Cool House Plants That Will Brighten Up Your Room
It's not always possible to fill every corner of your home with greenery however, a few plants will add that extra spark to any space. We rounded up some cool house plants that are sure to attract attention with their unique flowers and growth habits.
For jungle vibes in a small space, try a Madagascar dragon tree with the wavy fringes. The majestic palms look stunning in indirect light that is bright and bright.
Philodendron
Philodendrons are easy to maintain and can add an exotic look to your home. They usually tolerate dry conditions, and don't require a lot of sunlight. If you want to brighten your home with a plant, the Lemon Lime Philodendron can be a good choice. The leaves begin pinkish, but then transform into neon yellow and lime-green.
This climbing variety can have leaves that are up to 2 feet long and an appearance that resembles plastic. It is also known as Naugahyde Philodendron due to its resemblance of fake leather. It can be cultivated as a cascading or upright plant.
Another option is another option is the Horsehead Philodendron, which has deep green leaves that resemble the of a horse, but with an ears-up-top and nose-down-below appearance. It is best used as a climbing plant and has a post it can attach to. However it is also possible to grow it upright.
The upright varieties of philodendron can be slower to grow, and take up less room. They often have larger leaves and can be found in a variety of striped or variegated shades and varieties, including the Snake Plant, which has an ruffled leaf that appears like a slim version the pothos plant.
Anthurium
Anthurium flowers are long-lasting and beautiful. Easy-to-care for, they make an exquisite centerpiece or a gift. They are symbolic of friendship, love, and affection. They also represent the concept of longevity and are a popular wedding theme.
This tropical plant requires bright light to flower but not direct sunlight, which can dry the leaves and result in brown patches. The ideal spot is an area with a sunny window and filters. Keep the soil moist from throughout the fall and slightly dry in winter. Overwatering is often a cause of yellowing leaves. Repot anthurium plants every two years to allow new air roots to form.
Anthuriums do well indoors, with temperatures around 75 F and high humidity. If the relative humidity drops below 50%, spritz the plants with water a few times a week, or make use of a humidifier.
The 'Flamingo Flower' 'Hawaiian Heart' or 'Painters Palette' are a few common names for anthurium. Its flowers come in shades of red, pink white, purple, and bi-colors, such as green/pink and white/red. The "fluff on the Stem" is actually an actual spathe. It shields the tiny flower that is on the spike. The spathe itself comes in different shapes and colors.
Lucky Bamboo
Lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) is a cool house plant that can be planted in soil or water. Those in soil should be planted at least an inch deep, and those in water need to be kept filled to the top of the container. The plant is a fan of bright indirect light. If you place it too close to a window can scorch its leaves. Therefore, if you notice a brown hue on its edges, you should move the plant to a more shaded area. The lucky bamboo that is grown in water should be fertilized every two months using the use of a weak liquid.
Lucky bamboo that is grown in water should be changed regularly to avoid stagnation and the build-up of bacteria that can harm the stems, roots, and foliage. The water must be filtered or distilled, as tap water may contain harmful chemicals that could harm plants.
The plant is believed to attract wealth and prosperity. Put it in your living room or family room as a table centerpiece. It is said to bring prosperity and wealth. Two stalks of bamboo mean love, so you could even make use of this plant to promote the happiness of your marriage or relationship. This plant is also commonly called the Feng Shui love charm.
String Plant
Ceropegia woodii, also known as string plant (also known as string of pearls) is a cool house plant that thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. The plant has strange, pea-shaped foliage that gives it a unique look. It's a great addition to hanging baskets and terrariums.
String plants are a good option for people who are just starting out with houseplants as they require only minimal maintenance. It is also a good alternative for those unable to keep plants outdoors as it can tolerate light frost.
String plants, unlike other succulents prefer high humidity over dry air. Avoid placing it in areas where drafts are coming from appliances or windows. They can cause delicate foliage to fall.
Cut the vines down if you notice your string plant has become leggy with spindly leaves and large gaps in between the leaves. This kind of plant is prone to overwatering and should be watered only when it feels dry.
Be aware that the plants of the string of pearls contain a sap that could be toxic to both animals and humans. Ingestion can lead to dermatitis and moderate gastrointestinal symptoms. It's recommended to keep the plant out of reach of children and pets.
Staghorn Fern
Staghorn ferns are epiphytes that are able to attach themselves to tree canopy in the rainforest. They don't require soil for growth and can be positioned on a variety of surfaces around the home. They can be used to anchor air plant collections or accent orchids, or as a striking piece these unique foliage plants appear like something from outer space or beneath the sea.
In addition to their striking appearance, staghorn Ferns are safe for pets and children. They also make a wonderful addition to any living space.
To keep your staghorn plant healthy, spray the plant regularly with filtered or rainwater. This is especially important during dry and hot weather.
Fertilize your plants every month with an organic fertilizer that is diluted and balanced. You can also increase the humidity around the plant by using a humidifier or a tray filled with moist pebbles. Although staghorns ferns cannot take drought well like other houseplants, it's essential to avoid overwatering. Root decay can result from too much water. You can trim dead or dying fronds but don't take away the brown shield fronds that are vital to reproduce.
Ficus
Ficus (Ficus benjamina) is one of the most sought-after cool house plants that bring beauty and fresh air to your home. Often seen in hanging baskets or a climbing trellis, they are very versatile. Silver Cloud ficus has green leaves that are edged in white and is a beautiful plant for hanging baskets and tabletop. Burgundy rubber plant is a different alternative with deep-green leaves which transform into a burgundy-colored color when planted in bright light. Weeping fiddle leaf figs and figs are two other options that grow into small trees with lush, dark green leaves that have lighter veins.
Keep in mind that ficus quickly outgrow their pot and household and therefore need to be repotted regularly. When repotted, use larger containers with top-quality soil. Avoid overwatering ficus as it can become waterlogged and develop brown roots. The best method to determine whether your ficus requires water is to insert your finger into the soil and see if it is dry.
Be patient with your ficus since it is not able to handle sudden changes in light, humidity or moisture. It may drop its leaves when you move it from room to room. To help prevent tall house plants , give it an area in the house in which it will get moderate to bright indirect sunlight.
Swiss Cheese Plant
Monstera Deliciosa is also known as Swiss cheese plant and has perforated leaves. This epiphyte, also referred to as Mexican breadfruit, split leaf philodendron or Ceriman, is native to the southern Mexican rainforests of the south. It grows best when it has a bit of space, indirect light and a place to grow. Interestingly, a large mature Monstera plant could produce fruit that is said to taste like an ice cream or a combination of banana and pineapple.
This is a climbing plant and will thrive in a pot with drainage holes or a Trellis. To encourage this, simply loosely attach the main stem to a moss stick or a sturdy pole. This mimics the natural environment that it grew up in by climbing mossy branches and other structures of the jungle.
Swiss cheese plants thrive in bright indirect light. The need for watering is not essential, but they should be kept dry. Water the plant only when the top inch or two of soil appears dry. To speed up growth, feed the plant with an ad hoc liquid fertilizer each month, using a diluted mixture. But, it is essential to stop feeding your Monstera plant in winter months when it's not actively growing.