Foliage Plants
For a Relaxing Atmosphere

A Sampler of Top Foliage Performers

Ivies will prosper with bright light, some sun and a humid atmosphere. Their best soil mixture is a well drained rich organic matter peat moss. Ivies will perform at their best if the soil is slightly damp at all times and prefer a 50 to 70 degree temperature range.

This evergreen climbing plant will grow where suitable surfaces are available, as trees, cliffs, and even walls. It is often used as a decorative addition for buildings and will grow on sections of buildings, walls, and fences for its aesthetic beauty. It climbs by means of aerial rootlets which cling to the substrate.

English Ivy is one of the most adaptable and variable of all ground covers as it can grow in shade or in full sun. It is most often used to cover bare places of ground with a dense growth; as such it is excellent in preventing soil erosion and is particularly useful where little else will grow. The glossy dark green leaves are evergreen and retain their color year round.

Caveats - English ivy plants have fallen out of favor in many circles in North America, where they are considered invasive plants. These days, it seems as many people wish to learn how to get rid of them as wish to grow them.

You’ll like Schefflera
Aficionados of foliage plants prefer to grow Schefflera as it is easy to grow both inside and outside of the house.

Even though Schefflera requires little attention, there are certain points that you need to remember when growing Schefflera.

If plant is not receiving enough light or is too far away from the light source, the Schefflera will become spindly by stretching towards the light source. Do not place this houseplant in direct sunlight or you may burn the foliage. If foliage begins to drop and turn yellow, the plant is not receiving enough light.

Don’t over water or you’ll have trouble with lower leaf drop. Watering requirements for this houseplant are pretty much the same as many other common houseplants.

Allow the soil to dry in between watering; however do not allow it to stay dry for long periods of time.

On the opposite end, do not allow the plant to sit in water either, so be sure to allow proper drainage. If the foliage begins to drop and turn black in color, you are over watering or do not have proper drainage in place.

If the foliage tips begin to curl or wrinkle, you are probably under watering the plant. Do not be afraid to prune your Schefflera back into shape if it gets out of control. This is one houseplant who will bounce back better than ever after a nice complete pruning.

Rex begonias make good houseplants because they grow best in low light situations. Soil should be light, porous, slightly acid, and contain some peat moss.

These plants grow healthier in cooler temperatures with an indoor humidity of fifty percent or more.

However, overhead watering or misting is not recommended. Instead, set pots planted with Rex begonias on pebbles in saucers or trays and fill with water to just below the base of the container.

Grow big green plants
Plants big enough, striking enough to serve as focal points in a room scheme are foliage plants much sought after.

Dieffenbachias are luxuriant plants, popular for their handsome, bold foliage. Give them bright light. Grow in soil that’s half loam, half peat.

Rubber plants, with either the solid green leaves or variegated leaves are foliage toughies that withstand low light placement. Don’t over water.

Fatshedera is a good general-purpose plant, well suited for floor planter. It is tolerant of reduced light, but must be provided with good drainage.

Fiddleleaf - tall-growing, with a handsome form, needs occasional sunning if grown away from direct light. Wash off its leaves periodically.