The best house plants are the ones that have the most foliage, color and waxy texture. They should be easy to maintain, relatively easy to grow from seed, and be able to tolerate a wide range of climactic conditions. There is another group of “houses” that, although they are often disregarded because they do not have as much foliage or waxy texture, can produce beautiful flowers and fruit. There are some varieties, however, that fall into the hybrid category.
Houseplants, generally, will thrive when they are given the proper care and attention. Some varieties will thrive in areas with cool mornings, mild evenings, and early morning sun. Others, although they may look “cool” during the daytime, will not thrive in warm temperatures. Knowing the best house plants for your area is a very important part of being a good gardener.
You should take the time to learn what plants will work well for your type of climate. One of the best house plants for a cold climate is the member of the mint family, the Botanical Name for which is Leimo Marigolds. These will take off very easily in cold weather and will stay green all year round. Because they have many different colors and foliage, this variety is a great choice for anyone who wants a green thumb to plant.
If you live in a hot climate, or are in a home with young children, there are other varieties that you may want to consider. One of the best house plants for a hot climate is the variegated leaf tomato. This variety will tolerate hot summers and will also withstand some shade. It is also quite easy to grow and has a large array of colors. The variegated leaves on the larger leaves are also used in creating homemade salsa.
For those of you who prefer more shade than sun, consider a member of the palm family, the Aloe genus. There are many different species of Aloe, that will thrive in a variety of conditions. The one that we are most interested in is the Aloe Barbadensis millerana. This species will do well in being planted out in full sun, however it does do better when planted in partial shade. If you are able to find an area where there are lots of indirect light, the aloe plant will flourish.
If you are trying to create low-light environments in your home, then you might consider one of the many varieties of snake plants. The Bells Peppermint and the Coneflower can both thrive in low light environments. They also have many other attractive features such as shiny leaves and vibrant green foliage. Because these plants are naturally low-light plants, you may have trouble finding them in stores that sell ornamental plants, but they are out there and readily available.
Plants like the Leylandii are not recommended for those who live in areas that are prone to extensive amounts of drought because they are often susceptible to leaf discoloration and root rot. If you are looking for plants that can tolerate extreme weather, then you might be interested in members of theophyllum family, which includes such plants as the Philodendron and Odontoglossum. These plants have adapted to a variety of conditions and will flourish even under heavy drought or direct sunlight. If you are looking for something that is less delicate and more self-reliant, then you might want to consider a member of the Umbelliferae family, which includes such plants as the Papaver somniferum and the Verbenaceae. These plants are naturally more low-maintenance and will thrive even under drought or direct sunlight.
In the colder months, succulents are great for filling in spaces between beds as well as providing some interest to a room’s exterior. They are slow-growing and so you won’t have to worry about replanting them every few years. There are also slow-growing members of the cucurbitaceae family, including cucumbers, melons, beets, carrots and potatoes that make good companions for your home’s interior as long as they are given the proper care. Other succulents that you may consider growing alongside your flowers and plants include herbaceous herbs such as basil, mint, chives, parsley, marjoram, oregano, Rosemary and thyme.
