Figure A Figure B Joe Freeman of Cypress Gardens stands beside a healthy pothos. Figure C Figure D Figure E

Joe Freeman, chief horticulturist at Cypress Gardens, discusses some of the plants that thrive indoors.

Plants that in nature grow under a dense forest canopy don't receive a lot of light. Temperatures are often high, rainfall is heavy, and soil fertility is low because of competition from other plants.

One of the best plants for indoor conditions is dracaena (figure A), which prefers bright, indirect light. Average indoor temperatures are perfect for this evergreen plant, but it appreciates extra humidity. Fertilize monthly during spring and summer, but apply no fertilizer the rest of the year.

Aglaonema (figure B) is also very tolerant of low-light conditions. Commonly called Chinese evergreen, the slow-growing aglaonema requires high humidity, fast-draining soil and regular applications of an indoor-plant fertilizer during the growing period. For any plant in a low light environment, it's important to keep the leaves clean for optimal photosynthesis.

Pothos (Epipremnum) is a climbing plant that adapts well to low-light environments. Give it bright, filtered light, and allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Usually grown in hanging pots, these tough plants can be trained to climb up a string.

The water-loving spathiphyllum (figure C), also called peace lily and white flag, adapts well to low-light conditions. Keeping the soil constantly moist will prevent the leaves from turning brown at the tips. Provide high humidity by placing a saucer filled with gravel and water under the plant. Fertilize weekly with one-quarter-strength liquid plant food throughout the growing season. Induce dormancy in the winter months by allowing the top inch of soil to go dry and cutting back on fertilizer.

The Boston fern (figure D) (Nephrolepis exaltata 'Bostoniensis') is one of the most popular indoor plants. It grows best in a north-facing window in a room kept between 60 degrees and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Provide a fast-draining soil rich in organic matter and keep the plant moist at all times.

Ficus benjamina (figure E), or weeping fig, will drop leaves whenever there's a change in temperature or location. Once leaf-drop begins, mist with a water bottle several times a day or more often. Don't change your watering program, and withhold fertilizer until the plant stops dropping leaves. An increase in humidity may help. Create a humidity tray under the plant by placing gravel in the saucer. The humidity tray will catch water, which will increase the humidity as it evaporates. Once leaf-drop has ended, begin fertilizing with half-strength liquid fertilizer every month during the growing period. Allow plants to rest in winter by cutting back on water and eliminating fertilizer.

GUESTS :
Joe Freeman
Cypress Gardens