Indoor Plants

Plants provide light, oxygen, food, shade and they also purify the air. These benefits are learned by heart by kids. We even believe in them religiously. But as we grow up, other luxury things fill our mind and house, driving the plants out. But when we get surrounded by concrete jungle, we wish to run back to the nature's lap. However, not all of us can live in an area surrounded by lush green trees, so we try to satisfy ourselves with a few indoor plants!

If you take a walk in a nursery, you will find thousands of beautiful houseplants. One is sure tempted to bring all of them home! It is practically impossible to do so, which is why you need to decide which kind of plants you want. Some plants grow well in shade, some purify the air while there are others which bear beautiful flowers. It can be really difficult to decide. So, refer to the following write up as it will provide you with information of a few varieties of indoor plants which are examples of each of the above mentioned plant varieties.

Best Indoor Plants

You need to consider the space available at your place before bringing home any plants. Also take in consideration the total time you can spend in taking care of the plants. Some plants need to be watered everyday, while others can survive if watered every alternate day. The following plants do not require excessive indoor plant care, however you have to water them and shift them as and when required.

Boston Fern: Boston fern is one of the most ideal houseplant! This elegant indoor plant is easy to grow and also to care for. The botanical name of Boston fern is Nephrolepis exalta. It is an evergreen plant which grows up to 40-50 cm long and 6-10 inches wide. The beauty of the plants is its leaves which are known as fronds. They grow in clusters from the base and are sickle-shaped. Boston fern is one of the indoor plants that clean air. So it is best to keep the fern in the living room. The plant needs partial shade so keep it where there is no direct sunlight. You need to keep a check on the humidity levels in case of indoor gardening. The soil should remain moist, for that place a tray of pebbles filled with water in the pot. Water the plant regularly, do not let the soil get dry.

Bleeding Heart: Though the name might sound weird, bleeding heart is a beautiful indoor plant with pink or white bloom. The botanical name of bleeding heart is Dicentra, it generally grows about 15-30 inches, however some varieties can also grow as long as 2 feet. So while choosing a bleeding heart variety make sure it is the smaller one. The plant got its name due to the shape of its flowers, the flowers have a heart-shape. When these flowers bloom, the inner white petals dangle down, which looks like a bleeding heart. Not is this flower just beautiful, it is also one of the indoor plants that don't need sunlight. Keep any variety of these plants in area of partial sunlight. They need to be watered regularly, you need to make sure the soil is wet. However do not over water.

Bamboo Indoor Plants: Lucky bamboo plant or any other variety of bamboo is a treat to the eyes! Indoor bamboo plants do not require any excessive care, the only factor you need to take care of is humidity. Maintain high humidity by mixing equal amounts of gravel, sand, small rocks and clay to the soil of the pot. Water the bamboo plant when the upper layer of the soil becomes dry. Though the plant looks good in long containers, place the bamboo shoots in a tub-like container as it assures well drainage of water.

Pothos: The pothos plant, botanically known as Epipremnun aureum or Scindapsus aureus is one of the best hanging indoor plants. Hanging or trailing plants come in different colors, however personally I like lush green climber plants, pothos is either dark green or variegated. You will need to hang the pot in a place where the plants can get medium sunlight, shift it to a shaded place if the sunlight is bright. You do not need to water the plant everyday, check the soil, if it is an inch dry only then water it. Do not over water the plant as the roots tend to rot if over watered.

There are some other plants like Chinese evergreen, peace lily, snake plant etc. that grow well indoors. If you are fond of tropical indoor plants; ponytail palm, yellow goddess, braided ficus tree are some of the best varieties available. So now that you know all about these plants, you can decide your favorite ones and bring them home soon!