9-fast-growing-indoor-plants-to-brighten-up-your-home-in-(almost)-no-time
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Fast-Growing Indoor Plants to Brighten Up Your Home in (Almost) No Time

ByLeanne Potts

When you want lots of greenery in your home, stat, but don’t want to pay high prices for large houseplants, buying a few fast-growing indoor plants when they’re small can save you a bit of money. Plus, you’ll get a healthier plant long-term because a small plant adjusts quicker to the conditions in your home than a mature plant. This means fewer leaves dropping off your new plants because they’re pitching a fit about the light in your house. Here’s a list of fast-growing houseplants that will go from mini to massive in next to no time. Pothos Bob Stefko Also known as devil’s ivy, pothos (Epipremnum auereum) grows super fast, adding up to a foot a month in the right growing conditions. Indoors, the vines grow up to 5 feet long. You can train them to grow up a moss pole or trellis or put them in hanging container and let the vines trail down. Pothos comes in many varieties, including golden, ‘Marble Queen,’ Neon, N’Joy, and ‘Pearls and Jade.’ All have green leaves dappled with white, yellow, or pale green. These tropical vines are a great pick for houseplant newbies because they’re so easy to grow and thrive in low light. Syngonium Jacob Fox Also known as arrowhead vine, Syngonium podophyllum is a climbing tropical vine native to the rainforests of Mexico and Ecuador. It takes its common name from the shape of its leaves. Syngonium is fast-growing and lush, reaching a mature size of 3-6 feet long and 1-2 feet wide. Give it bright, indirect light and consistent watering, and it will scramble up a moss pole or spill from a shelf as a hanging plant. There are many Syngonium varieties with leaf colors ranging from solid green to variegated types with splashes of white, cream, and pink. For example, ‘Albo Variegata’ has dark green leaves with big splashes of white, and ‘Pink Splash’ has pink leaves with splashes of green. Philodendron Dean Schoeppner This fast-growing climbing tropical vine comes in many different varieties and colors and is easy to grow. Depending on the type, philodendron hits a mature size of between 3-12 feet long. It likes moist, well-drained soil and bright indirect light. It’s tolerant of shade, though, so it’s a good pick for a room where natural light is scarce. One popular type is heart leaf philodendron (shown here). It has deep green leaves shaped like hearts that will trail from a hanging planter or grow up a trellis or bookshelf. Heart leaf philodendron is also forgiving when it comes to watering, bouncing back quickly if you forget to water a time or two. Hoya Marty Baldwin There are around 500 hoya varieties, and not all are fast growers. However, Hoya carnosa, commonly called wax plant, grows so fast that these tropical vines are considered weeds in their native Southeast Asia. As houseplants, they wont’ take over your house, but they can grow several inches a month if you water them regularly and keep them in bright but indirect light. Hoya plants have glossy leaves and produce clusters of star-shaped flowers several times a year. Look for ‘Krimson Princess,’ which has green leaves variegated with pink and white, and ‘Krimson Queen,’ which has white or pink margins on green leaves. Put a hoya in a hanging planter by a sunny window and let its vines trail down, or train them to grow up a bookshelf, window, or archway. Begonia Kindra Clineff Begonias can double in size in two to three weeks, so they’re one of the fastest growing indoor plants out there. Some types of begonias have fancy leaves that feature dots and swirls, and they can bloom at all times of the year. Cane begonias are the speediest growers, and they are dramatic-looking plants that will make a statement in your home. Another striking houseplant is polka dot begonia, which has silver dots on green and red, wing-shaped leaves. It will grow up to 2 feet tall and produce clusters of white flowers. Monstera Elvira Kashapova / Getty Images Big, bold monstera (Monstera deliciosa) is the star of many indoor Instagram jungles, thanks to its iconic fenestrated leaves. When you buy a smaller monstera, the leaves will look completely different because they haven’t yet developed the signature splits and the plant may not be climbing yet. But as a monstera matures, it develops those striking signature leaves, a process that takes around two years. Give monstera medium to bright light and consistent watering, and guide it to grow on a moss or coir pole. It can reach 8-10 feet high and up to 6 feet wide in ideal conditions. Monstera is sometimes called Swiss cheese plant, the same name used for its smaller cousin, Monstera adansonii, which also makes a fast-growing indoor plant. Swiss Cheese Plant Jacob Fox Swiss cheese plant (Monstera adansonii) is named for its heart-shaped leaves that develop holes as the plant matures, reminiscent of Swiss cheese. It’s faster growing than its cousin, Monstera deliciosa, with an average growth rate of one to two feet a year. Indoors it will grow to a mature size of between 3-8 feet. Train it to grow up a moss poll or place a pot of Swiss cheese plant on a shelf and let its vines trail to the floor. Spider Plant Juli Lopez-Castillo Spider plants are among the easiest houseplants to grow because they tolerate both

14-houseplants-you-should-never-grow-in-direct-sun
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14 Houseplants You Should Never Grow in Direct Sun

ByLauren Landers

South-facing windows that receive lots of bright light every day are the perfect place for sun-loving houseplants like cacti and succulents, but growing plants that prefer lower light conditions in too much sun can cause sunscald, faded leaf colors, and other issues. Here are 14 houseplants that shouldn’t be grown in direct sun, plus simple workarounds you can use to grow low-light plants in a sunny home. Pothos Jacob Fox Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) are famously forgiving plants, but one thing they won’t tolerate is too much sun. If you keep these plants in a bright window, there’s a good chance they’ll develop sunburn, bleached-out leaves, and other signs of damage. However, you can keep your pothos plants safe by positioning them a few feet away from bright windows or installing sheer curtains to soften the light. African Violets Marty Baldwin African violets (Saintpaulia ionantha) grow best in bright, indirect light; their fuzzy leaves can turn yellow or brown in too much sun. East- or north-facing windows are the best places for these plants, while sunny south-facing windows are likely to cause sunburn, especially in summer when the light is more intense. Peace Lily Blaine Moats Although peace lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii) grows well in low-light homes, it can tolerate brighter spots as long as the light is filtered and indirect. Blazing hot sun can scorch tender peace lily leaves, but it can also cause these moisture-loving plants to dry out quickly. If your peace lily’s uppermost leaves are yellow or faded, it may be receiving too much light. Snake Plant Marty Baldwin Many people keep snake plants (Dracaena trifasciata) in low-light homes, but these plants do best in bright, indirect light. Just be sure to protect any type of snake plant from direct sun. It can cause plant stress, yellowing or browning leaves, and leaf burn. Rubber Plant Rubber plants (Ficus elastica) are prized for their big glossy leaves that come in dark green and variegated shades. However, these plants can be damaged by too much sun, so keep them away from overly bright windows. For best results, provide your rubber plants with about six to eight hours of bright, indirect light daily, and consider adding a supplemental grow light if your plants aren’t receiving enough sun. ZZ Plant Kindra Clineff When it comes to houseplants that grow well in low light, ZZ plants (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) are always at the top of the list. However, intense sun can scorch ZZ plant leaves and cause their rich colors to fade. Sunburn is particularly problematic with these plants because they grow slowly, and it takes a while for them to recover after damage. Cast Iron Plant Named for their nearly indestructible nature, cast iron plants (Aspidistra elatior) were incredibly popular during the Victorian period when they were commonly kept in low-light parlors. Today, these foliage plants are still popular. They grow best in low to medium light. Bright sun can damage their lush green leaves and ruin the look of these classic plants. Nerve Plant Marty Baldwin Nerve plants (Fittonia albivenis) need lots of moisture; they droop dramatically when their soil is dry or the humidity level is low. Keeping these water-lovers in bright windows is certain to cause drooping stems, and it can also make their colorfully veined leaves turn brown and crispy. Growing nerve plants in a terrarium under a grow light or in bright indirect sunlight is the best way to protect their leaves and enhance their growth. Spider Plant Dean Schoeppner Like pothos and cast iron plants, spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are prized for their easy-going nature. However, too much sun can bleach their leaves and turn them brown. Bright, indirect light is ideal for spider plants and encourages them to produce flowers and baby spider plants or “spiderettes.” Moth Orchid Matt Clark Moth orchid (Phalaenopsis spp.) is an understory plant that naturally grows in dappled light beneath a canopy of tall trees. Keeping these plants in direct sun causes leaf scorch, and it can also make orchid leaves crack along the centers from low humidity. That’s why it’s always best to keep moth orchids and most other orchid species in bright, indirect light. Calatheas and Marantas Denny Schrock These two closely related plants are famous for their colorful and uniquely patterned leaves. To preserve the look of your calatheas (Calathea spp.) and marantas (Maranta leuconeura), also known as prayer plants, keep them out of bright sun. Intense sun can cause leaf bleaching, while bright indirect light and high humidity keep these tropical plants in tip-top shape. Most Ferns Brie Passano Most ferns grow in relatively shady spots in the wild, and they love consistently moist soil. Although you can find a few indoor ferns that tolerate higher light levels, classics like Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata), staghorn fern (Platycerium bifurcatum), and maidenhair fern (Adiantum pedatum) grow best in bright, indirect sun. Keeping these plants near a humidifier or in a steamy, well-lit bathroom helps them grow even better. Chinese Evergreen Jacob Fox Bright indirect or low light is ideal for Chinese evergreens (Aglaonema commutatum), while higher light levels can cause leaf bleaching, browning, and discoloration. East or west exposures are usually the best choices for Chinese evergreens, but these plants can also be kept in northern exposures as long as they receive enough natural light. Waffle Plant Dean Schoeppner Like nerve plants, waffle plants (Hemigraphis alternata ‘Exotica’) are sensitive to sun

10-best-herbs-to-grow-indoors-for-fresh-flavors-year-round
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10 Best Herbs to Grow Indoors for Fresh Flavors Year-Round

BySheryl Geerts

10 Best Herbs to Grow Indoors for Fresh Flavors Year-Round These are the best herbs to grow indoors on a sunny windowsill. Published on November 19, 2024 Photo: Adam Albright When cold temperatures arrive, you don’t have to say goodbye to your favorite herbs—you can grow them in your home instead. The best herbs to grow indoors just need a sunny windowsill to add fresh flavors to your cooking and serve as delightfully aromatic houseplants. Whether you want to grow new transplants or bring in plants to overwinter, these are the easiest herbs to grow indoors. Basil Peter Krumhardt It’s easy to grow basil indoors to enjoy all year long. Try growing several types of basil to experience its variety of vibrant scents, colors, and to have this flavorful herb within easy reach when cooking. Water basil regularly and make sure its soil is well-draining so the plant doesn’t develop fungal problems. Harvest basil by pinching off leaves from the top of the plant. Cilantro Dean Schoeppner Grow cilantro indoors from seed to keep a convenient, fresh supply on hand year-round. Plant it on an east-facing windowsill that gets plenty of light in the morning, and in just 30 days its leaves will be ready for harvesting. You can cut cilantro simply by snipping its leaves with kitchen scissors so they don’t get crushed or bruised. Reseed every 2 or 3 weeks and you’ll have a handy fresh crop to preserve or use anytime you need it. Mint Pete Krumhardt Get started growing mint indoors by buying mint transplants instead of seeds. If you already have a mint plant growing outdoors in your garden, you can bring it indoors and repot it to extend the growing season. Propagating mint from cuttings is an additional way to expand your supply of fresh mint. Position your pot on a kitchen windowsill with a southern exposure so that the plant receives four to six hours of bright sunlight daily. Once your plant is at least 4 inches tall, you can start harvesting mint leaves for salads, teas, and spice blends. Oregano Peter Krumhardt Giving oregano plenty of sun on a south- or west-facing windowsill is the key to growing these herbs indoors. Whether you bring this plant inside to overwinter as a houseplant or grow it from nursery-grown transplants, you’ll need to make sure it has well-drained soil. Oregano is sensitive to overwatering, so only water it when the surface of the soil is dry. You can begin harvesting oregano sprigs all around the plant as soon as its stems are at least 4 inches tall. Parsley Dean Schoeppner Growing parsley in pots on a windowsill is easy as long as the plant receives lots of bright, direct light and gets watered regularly. This slow-growing herb takes about 14 weeks to mature, so if you want your plants to be a harvestable size in winter, plant parsley seeds indoors at the end of summer or in early fall. Harvest the plant’s leaves frequently to encourage new growth. It’s best to start a new pot of parsley every month or two for a prolific crop. Rosemary Bob Stefko The easiest way to start growing rosemary indoors is to buy a young potted variety such as compact ‘Blue Boy’ that is ideal for growing indoors. You can also overwinter rosemary cuttings indoors by taking stem cuttings in autumn before frost hits. Grow your potted herb on a kitchen windowsill with a southern exposure or under a grow light during short-day months. To harvest rosemary stems, clip off the top 2 to 3 inches of new, flexible growth from your plant that is at least 6 inches tall. Thyme Peter Krumhardt Growing flavorful thyme indoors is possible if you place this plant on a south-facing windowsill that receives at least six to eight hours of full sun per day. Once thyme is established, you won’t have to worry about giving it a lot of water because it’s a drought-tolerant plant. To harvest thyme without killing the plant, make sure to never harvest more than half the height of the plant at one time. Leave at least 5 inches of stems and green leaves on the plant after harvesting. Chives Edward Gohlich Harvest chives conveniently throughout the year by growing them indoors. The quickest way to grow chives is to use nursery-grown plants. You can also overwinter potted chives that have spent the summer outside. Be sure to put the plant on a south-facing windowsill where the plant receives at least four to six hours of direct sunlight per day. To harvest a few chives for cooking, use scissors to trim the older, outer leaves around the exterior of the plant when the plants are about 6 inches tall. Sage Marty Baldwin Add a little texture to your indoor herb garden with the grayish, wooly leaves of sage. Grow sage on a south- or west-facing windowsill that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. When harvesting sage, choose the younger, smaller leaves on tender stems to give the most flavor to your savory dishes. Lemongrass Peter Krumhardt To easily grow lemongrass indoors, just purchase a fresh stalk of lemongrass from a grocery store and root the stalk in a glass of water before you pot it up. Place your potted lemongrass on a windowsill that receives at least six hours of sun daily. When