Favourite foliage house plants
Nick Morgan, RHS Glasshouse specialist, picks his favourite indoor house plants with interesting foliage
Houses we live in may be considered as a hostile environment for plants. The atmosphere is often desert dry, useful light is limited, and fluctuating temperatures seem to create an almost impossible place for plants to survive let alone flourish.
Thank goodness there are many plants that can tolerate this environment, provided they are given the right attention and they are managed accordingly.
Plants grown for their foliage attributes rather than flowers may be the best choice as long-term residents in the home. On offer is a fantastic range of plants offering colourful variegation and architectural or textural qualities. These are some of my favourites;
Aglaonema commutatum 'Crete'
This perennial is an excellent house plant, thriving in warm rooms near a good source of light, but avoiding direct sunlight. It is more compact and slower-growing compared to the species. Water and feed moderately in the spring and summer, but less during winter time.
Grow in the living room near a south-facing window, or perch on a west-facing window ledge.
Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Laurentii’ (also known as Sansevieria trifasciata. var laurentii) AGM
Commonly known as mother-in-law's tongue because of the hard and sharp leaves. It will grow in a wide variety of home environments and is particularly tolerant of variable light levels. Water sparingly because over-watering can result in root loss. Repot only when the plant is really overcrowded. Grow in an attractive pot in the hall way.
Begonia x rex-cultorum
Begonias of Rex-Cultorum type come in a wide range of leaf shapes, sizes, textures and colours, however this is definitely one of my favourites. It is a long-lived house plant requiring low light levels, and regular watering and feeding during the main growing season (spring and summer). Maintain a moist but not wet root zone, and water considerably less in the winter months. Ideal for shelves in dark corners.
Nephrolepis exaltata AGM
Although this fern comes from the humid forests of South America, it is well-established as a successful house plant. It tolerates quite low light levels and really enjoys a humid environment. Roots should be moist (not saturated) at all times. They also require relatively high levels of fertilizer to maintain colour, and to produce new graceful arching fronds. Ideal in a bathroom.
Calathea 'Little Princess'
Yet to make its way to this country, this cultivar is one of several newish introductions. It won best foliage plant in 2011 at at trade fair in Holland, because of its wonderful glossy leaves with beautiful colourful markings. Calathea grow in low light conditions, and enjoy high levels of humidity around the leaves, however, they do not like wet roots. Suitable to grow in a bath or shower room.