Archive for the ‘Interior Plants’ Category

Plants You Can’t Kill

Posted on: January 15th, 2012 by frank No Comments

Plants You Can’t Kill

 

These houseplants are the best place to start your collection. They are all easy to grow and can generally withstand erratic watering, uneven or bad light, and fluctuating temperatures. They âll thrive in dorm rooms, offices and sometimes even dismal corners.

Golden pothos vine (Epipremnum pinnatum ‘aureum’)There’s a reason this vine is one of the most popular hanging plants around. In its native habitat, golden pothos grows into a tree-swallowing monster with huge yellow and green leaves. As a houseplant, the plant will grow aggressively from pots or trailing baskets with minimal care. They will easily root in a simple glass of water. With better care, large, mottled, mature leaves may develop.

 

 

Spider plant (Chlorophytum)A well-grown spider plant is a magnificent thing. The plant grows easily in baskets or atop columns, with arching leaves. The variegated variety is by far the most common. Over time, a mature plant will send out plantlets or offsets on long stems that form an impressive hanging display. These plantlets can be easily potted up to create new specimens. Spider plants are not picky about water, light or temperature.

 

 

Snake plant and mother-in-law’s tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata and S. trifasciata laurentii)Actually in the same family that includes dracaena and liriope, there are many varieties of sansevieria that are exceptionally tough. They like plenty of light, but they can handle less if necessary and they aren’t too particular about watering—providing there isn’t too much. When repotting is necessary, the main clump can be easily divided. These plants are striking additions to a collection. The snake plant features green on green bands on sword-like leaves, while the mother-in-law’s tongue has yellow leaf margins.

 

 

Dracaena speciesThere are many varieties of dracaena suitable for home growth. The D. Draco and D. Marginata are wonderfully easy plants that tolerate a wide variety of conditions. These plants feature arching leaves from a woody stem. Dracaena leaves can be green, yellow and green, or even tri-colored. Also a member of the agave family, they like to be regularly watered in the summer and almost left dry throughout the winter. D. Fragrans is often used to make the popular Ti plants, or false palms.

 

 

Succulents and CactiThere are dozens of varieties of succulents and desert cacti flooding into garden centers and grocery stores. In general, succulents are desert plants with thick, fleshy leaves. Some of them have spines, and some none. Agave is an example of a popular succulent, along with aloe and popular echeveria rosettes. Cacti generally have spines and interesting leaf structures, including barrels, paddles and columns. As a class, succulents and cacti are slow growing and will withstand tremendous abuse. They do best with bright light, well-drained pots and little water. In the right placement, these are plants that truly thrive on neglect.

 

BromeliadsThese plants have gained an unfair reputation, probably because of the difficulty required to coax a bloom from a bromeliad. It’s true that making these jungle plants bloom in the house is a tricky task. They require copious warmth and water, along with high humidity and filtered light, to produce their showy flower spikes. However, many species of bromeliads have beautiful leaves that are attractive by themselves. Bromeliads plants are usually watered by filling the central cup. They require little fertilizer, and when pups appear around the base of the plant, these can be potted up to increase your collection.

 

 

Lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)Technically a dracaena species, lucky bamboo is the perennial office plant. Untold pots of these thrive in awful conditions, sporadically watered with bad lighting and poor air quality. Nevertheless, lucky bamboo lives on. These make wonderful gift plants, and many people believe they bring good luck and enhance the chi, or energy, of their surroundings.

 

 

 

Plants as Indoor Natural Air Purifiers

Posted on: January 13th, 2012 by frank No Comments

 

Plants as Indoor Natural Air Purifiers

FROM THE FABULOUS WEBSITE URBAN GARDENS – VISIT THEIR WEBSITE AT URBANGARDENSWEB.COM

Green Flow

In its study of the effects of plants on interior air quality and sick air syndrome, NASA pointed out that “if man is to move into closed environments, he must take along nature’s life support system.”

Green Flow

In its study of the effects of plants on interior air quality and sick air syndrome, NASA pointed out that “if man is to move into closed environments, he must take along nature’s life support system.”

Green Flow, recipient of the James Dyson International Design Award, is a desktop air purifier that plugs in via USB to your computer. It claims to clean the air using Tillandsia Usneiodes, or air plants, as the filter.

Gardening with a purpose

Posted on: January 12th, 2012 by frank No Comments

Gardening with a purpose

from the website  greenplantsforgreenbuildings.org

PHILADELPHIA (ARA) Put on your garden gloves
and join in the fun because “gardening with a purpose” is taking
root.

The purpose may be to grow your own food or create urban
sanctuaries, but planting for a greener good is changing
neighborhoods and communities — one garden at a time.

According to the Association of Professional Landscape
Designers, homeowners are growing more of their own food  more
herbs, vegetables and fruit trees  both in dedicated vegetable
gardens and mixed in the garden among flowers and shrubs.

I think of course with the economy people are going toward home
gardens growing their own fruits and vegetables,” said Rick
Pleggenkuhle, agriculture and horticulture program coordinator for
Cerro Gordo County’s Iowa State University Extension office in
Mason City. “I think you see that a lot of the time during slow
economic times as people try to save money.”

Chris Brown, co-owner of Garner Greenhouse, agreed that the
trend will continue into 2011.

Oh yes, fruits and veggies they’ve been on the increase since
the recession kicked in,” he said. “I’ll probably increase my
inventory again to try to accommodate the demand.”

But its not just food production that’s driving today’s
gardener. As backyard conservationists, gardeners are transforming
yards, gardens, rooftops and even urban alleys into green and
productive spaces.

Heres a glimpse of what Susan McCoy, garden trend spotter, and
others see for 2011.

Gardening with a purpose

Nine out of 10 households want to manage their lawns and gardens
in an environmentally friendly way, according to the National
Gardening Association.

Gardens continue to reflect awareness of how our landscapes
enhance and improve the environment around us,” Patricia St. John,
president of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers,
said of this trend.

Since healthy plants start with healthy soil, people are looking
for sustainable and organic soils.

People are trying to do things organically by reducing
pesticide use to control weeds and bugs and growing stuff
organically, Pleggenkuhle said.

Eco-scaping

The move to de-lawn large tracks of turf and transform lawns
into sustainable landscapes is achievable with the right plants
that use less water and pesticides.

Beautiful native plants are low-maintenance plants that attract
wildlife and beneficial pollinators like butterflies, bees and
birds. 

 

Sustainable containers

For small space gardens, growing food in containers makes
sense.

“I see more people going with container type gardens as opposed
to getting out into the yard and going that route,” Brown said.
“It’s definitely a lot easier and has instant gratification. A lot
of people don’t have tons of time to spend out in the garden, but
people want color and pizzazz.”

Blended containers with herbs and veggies provide a one-two
combo for freshness and convenience. And, containers blooming with
natives, re-bloomers and ornamental grasses beautify spaces and
benefit the environment.

 

Succulents

Dry gardening using less water is bubbling across the nation.
Attractive and low-maintenance succulents have showy flowers and
thick, fleshy foliage that stores water like a camel’s hump.

Drought-tolerant and able to thrive in a variety of conditions,
succulents look great in small gardens and large landscapes. Get
ideas from Costa Farms on varieties that you can mix with
perennials, containers and standalone or in roof gardens.

 

Indoor gardening

From âœsteampunk❠Victorian hipster decor rocking among young
urbanites to upscale suburban homes, decorating with houseplants
like orchids, ferns and palms is hot.

Chic and easy to grow, orchids add a lavish touch to any room.
Plus these hard-working beauties clean indoor air of volatile
organic compounds and provide oxygen.

Phalaenopsis (moth) orchids as well as other varieties are
perfect choices for affordable, colorful plants that look as
comfortable in 21st century homes as they did in Victorian days. 

Growing up with vertical gardening

Vertical gardens are becoming increasingly popular and will
grow far beyond anything we can envision,” said Joe Zazzera, with
Plant Solutions Inc. and Green Plants for Green Buildings
(GPGB.org). “Businesses are seeing the productivity, environmental
quality and return on investment that indoor plantings and vertical
living walls are bringing to their projects.”

From containers with climbing vines, flowers and veggies to
vertical walls blooming with edibles, plants are growing up.

 

Urban farming and CSAs

In step with the move to reinvigorate communities, urban farming
and Community Supported Agriculture farms (CSAs) are springing up
nationwide. Urban farming “micro-farms” are converting small spaces
in blighted areas into thriving farms that grow fresh produce for
inner city communities.

CSAs offer fresh produce and provide the chance to learn about
varieties, maintaining plants and sharing experiences.

 

new urbanism

Sustainable urban communities that offer spots to enjoy an
outdoor lifestyle are on the rise.

Planting water-wise plants, collecting rainwater, building
walkable streets and fostering diversity of shops, homes and
apartments with less turf and more plants encourages better
stewardship of the earth, and reconnects everyone as fellow
stewards of resources and communities.

We had trouble wrapping our heads around saving the rain
forests, said McCoy. “But we clearly can wrap our arms around
saving our own backyards. Digging and planting gardens brings
awareness that we’re all earth’s caretakers.”

Globe Gazette reporter Laura Bird contributed to this
report.

Plants Improve a Home Aestethetically, Emotionally, Physically and Economically

Posted on: January 6th, 2012 by frank No Comments

Plants Improve a Home Aestethetically, Emotionally, Physically and Economically

from the website greenplantsforgreenbuildings.org

Think about it! We all recognize how our mood can change when we are surrounded in an environment with living vegetation. It’s the reason we take trips to the park, spend time in our backyards, desire the coveted corner office with windows or have a yearning desire to be out in nature. Plants have an immediate and documented impact on our happiness and long-term positive effects on our moods-specifically making us feel less stressed, less anxious and less depressed. The scientific term for this connection is biophilia, which describes the connections that human beings subconsciously seek with living systems (Wikipedia). Considering that 90% of our time is spent indoors-and maybe more in the summers of South Texas-bringing the outside inside is deeply rooted in our biology.
 
Given our affinity for nature, it is hardly surprising that many large facilities invest in bringing the outdoors in. By creating indoor parks with large trees, plants, water features, daylight and comfortable retreats, they are able to impact the experience we have while in the facility. Builders, developers and commercial realtors would not invest in this if they didn’t believe that such amenities have positive payoffs.
 
In most cases, plants are often placed within spaces merely for their aesthetic benefits: to soften hard surfaces and to provide ambience. A few well-placed plants in a room can dramatically change the look and feel of a space. Plants can be that final touch that ties everything together and makes a space more inviting and comfortable. It is that intangible benefit that we pick up on when we enter the room that renders a subconscious attraction to the space.
 
The bottom line is the most important interest of most home buyers and sellers. Also, as the agent trying to sell a home at a fair price, you have to find that edge over your competition. What are you doing to create an environment that produces a positive experience to a prospective buyer aesthetically, physically and emotionally while benefiting you economically? Plants cover them all!
 
A Clemson University study documented the impact of landscaping on the resale value of single family residences. A house that obtained an excellent landscape rating from a local landscaping professional could expect a sale price 4 to 5 percent higher than equivalent houses with good landscaping. Homes with landscaping ranked poor relative to neighboring homes with excellent landscapes could expect a sale price 8 to 10 percent below equivalent homes with good landscaping appeal.
 
Other research finds that plantscaping both inside and out can add as much as at 14% to the resale value of a building and speed its sale by as much as six weeks. You can see that small improvements with plants can produce large economic returns to the seller. And, of course, you know the importance of the first impression, so just imagine how magnified the improvements by plants are on the front porch.
 
Interior plants are a very cost-effective way to dramatically change an indoor environment. When you evaluate what it costs for remodeling a space or to install new furniture and fixtures, the return on an investment is much greater with the addition of plants, due to their relatively low cost. We recommend at least two significant, healthy plants per 12′ x 16′ room.
 
Notice the word healthy. We find that most people tend to over-care for their plants. In other words, they tend to give them too much water too frequently, feel the need to re-pot the plant when it is not looking well, over-fertilize it when it does not need it, or stick it outside where it is often baked by the sun. Due to the much lower available light inside (100-500 foot candles indoors vs. 8,000-10,000 foot candles outdoors), your plants are photosynthesizing at a much slower rate inside your home. The water requirements of interior plants are dramatically lower than exterior plants for these reasons. A Google search can give you many options of plants that work well inside; some favorites are Aglaonema, Spathiphyllum, Dracaena deremensis and Zamioculcas zamifolia.
 
So, convince your buyers and your office managers not to overlook the vital role plantscapes have in your success of enhancing the prospective buyers’ and clients’ experience aesthetically, emotionally and biologically. Plants Work!
 

Toyota develops its own flower for cleaner air at Prius plant

Posted on: January 2nd, 2012 by frank No Comments

 Toyota develops its own flower for cleaner air at Prius plant  

from the website greenplantsforgreenbuildings.org

By Jeremy Korzeniewski RSS feed

Posted Oct 30th 2009 8:29AM

 
Comments44

Automakers make cars and trucks, no surprises there. Some even make other interesting things, like Honda, which also builds motorcycles, lawn mowers, jets, robots and solar cells. But until now, we haven’t heard of any car company that develops its own species of flowers. Thankfully, Toyota has reportedly stepped in to correct that oversight by creating two new derivatives of the cherry sage and gardenia at its factory in Toyota City, Japan.

This is the plant where the Japanese automaker assembles the Prius hybrid, which seems fitting since the flowers were specifically chosen for their ability to absorb nitrogen oxides and create water vapor. These attributes clean the surrounding air and lower temperatures at the factory.

Other environmentally-friendly efforts at the plant include roof-mounted solar panels, photocatalytic paint on exterior walls, reflective solar tubes that provide interior light and even slow-growing grass that only needs to be mowed twice per year (we’ve got dibs). According to Toyota, these initiatives help lower the carbon footprint at the plant, which is a good thing since production of the Prius hybrid is a carbon-intensive operation.

Eight Common Indoor Plant Myths

Posted on: December 29th, 2011 by frank No Comments

Eight Common Indoor Plant Myths

by Will Creed

Over the years a number of ideas have come to be accepted as part of the conventional wisdom of plant care. Some of these ideas started with nursery growers who developed their plant care techniques based on the optimal conditions that they can create in their greenhouses and nurseries. Unfortunately, some of these practices are inappropriate for houseplant owners growing plants in more trying circumstances. No wonder so many people believe they just don’t have green thumbs.

 

Myth #1: Plants grow bigger in bigger pots

Fact: The fastest growing plants are those that are moderately potbound. Frequently repotted plants put much of their energy into growing more roots, at the expense of leaves and flowers. Plants in large pots are also much more likely to suffer from root rot.

 

Myth #2: Ailing plants will benefit from plant food

Fact: Plant food or fertilizer is not medicine. It is intended for healthy plants that are growing vigorously and are using up the essential nutrients in the soil. You cannot force plants to use more nutrients than they need. Excess nutrients accumulate in the soil and burn tender roots and cause leaf discoloration. Ailing plants absorb fewer nutrients than healthy plants.

 

Myth #3: Indoor plants need lots of direct sunlight

Fact: Only some indoor plants benefit from direct sun. Many common indoor plants are shade-lovers that suffer from” sunburn” when exposed to the direct rays of the sun.

 

Myth #4: Yellow leaves and brown tips mean over watering

Fact: These common symptoms have many possible causes including too little water, inadequate light, excess fertilizer, fluoridated water, hard water, and poor soil quality.

 

Myth #5: Misting plants will increase the humidity for plants

Fact: Misting plants once or twice per day increases the humidity by so little that it has no practical value for humidity-loving plants. Misting does help keep plants clean, however.

 

Myth #6: Most indoor plants need high humidity to thrive.

Fact: Most of the commonly available indoor plants are commonly available because they have proven their ability to adapt to the very dry environments found indoors in winter. Although most indoor plants, succulents excepted, come from naturally humid habitats, many can survive quite well in low humidity, as long as they receive adequate moisture through their roots.

 

Myth #7: Chemical pesticides are the only effective way to eliminate plant pests.

Fact: There are many safe and effective treatments for plant pests. These treatments include such safe products as dish soap, rubbing alcohol, horticultural oils, silicon, sand, sticky traps, diatomaceous earth, and hot pepper.

 

Myth #8: Most indoor plants go dormant in the winter.

Fact: Most indoor plants come from tropical regions that are warm year-round. Unlike temperate zone plants, tropical plants grow actively all year long. Indoors in northern climates the winter months bring shorter hours of daylight. This reduction in light will cause plant growth rates to slow leading some observers to believe they are dormant.

Interior Plant Care Tip – ZZ

Posted on: December 28th, 2011 by frank No Comments

Interior Plant Care Tip – ZZ (Zamiocolcas zamiiflolia)

by Frank A. Hornstein/PlantWorks Design Group

The ZZ plant is  a great plant in that it will tolerate very low light and it takes very little water.

Ideally it should be in medium light. That would mean good reflected light with no direct sunlight. Direct sunlight would be too much light.

Water the soil thoroughly but do not allow it to run out of the bottom of the plant. At  no time should this plant ever sit in water. Allow the soil to dry down completely before watering again. It will be several weeks before you water again. Over watering is a sure way to kill this plant. The best thing to do is ignore this plant.

Interior Plant Care – Reflexa

Posted on: December 21st, 2011 by frank No Comments

Reflexa

by Frank A. Hornstein/PlantWorks Design Group

 

Dracaena reflexa can be growth as a small bush or a tree.  It has short, thick, pointed leaves that are dark green. D. reflexa ‘Song of Jamaica’ has variegated leaves with ivory to yellow-beige stripes.  D. reflexa ‘Song of India’ has bright yellow variegation.  You can prune reflexa anywhere along a branch and a new sprout will occur.

These plants do well when kept on the dry side.  You will find they are often in Hawaiian lava rock potting media, which helps prevent root rot.  Do not ever allow these plants to sit  in water.

Reflexa prefer low to medium light. You are safest with medium light but no direct sunlight. When exposed to too much light, the leaves may become bleached.  Move the plant away from the light source.

These plants are pretty hardy and can get mealy bugs once in a while. Treat with a sprayer of water and alcohol mixed 80/20%. Soak the infested areas. Repeat several times.

 

Indoor Plants Help Keep Humidity Within a Healthy Range

Posted on: December 21st, 2011 by frank No Comments

Indoor Plants Help Keep Humidity Within a Healthy Range

When the air is too dry, people are susceptible to colds and flu. When the humidity is too high, people can develop other ailments. Through their natural processes of transpiration and evaporation, office plants add moisture to the dry, over heated air often in sealed office environments.

At the same time, studies show that plants do not add moisture in significant amounts when the air is already moist. A study conducted at Washington State University, suggests that plants help regulate humidity. When plants were added to an office environment, the relative humidity stabilized within the recommended “healthy” range of 30 to 60%.

The presence of plants at work, at home and in public spaces greatly improves the quality of life and benefits society.

Interior Plant Care Tip – Janet Craig Cane

Posted on: December 17th, 2011 by frank No Comments

Interior Plant Care Tip – Janet Craig Cane

This is a very easy plant for the beginner.

These plants thrive in bright or filtered window light, but can tolerate low artificial light. Hot sun will bleach out the color and stress the plant. They like to dry out between waterings. A good watering method is to direct water right around the cane-like stem. If any water collects in the drip tray, it should be emptied to assure the plant does not remain in standing water and that is also a sign that you have added too much water. After watering, the plant should be allowed to dry out almost completely before it is watered again. A pencil pushed into the soil makes a good test for dryness. If the pencil comes out with no damp soil clinging to it, it’s time to water again. The plant will need water most likely every 2 weeks. Most people tend to over water their plants.