. Usually pots come with holes in the bottom to allow excess water to flow out of the soil which helps to prevent root rot. If a pot does not have drainage holes, it is best to double pot that plant so the inner pot can be lifted out and the excess water accumulated in the bottom of the outer pot can be removed. Wash old pots thoroughly in a dishwasher or by hand to kill any bacteria that may remain. An alternative method of potting/repotting, than at the same time allows to create, inside of the vase, a consisting water reservoir, sufficient at least for seven or ten days, contemplates use of a sealed device in leaking material (woven not woven), that contains just inner all the necessary for maintenance and water-drainage of ornamental plants. Put the device in water, wait 20 minutes, to give the crystals inside time to expand completely (they absorb up to 450 times their weight in water), put it in a pot with a suitable diameter, add your plant and complete potting/repotting as usual. The slow release fertiliser, contained inside the device, ensures the right amount of nutritional substances for the whole growing season. According to the indications supplied by the manufaturer, the device is moreover capable to ensure the correct drainage of soil, avoiding rot of the radical apparatus.

List of common houseplants

Tropical houseplants

• Asparagus Fern (Asparagus densiflora)
• Bromeliads
• Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
• Citrus
• Dracaenas
• Dumb Cane (toxic Dieffenbachia)
• Ferns
• Gloxinia (Sinningia speciosa)
• Mother-in-law's Tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata)
• Neanthe bella palm
• Orchids (Orchidaceae), see also Semi-hydroponic for growing orchids
• Palms
• Philodendrons
• Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
• Prayer Plant (Maranta)
• Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
• Schefflera arboricola
• Spathiphyllum
• Ti Plant (Cordyline)
• Wandering Jew (plant)
• Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)
• Zebra Plant

Genera See text Bromeliads include epiphytes, such as Spanish moss, and ground plants, such as the Pineapple. ... Species Aglaonema is a genus of about 20 species of flowering plants in the family Araceae, native to the tropical swamps and rainforests of southeastern Asia from Bangladesh east to the Philippines and north to southern China. ... Species See text. ... Species & major hybrids Species Citrus aurantifolia - Key lime Citrus maxima - Pomelo Citrus medica - Citron Citrus reticulata - Mandarin & Tangerine Major hybrids Citrus ×sinensis - Sweet Orange Citrus ×aurantium - Bitter Orange Citrus ×paradisi - Grapefruit Citrus ×limon - Lemon Citrus ×limonia - Rangpur lime Citrus ×latifolia - Persian lime See also main text for other hybrids Citrus... Species See text. ... Dieffenbachia is a genus of tropical monocots with patterned leaves. ... Species See text Dieffenbachia is a genus of tropical plants in the Family Araceae noted for their patterned leaves. ... Classes Psilotopsida Equisetopsida Marattiopsida Polypodiopsida A fern is any one of a group of about 20,000 species of plants classified in the phylum or division Pteridophyta, also known as Filicophyta. ... Gloxinia can refer to: The genus Gloxinia of flowering plants; The plant species Sinningia speciosa, formerly classified in the genus Gloxinia. ... Binomial name Sinningia speciosa Baill. ... Binomial name Sansevieria trifasciata Prain. ... Chamadorea is a genus in the family Arecaceae. ... Orchid re-directs here; for alternate uses see Orchid (disambiguation) Genera Over 800 See List of Orchidaceae genera. ... Subfamilies Apostasioideae Cypripedioideae Epidendroideae Orchidoideae Vanilloideae For genera, see list of Orchidaceae genera. ... Semi-hydro culture. ... Genera Many; see list of Arecaceae genera Arecaceae (sometimes known by the names Palmae or Palmaceae, although the latter name is taxonomically invalid. ... Species See text A Philodendron is a tropical plant that grows by climbing up a host tree (The name derives from the Greek - lover of trees. ... Binomial name Epipremnum aureum (L.) Engl. ... Genus Afrocalathea Ataenidia Calathea Cominsia Ctenanthe Donax Halopegia Haumania Hylaeanthe Hypselodelphys Ischnosiphon Koernickanthe Maranta Marantochloa Megaphrynium Monophrynium Monophyllanthe Monotagma Myrosma Phacelophrynium Phrynium Pleiostachya Sanblasia Saranthe Sarcophrynium Schumannianthus Stachyphrynium Stromanthe Thalia Thaumatococcus Thymocarpus Trachyphrynium The Marantaceae are a family of monocot flowering plants. ... Binomial name Ficus elastica Roxb. ... Binomial name Schefflera arboricola (Hayata) Kanehira Schefflera arboricola (syn. ... Species See text Spathiphyllum is a genus of about 40 species of monocotyledonous flowering plants in the family Araceae, native to tropical regions of the Americas and southeastern Asia. ... Cordyline is a genus of woody plants in the family Agavaceae. ... Binomial name Tradescantia pallida (Rose) D. Hunt // Meaning of the name Wandering Jew is the colloquial name used to refer to three separate (but related) species of spiderwort. ... Binomial name Ficus benjamina L. The Weeping Fig or Benjamins Fig (Ficus benjamina) is a species of fig tree, native to south and southeast Asia south to northern Australia. ... Binomial name Ficus benjamina L. The Weeping Fig or Benjamins Fig (Ficus benjamina) is a species of fig tree, native to south and southeast Asia south to northern Australia. ... Binomial name Aphelandra squarrosa Nees Aphelandra squarrosa (Zebra Plant) is a plant species in the family Acanthaceae, which is native to Atlantic Forest vegetation of Brazil. ...

Succulents

• Aloe
• Cactus
• Jade Plant

Succulent plants, or succulents, are plants that store water in their enlarged fleshy leaves, stems, or roots. ... Species See Species For other uses, see Aloe (disambiguation). ... Wikipedia:Translation/Cactus Genera See Taxonomy of the Cactaceae The name cactus, plural cacti or cactuses, has been traditionally given to any member of the flowering plant family Cactaceae. ... Crassula ovata Conservation status: Secure Categories: Rosidae | Plant stubs ...

Forced bulbs

• Crocuses
• Daffodils
• Hyacinths

Shallot bulbs A bulb is an underground vertical shoot that has modified leaves (or thickened leaf bases) that are used as food storage organs by a dormant plant. ... Species See text. ... Species ????? Daffodils are a group of large flowered members of the genus Narcissus. ... The name Hyacinth can refer to: the Hyacinth from Greek mythology. ...

Others

• African Violets
• Begonias
• Bonsai
• English Ivy
• Norfolk Island Pine
• Peperomia

The African violet (Saintpaulia) is of the Gesneriaceae family. ... Species About 1500 species; see text Begonia is a genus in the flowering plant family Begoniaceae. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Species See text Hedera, English name Ivy (plural, Ivies), is a genus of about 10 species of climbing or ground-creeping evergreen woody plants in the Araliaceae, native in the Atlantic Islands, Europe, North Africa and across Asia east to Japan. ... Binomial name Araucaria heterophylla (Salisb. ... Peperomia is one of two large genera of the Piperaceae family. ...

See also

• List of garden plants
• List of air filtering plants

This is a partial list of garden plants, plants that can be cultivated in the garden, listed alphabetically by genus. ... This List of air filtering plants was compiled by NASA while researching ways to clean air in space stations. ...

References

• Indoor Plants - Soil Mixes, HGIC (Home & Garden Information Center) 1456, Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service
• Potting Mixes for Certified Organic Production, National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service

External links

• Plants Poisonous to Cats, The Cat Fanciers' Association
• Innovative ways of potting and repotting houseplants