More plants of the week

Okay, let’s go for more of those really tough foliage plants that are easy to grow indoors, look great, clean the air, make you feel good…and did I meantion easy? J 

Golden Pothos – also known as Devils Ivy / Taro vine / ivy arum (Epipremnum aureum) Not only is this an easy one to grow, it’s also one of the best air purifiers!  Fast growing vine, yet easily clipped and controlled (easy to propagate as well), likes brighter light (nothing direct) but tolerates lower light conditions, and likes to get dry before watering again. Whose mom and grandma didn’t have a pothos or two?  Many great selections available today!


Cast Iron Plant – also known as Bar Room Plant - (Aspidistra elatior)  Definitely your basic looking indoor plant with long lance shaped leaves, this tough-as nails houseplant performs just as well outdoors in the shade (summer only) as it does indoors everything from bright light (nothing direct) to low light areas.  Drought tolerant let this bullet proof plant dry out before you water.  Basic looking, but one extra tough indoor plant, and outdoors in the shade.  The name says it all.

Chlorophytum comosum, or commonly known as Spider Plant or Airplane Plant, is definitely in the top 10 easiest plant to grow.  Spider plants are easy to grow, being able to thrive in a wide range of conditions. They will tolerate temperatures down to 35 °F, but grow best at temperatures between 65 °F and 90 °F. And it’s best to let them dry out between waterings; they have large swollen tubes under the soil to hold water.  They tolerate low and bright light, and are one of the best for reducing indoor air pollution.

Arrowhead Vine

Syngonium podophyllum, or commonly known as Arrowhead Vine, is again one of the most common houseplants, featuring distinctly arrow-shaped leaves.  Many to choose from, and the colorful leaves keep their variegation -- even in low-light spots, so this is a top pick for dressing up just about any corner of your home.  Also called Nepthytis.

Peperomia species, or known as Peperomia, are a diverse group of small houseplants with waxy and often highly textured leaves. Its waxy, colorful foliage adds a splash of color in any room -- without taking up a lot of space.  Tolerates low light and wants to dry between waterings.

Crassula ovate, or know to you and me as the Jade Plant, this slow grower can survive for decades if it has bright light and stays dry. It combines well with cacti and other succulents. It appreciates normal room temperatures during the growing season, but grows best if you keep it on the cool side and just moist enough to prevent leaves from shriveling through winter.  Low-water, treelike plant with interesting, gnarly branches and succulent, fleshy leaves.

I would like to add the many different types of succulents available today which most require about the same care as the Jade.  One in particular would be Haworthiopsis attenuata, or commonly known as Zebra Plant.  Takes bright or low light and withsatnds long periods of drought, cool and warm temps, and basically non attentive abuse.  That’s why you see it on so many desks in office settings!


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