best Winter Plants
Spider Plant
The spider plant is a very popular indoor plant around the world. An elite indoor plant for home decoration with its beautiful composition of green and yellow colors. It increases the beauty of the house many times. According to NASA research, the spider plant is good at purifying 90% of the air. The humidity in the house is at the right level. The spider plant plays an important role in maintenance. This plant does not bud much, and its propagation method is very easy. Spider plants do not require much attention from you. They can live well with very little care. They have very small, white flowers. The leaves of this plant are generally not poisonous, so your small children or pets will not have any problems eating the leaves. They can thrive in low light or in a place that does not receive direct sunlight, making them suitable for this plant.
Snake Plant
The snake plant is a trendy indoor plant nowadays. The scientific name of this plant is Sansevieria trifasciata, which means “earless plant with narrow and rigid leaves.” It was cultivated as a houseplant in West Africa and has now spread all over the world, starting in West Africa. The popularity of the snake plant has increased since NASA research revealed its various benefits. The shape of the mature leaves of the plant resembles the hood of a snake, hence the name “snake plant.” Currently, there are about 70–75 types of snake plants. Depending on the size and variety, this tree grows from 10 inches to 13 feet tall. Flowers appear on this tree in the middle of spring. The flowers are small and white, and they have a pleasant fragrance. The beauty of this tree is completely dependent on the leaves. The main attraction of the snake plant is the long leaves of light green with gray color on the dark green color.
Money plant (Pothos)
The money plant is a very common indoor plant. This plant is known to people by different names, including golden pothos, money plant, lichen vine, etc. Everyone likes this plant because it is beautiful to look at. The leaves of the money plant are shaped like betel leaves. The combination of brown and green makes the leaves of this tree attractive. After ten years, the money plant produces small, white, or pink flowers; the star-shaped flowers are tiny, and the stamens come out long. It is believed to have originated in China and gradually became more popular in South Asia. You can keep this plant in a hanging pot or clay pot. Many people think that the money plant is lucky. Like other indoor plants, this plant has many qualities. It purifies the air, maintains humidity in the room, reduces stress, and has many other properties. I will share with you my personal experience with the money plant as an indoor plant.
Jade plant
Today I want to talk about an indoor plant that everyone knows as the Jade plant. This plant is also known as Crassula ovata or money plant. It is known as a lucky tree for many people around the world. But to me, it is an attractive indoor plant. It is famous all over the world for its oval green leaves. According to Google, jade plants are known by various names in South Africa, such as friendship plant, lucky plant, money plant, jade plant, etc. The plant is native to Eastern Europe and South Africa. This plant can grow 3-5 feet tall. The jade plant is known to all for its evergreen oval leaves. This plant enhances the beauty of the house and cleans the lawn.
Appearance:
- Leaves: Oval, glossy, small, attractive leaves which are usually deep green.
- Stems: Stems are generally thick and woody. As the plant matures, these become piled on the plant.
- Flowers: Jade plants flower from mid-autumn to all winter. Usually, small, star-shaped white or pink flowers bloom on this plant.
Care & Requirements:
- Light: The plant needs to be kept in sunlight for two to three hours every morning. If there is not enough light, the leaves may turn yellow and fall off. It should not be kept in the strong afternoon sun.
- Watering: This plant does not need much water. After 5-6 days, if water is given as required, the jade plant can be well-maintained. While watering, the soil at the base of the plant should be carefully observed. No need to water if it is wet. Overwatering causes yellowing of the leaves and rotting of the stem.
- Soil: Well-drained loamy soil is ideal for jade plants. The soil mixture should be made in such a way that it does not retain water. The ideal soil mixture is 30% garden soil, 30% compost manure, 20% sand, and 10% neem manure.
- Temperature & Humidity: Jade plants prefer temperatures between 13°C to 25°C. They are not frost tolerant.
- Pruning: Pruning can be done with a sharp knife or blade. The branch that has grown too long or the branch that seems to be at the height of the tree should be cut. After a few days, more new branches will be seen from the cut part. By pruning in this way, the tree can be made bushy and attractive.
- Fertilizer: This jade plant, known as elephant bush, can be fertilized 2-3 times a year. Fertilizing in February and September can keep the jade plant healthy. Any mixed fertilizer, bone meal, and liquid manure can be given. After 2-3 months, NPK fertilizer can be used in this ratio of 18:18:18.
Propagation: Branches separated from the tree due to pruning should be planted in cocopeat or wet sand. A new jade plant will be available within 20-30 days if the environment is suitable.
Repotting: Jade plants do not like repotting. Therefore, it is better not to repot unless absolutely necessary. If the plant’s roots go to the bed and the tub bursts or the growth of the plant stops, then repotting can be done.
Table Kamini Plant
A very beautiful and attractive shrub with many small leaves is the table kamini. Its scientific name is Murraya paniculata. It is known by different names in different parts of the world, such as Table Kamini, Mini Kamini, and Orange Jasmine. This plant is a popular indoor plant known for its fragrant flowers and attractive leaves. It looks like a bonsai tree and multiplies the beauty of the room. Table Kamini is not only beautiful to look at but also has many qualities. Like many indoor plants, table kamini improves indoor air quality by filtering polluted air. The flowers emit a pleasant, honey-like fragrance that can freshen indoor spaces.
Description:
Leaves: The leaves of the table kamini plant are green, glossy, and pinnate. It is a very beautiful and attractive shrub with many small leaves. Each leaf has several leaflets.
Flowers: A very small plant with small white fragrant flowers blooming on various branches. Flowers are seen blooming on this plant almost all year round. The smell of the flowers and their beauty fascinate everyone.
Growing Conditions:
Light: Table kamini prefers indirect light. However, bright sunlight is most preferred by table kamini. If left in soft morning light for 4-5 hours, the health of this plant is good.
Water: Overwatering the table kamini plant is not preferred. Giving excess water will rot the small shoots at the base of the plant. If the soil is dry, give a sufficient amount of water.
Soil: Table kamini plant prefers loamy and well-drained soil. For that, while preparing the soil, a mixture of 40-50% sand, 30-40% compost manure, and 20% garden soil should be prepared. A small amount of fungicide powder, neem fertilizer, and Epsom salt should be added to this mixture.
Temperature & Humidity: Table kamini grows well in temperatures between 60°F and 80°F. This plant does not tolerate frost at all.
Care Tips:
Pruning: The beauty of the table kamini plant depends on pruning. Regular pruning helps to maintain the shape of this tree. If any leaves or stems become dry, they should be pruned.
Fertilizer: Potassium is harmful to this plant, so potassium-containing fertilizers should not be used. Any type of compost fertilizer can be used once a month.
Pests: Table kamini plants are not normally attacked by pests. Still, it is better to be careful of the insects that attack other indoor plants. If an insect attack is seen, neem oil can be sprayed.
Propagation: If you cut any part of the plant and dip it in honey or aloe vera gel and transfer it to slightly wet soil, after a few days you will get a new table kamini seedling.
Caladium Plant
Let me introduce you to a very beautiful indoor plant called Caladium. It is indigenous to South America, especially widespread in neighboring countries including Brazil. Its scientific name is Caladium bicolor. However, it is more commonly known as Caladium. There are many types of Caladium based on the shape and color of the leaves. The Caladium plant has attracted people from different parts of the world with its own beauty, due to which it has gained worldwide recognition. Known as elephant ears, heart of Jesus, and angel wings in different parts of the world based on the shape, this plant does not require much care from you. This attractive plant belongs to the Araceae family.
Appearance:
Light Requirements:
Indirect light: Indirect light is best for Caladium. Caladium is best placed in a lightly shaded area. Caladium should not be placed in direct sunlight. Direct sunlight damages the leaves and the plant loses its beauty.
Shade Tolerance:
Watering: Caladium plants like water from leaf growth to bud formation. It should always be noted that the soil at the base of the plant is slightly wet. If the soil at the base of the plant is always too wet, then the roots rot. Watering should be completely stopped in winter.
Humidity & Temperature: This plant thrives in warm conditions with high humidity and can grow well in beds. Especially in South Asia, the rest of the year except winter is suitable for this plant. Daytime temperatures of 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures of 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal. Humidity is also very important along with temperature. If you think the humidity is too low, sprinkling light water on the leaves will refresh the plant.
Soil: For Caladium, use well-drained and pure soil. For that, you can use sand, perlite, and cocopeat along with normal soil.
Soil Mixing: Any type of fertile soil 40%, cocopeat 20%, sand 20%, any compost fertilizer 20%.
Fertilisation: Fertilizer is not required if the amount of humidity around Caladium is right. If you want to use fertilizer, you can apply any compost fertilizer sparingly to the soil at the root of the plant twice a year, except in winter.
Propagation: The leaves of this plant dry up by themselves in winter. At this time, watering the plant should be completely stopped. If the soil is dry, small bulbs will be seen on the soil of the plant. The bulbs should be removed and placed in a separate container. Care should be taken that the bulbs are placed in indirect light and the temperature does not fall below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. In the spring, separate the bulbs and leave them for a few days to dry the cuttings. Callus will form from there. The callus should be removed and kept in separate containers, and if watered regularly, Caladium seedlings will be obtained
Aglaonema
The indoor plant I want to discuss today is called Aglaonema. This plant is also known as Chinese Evergreen in different parts of the world. No indoor garden is complete without an Aglaonema. The Aglaonema plant is known for its beautiful leaves. There are many varieties of Aglaonema, with 22-25 species and hundreds of cultivars based on leaf shape. Depending on your preference, you can choose any species to enhance the beauty of your indoor garden. Some Aglaonema leaves are a mix of green, pink, and brown, while others are green mixed with light yellow. Although this plant does bloom, it’s the foliage that everyone loves. Aglaonema usually grows to 1-3 feet tall, making it perfect for tabletop or floor displays.
Care Requirements
Light: This plant likes low to medium light. It grows well in parts of the house with medium or bright indirect light. However, if placed in direct sunlight, the leaves may rot. In the right light, the plant’s beauty remains intact.
Watering: Water the plant in moderation, ensuring that water does not accumulate. When the soil is completely dry up to 1 inch, it’s time to water the plant. As the plant’s growth slows in winter, the amount of watering should be reduced. Excess water can cause the tree bark to rot and the plant to die.
Temperature & Humidity: Aglaonema cannot tolerate very cold environments. A temperature between 22°C and 30°C is suitable for this plant. It prefers humidity, so it thrives in humid environments.
Soil: Well-draining potting soil is suitable for this plant. The soil should be prepared in such a way that water does not accumulate. Compost is beneficial for this plant.
Fertilizer: Aglaonema doesn’t require much fertilizer. However, liquid fertilizer can be applied once every 2 months. Additionally, applying compost in February and September is beneficial. To make liquid fertilizer, take 2 handfuls of any compost and 1 spoonful of neem shell, then mix it in 1 liter of water. Close the container and keep it in a shaded place for 2-3 days to allow the liquid to separate. The separated liquid can be mixed with 5 parts water and applied to the plant.
Propagation: Propagation of Aglaonema is very easy. If branches that grow from the trunk with twigs are separated and planted in moist soil, new plants will develop.
Pests: Be careful of pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids. If such pests attack, mix 5 ml of liquid soap with 1 liter of water and spray the entire plant. After 1 hour, wash the whole plant with normal water to resolve the problem.
Toxicity: Aglaonema plants are generally toxic. Therefore, they should be kept away from children and pets. If someone ingests the leaves, it can cause various issues, including nausea and loss of appetite.