GROWING

INDOOR
PLANTS
with
Success
 Table of Contents
Introduction............................................................................................................................ 3
Factors Affecting Plant Growth............................................................................................ 3
Light ..................................................................................................................................... 3
Temperature ........................................................................................................................ 5
Relative Humidity................................................................................................................. 6
Water ................................................................................................................................... 7
Water Quantity ................................................................................................................. 7
Water Quality.................................................................................................................... 7
Nutrition ............................................................................................................................... 8
Soil/Growing Medium .......................................................................................................... 9
Growing Mix for Flowering House Plants.......................................................................... 9
Growing Mixes for Foliage Plants ..................................................................................... 9
Growing Mixes for Bromeliads.......................................................................................... 9
Growing Mixes for Orchids ............................................................................................. 10
Growing Mix for Succulents and Cacti ............................................................................ 10
Growing Mix for Ferns .................................................................................................... 10
Growing Mix for African Violets ...................................................................................... 10
How to Sterilize Soil ....................................................................................................... 10
Acclimatization ............................................................................................................... 11
What to Look for When Shopping for Indoor Plants ........................................................ 12
Selecting Containers........................................................................................................... 12
Pruning, Grooming, Cleaning, and Repotting................................................................... 13
Pest Management ................................................................................................................ 14
What to Do for Plant Problems........................................................................................... 15
Pests ................................................................................................................................. 15
Summary of Cultural Care .................................................................................................. 17
Bibliography......................................................................................................................... 26

Publication by

Bodie V. Pennisi
Extension Floriculture Specialist

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Georgia Cooperative Extension

house. You can get a fairly good estimate with a

Introduction handheld light meter, or you can use a 35 mm
camera and do the following:
Much of the scenic beauty of nature has been • Set the film speed indicator to ASA 25 and
replaced by densely populated areas that sprawl the shutter speed to 1/60th second.
for miles from urban centers. This visual pollution • Place a piece of white paper where you
affects us all and leaves us with a longing for a want to measure the light levels, aim the
closer connection with nature. We spend about camera toward the paper close enough to
90% of our time indoors. Interior plants are an fill the view, and adjust the f/stop so that
ideal way to create attractive and restful settings the meter indicates a correct exposure.
while enhancing our sense of well being. In • Read the approximate light level from
addition, houseplants can be a satisfying hobby Table 1.
and can help purify the air in our homes. Indoor Table 1
plants not only convert carbon dioxide to oxygen, Indoor light levels and appropriate f/stop settings
but they also trap and absorb many pollutants.
Many of these chemical compounds, which are f/stop Setting Light Level
released into our air through a process called “off- f/2 40 ft-c
gassing,” come from everyday items present in our
f/2 75 ft-c
homes and offices.
f/4 150 ft-c
To be a successful indoor gardener, you need to
f/5.6 300 ft-c
understand how the interior environment affects
plant growth and how cultivation differs from f/8 600 ft-c
growing plants outdoors.
f/11 1,200 ft-c

Factors Affecting Plant Growth f/16 2,400 ft-c

Plant growth is affected by light, temperature, With the help of this table, you can obtain the
humidity, water, nutrition, and soil. light intensity reading from anywhere in your
home. For example, if the f/stop setting is f/16,
Light the approximate light level is 2,400 ft-c.
Of all of the factors affecting plant growth in
Using the light readings, your home can be
interiors, adequate light is by far the most
divided into four areas, which have the following
important. Light is needed for plants to produce
light levels for 8 hours per day:
food and survive — generally, the more light
1. Low-light areas: 25 ft-c–75 ft-c
available, the more food produced for growth.
2. Medium-light areas: 75 ft-c–200 ft-c
Light is measured in units called footcandles. One
3. High-light areas: over 200 ft-c but not
footcandle (ft-c) is the amount of light cast by a
direct sunlight
candle on a white surface one foot away in a
4. Sunny light areas: at least 4 hours of direct
completely dark room. Outdoors, the light levels
sunlight
on a bright day range from 10,000 ft-c in an open
In your home, the amount of light in a given
sunny area to 250 ft-c or less in the shade of a
location is variable — it is affected by the
large tree.
presence of trees outdoors (may shade at certain
times), roof overhangs (may shade at certain
It is very helpful to have a general idea of how
times), wall color (reflectance), window curtains,
much light is present in a given location in your
day length, time of day, and time of year.

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Georgia Cooperative Extension

When shopping for indoor plants, select plants for Table 3.) Look for this information in general
a given location based on the approximate light terms on the plant’s label:
levels in the spot. The plant’s label will usually • Low: minimum 25 ft-c–75 ft-c, 75ft-c–200
contain information on the light requirements of ft-c for good growth
the plant. If the plant label lists “high light” but • Medium: minimum 75 ft-c–150 ft-c, 200
the selected area in the home does not provide ft-c–500 ft-c preferred
adequate light, artificial light sources such as • High: minimum 150 ft-c–1,000 ft-c, 500
fluorescent and/or special incandescent lights may ft-c–1,000 ft-c preferred
be used to supplement the natural light.
• Very high: minimum 1,000 ft-c, 1,000+
ft-c preferred
Increasing the number of hours of light exposure
Windows with eastern exposure within the home
can also help — for example, 16 hours of light
generally provide the best light and temperature
and 8 hours of dark. This extends the number of
conditions for most indoor plant growth because
hours during which plants receive light.
plants receive direct morning light from sunrise
until nearly midday. Footcandle readings at these
While adequate light is crucial for plant growth,
windows can reach 5,000–8,000. As the morning
too much light can be damaging (Figure 1).
progresses, the direct sun recedes from the room.

An eastern room is cooler than southern or

western rooms because the house absorbs less
radiant heat. Light from the east is cooler than
that from the south or the west, and thus it causes
less water loss from the plants.

Windows with southern exposure give the largest

variation of light and temperature conditions. The
low winter sun shines across the room for most of
the daylight hours.

In the summer, when the sun is farther north than

it is in the winter, the sun rises at a sharp angle in
the morning and is high in the sky by noon. Direct
light comes into a south window only at midday.
If there is a wide overhang covering the windows
Figure 1 outside, the sun may not enter the room at all. The
Many foliage plants are native to tropical rain forests,
where light levels are low. These plants can be easily sun at noon on a summer day may measure 10,000
injured if exposed to strong light. Symptoms of ft-c. Indoors, however, a southern window with
overexposure are upright leaves and bleached, wide eaves on the outside will receive about the
scorched leaves. Do not place high-light sensitive
plants in direct sunlight (on a porch or in front of a
same amount of light as a window with northern
window). In this example, Chinese Evergreen exposure. Southern and western exposures are
(Aglaonema) and Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia) show interchangeable for most plants. In the winter,
symptoms of high-light damage.
most plants, except those with definite preference
for northern exposure, can be placed in a room
Indoor plants are classified according to the with southern exposure.
amount of light needed for growth. (A list of
plants and their light requirements is provided in Windows with northern exposure provide the
least light and the lowest temperature. Because the

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 Growing Indoor Plants with Success

United States is in the northern hemisphere, it • The new leaves are smaller than the older
receives most of its sunlight from the south. Out leaves.
of the four exposures, the northern exposure • The leaf color is a lighter green on the
receives the least light and heat year round. newer foliage than on the older foliage.
• The older leaves are dead.
Because of the low-light levels, maintaining
healthy plants can be a challenge. A northern
Temperature
windowsill can measure light levels as low as 200
ft-c on a clear winter day, which is optimal for Temperature is the second most important factor
some plants, such as the African violet. This influencing plant growth in interior environments.
exposure is best for plants with green foliage People feel comfortable in the range of 72 degrees
because the coloration on variegated foliage tends F-82 degrees F, and interior plants can tolerate
to disappear under low-light conditions. Although and grow well in the 58 degrees F-86 degrees F
most plants grown indoors will not grow in a range because most indoor plants originate from
northern room, they may tolerate it for short tropical and subtropical areas of the world.
periods of time.
Temperature and light are linked through the
Seasons change the amount of natural light processes of photosynthesis and respiration.
entering through windows. For example, the These processes can be thought of as the “yin and
summer sun reaches a higher zenith compared to yang” of plant life — two parts of a circle.
the winter sun (Figure 2). Therefore, sunlight Photosynthesis builds sugars and starch, which are
penetrates farther into a room during winter. then broken down by respiration to provide
energy for the development of new tissues
(growth) and the maintenance of existing ones.
High temperature speeds up respiration. If the
plant is not producing sufficient sugars (as under
low light), then high temperatures may break
down what little sugars are made, leaving little to
none for growth. Maintenance takes precedence
over growth; therefore, under insufficient light,
plants do not grow. If light is so low that sugars
produced are insufficient for maintenance, the
plant eventually dies.

When sugar levels are low, the plant takes

Figure 2 nutrients and sugars from older leaves to maintain
Within your home, changes in natural light penetration new leaves. To help plants in an indoor environ-
occur with the seasons. ment, two options are available: (1) raise light
levels to increase photosynthesis and sugar
How can you tell if your plant is not receiving production or (2) reduce night temperature to
adequate light? lower respiration rates and allow more sugars for
• The plant does not grow. growth.
• The internodes (spaces between the
leaves) on the new growth are much What temperatures are likely to occur in homes?
longer than the internodes on the older During the summer, air conditioning that may
part of the plant. have been turned off at night or weekend
thermostat settings that may have been raised
result in higher than desirable night temperatures.

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Georgia Cooperative Extension

During the winter, heating that may have been • Place plants close together to create a
turned off at night or weekend thermostat settings microenvironment with a higher relative
that may have been lowered may result in lower humidity.
night temperatures. Be especially careful not to • Use a shallow container filled with water
allow temperatures to drop below 50 degrees F, or and lava rocks or gravel, which will
chill damage will result on some sensitive foliage provide evaporation from a large surface
plants (e.g., Chinese Evergreen, Aglaonema). Chill area and increase relative humidity.
damage is manifested with the yellowing of lower • Use a humidifier.
leaves and/or defoliation.
• Use mist bottles to spray water around the
plant; however, in reality, you would need
Plants vary in their minimum and maximum
to mist every few minutes for an indefinite
temperature requirements. Examples of cool-
amount of time to make a difference in
loving plants suitable for locations where
relative humidity around the plant.
temperatures drop to the low 50s at night and 60s
during the day are Cyclamen, Wonder Plant, • The foliage and flowers of plants with
Fatshedera, Japanese Aralia, and Fatsia. A list of hairy leaves should not be sprayed with
plants and their temperature requirements is water. Water on such leaves may stay
provided in Table 3. longer, providing opportunities for disease
spores to germinate.
Not all interior plants have the same temperature
requirements for optimal growth. For example,
Cast Iron Plant, Aspidistra, and ferns actually grow
better with cooler temperatures (72°F), while H2O
H2O
à 700F H2O
à 700F

other tropical plants grow best if the temperatures H2O

are 90 degrees F-95 degrees F. Such temperatures
are rarely allowed indoors. H2O
H2O H2O

The best temperature range for indoor plants is 70 Relative Relative

degrees F-80 degrees F day and 65 degrees F-70 Humidity = 10% Humidity = 50%
degrees F night.

Relative Humidity
H2O
H2O Ã 900F H2O Ã 700F

Relative humidity is the amount of moisture H2O

H2O
contained in the air. For interior plants, relative
humidity below 20 percent is considered low, 40 H2O H2O
H2O H2O
percent to 50 percent is medium, and above 50
percent is high. Relative humidity is a very impor- Relative Relative
Humidity = 50% Humidity = 50%
tant factor, but it is easily overlooked. In a green-
house, relative humidity is 50 percent or higher. Figure 3
Rapid transpiration and water loss may result The lower the humidity, the more water is lost from a
leaf. At the same temperature of 70°F, a leaf placed in
when newly purchased plants are placed in the 10 10% relative humidity loses more water compared with
percent to 20 percent relative humidity typical of the leaf placed in 50% relative humidity (top). The
most homes (Figure 3). Most indoor plants come higher the temperature, the more water vapor the air
can hold, and the more water will be lost from the
from the tropics where high relative humidity is plant. At the same humidity of 50%, a leaf placed in
common. Therefore, take the following steps to 90°F air loses more water compared with the leaf
help your plants adjust to the low relative placed in 70°F air (bottom).
humidity in your home.

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 Growing Indoor Plants with Success

Water Water Quality

The quality of the irrigation water is an issue with
Water Quantity plants that are susceptible to fluorine and chlorine,
Learning to water is one of the most important such as Corn Plant (Dracaena), Ti Plant (Cordyline),
skills in plant care. Applying too much water can Peacock Plant (Maranta), and Rattlesnake Plant
suffocate plant roots and too little water causes (Calathea) (Figure 4). Alleviate this problem by
growth to become erratic and stunted. Watering letting the water stand for several days — so that
frequency will depend on the conditions under some chlorine and fluorine will be released from it
which the plants are growing. When dealing with — before applying the water to the plants. Move
how much water to apply, consider the following: susceptible plants away from the edge of the pool
• Plant type: A list of plants and their to prevent water splashes from reaching the
moisture requirements is provided in foliage. Do not use susceptible plants around
Table 3. Not all plants are similar in their enclosed pools. In general, plants with long linear
water requirements. This information, leaves (such as the Spider Plant) are more
along with the light preference, is usually susceptible to fluorine.
included on the plant label. For example, a
croton, which prefers high light, will likely
need more frequent watering compared
with a succulent plant such as Opuntia
cactus. Both have similar light needs but
dissimilar water requirements.
• Plant size: Larger plants need more water
compared to smaller plants.
• Container volume: If the growing
container is too small, watering may be
required more frequently.
• Soil moisture: The amount of water
already present in the growing medium
will also affect your watering frequency.
• Light intensity: Plants under high light
transpire more water compared with
plants under low light.
Improper watering causes many problems.
Containers with saucers may cause an excessive
build-up of soluble salts (from the applied
fertilizer). High levels of soluble salts can cause
damage to plant roots and a decline in growth.
Discard any water that had drained in the saucer
after irrigation, and apply large quantities of water
to the soil to leach the accumulated soluble salts.
In deciding when you should water, feel the soil Figure 4
by pushing a finger an inch or so below the Symptoms of fluorine damage on the Corn Plant (top)
and Ti Plant (bottom) include tip and leaf scorching.
surface. If the soil is still moist, no further water is
needed. Water devices or water meters are also
available to simplify watering.

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Georgia Cooperative Extension

Nutrition
Many indoor gardeners have the same problem
with fertilizer that they have with water — they
want to give their plants too much. Danger from
overfertilization occurs because any fertilizer used,
whether in liquid, powder, or tablet form, will
dissolve in soil water and will form salts in the
water. When you overfertilize, the water in the soil
becomes so salty that it “burns” the plant’s roots
by removing water from them (Figure 5). Excess
soluble salts accumulate as a whitish crust on the
surface of the growing medium and/or near the
rim of the container.

Before feeding plants, consider the following:

• Plant type: Some plants are heavy feeders
(e.g., Ficus species), while others need little
or no additional fertilizer for months (e.g.,
succulents).
• Volume of soil: The growing medium that
is present—smaller pots require less
fertilizer compared with larger pots
because they contain less soil. Figure 5
Soluble salt burn is manifested as leaf marginal and tip
• Light intensity: The higher the light levels, burn (top). Soluble salts can burn roots; notice that the
the more nutrients needed for plant healthy roots are white, while the dead roots are brown
growth. (bottom). Dead roots also invite root diseases.
A newly purchased, healthy plant rarely needs an
immediate application of fertilizer. In most cases, increases. As a starting point, use about one-
the amount of fertilizer applied by the commercial fourth the label rate for monthly applications. If
producer will supply enough nutrients for two to the overall plant color becomes lighter green,
three months in the home. This rule is flexible — fertilize every two weeks. If the new growth is
if deficiency symptoms are evident, fertilizer dark green but the leaves are small and internodes
application is desirable. seem longer than on the older growth, decrease
the fertilizer rate.
The secret to fertilizing plants indoors is to apply
small amounts of fertilizer as the plant grows. Varying fertilizer formulations are available to the
Without new growth, the plant has a limited need indoor gardener. Many fertilizers come in specially
for more fertilizer. During the winter, when light designed formulas for indoor plants. Generally,
levels are low, a plant’s need for fertilizer reduces. they contain a lower percentage of the required
During the summer, when light livels increase and mineral elements to prevent overfertilization
the plant is actively growing, its need for fertilizer problems.

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 Growing Indoor Plants with Success

Soil/Growing Medium • 1 part • 1 part • 1 part

The growing medium provides anchorage, water, garden pine sand
and minerals. When repotting plants, make sure loam or bark • 1 part
that the new mix is well drained and aerated, holds potting • 2 parts pine
water and nutrients well, and is within the right soil peat bark
pH range (5.0-6.5). A good potting mix provides OR OR
• 1 part moss • 1 part
ample amounts of oxygen to the root system. sand or 2
Most professional mixes are good to use. Some peat
parts moss
plants require special mixes, e.g., bromeliads, peat
orchids, and African violets. Either purchase these moss
mixes or prepare your own. Below are some
formulas that can be used to prepare a homemade
potting mix. Add 2 to 3 ounces (dry weight) of dolomitic
limestone to 4 gallons (½ bushel) of mix. For
Growing Mix for Flowering House fluoride-sensitive plants, adjust the pH so it is no
Plants lower than pH 6.5. Superphosphate contains
enough fluoride to cause foliar burn on sensitive
The following potting mix will grow acceptable plants. After sterilizing the soil, add 3 tablespoons
flowering plants in most homes for most of a 6-6-6 or another fertilizer such as 5-10-5 to
gardeners: each ½ bushel. Plastic-coated fertilizers also can
• 1 part garden loam or potting soil be used; most of them require about 2 ounces per
• 1 part sand or perlite or vermiculite ½ bushel. Add a minor element formulation to
• 1 part peat moss the potting mix per the manufacturer’s recom-
Add 2 to 3 ounces of 20 percent superphosphate mendation.
and ¾ ounce of either bonemeal or dolomitic
limestone (by weight) to 4 gallons of potting mix. Growing Mixes for Bromeliads
After sterilizing the soil (see “How to Sterilize Bromeliads are plants from Central and South
Soil”), add 3 tablespoons of a 6-6-6 or similarly America, which are either epiphytic (they grow on
balanced fertilizer to every 4 gallons (½ bushel) of tree branches or in the crotches of trees) or terres-
mix. Add a minor element formulation according trial (they grow in the ground). Although most of
to the manufacturer’s recommendations. the bromeliads can be grown successfully in foli-
age plant mixes, most grow better in specially
Growing Mixes for Foliage Plants designed soil mixes. Any mix for bromeliads must
Although most foliage plants will grow satisfac- be well aerated and drained.
torily in the growing mix recommended for
flowering house plants, they will grow better if the
• 2 parts • 1 part • 1 part
mix contains a higher percentage of organic peat peat
peat
matter. moss • 1 part • 1 part
• 1 part OR pine OR pine bark
perlite bark • 1 part
• 1 part cypress
fir bark shavings

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Georgia Cooperative Extension

Add 2 ounces of dolomitic limestone to 4 gallons phosphate. After sterilizing the soil, add a minor
(½ bushel) of soil mix and a minor element mix. element supplement according to the
Dissolve 1 ounce of 10-10-10 water-soluble manufacturer’s recommendation.
fertilizer in 3 gallons of water. Use this solution
after repotting and again monthly when watering. Growing Mix for Ferns
Also, add enough water to fill the vase formed by Ferns grow well in most recommended mixes that
the overlapping leaf bases. have a high proportion of organic matter with
good soil aeration and drainage characteristics.
Growing Mixes for Orchids Use any of the suggested foliage plant mixes.
Orchids have a great deal in common with However, most ferns kept indoors grow better in
bromeliads because they also grow on trees as the following mix:
epiphytes and on the ground as terrestrials. A mix • 1 part garden loam or potting soil
for orchids should have excellent drainage and • 1 part peat moss
aeration, too. Some soil mixes that can be used • 1 part pine bark
are:
• 1 part coarse sand
• 3 parts osmunda tree fern fiber (moisten Add 2 ounces (dry weight) of dolomitic limestone
before use by soaking in water for 12 to each ½ bushel (4 gallons) of soil mix and ½
hours) ounce of either bonemeal or 20% superphosphate.
• 1 part redwood bark After pasteurizing the soil mix, add minor
OR elements to the mix. Add 1 tablespoon of a 6-6-6
• 5 parts fir bark or similarly balanced fertilizer to each ½ bushel of
• 1 part perlite soil mix.
Tree fern slabs may also be used to grow epiphytic
orchids. Growing Mix for African Violets
Any number of soil mixes for African violets exist,
Add 1 ounce (dry weight) of dolomitic limestone and most of them will grow high quality plants. A
per 4 gallons (½ bushel) of soil mix. Do not add good mix should be well drained and aerated.
fertilizer to the mix. After the plants are potted, • 2 parts peat moss
add ¼ ounce of liquid 10-10-10 with minor ele-
• 1 part vermiculite
ments per gallon of water and fertilize once every
6 weeks (if the plants are growing in osmunda fern • 1 part perlite
fibers). If plants are growing in fir bark, use a Add 2½ tablespoons of dolomite and 1½
liquid 30-10-10 with minor elements every 6 tablespoons of 20% superphosphate to each ½
weeks instead of a 10-10-10 fertilizer. bushel of soil mix. Add 3 tablespoons of a high
phosphorous fertilizer such as 5-10-5 or a similar
Growing Mix for Succulents and Cacti ratio of fertilizer.
Cacti and other succulents grow best in a well- How to Sterilize Soil
drained and aerated soil.
Sterilization reduces the number of diseased
• 2 parts garden loam or potting soil
organisms and weeds present in the soil. First, mix
• 2 parts sand the soil with an equal portion of vermiculite or
• 2 parts peat peat moss (otherwise, the soil will become very
• 1 part perlite (crushed charcoal can be hard). Next, moisten the mixture and place it in
substituted) the oven. Allow it to “bake” at 180 degrees F-200
Add 2 ounces (dry weight) of dolomitic limestone degrees F for 1 hour. Once the soil cools, it is
to 4 gallons (½ bushel) of soil mix, 2 ounces (by ready to use. To treat soil in the microwave, first
weight) of bonemeal, and ½ ounce of super- mix the portion with an equal amount of

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 Growing Indoor Plants with Success

vermiculite or peat moss and moisten. Place the Acclimatization is generally done in the green-
mixture in a plastic bag. Next, consult the manu- house or the nursery. Plants are grown for a
facturer’s manual to determine the amount of time period of time under low-light levels and with
and power level needed to heat the quantity of soil fewer nutrients. Because this slows down plant
to about 180 degrees F (most portions of soil will growth, acclimatized plants are not ready for the
generally require about 10 to 15 minutes). Insert a market as early as nonacclimatized plants.
probe into the soil and make sure it has heated to Acclimatized plants cost more compared to
180 degrees F-200 degrees F. Allow the soil to nonacclimatized plants, but this is money well
cool before using it or storing it for future use. spent. Figure 7 and Table 2 describe the
symptoms and appearance of acclimatized plants.
Make sure that the soil or potting mix you want to
sterilize does not contain perlite. At high temper- To acclimatize plants at home, place newly
atures, toxic levels of fluoride may be released and purchased plants in bright areas for at least 3 to 4
subsequently damage your plants. weeks and then move them to their final location.
Porches and patios are ideal bright places for your
Acclimatization plants in the warm months, as long as the plants
Acclimatization is the adaptation of a plant to a are not in direct sunlight. The most common
new environment, and it is very important for the symptom occurring in plants placed indoors is
health and growth of indoor plants. In green- defoliation. As long as it is not extensive and it
houses, plants are accustomed to high light, nutri- slows down after a few weeks, the plants will
tion, water supply, temperatures, and relative adjust to the particular location. Keep in mind,
humidity — conditions ideal for fast growth however, that each time the plant is moved
(Figure 6). Residential homes, with low-light around, it will experience an acclimatization
interiors and low relative humidity, will most likely period, and such changes may become evident.
produce a stressful experience for plants — the
greater the difference between the previous Learn as much as possible about the extent of
environment and the environment of the house, acclimatization of the chosen plants. The retailer
the greater the stress the plant endures. should be able to provide this information. When
shopping for plants at a garden center, ask if the
plants have been acclimatized.
Light
Acclimatization Remember that the most important factors of
indoor plant growth are adequate light, fertilizer,
and water at reduced rates.
low light
Soil
Acclimatization 9 less growth
9 less need for nutrients
9 reduce nutrient 9 less water need
application
9 reduce water
frequency

Figure 6
The two sides of acclimatization—the aboveground
(light acclimatization) involves adaptation to low light,
which means less growth and less need for nutrients.
The belowground (soil acclimatization) involves
reduction of nutrients and water.

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Georgia Cooperative Extension

Avoid plants with unnaturally spotted, yellow, or

brown leaves. If the plant is unhealthy at the nur-
sery, chances are that it will die soon after con-
sumer purchase. Look for pests on the undersides
of leaves. Remove the plant from the pot and ex-
amine the root system. Healthy roots generally are
and should be visible along the outside of the soil
ball and should have an earthy smell (Figure 8).

Any discolorations, generally brown or blackened

roots, are signs of problems. Some plants, such as
Dracaenas, have roots with colors other than
white. Unhealthy roots also may smell foul. If
shopping for ferns, do not be alarmed if you see
Figure 7 brown-colored spots or long rows of structures on
Acclimatized Weeping Fig; notice the large, dark green the lower leaf surface; these “spots” are reproduc-
leaves and the elongated internodes. tive structures called spores.
Table 2
Symptoms of acclimatized plants vs. nonacclimatized
plants

Acclimatized Plants Nonacclimatized Plants

• Medium to dark • Yellowish to light

green leaves green leaves
• Large leaves • Small leaves
• Flat leaves • Partially folder leaves
• Thin leaves • Thick leaves
• Widely spaced • Closely spaced leaves
leaves

• Long internodes • Short internodes

• Thin to medium • Thick stems Figure 8
stems • Upright leaf position
Healthy roots are typically white without any
discolorations.
• Horizontal or slightly
flexed leaf position
Selecting Containers
• Few new leaves • Many new leaves
• Wide branch angles • Acute angles Planters can enhance the decorative value of the
plants. Consider the following when selecting a
What to Look for When planter:
Shopping for Indoor Plants • Suitability for the plant’s needs
• Suitability for the needs of the individual
and the environment
Purchase only healthy looking plants with medium
to dark green foliage (unless foliage is supposed to • Cost and availability
be a different color). • Strength and durability
• Drainage
• Weight

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 Growing Indoor Plants with Success

The style, shape, and size of the container should needs plenty of water, but they should not be used
complement the plants grown. Small containers for cacti and succulents.
are best for small slow-growing plants, while fast-
growing plants are better suited for large Pruning, Grooming, Cleaning,
containers.
and Repotting
Containers can be made from a wide range of
materials — terra cotta, clay, plastic, or ceramic. When is the best time to prune? “When the knife
Terra cotta pots, made of fired clay, are some of is sharp” goes the old saying, and it means using
the most popular choices, with designs ranging the natural life cycles as a guide. For example,
from plain to ornate. Plants perform very well in when the plant is growing rapidly and you want to
terra cotta pots, as the porous surface allows good maintain a certain size, prune lightly and
air exchange between the plant roots and the frequently, removing shoots or shoot tips when
environment. Other clay containers (not they are small. When removing the very immature
considered terra cotta) range from gray to brown tips, the practice is known as pinching. Pinching
in color, depending on the clay used. Clay pots can and light pruning also increase branching of the
be glazed or unglazed. The glazed pots restrict air stem and result in a stockier, fuller plant.
exchange but offer more design choices. Unglazed
pots evaporate water faster and plants in them When the plant has outgrown its container, root
may need more frequent watering. Disadvantages pruning is advisable. Pull roots away from the root
of clay containers include their weight (especially mass then cut them back to within 1 inch of the
large pots) and the chance they will chip or break. soil mass. An alternative method is to make three
or four vertical cuts 1 inch deep in the soil ball on
Constructed of materials such as polyethylene, the opposite sides of the root ball.
polyurethane, recycled plastic, and fiberglass,
plastic pots have evolved from very simple to If you are re-using containers, make sure that they
quite elaborate. They have the advantage of being are clean by washing out any old compost,
lightweight as well as chip- and break-resistant. Air chemical, or paint residues. Sterilize the container
exchange and water evaporation rates are generally by placing it in a 10% bleach solution and rinse
lower in plastic containers compared with clay well.
containers. Plants in plastic pots will not dry out
as quickly as plants in clay pots, increasing the A clean plant is a healthy plant. Water flow causes
danger of over-watering. salt accumulation along the leaf margins and/or
tips, creating necrotic areas. Dust dulls normal leaf
In general, there are two types of containers — coloration, lessening plant value, but it also shades
ones with drainage holes and ones without. Do plant surfaces, reflecting light that can be used in
not allow plants in containers with drainage holes photosynthesis. Dust on lower leaf surfaces may
to sit in saucers filled with water, unless the plant clog stomata (specialized cells involved in water
is suspended above the water level by a layer of transpiration), inhibiting gas exchange within the
rocks. To avoid salt buildup, leach the soil once a leaf. Leaves with thick, shiny cuticles (Croton,
month by applying a gallon of water to every cubic Ficus, Peace Lily, Bromeliads) should be cleaned
foot of potting medium; after a few hours, follow with a damp sponge.
with ½ gallon of water. If the potting medium
contains garden soil, apply 5 gallons of water per If the plant is small, dip the foliage in tepid water
every cubic foot of growing medium. and swirl it around. Water should not be used
when cleaning cacti, African violet leaves, and
Containers without drainage holes work well for other plants with hairy leaves. Instead, use a clean,
plants such as the Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum), which small paintbrush brush to remove dust. Remove

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Georgia Cooperative Extension

dead flowers and leaves regularly. Leaves with tip (the body covering cannot be separated from the
and/or marginal necrosis, such as fluoride body), and mealybugs. Scales suck plant juices
damage, should be trimmed to the healthy part. from leaves and stems, causing stunting, leaf
discoloration, and death of the tissue. As a result
If the plant has been growing well, it will likely of their feeding, sticky “honeydew” (digested plant
need repotting. The decision to repot should be sap) is excreted (the exception is armored scales).
based on plant appearance — if it is top-heavy, if Honeydew offers a growing medium for a fungus
it fills the container with new shoots, or if it has called sooty mold, which, when present, can
extensive root growth out of the pot’s drainage detract from the plant appearance and block light
holes. Ideally, plants should be repotted in 1 inch from reaching the leaf surface. Scales are usually
increments. Planting into too large a container will inconspicuous; by the time infestation is noticed,
give the roots more soil than they initially need. the population is usually very large (Figure 10 and
The excess soil will hold extra moisture, creating Figure 11).
overly wet conditions. Increase pot size through
smaller increments rather than doubling the pot
size in one step (Figure 9).

Figure 10
Various scales.

Figure 9
Properly repotted plant.

Pest Management
Figure 11
Very few plants stay pest-free forever. Pest insects Various scales.
are more likely to be encountered on indoor plants
than diseases because the interior environment
rarely offers favorable conditions for foliar Mealybugs are soft bodied, 1/5 inch to 1/3 inch
diseases to develop. However, when plants are long, and covered by white, waxy filaments, giving
grown under stressful conditions (such as low them a white, cottony appearance. Insects are
light and excess water), soil-borne pathogens often frequently found on the new growth at the stem
develop. apex, where they suck plant juices, causing leaf
wilting and abscission (Figure 12). Some species of
Scales are 1/8 inch to 1/3 inch long with various mealybugs appear first on the undersides of leaves.
colors, depending upon the species. The three Mealybugs excrete sticky honeydew, which attracts
main families of scales are armored (the body sooty mold.
covering can be separated from the body), soft

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 Growing Indoor Plants with Success

Figure 12
Mealybugs are the major pest problem for
houseplants.
Figure 14
Spider mites with webbing.
Aphids are soft bodied, pear shaped, 1/25 inch to
1/8 inch long, and are usually green in color (but
may be pink, blue, brown, yellow, or black). Thrips, while uncommon on houseplants,
Aphids reside on new growth or on the underside predominantly feed on plants in patios and other
of young leaves, where they suck plant juices, outdoor areas (Figure 15). Thrips are small,
causing deformed, curled growth of new leaves, slender, 1/25 inch to 1/12 inch long, and tan,
buds, and flowers. Aphids also excrete honeydew. black, or brown in color, with lighter markings.
Aphids are usually wingless but develop winged Adults and larvae feed on shoot tips, flowers, and
forms when colonies become too large (Figure leaves by sucking sap and cell contents. Injured
13). tissue has a whitish or silver-flecked appearance
due to the light reflecting from the empty cell
walls of the dead cells.

Figure 15
Thrips.
Figure 13
Aphids.
What to Do for Plant Problems
Spider mites are the second most common pest
problem on houseplants (Figure 14). The adult Pests
females are about 1/50 inch long, hardly visible • The best method is prevention — pur-
with the unaided eye. Mites feed on the undersides chase pest-free plants.
of young leaves. Infected areas are grayish or • Remove a light infestation of mealybugs or
yellow speckled. aphids with a cotton swab dipped in
rubbing alcohol.
Webs form as a means of dispersal. Spider mites • If outdoor conditions permit, take the
thrive in hot and dry conditions. affected houseplant outside in a protected

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Georgia Cooperative Extension

area, where natural predators will Most importantly, avoid causing stress to plants. A
eventually come and rid the plant of the healthy plant is much more likely to fight off a
pest. disease than a stressed one. Use a simplified key
• Treat with insecticidal soap. The best for identifying the causal agent for a disease
results occur on plants that have been (Figure 16).
hardened off in the interior environment.
New plants, if they have not been ³ spots
³ sooty
molds
acclimatized (accustomed to lower light, ³ rusts
fertilizer, and water levels), are going to be ³ soft spots
tender and should be treated after the first ³ mildews
couple of weeks. Add 2 teaspoons of ³ wilts ³ rots
insecticidal soap per gallon of water and Bacterial
wipe foliage and stems with the soapy ³ cankers
water and soft cloth. ³ mottling ³ spots
• Heavy infestations may be too extensive to
³ distortion ³ wilts
treat. Discard these plants and do not Fungal
place them in your compost pile. ³ dwarfing
• Do not introduce beneficial insects Viral

indoors! They may work great in the Figure 16

greenhouse with a large number of plants Bacterial diseases cause spots, soft spots, and wilts.
and pests, but there is just not enough The signs of a fungal disease are sooty molds, rusts,
mildews, rots, cankers, spots, and wilts. Viral diseases
food in your home to sustain their cause mottling, distortion, and dwarfing.
population. Most pests can be controlled
culturally on indoor plants without the use
of chemicals. Soil-borne pathogens are commonly found on
Another potential problem in the indoor garden is stressed plants. Soil-borne pathogens affect plants
the occurrence of various diseases. For a disease at or below the soil line; disease development is
to happen, three factors must be present: (1) a usually well underway before symptoms are noted
susceptible plant, (2) a viable pathogen, and (3) a on plant parts aboveground. Soil-borne diseases
favorable environment. Because the home has commonly occur when the growing medium is
very low relative humidity and water is often kept excessively moist and fertility levels are high.
applied directly to the growing medium (thus Low light and over-watering create favorable
keeping the foliage dry), chances of a foliar disease environments for soil-borne diseases indoors.
occurring are minimal.
The most common causes of stress in interiors are
Leaf spots are the most common problem, but low light and over-watering.
they are usually not caused by a disease. For
example, leaf scalds occur when water droplets on
the leaves act as lenses and focus excessive light in
one spot, bleaching the chlorophyll and killing the
underlying tissue. Spots with patterns are signs of
a disease, including a tan center, dark borders,
and/or light-colored borders called “halos.” Dark
structures may be present on the underside; these
contain a means of dispersal called spores.

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 Growing Indoor Plants with Success

Summary of Cultural Care

Table 3 provides a listing of over 200 plants and
their cultural requirements. To summarize cultural
care guidelines, the following abbreviations and
coding numbers are used. These guidelines apply
to actively growing indoor plants.

L = Light
1. Sunny light areas: At least 4 hours of direct
sun
2. High-light areas: Over 200 ft-c, but not
direct sun
3. Medium-light areas: 75 ft-c to 200 ft-c
4. Low-light areas: 25 ft-c to 75 ft-c

T = Temperature
1. Cool: 50°F night, 65°F day temperatures
2. Average: 65°F night, 75°F day
temperatures
3. Warm: 70°F night, 85°F day temperatures

H = Relative Humidity
1. High: 50% or higher
2. Average: 25% to 49%
3. Low: 5% to 24%

W = Watering
1. Keep soil mix moist
2. Surface of soil mix should dry before
re-watering
3. Soil mix can become moderately dry
before re-watering

S = Suggested Soil Mix

For specific ingredients, refer to the various
growing mixes in “Soil/Growing Medium.” The
soil mixes are keyed as follows:
1. Flowering house plants
2. Foliage plants
3. Bromeliads
4. Orchids
5. Succulents and cacti
6. Ferns
7. African violets and other Gesneriads

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 Growing Indoor Plants with Success

Table 3
Indoor plants and their cultural requirements (adopted from McConnell, D. B. 1978)

Cultural Care
Botanical Name Common Name L T H W S
Abutilon hybridum Flowering Maple 1 1 2 2 1

Acalypha hispida Chenile Plant 1 2 2 2 1

Achimenes hybrids Magic Flower 2 2 2 1 7

Acorus calamus Sweet Flag 2-3 2 2 1 2

Acorus gramineus Miniature Sweet Flag 2-3 2 2 1 2

Adiantum raddianum Maidenhair Fern 2-3 2 1 1 6

Adromischus cristatus Crinkle-Leaf Plant 2-3 2 2 2 5

Adromischus festivus Plover Eggs 2-3 2 2 2 5

Aechmea fasciata Silver Vase 2-3 2 2 2 3

Aechmea miniata ‘Discolor’ Purplish Coral Berry 2-3 2 2 2 3

Aechmea ‘Royal Wine’ Royal Wine Bromeliad 2-3 2 2 1 3
Aeschynanthus marmoratus Zebra Basket Vine 2 2 2 1 7

Aeschynanthus pulcher Lipstick Vine 2 2 2 1 7

Agave Americana ‘Marginata’ Variegated Century Plant 1 2 3 3 5
Agave victoriae-reginae Queen Agave 1 2 2 2 5

Aglaonema modestum Chinese Evergreen 3-4 2 2 2 2

Aglaonema ‘Silver King’ Silver King 3-4 2 2 2 2
Aglaonema ‘Silver Queen’ Silver Queen 3-4 2 2 2 2
Allamanda cathartica Allamanda 1 2 1-2 2 1

Alloplectus nummularia Miniature Pouch Flower 2-3 2 1-2 1 7

Aloe aborescens Candelabra Plant 1 3 3 3 5

Aloe barbadensis Medicine Plant 1 3 3 3 5

Aloe brevifolia Brevifolia Aloe 1 3 3 3 5

Ananas comosus Pineapple 1-2 2 2 1 3

Anthurium clarinervium Dwarf Crystal Anthurium 2-3 2 1-2 1 2

Anthurium hookeri Bird’s Nest Anthurium 2-3 2 1-2 1 2

Anthurium scherzeranum Flamingo Flower 2-3 2 1-2 1 6

Aphelandra squarrosa Zebra Plant 2 2 2 1 2

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 Growing Indoor Plants with Success

Cultural Care
Botanical Name Common Name L T H W S
Araucaria heterophylla Norfolk Island Pine 2-3 2 2 1 2

Ardissa crenata Ardisia 2-3 2 2 1 2

Asparagus densiflorus ‘Myers’ Plume Asparagus 2-3 2 2 2 2
Asparagus densiflorus ‘Sprengeri’ Foxtail Fern 2-3 2 2 2 2
Asparagus falcatus Sickle Thorn 2-3 2 2 2 2

Aspidistra elatior Cast Iron Plant 3-4 2 3 2 2

Asplenium daucifolium Mother Fern 3 2 2 1 6

Asokebuyn budys Bird’s Nest Fern 3 2 2 1 6

Astrophytum myriostigma Bishop’s Cap 2 2 3 3 5

Beaucarnea recurvata Ponytail 1 2 3 3 5

Begonia cubensis Cuban Holly 2-3 2 2 2 2

Begonia metallica Metallic Leaf Begonia 2-3 2 2 2 2

Begonia x rex-cultorum Rex Begonia 2-3 2 2 2 2

Begonia semperflorens Wax Begonia 1-2 1 2 2 1

Billbergia nutans Queen’s Tears 2-3 2 2 2 3

Billbergia pyramidalis Urn Plant 2-3 2 2 2 3

Billbergia zebrina Zebra Plant 2-3 2 2 2 3

Bougainvillea spp. Bougainvillea 1 2 3 3 1

Brassaia actinophylla Schefflera 2-3 2 2 2 2

Brassaia arboricola Dwarf Schefflera 2-3 2 2 2 2

Caladium spp. Caladium 2 2 1 1 2

Calathea insignis Rattlesnake Plant 2-3 2 2 1 2

Calathea makoyana Peacock Plant 2-3 2 2 1 2

Calathea micans Miniature Maranta 2-3 2 2 1 2

Calathea roseopicta Rose Calathea 2-3 2 2 1 2

Calceolaria crenatiflora Slipperwort 2 1 1 1 1

Callisia elegans Striped Inch Plant 2-3 2 2 2 2

Carissa grandiflora ‘Bonsai’ Bonsai Natal Plum 1-2 2-3 2 2 1

Carissa grandiflora ‘Boxwood Beauty’ Boxwood Beauty 1-2 2-3 2 2 1

Caryota mitis Fishtail Palm 2-3 2 2 2 2

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Georgia Cooperative Extension

Cultural Care
Botanical Name Common Name L T H W S
Catharanthus roseus Madagascar Periwinkle 1-2 2 1-2 2 1

Cereus peruvianus Peruvian Apple Cactus 1 2-3 3 3 5

Ceropegia woodii Rosary Vine 2-3 2 2 2 5

Chamaedorea elegans Parlor Palm 3-4 2 2 2 2

Chamaedorea erumpens Bamboo Palm 3-4 2 2 2 2

Chamaerops humilis European Fan Palm 2-3 2 2 2 2

Chirita lavandulacea Hindustan Gentian 2-3 2 1-2 1 7

Chlorophytum comosum ‘Variegatum’ Variegated Spider Plant 2-3 2 2 1 2
Chlorophytum comosum ‘Vittatum’ Spider Plant 2-3 2 2 1 2

Chrysalidocarpus lutescens Areca Palm 2-3 2 2 1 2

Chrysanthemum morifolium Chrysanthemum 1 2 2 1 1

Cissus antarctica Kangaroo Vine 2-3 2 2 2 2

Cissus rhombifolia Grape Leaf Ivy 2-3 2 2 2 2

Cissus rotundifolia Wax Cissus 2 2 3 3 2

Cissus striata Miniature Grape Ivy 2-3 2 2 2 2

Citrofortunella mitis Calamondin Orange 1-2 1 2 2 1

Clivia miniata ‘Grandiflora’ Kafir Lily 2 2 2 2 1

Codiaeum variegatum Croton 1 2 1 1 2

Coffeaa arabica Coffee 2 2 2 2 1

Coleus blumeri Coleus 2-3 2 2 2 1

Colummea hybrids Goldfish Plant 2-3 2 1-2 1 7

Cordyline terminalis Ti Plant 2 1-2 2 2 2

Crassula argentea Jade Plant 2-3 2 2 2 2

Crassula falcata Propeller Plant 1-2 2 2 3 5

Crassula hemisphaerica Arab’s Turban 1-2 2 2 3 5

Crassula lycopodioides Toy Cypress 1-2 2 2 2 5

Crassula schmidtii Red Flowering Crassula 2-3 2 2 2 5

Crassula teres Rattlesnake Tail 2-3 2 3 3 5

Crossandra infundibuliformis Crossandra 2 2 2 1 1

Cryptanthus bivittatus ‘Minor’ Dwarf Rose Stripe Star 2 2 2 2 3

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 Growing Indoor Plants with Success

Cultural Care
Botanical Name Common Name L T H W S
Cryptanthus fosteranus Stiff Pheasant Leaf 2 2 2 2 3

Cryptanthus zonatus Zebra Plant 2 2 2 2 3

Cyrtomium falcatum ‘Rochfordianum’ House Holly Fern 2-3 2 2 2 6

Davallia fejeensis Rabbit’s Foot Fern 2-3 2 1 1 3

Dieffenbachia ‘Exotica Perfection’ Exotica Perfection 2-3 2 2 2 2
Dieffenbachia maculata Spotted Dumb Cane 3 2 2 2 2

Dizygotheca elegantissima False Aralia 2-3 2 2 2 2

Dracaena deremensis ‘Janet Craig’ Janet Craig 2-4 2 2 2 2
Dracaena deremensis ‘Warneckii’ Warneckii 2-4 2 2 2 2
Dracaena fragrans ‘Massangeana’ Corn Plant 2-3 2 2 2 2

Dracaena marginata Marginata 2-4 2 2 2 2

Dracaena surculosa Gold Dust Dracaena 2-4 2 2 2 2

Dyckia brevifolia Miniature Agave 1-2 2 3 2-3 2

Dyckia fosterana Silver and Gold Dyckia 1-2 2 3 2-3 3

Echeveria agavoides Molded Wax 1-2 2 3 3 5

Echeveria elegans Mexican Snowball 1-2 2 3 3 5

Echinocereus reichenbachii Lace Cactus 1-2 2 3 3 5

Epidendrum atropurpureum Spice Orchid 2 2 1-2 1 4

Epiphyllum hybrids Orchid Cacti 2 2 2 2 1

Epipremnum aureum Golden Pothos 2-4 2 2 2 2

Epipremnum aureum ‘Marble Queen’ Marble Queen 2-4 2 2 2 2

Episcia cupreata Flame Violet 2 2-3 1 1 7

Episcia dianthiflora Lace-Flower Vine 2 2-3 1 1 7

Episcia reptans Scarlet Violet 2 2-3 1 1 7

Euphorbia coeralescens Blue Euphorbia 2-3 2 2-3 2-3 5

Euphorbia mammillaris Corncob Cactus 1 2 2-3 3 5

Euphorbia milii splendens Crown-of-Thorns 1 2 2-3 3 5

Euphorbia pulcherrima Poinsettia 1-2 2 2 2 1

Euphorbia tirucalli Milkbush 1-2 2 2 2 1

Fatshedera lizei Botanical Wonder Plant 2-3 1-2 2 2 2

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Georgia Cooperative Extension

Cultural Care
Botanical Name Common Name L T H W S
Fatsia japonica Japanese Aralia 3-4 1-2 2 2 2

Ficus benjamina Weeping Fig 1-3 2 2 2 2

Ficus deltoidea Mistletoe Ficus 2-3 2 2 2 2

Ficus elastica ‘Decora’ Rubber Plant 1-3 2-3 2 2 2

Ficus lyrata Fiddle-Leaf Fig 1-3 2 2 2 2
Ficus pumila ‘Minima’ Dwarf Creeping Fig 2-3 2 2 2 2

Ficus retusa Cuban Laurel 2-3 2 2 2 2

Ficus sagittata Rooting Fig 2-3 2 2 2 2

Ficus willdemaniana Dwarf Fiddle-Leaf Fig 2-3 2 2 2 2

Fittonia verschaffeltii Red-Nerved Fittonia 2-3 2 1 1 2

Fittonia verschaffeltii argyroneura Silver-Nerved Fittonia 2-3 2 1 1 2

Fuchsia hybrida Fuchsias 2 1-2 1 1 1

Gasteria hybrida Ox Tongue 2 2 2 3 5

Graptopetalum amethystinum Jewel Leaf Plant 2-3 2 2-3 3 5

Guzmania lingulata ‘Major’ Scarlet Star 2 2 1 2 3

Guzmania monostachia Striped Torch 2 2 1 2 3

Gynura aurantiaca ‘Purple Passion’ Purple Passion 2-3 2 2 2 2

Haworthia cuspidata Star Window Plant 1-2 2 3 2-3 5

Haworthia fasciata Zebra Haworthia 1-2 2 3 2-3 5

Haworthia subfasciata Little Zebra Plant 2 2 3 2-3 5

Haworthia truncata Clipped Window Plant 1-2 2 3 3 5

Hedera canariensis Algerian Ivy 2-3 1-2 2 2 1

Hedera helix English Ivy 2-3 1-2 2 2 1

Hemigraphis alternata Waffle Plant 2-3 2 2 2 2

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Chinese Hibiscus 1 2 2 2 1

Hippeastrum hybrids Amaryllis 2 2 2 2 1

Howea belmoreana Belmore Sentry Palm 3-2 2 2 2 2

Howea forsterana Kentia Palm 2-4 2 2 2 2

Hoya carnosa ‘Variegata’ Wax Plant 2-3 2 2-3 2 2

Hoya kerrii Sweetheart Hoya 2 2 2 2 2

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 Growing Indoor Plants with Success

Cultural Care
Botanical Name Common Name L T H W S
Hyacinthus orientalis Hyacinth 2 1-2 2 1 1
Impatiens wallerana ‘Variegata’ Busy Lizzie Impatiens 2-3 2 2 2 1

Ixora coccinea Ixora 1 2 2 2 1

Jatropha integerrima Peregrian 1 2 2 2 1

Justicia brandegeana Shrimp Plant 1-2 2 2 2 1

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana Christmas Kalanchoe 1-2 2 2 2 1

Kalanchoe pumila Dwarf Purple Kalanchoe 1-2 2 2-3 3 5

Kalanchoe tomentosa Panda Plant 1-2 2 2-3 3 5

Malvaviscus arboreus Turk’s Cap 1 2 2 1 1

Mammillaria bocasana Powder Puff 1-2 2 3 3 5

Manettia inflata Firecracker Plant 2 2 1-2 2 1

Maranta leuconeura erythroneura Red Nerve Plant 2-3 2 2 2 2

Maranta leuconeura kerchoviana Prayer Plant 2-3 2 2 2 2

Mikania ternata Plush Vine 2-3 2 2 2 2

Monstera deliciosa Philodendron Pertusum 2-4 2 2 2 2

Monstera obliqua Window Leaf 3 2 2 2 2

Nautilocalyx lynchii Black Alloplectus 2-3 2 2 1 7

Neoregelia carolinae ‘Tricolor’ Tricolor Bromeliad 2-3 2 2 2 3

Neoregelia spectabilis Fingernail Plant 2-3 2 2 2 3

Neoregelia zonata Zonata 2-3 2 2 2 3

Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Bostoniensis’ Boston Fern 2-3 2 1-2 2 6
Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Fluffy Ruffles’ Fluffy Ruffles 2-3 2 1 2 6

Nidularium innocentii nana Miniature Bird’s Nest 2-3 2 2 1 3

Opuntia vilis Little Tree Cactus 1-2 2 3 3 5

Opuntia vulgaris Irish Mittens 1-2 2 3 3 5

Oxalis flava Finger Oxalis 1-2 2 2 2 1

Oxalis rubra Red Oxalis 1-2 2 2 2 1

Pachyphytum oviferum Pearly Moonstones 1-2 2 2-3 2-3 5

Pachystachys lutea Yellow Shrimp Plant 2-3 2 2 2 1

Paphiopedilum hybrids Ladyslipper Orchids 2-3 2 2 1-2 4

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Georgia Cooperative Extension

Cultural Care
Botanical Name Common Name L T H W S
Pedilanthus tithymaloides ‘Variegatus’ Devil’s Backbone 2-3 2 2 2 5
Pelargonium hortorum House Geranium 1-2 1-2 2-3 2 1

Pelargoniium peltatum Ivy Geranium 1-2 1-2 2 2 1

Pellaea rotundifolia Button Fern 2-3 2 2 1-2 6

Pellionia pulchra Satin Pellionia 2-3 2 2 1-2 2

Pentas lanceolata Egyptian Star Cluster 1 2 2 2 1

Peperomia caperata Emerald Ripple 2-3 2 2 2 2

Peperomia crassifolia Leather Peperomia 2-3 2 2 2 2

Peperomia obtusifolia Baby Rubber Tree 2-3 2 2 2 2

Philodendron bipennifolium Fiddle-Leaf Philodendron 3-4 2 2 2 2

Philodendron ‘Emerald Queen’ Emerald Queen 2-4 2 2 2 2

Philodendron ‘Florida’ Florida 2-4 2 2 2 2

Philodendron scandens oxycardium Heart-Leaf Philodendron 2-4 2 2 2 2

Philodendron selloum Selloum 2-4 2 2 2 2

Phoenix roebelenii Pigmy Date Palm 2-3 2 2 2 2

Pilea cadierei Aluminum Plant 2-3 2 1-2 1 2

Pilea microphylla Artillery Plant 2-3 2 1 1 2

Platycerium bifurcatum Staghorn Fern 2-3 2 2 2 6

Plectranthus australis Swedish Ivy 2-3 2 2 2 2

Plectranthus australis Candle Plant 2-3 2 2 2 2

Podocarpus macrophyllus Podocarpus 2-3 2 2 2 2

Polyscias balfouriana ‘Marginata’ Variegated Balfour Aralia 2-3 2 2 2 2

Polyscias fruticosa Ming Aralia 2-3 2 2 2 2

Rhapis excelsa Lady Palm 2-3 2 2 2 2

Rhododendron hybrids Azaleas 2 1-2 1 1 2

Ruellia graeciznas Red-Spray Ruellia 1-2 2 2 2 1

Saintpaulia hybrids African Violets 2-3 2 2 1 7

Sansevieria parva Parva Sansevieria 2-3 2 3 2-3 5

Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Hahnii’ Birdsnest Sansevieria 2-4 2 3 2-3 5

Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Laurentii’ Gold-Banded Sansevieria 2-4 2 3 2-3 5

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 Growing Indoor Plants with Success

Cultural Care
Botanical Name Common Name L T H W S
Saxifraga stolonifera Strawberry Geranium 2-3 1-2 2 2 2

Schlumbergera bridgesii Christmas Cactus 2-3 2 2 2 2

Schlumbergera truncata Christmas Cactus 2-3 2 2 2 2

Scindapsus pictus Silver Pothos 3 2 2 2 2

Sedum spectabile Showy Sedum 1-2 1-2 2-3 2-3 5

Sempervivum arachniodeum Cow Web Houseleek 1-2 1-2 2-3 2-3 5

Setcreasea pallida ‘Purple Heart’ Purple Heart 1-2 2 2 2 2

Sinningia speciosa Gloxinia 2-3 2 1-2 2 7

Soleirolia soleirolii Baby Tears 2-3 2 1-2 1 2

Spathiphyllum ‘Clevelandii’ Peace Lily 2-3 2 2 1 2

Spathiphyllum ‘Mauna Loa’ Mauna Loa 2-3 2 2 1 2

Stapelia nobilis Carrion Flower 1-2 2 2-3 2-3 5

Streptocarpus x hybridus Cape Primrose 2-3 2 2 2 7

Strobilanthes dyeranum Persian Shield 2-3 2 2 2 2

Syngonium podophyllum Nephthytis 2-4 2 2 2 2

Trillandsia bulbosa Dancing Bulb 2 2 2 2 3

Tillandsia lindenii Blue-Flowered Torch 2 2 2 2 3

Tolmiea menziesii Piggyback Plant 2 1-2 2 2 2

Tradescantia blossfeldiana Flowering Inch Plant 2-3 2 2 2 2

Tradescantia sillamontana White Velvet 2-3 2 2 2 2

Vriesea splendens Flaming Sword 2 2 2 2 3

Yucca elephantipes Spineless Yucca 2 2 3 2 2

Zebrina pendula Wandering Jew 2-3 2 2 2 2

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Georgia Cooperative Extension

Bibliography
Manaker, G. H. 1997. Interior Plantscapes: Installation, Maintenance, and Management. 3rd ed. Prentice
Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ.

McConnell, D. B. 1978. The Indoor Gardener’s Companion: A Definitive, Color-Illustrated Guide to the
Selection and Care of Houseplants. Van Nostrand Reinhold Company. New York, NY.

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 extension.uga.edu/publications
Bulletin 1318 Reviewed January 2017

The University of Georgia and Fort Valley State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and counties of the state cooperating. UGA Extension offers educational
programs, assistance and materials to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, age, gender or disability.

The University of Georgia is committed to principles of equal opportunity and affirmative action.