A spider plant handles neglect exceptionally well and tolerates a wide range of conditions in all areas – fertilization, medium, light, temperature – making it one of the easiest plants to grow. This favored foliage is relatively free of disease and pest infestations, as long as it’s kept healthy, which makes it that much more appealing for the novice. About the only thing that is damaging to this remarkable plant is over-watering. And that problem is instantly solved by growing it in hydroculture.

Spider plants with variegated leaves require bright light – indirect sunlight is ideal - to maintain their variegation. They will adapt to lower light but the distinct colors will be lost; the leaves will turn into a single shade of green. The root system of this plant is large and tuberous, allowing it to store water longer than many other plants, so be very careful with the watering can. Always allow the soil to dry between watering; be especially prudent during the winter season. If you prefer to wait for signs of thirst before watering, the spider plant’s leaves will turn pale and droop when the plant is parched. Remember that it’s better to underwater than to over-water. But don’t wait too long to hydrate either!

Brightness is one of the primary ingredients for successful flowering so let there be light; the morning sun from eastern exposure is ideal. Another popular spot is a bright, unobstructed northern windowsill. Over-watering is the fastest way to kill an African violet so be careful; keep the soil moist but never soggy. Convert them to hydroculture if you’d like; they are perfect candidates for this alternative growing style.

Average household temperatures that keep you comfortable will keep your plants comfortable as well. Dry air is tolerated but higher humidity is preferred; increase it if it's too low. Fertilizers are an important source of food for African Violets; feed your plants regularly if they are actively growing and visibly healthy.

Attractive, versatile, several flower colours to choose from and perfect for beginners – how can you not adore these renowned beauties? There are African violets growing happily in cozy windowsills around the globe. Why not on one of yours?

Azaleas like it cool; ideally, temperatures should not exceed 18°C (65°F) during the day and night temperatures should linger between 7°C (45°F) – 12°C (55°F). Keep the soil moist at all times; never allow this plant to dry out completely. Under-watering leads to premature dropping of buds, flowers and even leaves. Place the plant in a location that provides bright, indirect light; a shady location and cool temperatures are required to encourage and extend the flowering period. Provide plenty of humidity; plants grown in areas where the air is very dry do not perform well and they are prone to spider mite attacks.

Azaleas are usually treated as temporary plants and discarded after the blooming period has come and gone. But that need not be the case with these beauties. With a little tender loving care, Azaleas will flourish for years, rewarding you for several weeks at a time with plenty of lovely flowers to grace your home.

Plant the bulb up to its neck in a well-draining medium, leaving 1/3 to 1/4 of the top exposed. Water thoroughly and set the plant in a bright, indirect spot where temperatures range between 21°C (70°F) to 23°C (75°F). Do not water again until you see obvious signs of growth, then water thoroughly when necessary, keeping the soil moderately moist. Never allow the medium to dry out completely. Be careful of over-watering, which will rot the bulb. The flower stalk is usually the first to appear but it’s not unusual for leaves to emerge before and even during the initial stage. As a general rule, the period from potting to flowering takes between 7 – 10 weeks.

And once the blooming period is over, there’s no need to throw out that bulb. With the right care, you can get your Amaryllis to bloom again next year. It may even be worth your while to keep that Amaryllis bulb instead of throwing it out every year because the longer you have your Amaryllis bulb, the bigger it will get and the more flowers it will produce. For those reasons alone, it’s worth keeping it around.

Grow in a well-draining, highly-porous soil mix to prevent rot. During the active growing season, water thoroughly and then do not water again until the soil is completely dry. During the dormant period – late fall to early spring – keep almost completely dry; water enough to keep the plant from shriveling. Select the sunniest spot available, especially during the winter when the quality and quantity of light is reduced considerably by shorter, cloudier days. Ample sunshine keeps this unique cactus healthy and encourages hair growth.

Humidity is not critical; a drier environment is preferred. Provide warm temperatures (18°C - 29°C / 65°F - 85°F) during active growth and cooler ones (13°C - 16°C / 55°F - 60°F) during dormancy. Do not expose to temperatures below 10°C (50°F) for extended periods. Cephalocereus Senilis is one of the best performers in hydroculture. Transplant with great care to avoid being stabbed by the sharp spines. Conversion is rapid with no ill effects. Make sure the water level is always kept below the roots; let it dry completely before adding more water.

Keep the soil evenly moist during the spring and summer but allow it to dry out slightly during the colder seasons when plant growth is significantly reduced. Alocasias are extremely susceptible to root rot so make sure you are using a well-draining medium. A shady location is tolerable but a brightly-lit spot out of the path of direct sunlight is best. Average household room temperatures are fine; protect from cold drafts.

This is a prime candidate for the hydroculture system. Conversion is fairly rapid with little or no signs of stress. Alocasia is also part of a select group of plants that suspend new growth during the transplanting process rather than discarding it. After water roots develop, the plant resumes growth of the new, unfurled foliage.

While it’s true that the plant declines as it ages and looks best only in its juvenile stage (colours fade as it gets older), there’s no reason to treat it as a temporary room accent. This fast-growing specimen roots easily and new stock can be raised from cuttings, allowing you to enjoy its majestic presence in your home indefinitely. Prune often to promote a more compact appearance and avoid lankiness.

The text above was copied from: Fabulous Foliage

For more info about this plant: The Persian Shield

Although able to survive in dimly lit areas, a corn plant prefers bright light. Choose a location that offers medium to bright light or some early morning or late afternoon sun. Always protect against the hot rays of the summer’s midday sun. It is absolutely essential that you use a fast-draining, porous soil for this plant that is highly-prone to root rot. Water thoroughly only when the medium is fairly dry; be especially careful during the colder months. Switch to hydroculture to eliminate water woes.

All Dracaenas, this one included, can tolerate dry air better than most indoor plants but the preference is higher levels of humidity. Air that is too dry will lead to brown leaf tips and susceptibility to infestations, especially from spider mites. Place this Dracaena in a warm location; it is very sensitive to cold drafts and chilly temperatures.

The succulent leaves will turn bright pink or even red when grown in intensely lit locations so provide plenty of bright light and even full sun. Earth Stars have a very small root system and must be watered very carefully to avoid rot. Keep the soil evenly moist and never allow the plant to dry out completely. Above average humidity levels are the preference. Place the plant on top of a pebble tray filled with water or near a humidifier. The Earth Star is perfectly suited to a terrarium. Average indoor temperatures are fine.

All types of Cryptanthus thrive in the hydroculture system, which puts an end to watering woes.

When the plant is actively growing, allow the soil to dry out slightly, then water thoroughly. Let the medium dry out more during the colder months when the plant slows down. Do not keep the soil constantly moist if the plant is not growing or if it’s placed in colder, darker areas. Grow this plant in the hydroculture system to take the guesswork out of watering.

Golden Pothos can grow reasonably well in low light areas but prefers bright, indirect light to maintain its variegation. Choose a warm spot where temperatures range between 16°C (60°F) and 27°C (80°F) and protect against cold drafts. Although able to tolerate dry air better than most plants, try to raise humidity to more reasonable levels, primarily in the winter when the heating system is running.

With proper care – bright light, careful watering, warm temperatures and fertilizer about once a month during the growing season – your Pothos will thrive. And no matter how you choose to grow one – on a stand, in a hanging basket, up a totem pole or creeping along a wall – it’ll adorn your home for many years to come.

Like all Dracaenas, the Reflexa will tolerate low light conditions but will not be at its best unless it receives ample light. Place this plant near a window where it can receive bright, indirect light or some early morning sun. Protection against summer’s midday sun is recommended to avoid damaging the leaves. Use a fast-draining, porous soil, keep it slightly moist and do not water until it’s fairly dry. Be careful with that watering can; Dracaenas are highly-susceptible to root rot. This is a prime candidate for the hydroculture system; consider switching to eliminate water problems.

Place this plant in a warm location and protect it from chilly drafts. Dracaenas are very cold-sensitive; any situation that has the potential to cause cold damage should be corrected immediately or the plant will deteriorate rapidly. Tolerance to dry air is impressive but a little extra moisture in the air is preferred; increase humidity to provide a healthier environment.

Learn more about this plant: Dracaena Reflexa - Song Of India

Be careful with watering this plant that is susceptible to root rot but also hates being left to dry out until it’s wilting. Keep the plant moderately damp; water only when the medium begins to dry out, but never allow it to dry out completely either. Choose a bright spot but avoid direct noontime sun. Early morning or late afternoon sunlight in an east or west facing location is ideal, but you can also place this plant in a southern location in indirect light. Provide plenty of fresh air and ventilation in a room with average room temperatures. Humidity is essential to an orchid. Increase the levels by placing the plant on a pebble tray or running a humidifier nearby.

The Phalaenopsis is an epiphyte and would much rather have its roots clinging to a tree than buried in soil. While you can’t plant a tree in your home, you can get rid of the soil by growing this lovely plant in clay pellets instead. This epiphytic moth converts effortlessly, and readily adopts the hydroculture growing style.

Place the Aechmea Fasciata in a southern, eastern or western location; protect it from the hot afternoon sun. Pot it up in a very porous medium that allows for sufficient air circulation and prevents water logging. Water the compost only when it dries out considerably and then water thoroughly. Keep the tank filled with water at all times, flush it every 4 – 8 weeks and refill with fresh water. You may also choose to grow this plant in the hydroculture system to which it is an ideal candidate. Average room temperatures between 15°C (60°F) and 24°C (75°F) are satisfactory but plants may require temperatures of 24°C (75°F) and above to bloom. Add a humidifier nearby to increase humidity levels or place the plant on a pebble tray.

For more info on this plant: King Of My Plant Jungle

Provide bright light and protect from midday sun, which can damage the delicate leaves. A north or east-facing window is ideal; early morning or late afternoon sun is appreciated. Cyclamens prefer a cool spot (no warmer than 20°C (68°F) during the day and a cooling down to 12°C (55°F) or even 10°C (50°F) at night. An environment that is too warm can cause yellowing of leaves, flower bud loss and premature fading of blooms.

Plant in a fast draining, porous medium and keep it moist at all times; never allow the plant to dry out completely while growing actively. It’s recommended to water only from below to avoid pouring water directly on the plant’s tuber, leaves or flowers. You can water the soil from above but with great vigilance. Above average humidity levels are best. Set the pot on top of a pebble tray filled with water or place a humidifier nearby.

After the plant has finished blooming, gradually withhold water until the foliage has died back, making sure to remove all the dead leaves. Leave the tuber in its pot and store it in a cool, dark area for 3 to 4 months – generally throughout the entire summer season. In late summer, place it in a brighter location with cool temperatures, water minimally until you see signs of awakening, and then feed and water normally when new growth appears. Flower buds will soon follow.

You may also place your plant outdoors for the summer.

Like all its relatives, this Dracaena is highly-susceptible to rot from over-watering; this is not a plant for someone who is heavy-handed with the watering can. Use a fast-draining, porous medium and do not water until it is fairly dry; be especially careful during the colder months. Switch to hydroculture to eliminate water woes.

Able to tolerate different light levels – from low light to full sun – you can place a Marginata right up against a north or east window, near a west one or in a bright area of a southern location making sure to protect against the hot midday sun. Although it will survive very low levels of light, it requires better quality for optimum growth and appearance.

Place this lovely specimen - that is sensitive to cold drafts and chilly temperatures - in areas where it is warm; average household temperatures that are comfortable for you will be fine for your plant. Low levels of humidity are bearable but it’s preferable to provide higher levels of humidity for optimal health.

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Dracaena Marginata - The Dragon Tree