Selecting Plants for Indoors

Man's demand for living plants in his surroundings increases as our society becomes more and more urban. Interior use of plants brings us closer to nature and satisfies that innate desire most of us have to live in an environment filled with living, green plants. Foliage plants are excellent for indoor culture since they are able to survive environmental conditions unfavorable to many other plants.

Most any plant grown primarily for its leaf characteristics rather than flowers and utilized for interior decoration or landscape purposes is called a foliage plant. Many of the more popular foliage plants originated in the tropics and were gathered by plant collectors traveling in these areas. Foliage plants were originally maintained in collections and botanical gardens, but about 1925 commercial growing was started in Florida. Sales and commercial production have increased over the years until now the foliage industry is an important part of Florida's economy. Florida has a near ideal climate for foliage plant production and is the acknowledged "Foliage Capital of the World".

Everyone can grow foliage plants indoors with little effort if the right plant is used in the right location. The use of live foliage plants brings individuals closer to an outdoor type of environment, and the large variety of plants gives us the opportunity to select species that will serve as attractive additions to interior decor.

Large-leaved species such as rubber plants, monstera, dumb-cane and philodendrons are especially suited to commercial building interiors. They provide the size required to make them focal points in interior landscaping. Smaller specimens can serve a similar purpose in the home or apartment. Even smaller plants like peperomia, prayer plant, pothos and others are well suited as accessory decorations such as dish gardens.

Light is probably the most important factor to consider when selecting a plant for interior use. Without ample light, plants deteriorate quickly and must be replaced. Many foliage plants require moderately high light intensity but those native to tropical rain forests are injured when placed in full sun. Desirable light levels are obtained near windows and may range from 50 to 2000 foot-candles. Plants which tolerate low light areas, say 8 to 10 feet from a window, include aglaonema (called Chinese evergreens), cast-iron plant, bamboo and parlor palms, jade plant, English ivy, several bromeliads and sansevierias.

The zebra plant, Norfolk-island pine, croton, coffee, Ti plant, velvet-leaf philodendron and African violet require high light intensities. Such areas receive greater than 200 foot-candles of light. Areas within 4 feet of large south, east, or west facing windows are suggested for these plants.

Dozens of other foliage plants grow well in medium light areas 4 to 8 feet from windows. Included here are ferns, dracaenas, many figs, philodendrons, begonias, peperomias, pothos, nephthytis, areca palm, false aralia, wax plant and many, many others.

Proper selection of foliage plants for different areas of the home will reward you with colorful and functional additions to your interior decor.


Copyright by Dr. Bob's Gardening Tips