Questions We’re Often Asked: Easy Indoor Plants

Urban folk are becoming more and more inclined to apartment living. Half the population of Canada’s largest city, Toronto, now live thus and condominium construction shows no signs of slackening. Neither though does the desire to green the indoor environment, removing pollutants without mechanical filtering systems. Additionally, increasing numbers of office administrators are realizing that indoor plants have practical benefits, encouraging efficiency and reducing absenteeism.

But lets face it, with increasing hectic live styles, any plants chosen have to be tough to withstand the less than ideal conditions they are likely to be exposed to, even the occasional benign neglect. And of course they should be available at modest price. Here are some suggestions:

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Known to everyone and a top choice in NASA research for removing airborne pollutants. Originating from South Africa, it prefers moderate light but will tolerate lower levels. Although invariably sold in hanging baskets, this makes a fine cabinet-top specimen if the hanger of the basket is removed. As with most of these choices, keep just moist but water heavily just prior to a long weekend or if away for several days.

Spathe Flower (Spathiphyllum cultivars)

Known especially to Americans as a Peace Lily, this South American denizen of swampy rain forests will tolerate almost anything except being allowed to dry out. In fact, unlike many indoor plants, it will take to overwatering like a duck to water. Well, almost. Dislikes direct sunlight but will thrive in anything except the dingiest corner. When thoroughly acclimatized it throws up numerous unusual, long-lasting white blooms, technically known as a spathe, with a spadix in the centre.

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Calathea (Calathea species)

Also known as the Peacock Plant, it is another choice from the damp floor of South American rain forests. There are several forms of this plant all of which take about the same care as Spathe Flowers, although these are grown for their foliage and are unlikely to bloom.

Philodendron (Philodendron cultivars)

As a vine, the Heart-leaved Philodendron (P. oxycardium) is to be seen everywhere. Renowned for its toughness – and growing ability – it makes a fine hanging plant for every degree of light and care – or lack thereof. The Saddle Leaf Philodendron (P. selloum) is a floor model that reaches substantial proportions, but is equally impervious to light conditions and maintenance.

Pothos (Epidendrum selections)

A look-alike to philodendron vines, sometimes sold as Devil’s Ivy, this is another tough character from the Solomon Islands in the Pacific. The advantage over philodendrons lies in the various degrees of variegation of selected cultivars. However, like most variegated plants, the more splashes of lighter colours, the greater the need for increased light.

Clivia (C. miniata)

A fountain of strap-shaped leaves arise from the hidden bulb of this African offering. Towards the end of each year or early in the next it will throw up a stalk of lily-like orange blooms. Immediately the first signs of the stalk are detected, cease watering and allow it to elongate and best display the spectacular flowers. Other than that, offer medium to bright light and keep the soil just moist.

Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

Also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, this architectural plant was beloved of the Art Deco set of the 1920s and 1930s. Stiff, upright leaves are, well yes, rather tongue-like but Snake Plant because, used to delineate paths in tropical landscapes, it is easy to see any snakes coiled at their base. This is one tough plant from scrub in sub-Saharan grasslands of Africa. Tolerating weeks without water, it seems happy in almost any light.