ANNIE SCHLECHTER
24.07.2023 - 11:53 / hgic.clemson.edu
Are these gloomy winter days getting you down? One way to brighten up your home is the addition of tropical houseplants. Some of my favorite flowering ones are moth orchids (Phalaenopsis species), amaryllis (Hippeastrum species), cyclamens (Cyclamen persicum), kalanchoes (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana), and African violets (Saintpaulia ionantha). I also like adding interesting foliage plants such as bird’s nest (Asplenium nidus) and rabbit foot ferns (Davallia fejeensis), pothos (Epipremnum aureum), heartleaf philodendrons (Philodendron hederaceum), and snake plants (Dracaena trifasciata). An indoor garden, especially during the winter, helps satisfy my need to be surrounded by plants. My husband claims he’s living in an indoor jungle but secretly enjoys being surrounded by plants.
Not only do houseplants provide an aesthetic touch to your home, but they also help purify the air. If you have pets that like to nibble on plants, do your research before purchasing a plant to ensure that what you’re bringing into your home is not poisonous. The ASPCA Poisonous Plant site is an excellent source for finding a toxic and non-toxic plant list for dogs, cats, and horses.
Every fall, I order several amaryllis bulbs (Hippeastrum species) to pot up for flowering through December, January, and February. Watching the flower stalk(s) emerge for several weeks before blooming provides much enjoyment. After flowering, I can plant the bulbs in my landscape in the spring when the fear of frost has passed. For more information on amaryllis, see HGIC 1551, Amaryllis.
Another favorite that gives me months of flowering is a moth or Phalaenopsis orchid. These orchids are some of the easiest to grow and usually cost the same as a bouquet of fresh flowers.
ANNIE SCHLECHTER
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