Tall Houseplants
Large plants can be a focal point in your home and add a touch of texture. They require less maintenance than smaller houseplants.
Large green leaves, such as the Bird of Paradise, are quick-growing and thrive in bright sunlight. They also give your space a splash of color.
Dragon Tree 'Madagascar'
The Madagascar Dragon Tree, or Dracaena Marginata, is a popular tall indoor plant due to its stunning foliage and easy care. It is a member of the Dracaena Genus and is identified by the red blood-like resin it produces when cut or damaged it is believed to resemble the blood of a dragon from its native Madagascar home.
The Madagascar Dragon Tree, like many other members of dracaena's family, is extremely adaptable and durable. This plant grows well in containers and can reach 6 feet or more when not pruned. However, it can be cut down by regularly pruning. As long as it has adequate light and moisture the plant can thrive in all conditions and should not be affected by excessive watering.
The best location to grow your Madagascar Dragon Tree would be in a room with indirect lighting. Be sure to keep it out of direct sunlight since it can cause scorching of the leaves and cause the red resin to fade. The ideal place to plant your Madagascar Dragon Tree is a North facing window ledge, or a location that receives shade from the East or West or South windows.
Dragon trees require a moderate amount of humidity. This can be achieved by misting the leaves regularly in the majority of homes. This is especially important if you have the plant in a room that is prone to becoming dry, like your bedroom or office.
When the soil gets too dry it is possible that a Madagascar Dragon Tree will begin to produce brown leaf tips. Try adding more water to your container to keep it moist. You can also boost the humidity by placing it in a group of plants that release moisture through their leaves or by putting it on a tray with pebbles and water (so the bottom of the plant is higher than the level of water). This is a very resilient plant that is easily revived as long as the root ball is healthy.
Propagating a Madagascar Dragon Tree is easy as can be and the plant is typically sold at retail nurseries in cuttings from the mature plant to be sold as new plants. It is also possible to grow by air layering stems which is a simple procedure which will quickly result in an entire plant.
Dwarf Umbrella Plant
The Dwarf Umbrella Plant is a favourite among those who grow houseplants. It is among the fastest growing plants, able of reaching six feet or higher with good light levels. It's also capable of climbing and is ideal for rooms with high ceilings. The foliage is beautiful dark green with creamy blotches. It is available in various variegated or all-green varieties.
Umbrella plants are tolerant of different conditions, however it is recommended to provide them with plenty of sunlight and avoid temperatures that are too low. They also grow quickly and can be overgrown in a short season. To keep them looking great keep them pruned regularly and take out dead foliage. It is simple to repot these plants because they grow quite well in small pots.
It is important to water your dwarf umbrella plant with a watering hose or watering can that emits fine mist. This will ensure that the soil is evenly moistened. This method of hydration will prevent root rot. Wait until the top inch of soil has dried before re-watering and don't allow the soil to remain damp. The amount of water required is also affected by humidity and temperature. In summer it is recommended to increase the frequency of watering, and reduce it slightly during winter.
Fertilize the dwarf umbrella plant every two weeks with an ordinary fertilizer designed for plants that produce foliage. This will promote healthy and lush growth as in the development of flower buds if you want. You can do this while you irrigate your plant.
Regularly trimming your dwarf Umbrella Plant is also a great idea. This will keep it from becoming leggy and tangled, as well in allowing it to keep the most healthy, lush foliage it can get. It is also recommended to remove any blooms that appear immediately after they appear and take them down as soon as you see them.
If you're planning to propagate your Dwarf Umbrella Plant, the University of Florida recommends snipping off 1-inch stems with no foliage from just below the uppermost leaves and placing them in a sterile environment like seed starting mix or rooting gel. Keep them warm and moist until they root, which usually takes approximately 1 to 2 months.
Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree
Fiddle Leaf Figs may be the most popular houseplant of today, but they can be a bit difficult to care for. They require plenty of sunlight, and they don't like drafts or temperature extremes. It is normal for these plants to drop their leaves as a result of changes in the environment. If the plant sheds a large amount of leaves, the area for absorbing sunlight may be reduced, which can slow down its growth.
Fiddle Leaf Fiddles can reach to as high as a foot each year in the right conditions. If a ficus begins slow down, it means something is wrong. It could be because the plant doesn't get enough light, or the soil or container are not suitable.
The key to caring for a Fiddle Leaf Fig is to provide it with bright, filtered light. In an indoor environment it may be difficult to get enough light of this type, so you may need to supplement with LEDs or other lighting sources for your plant. The plant will thrive without being exposed too much to direct sunlight, which could cause the leaves to burn or turn brown.
This type of plant needs the best potting soil available that is well-draining. Over-watering can cause root rot, among other issues. It's best to let the soil air dry out between waterings. However, if you do, make sure to use water that isn't too cold or hot.
Give the plant more light to encourage branching. This will make it more likely to stop growing straight up toward the sky and start branching out from the sides. Another method to encourage branching is to trim it regularly, taking off any damaged or overgrown leaves and trimming branches that cross to keep the plant neat.
Mast suggests using the test of touch to determine when you should water your plant. Place your finger in the soil until it is at the middle of your knuckle. If low maintenance house plants feel that there is still the soil clinging to your fingers then it's time to water.
Spider Plant
Spider plants (Chlorophytum Comosum) make a great tall houseplant to use in the sunroom, conservatory, or other tall spaces. It is a relatively simple plant to grow and does a good job clearing the air in your home. Their beautiful green flowers are stunning and can be a beautiful accent to any room.
These plants are quite adaptable to different levels of light, however they do best in bright indirect sunlight. They can tolerate low levels of light however their health and growth will suffer if they are in dark places for long periods of time. Watering is crucial because these plants don't like to be overly dry. It is also important to mist the plants often to prevent fungal issues. You can also place a tray of pebbles underneath the pot to help provide water.
One of the great things about these plants is their ability to create baby plants quickly! It is recommended to take the trailing spiders from the mother plant once they have roots at least one inch in length. Then you can plant them in new pots with well-draining pots and soil. The new plants will start to grow within the next few weeks. Then, you can take them out of the pot and allow them and let them continue to grow.
This is a resilient plant that doesn't require frequent pruning. However, it could benefit from being cut at the beginning of spring to encourage new growth and blooming. It can be positioned in the middle of a hanging basket and they look especially beautiful falling down from the ceiling. Spider plants are safe, which means they are safe for homes with pets or children.
They may also be affected by bacterial leaf blight as well as pest infestations. It is also important to inspect them regularly for bacterial and pest-related leaf blight.