Exotic House Plants
To bring beauty and numerous benefits to your space, consider these popular exotic house plants. They are both appealing and powerful, effectively purifying air and enhancing mood.
Monstera Deliciosa
Monstera Deliciosa, often called the Swiss Cheese plant, is a tropical plant native to the rainforests of Central America. It’s known for its distinctive, large split leaves that give it an exotic, jungle-like appearance. Widely regarded for its air-purifying qualities, this plant not only beautifies the room but also enhances the oxygen content and improves indoor air quality.
Caring for a Monstera deliciosa is relatively easy. It does best in bright, indirect light and requires watering once the top inch of its soil is dry. Importantly, its large leaves should be dusted regularly to ensure adequate photosynthesis. No wonder it’s chosen by plant enthusiasts looking for an exotic charm coupled with environmental benefits.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
Next on our list is the Fiddle Leaf Fig. Hailing from West Africa, this plant is prized for its dramatic, violin-shaped leaves. Aesthetically impactful, it makes a bold statement in any interior space. Another bonus? The Fiddle Leaf Fig is known for its air-purifying capabilities. It has been found to effectively remove toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene from the air.
While it’s not the easiest plant to care for, maintaining a Fiddle Leaf Fig can be a fulfilling endeavor. It requires adequate sunlight and prefers its soil to be thoroughly watered but dried out between waterings. Proper care can result in a massive, flourishing plant that can reach up to six feet indoors.
Snake Plant
Lastly, the Snake Plant, or Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, adds a unique architectural element to an indoor space. Its upright, sword-like leaves, often banded in various shades of green, lend an edgy aesthetic. Originally from West Africa, the Snake Plant is another champion air purifier. NASA’s Clean Air Study found it particularly skilled at removing common indoor pollutants such as formaldehyde and benzene.
Unlike many other exotic house plants, Snake Plants are resilient and can handle varying conditions. They can survive in low light and don’t need frequent watering. In fact, they thrive on neglect! These qualities make the Snake Plant an ideal choice, particularly for those new to the world of house-plants. Its hardy nature and clean air benefits make it an excellent choice for both novices and plant aficionados alike.
Incorporating these exotic house plants into your interior not only guarantees a visual treat but also a healthier indoor environment. Enjoy the lush green beauty they provide while reaping their numerous health benefits.
Caring for Exotic House Plants
Incorporating exotic house plants into your space is an instant interior upgrade combined with numerous health benefits. However, proper care is crucial to ensure they thrive in their new environment. Here we’ll outline some key elements of care including light requirements, watering schedule, and soil and fertilizer essentials.
Light Requirements
Exotic house plants like Monstera Deliciosa, Fiddle Leaf Fig, or the Snake Plant have varying light needs. Monsteras thrive in bright but indirect light; too much direct sunlight could scorch their leaves. On the contrary, Fiddle Leaf Figs appreciate as much sunlight as they can get throughout the day. Snake Plants are quite flexible, tolerating indirect light and shade, but they can also withstand direct sunlight. Knowing the light conditions best suited to your plants is central to their healthy growth.
Watering Schedule
Inconsistent watering could distress exotic plants. Most prefer their soil to dry out between waterings. Snake Plants are particularly water-sensitive; they dislike overwatering and appreciate drying out between drinks. For a Monstera Deliciosa and a Fiddle Leaf Fig, they do well with watering once a week during the growth season and less frequent watering during the cooler months.
Soil and Fertilizer
Besides light and water, the type of soil and fertilizer you use determines the health and hardiness of your exotic house plants. For these green beauties, a well-draining soil comprising peat, pine bark, and perlite is a good choice. Together, these constituents promote root health, improve soil aeration, and moderate soil moisture. During the growing season, a balanced houseplant fertilizer can be applied monthly for extra nutrients. It’s a good practice to reduce fertilization during the cooler months when plant growth slows down.
So, let’s bring a bit of the exotic into our homes and offices. We’ll gain a stunning visual treat and a healthier environment. It’s a win-win! Let’s transform our spaces with exotic house plants and enjoy the lush, relaxing atmosphere they provide.