Large Live House Plants
Large live houseplants add height and a tropical feel to a space. They require less maintenance than smaller houseplants, and they are easy to propagate with your friends.
These plants are best in the bright indirect light, and preferably with a bit of humidity. These are ideal to fill a corner in the living space.
Weeping Fig
Weeping figs (Ficus Benjamin) are popular house plants that purify the air of pollutants such as formaldehyde and benzene. They are also known to increase creativity and clear the mind. This plant is suitable for both offices and homes, however it is best to keep it away from pets since its leaves can be toxic when consumed. Weeping figs make ideal houseplants for busy people because they are easy to take care of. Follow the watering, lighting and fertilizing schedule to keep your figs healthy and happy.
The weeping fiddle is indigenous to Australia and parts of the southwest Pacific which includes French Polynesia, Vanuatu, India, China and southeast Asia. It is commonly found in tropical greenhouses but it can also thrive indoors, if you provide the proper conditions.
They like direct, bright sunlight and an even temperature. They are sensitive to fluctuations in moisture and will drop their leaves if they're getting enough water or have too much. If you notice your weeping fig's leaves dropping move it to a different location that has better light and regular conditions. But be careful not to overwater the plant; if the upper few centimeters of soil are dry, let it rest. During the summer and spring months, fertilize the weeping fig every month twice with the standard liquid plant food, diluted by at minimum 50 percent. But, do not fertilize in winter and fall when the plant is not in bloom.
In addition to being beautiful, the weeping fig can be trained to grow in a variety of shapes. Its flexible stems can be bent or spiraled, and braided to create decorative designs. They are also a good option for bonsai garden.
Weeping figs can reach up to 10ft in the wild. However, they usually remain between 3 and 6ft in containers. Cuttings from stems are a great way to propagate weeping figs. Wear gloves when propagating as the sap is irritating. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining pots, or amend the rich soil with vermiculite or perlite to improve drainage.
Like many other Ficus species, weeping figs are easy to care for, but they can be difficult to repot due to their large size. If your weeping fig needs to be repotted then choose an extra large pot with drainage holes and soil that is similar in texture to the container it came from. You may want to add vermiculite or perlite to provide extra drainage, since they are susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet.
Money Tree
Money plants (Pachira aquatica) give a tropical feel to any space and their slim trunks are often braided by the growers for an added visual appeal. They also bring luck and prosperity to your home, as per feng shui. tall house plants is easy to care for, and is tolerant of low light conditions. It also works well in living rooms or in home offices in the event that it isn't exposed to drafts or heat or cooling vents that dry the air.
In its natural habitat in the swampy regions of Central and South America, this plant blooms with yellowish-white flowers. It also produces large seed pods that look like peanuts. It's not a typical plant to produce flowers indoors, but it does produce shiny green leaves, long branches and leaves that range from 5 to 7. These beautiful plants are great for beginners and anyone looking to enhance their living spaces.
The money tree grows best in bright indirect sunlight however it is able to adapt to less than ideal conditions. It also thrives in medium temperatures and average household humidity. It isn't happy with abrupt temperature fluctuations, though, so avoid placing it near heaters or air conditioners, or near doors that open and close frequently. Overwatering can harm the delicate leaves, so allow the soil to dry between waterings. Fertilize your money tree every month in spring and summer by using the use of a liquid fertilizer for houseplants at half strength.
Give a money plant to a recent graduate who's heading off to college or a new job, as it signifies the beginning of a new chapter in your life. It's also a wonderful present to family members and friends who could use some extra luck in their lives. The five leaflets in the plant which are believed to represent the five elements of balance in feng shui will make people feel centered and lucky as they advance in their careers.
If you want to propagate money plants, cut a section of at least 6 inches from the vine and place it into a rooting media like peat moss perlite or sand. Fill a small pot with Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix or a different healthy and well-draining mix for houseplants. Give it a few weeks to allow roots to form and then move the cutting to its own pot.
Ficus
Ficus, also known as banyan tree, can add visual interest to offices. The most well-known is Ficus benjamina, a basic weeping ficus with a thick trunk and a distinctive pom-pom-shaped burst of fluttery foliage at the top. The tree can grow to an elevation of 6 feet but is typically kept smaller at the office or at home. Trailing and tree varieties of the ficus plant are also popular choices for use as houseplants. Ficus trees are easy to take care of provided they are provided with the right conditions.
Indoor ficus plants require moderate to bright light and frequent misting. They are not fond of drafts, but are able to tolerate warm temperatures. If they are accustomed to the weather and can accept it, they will enjoy being outside in summer. However direct sunlight can burn their leaves. In winter, they'll benefit from being moved into a warmer room. But, don't expose them to frost.
Most ficus species are fast growing and will require to be repotted annually, or more frequently in the case that their roots cover more than three-fourths of the space in the pot. They need well-draining soil and should be fertilized monthly with an adequate liquid fertilizer during spring and summer and every other month during the winter and fall.
Ficus is susceptible to scale insects, mites, mealybugs, whiteflies, and Aphids. Remove any affected leaves and use neem oil to rid the plant of these pests. Occasionally, a ficus can develop leaf spot disease, which causes the leaves to be stained with white. The condition is not dangerous, but it can be unsightly. It is best to remove it from the leaves of the plant using an irritated sponge or cloth.
Monstera
Monstera deliciosa, known to many as the Swiss cheese plant due to its distinctive splits and holes in the leaves, is a beautiful houseplant that thrives in warm temperatures with moderate to high levels of humidity. They can easily be propagated from cuttings and roots very well in water, but they shouldn't be kept in water for a prolonged period of time since this can cause rot. They can be grown outdoors and prefer indirect sunlight.
In its native environment this cactus-like tree grows under the canopy of tall tropical trees, where it can soak up sunlight through the leaves. It is a fan of bright light and can tolerate some direct sun, but it thrives the majority of the time in indirect sunlight. It is a climber's dream and will be encouraged to use a trellis or pole covered in moss to help it achieve its full potential.
While this plant isn't a fussy houseplant, it is susceptible to the same pests as other indoor plants and needs special attention to avoid damage. Check it frequently for scale insects and spider mites. If you find them treat the area with an insecticide mild.
Water only when the top inch or two of soil is completely dry. The plant also enjoys humidity, and will benefit from misting once or twice every week, particularly if your home is dry.
This plant thrives as an indoor or outdoor houseplant in warm, humid conditions however, it's also a ideal choice for a greenhouse or sunny window. When it's grown in a container, it prefers a loose, sandy mix with plenty of organic material. The container should be fitted with drainage holes to stop the soil from becoming soggy.
This large houseplant is a fan of bright light, but it is also able to thrive in any lighting source. In fact it can be cultivated in any pot, provided that it has drainage holes, and perhaps a bit of additional peat moss to the pot mix. The plant requires a constant supply of nutrients, which is why it is recommended to fertilize it every two to three weeks throughout the growing season by using an equilibrated water-soluble fertilizer.