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3. Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana) A favorite for Victorian-era greenhouses and conservatories, these elegant palms have delicate, arching fronds and an upright growth habit. Choose a spot with plenty of height — Kentia palms can reach over 10 feet tall — where the plant won’t be crowded by furniture or other plants, to highlight the graceful form. Care tips: Grow in bright to moderate light and water weekly or slightly less often. To prevent palm root rot, plant in a well-draining soil mix, such as one sold for palms and succulents, and allow the top 3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings.
1. Staghorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum) Think of staghorn ferns, also called elkhorn ferns, as the antlers of the plant kingdom. These epiphytes, also known as air plants, need no soil to grow and will thrive mounted to a wood block with some sphagnum moss. They’re great for filling blank spaces on walls or bookshelves where they receive bright, filtered light. Grow a single fern or mount a trio side by side for more impact. Care tips: Mount the fern to a wood block on a wall with bright, indirect light. Submerge it (wood block and all) for a few minutes weekly in water, and mist every few days.
1. Staghorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum) Think of staghorn ferns, also called elkhorn ferns, as the antlers of the plant kingdom. These epiphytes, also known as air plants, need no soil to grow and will thrive mounted to a wood block with some sphagnum moss. They’re great for filling blank spaces on walls or bookshelves where they receive bright, filtered light. Grow a single fern or mount a trio side by side for more impact. Care tips: Mount the fern to a wood block on a wall with bright, indirect light. Submerge it (wood block and all) for a few minutes weekly in water, and mist every few days.
3. Dwarf Citrus (Citrus spp.) Edible beauty. Even if you don’t live in a warm-winter climate, you can still enjoy fresh citrus. Citruses do well with enough sun and water, and it’s hard to go wrong with their fragrance, especially when they’re in bloom. Citruses can get large, so look for dwarf varieties of your favorites. You also will probably want a lightweight pot, and setting it on a support with casters will be appreciated when it’s time to move it. Plant in neutral to slightly acidic soil, and water when the top 2 inches of soil is dry, letting the water drain thoroughly (citrus roots don’t like to sit in water). They can handle daytime temperatures from 55 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (12.7 to 29.4 degrees Celsius) and prefer higher humidity levels, so don’t put your citrus where drafts can dry it out. Feed monthly throughout spring and summer with a water-soluble high-nitrogen fertilizer; feed less often, if at all, during fall and winter. Yellow leaves indicate an iron deficiency. If the leaves curl up, you need to water more often. Lemons and oranges are the most popular miniature citruses, but keep an eye out for kumquats as well.
1. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) Succulent star. Jade plant may start out fairly small, but give it some time and the right conditions, and it can be a statement plant in your home. Jade plants have been known to reach 8 feet tall and 3 feet wide, although for most situations 2 to 3 feet tall and a foot wide is likelier. Either way, this easy-care succulent known for its smooth leaves can thrive for years. With luck, you’ll even get blooms. Jade plants do best in well-draining soil; indoor temperatures of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 24 degrees Celsius), or higher, during the day and 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 13 degrees Celsius) at night; and lower humidity levels. Let the soil dry out about 1 inch below the surface between waterings and allow it to drain thoroughly so it is most but not soggy. Fertilize twice a year with a water-soluble solution, adding it to moist soil. Jade plants prefer slightly drier conditions in winter. If the leaves turn brown, your plant may be getting too much sun; this is a more common problem for variegated varieties. Powdery mildew may be a problem if air circulation is poor; pinch off any damaged or discolored leaves. You can also pin...
7. Cactuses and Succulents These fleshy, sometimes spiny, plants are very easy to grow and come in a wide range of sizes and forms. Agave, aloe, echeveria, sedum, aeonium, kalanchoe and jade plants are all commonly available and do well in sunny spots indoors. Show off a collection of baby cactuses and succulents by grouping them together on a windowsill. Care tips: Grow most cactuses in full sun and most succulents in bright, indirect light. Use a fast-draining potting mix and allow the soil to partially dry out between waterings. Don’t overwater.
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