Philodendron, fern and difenbachia are in the spotlight again. However, not because of the new fashion, but because of the weather conditions, which do not encourage you to stay outside for a long time and make you spend more time at home.Long-lived green plants enliven the interior, filling it with a lot of positive energy.
It has long been proven that they soothe and calm the nerves.They also improve the quality (humidity) of air, catch dust, absorb substances harmful to the body floating in the rooms.They don't expect much in return.Headlera, pachira, epipremnum or tradeskantia will be grateful for a clear position, regular irrigation and nutrition. Sansevieria and zamiokulkas are even less demanding. They are masters of survival and adaptation, and they hardly have any competition in this respect.
On the market, not only in garden centers, but also in chain stores, there are a lot of new, durable varieties of house plants, mostly imported. So their choice is increasing. It is worth mentioning the new varieties and species of sansevieria.Among them, the cylindrical sansevieria with leaves in the form of pointed rods braided into fancy braids stands out.In turn, the Hottentot Crassula has thick, fleshy leaves that look like green beads strung on a string. This succulent withstands dry house air well.
A fern is a classic in at least a dozen more or less popular species. It is very dignified, e.g.in golden flebodium (golden fern).This species has quite stiff leaves and, unlike other small-leaved species such as nephrolepsis, tolerates dry air and does not lose its vigor also during the winter heating season.
Flowering plants are appreciated by collectors of house plants. Kalanchoe, bromelia and phalaenopsis bloom for a very long time. Their cultivation does not cause major problems, as long as they are provided with the required minimum living.It was the low requirements that made some plants also willingly placed in offices or in corridors.The record holder in this respect is probably zamiokulkas.
Plants with veined leaves are a very interesting proposition, not only for apartments. A good example is, among others phytonia. Croton, royal begonia and koleus also have variegated leaves.Such colored plants should be displayed in bright places.Otherwise their leaves will lose their characteristic color.
Plant care in the apartment
Potted plants should be cleaned regularly. And not only because the washed leaves look more aesthetically pleasing, but also because they allow the plant to function properly.Species with large, smooth leaves should be cleaned with a soft, damp cloth or sponge, using lukewarm water and a little gray soap.
Then rinse them thoroughly, being careful not to let the soapy water get into the roots. Another way is to wash the plants in the shower (weak stream of water).A small plant is enough to turn the pot upside down, immerse it in lukewarm water with a little soap and gently move it a few times.Then rinse it carefully with clean water.
In summer, the most effective method of washing plants is to expose them to rain in a sheltered place.The advantage of such cleaning is that rainwater does not leave a white residue. Plants whose leaves are covered with hairs are "dusted" with a soft, dry brush.
Cleaning the leaves from dust is an important treatment during winter, when plants have very little daylight and the dust accumulated on the leaves reduces it even more.
