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Interior Landscaping. Presented by Susan J. Henson Horticulturist 972-237-8102 shenson@gptx.org City of Grand Prairie Parks and Recreation. Selection – Based on four things Location – Where do you want the plant vs. where will it grow Light – How much light is available
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Interior Landscaping Presented by Susan J. Henson Horticulturist 972-237-8102 shenson@gptx.org City of Grand Prairie Parks and Recreation
Selection – Based on four things • Location – Where do you want the plant vs. where will it grow • Light – How much light is available • Care – How much time are you willing to spend? • Size – How much space is available vs. mature size of plant
Care • Watering – Most important • Repotting – When and why • Rotation – How and why • Outside to Inside Transition • Insects – How to prevent and treat
Light • How to measure • Interior lighting • Supplemental lighting • Outdoor lighting
Lipstick PlantAeschynanthus radicans Gesneriaceae Excellent flowering plant for the home, free flowering solitary or in clusters; opposite fleshy leaves; vine-like habit. Plant Form or Habit: cascading Plant Use: hanging basket Exposure: medium Flower Color: scarlet to orange Blooming Period: spring summer fall winter Height: 2 ft Width: 18 inches Foliage Texture: medium Heat Tolerance: medium Water Requirements: medium Additional Comments: Plant requires bright light but not full sun. Avoid over watering; propagate by cutting.
Chinese Evergreen or Silver EvergreenAglaonema commutatum Araceae Dark-green, oblong leaves with silver markings acros the leaves; multiple stems; red berries that are not ornamental; spathe and spadix flower. Plant Form or Habit: rounded Plant Use: small foliage pot plant Exposure: low Flower Color: white to green but not important Blooming Period: Height: 1-2 feet Width: 1-2 feet Foliage Texture: medium Heat Tolerance: medium Water Requirements: low Additional Comments: Excellent plant that does well with reasonable temperatures and low light. Adjust watering to the light level. Allow to dry between watering.
Chinese EvergreenAglaonema modestum (simplex) Araceae Multi-stemmed aglaonema with medium-green, oval leaves which may droop; spathe and spadix flower. Plant Form or Habit: upright Plant Use: pot plant Exposure: low Flower Color: white to green, but not important Blooming Period: Height: up to 2 feet tall Width: to 2 feet Foliage Texture: medium Heat Tolerance: medium Water Requirements: low Additional Comments: The plainest of the Chinese evergreens. Adjust watering to the light level; allow soil to dry between watering.
Chinese EvergreenAglaonema pseudobracteatum Araceae Multi-stemmed aglaonema having oval leaves with creamy white variegation, tending to droop; spathe and spadix flower. Plant Form or Habit: spreading Plant Use: small foliage pot plant Exposure: low Flower Color: white to green but not important Blooming Period: Height: 2-2 1/2 feet Width: up to 18 inches Foliage Texture: medium Heat Tolerance: medium Water Requirements: low Additional Comments: Excellent plant for low light areas. Reduce watering to match the environment; allow soil to dry between watering; remove flowers to prevent production of unattractive berries.
Silver QueenAglaonema 'Silver Queen' Araceae Dark green, lance-shaped leaves marked with silver variegation on multiple stalks; a compact grower; spathe and spadix flower. Plant Form or Habit: spreading Plant Use: small foliage pot plant Exposure: low Flower Color: white but not important Blooming Period: Height: 1-2 feet Width: 1-2 feet Foliage Texture: medium Heat Tolerance: medium Water Requirements: low Additional Comments: Excellent plant for use in low light areas; nice used in a mass. Aglaonema is derived from, the Greek words aglos (bright) and nema (thread). Reduce watering to match the environment;
Soap AloeAloe saponaria Liliaceae Basal plant with broad, lanceolate leaves, bluish-green marked with yellow, and growing up to 20 in. long. Plant Form or Habit: curved Plant Use: pot plant Exposure: high medium Flower Color: red, salmon, or yellow Blooming Period: Height: 20 in. Width: 20 in Foliage Texture: medium Heat Tolerance: high Water Requirements: low Additional Comments: Sap from the leaves was used by the Xosas and Fingos to heal wounds.
Medicine PlantAloe vera Liliaceae Succulent with fleshy leaves which grow in a whorl and have small spines on the leaf margin; spike flowers which are not important. Plant Form or Habit: curved Plant Use: pot plant Exposure: high Flower Color: white, not important Blooming Period: summer Height: 2 feet Width: 2 feet Foliage Texture: medium Heat Tolerance: high Water Requirements: low Additional Comments: Allow soil to dry between watering; provide bright light but not full sun; add sand to soil to improve drainage.
Shell GingerAlpinia speciosa Zingiberaceae Lanceolate leaves on long canes; terminal flowers on stiff stalks. Plant Form or Habit: upright Plant Use: permanent color Exposure: medium Flower Color: variable Blooming Period: spring summer Height: 3 feet Width: 2 feet Foliage Texture: coarse Heat Tolerance: medium Water Requirements: medium Additional Comments: Attractive flowers are used as cut flowers. Watch for insects; allow soil to dry slightly between watering.
Flamingo FlowerAnthurium scherzerianum Araceae Attractive spathe and spadix flower which is ornamental and heart shaped; leaves have a long petiole and are heart shaped Plant Form or Habit: upright Plant Use: rotational color Exposure: medium Flower Color: pink to red Blooming Period: Height: 3 feet Width: 1 1/2 feet Foliage Texture: medium Heat Tolerance: Water Requirements: medium Additional Comments: Does best with good quality water and high humidity. Repot annually and use a liquid fertilizer regularly.
Norfolk Island PineAraucaria heterophylla Araucariaceae Evergreen tree with soft needle-like foliage and a Christmas tree shape; branches are arranged in whorls. Plant Form or Habit: arborial Plant Use: large foliage floor plant Exposure: medium Flower Color: n/a Blooming Period: Height: 200 ft in native environment, large specimen indoors Width: Foliage Texture: fine Heat Tolerance: medium Water Requirements: medium Additional Comments: Provide medium to high humidity to prevent needle darkening; allow soil todry between watering; watch for insects.
Plume AsparagusAsparagus densiflorus 'Meyers' Liliaceae Similar to asparagus fern with fuller branches of needle-like leaves originating from the base of the plant. Plant Form or Habit: curved Plant Use: hanging basket Exposure: high Flower Color: white Blooming Period: spring summer Height: 2-3 feet Width: 2-3 feet Foliage Texture: fine Heat Tolerance: high Water Requirements: low Additional Comments: Allow the soil to dry between watering; divide the clump in the spring or fall.
Sprengeri Fern, Asparagus FernAsparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri' Liliaceae Inch long needle-like leaves on a thin stem with tiny thorns; thick growth with the stems coming from a basal clump; bright green, delicate, feathery appearance. Plant Form or Habit: cascading Plant Use: hanging basket Exposure: medium Flower Color: white Blooming Period: summer Height: trailing Width: variable Foliage Texture: fine Heat Tolerance: medium Water Requirements: Additional Comments: Full, lush plant which does well indoors in bright light or outdoors for the season in filtered shade; allow the soil to dry between watering.
Zigzag ShrubAsparagus retrofractus Liliaceae Rambling plant with zigzag branching; young stems are white, turning brown with age. Plant Form or Habit: spreading Plant Use: small foliagehanging basket Exposure: medium Flower Color: white with orange anthers Blooming Period: Height: 4 - 6 feet Width: 4 - 6 feet Foliage Texture: medium Heat Tolerance: medium Water Requirements: medium Additional Comments: Can grow tall when given bright exposure and root bound
Fern-Asparagus, PlumosusAsparagus setaceus (A. plumosus) Liliaceae Small clumps of very fine bristle-like leaves on slender stems; fernlike in appearance. Plant Form or Habit: upright Plant Use: pot plant hanging basket Exposure: medium Flower Color: white Blooming Period: spring summer Height: 3 ft Width: 3 ft Foliage Texture: fine Heat Tolerance: medium Water Requirements: medium Additional Comments: Allow soil to dry slightly between watering; provide bright, filtered light; avoid over watering.
Cast Iron PlantAspidistra elatior Liliaceae Rhizomes are woody and creeping; leaves are dark, glossy green with pointed tips; stems arch; flowers are bell shaped and rarely form under interior conditions. Plant Form or Habit: curved Plant Use: medium foliage Exposure: medium Flower Color: cream to dark purple Blooming Period: Height: 2 feet Width: variable Foliage Texture: medium Heat Tolerance: medium Water Requirements: medium Additional Comments: These plants are extremely tolerant and require little care.
Pony TailBeaucarnea recurvata Liliaceae Tree-like plant with a swollen base, topped with a rosette of linear strap-like leaves up to 6 feet long. Panicles of small white flowers; stores water in the base. Plant Form or Habit: cascading arborial Plant Use: pot plant Exposure: high Flower Color: white Blooming Period: Height: up to 30 ft in native environment, usually no more that 8 ft in interiorscapes Width: equal to height at 1-2 ft; less proportionally as plant grows Foliage Texture: medium Heat Tolerance: high Water Requirements: low Additional Comments: Tough plant for the interiorscape if there is enough light to maintain. Allow soil to dry between watering.
Rex BegoniaBegonia rex 'Escargot' Begoniaceae Rhizomatous begonia with leaves approximately 8in long by 6in wide, obliquely ovate with wavy margins. Rex leaf color varies, but all have a metallic sheen. 'Escargot' leaves twist into a spiral resembling the coil of a snail shell. Plant Form or Habit: upright Plant Use: medium foliage Exposure: medium Flower Color: pale-rosy pink Blooming Period: winter Height: 6 - 12 in Width: to 12 in Foliage Texture: medium Heat Tolerance: medium Water Requirements: medium Additional Comments: Easy to propagate from leaf cuttings. Keep evenly moist. but do not over water.
Wax BegoniaBegonia semperflorens Begoniaceae Succulent plalnt with swollen nodes and oval leaves which may be green or bronze; fibrous rooted; free flowering. Plant Form or Habit: rounded Plant Use: rotational color pot plant Exposure: medium Flower Color: White, pink, red Blooming Period: Height: 2 feet Width: 2 feet Foliage Texture: medium Heat Tolerance: medium Water Requirements: medium Additional Comments: Allow soil to dry between waterings; provide bright light to shade outdoors; rejuvenate by heading back periodically.
Angel Wing BegoniaBegonia sp. Angel Wing Begoniaceae Succulent leaves and stems with an upright growth habit; angular leaves with a wing shape; clusters of flowers on small stems. Plant Form or Habit: upright Plant Use: rotational color pot plant Exposure: medium Flower Color: White, pink, red Blooming Period: Height: Depends on cultivar Width: Depends on cultivar Foliage Texture: medium Heat Tolerance: medium Water Requirements: low Additional Comments: Allow soil to dry between waterings; provide bright, indirect light. Angel Wing Begonia is free flowering.
Paper FlowerBougainvillea glabra Nyctaginaceae Evergreen to deciduous climber with thorny stems; vigorous green foliage which is entire; flowers in showy bracts of 3; double flowers and variegated plants available. Plant Form or Habit: cascading Plant Use: specimen hanging basket Exposure: high Flower Color: Purple, red, orange, pink, white Blooming Period: spring summer Height: climbs 12-15 feet Width: determined by size of container Foliage Texture: medium Heat Tolerance: high Water Requirements: medium Additional Comments: Provide bright light with good humidity; keep soil slightly damp during the growing season; goes dormant in the winter so reduce watering; repot infrequently.
Schefflera, Umbrella TreeBrassaia actinophylla (Schefflera) Araliaceae Evergreen tropical tree with palmately compound leaves consisting of entire, 5-10 inch long glossy leaflets; single or multi-stemmed bush Plant Form or Habit: arborial Plant Use: floor plant Exposure: medium Flower Color: umbels, not important Blooming Period: Height: 40 feet native; 10 feet indoors Width: depends on environment Foliage Texture: coarse Heat Tolerance: medium Water Requirements: medium Additional Comments: Provide bright light out of any drafts; allow to dry between waterings; watch for spider mites in hot, dry locations.
Silver BelleCalathea bella Marantaceae Short-stalked; leaves round, dark olive with silver blotches, and edges that may curl. Plant Form or Habit: spreading Plant Use: pot plant Exposure: medium Flower Color: white Blooming Period: Height: up to 2 feet Width: to 2 feet Foliage Texture: coarse Heat Tolerance: low Water Requirements: medium Additional Comments: Responds to high humidity; leaf margins may burn in low humidity. Grows best in filtered light. Keep soil evenly moist.
Bolivian Jew, Turtle VineCallisia repens Commelinaceae Vigorous creeping vine with obicular, clasping leaves. Foliage is green on top and purple on the underside. Plant Form or Habit: cascading Plant Use: hanging basket Exposure: medium Flower Color: white Blooming Period: Height: runners get several feet long Width: diameter of the basket Foliage Texture: fine Heat Tolerance: medium Water Requirements: medium Additional Comments: Provide bright indirect light; allow the soil to dry moderately between waterings; re-work frequently to keep foliage compact.
Fishtail PalmCaryota urens Palmaceae Tall trunks to clusters of slender green stems; fronds with bipinnate leaflets shaped like a fan. Plant Form or Habit: arborial Plant Use: specimen Exposure: medium Flower Color: not important Blooming Period: Height: to 12 feet and up Width: 3 feet and up Foliage Texture: medium Heat Tolerance: high Water Requirements: medium Additional Comments: Provoide bright light with good humidity; keep soil slightly damp; watch for insects, especially if hot and dry. A good tub plant.
String of Hearts, Rosary VineCeropegia woodii Asclepiadaceae Trailing stems of small fleshy leaves which are heart-shaped and marbled with white; fleshy bead-like structures develop on the stems; leaf backs and stems purple. Plant Form or Habit: cascading Plant Use: hanging basket Exposure: medium Flower Color: marbled green, gray, white, rose Blooming Period: Height: n/a Width: vines up to 3 feet Foliage Texture: fine Heat Tolerance: high Water Requirements: medium Additional Comments: Provide bright light to retain leaf color; sllow the soil to dry between watering; handle stems gently as they tangle easily.
Parlor Palm, Neanthe Bella PalmChamaedorea elegans Palmaceae Small, graceful palm with pinnate fronds spirally arranged around the trunk; fast growing. Plant Form or Habit: curved Plant Use: floor plant Exposure: medium Flower Color: inconspicuous Blooming Period: Height: up to 4 feet Width: up to 2 feet Foliage Texture: medium Heat Tolerance: medium Water Requirements: medium Additional Comments: Keep soil slightly damp; watch for mites and other insects. Bright cool light with good humidity needed for it to do well.
Spider PlantChlorophytum comosum 'Vittatum' Liliaceae Rosette of linear, strap-like leaves with a large, white stripe running down the center; racemes of white flowers give way to small plantlets on the stems. Plant Form or Habit: cascading Plant Use: hanging basket Exposure: medium Flower Color: white Blooming Period: spring summer Height: 2 feet Width: determined by size of container Foliage Texture: medium Heat Tolerance: medium Water Requirements: low Additional Comments: Allow the soil to dry between watering; avoid fluorides as tip burn will result.
Areca Palm, Yellow Palm, Cane PalmChrysalidocarpus lutescens Palmaceae Ascending leaves curved at the apex, sheaths yellowish; multi-trunked; speckled leaves. Plant Form or Habit: curved Plant Use: specimen floor plant Exposure: medium Flower Color: inconspicuous Blooming Period: Height: up to 30 feet Width: variable Foliage Texture: medium Heat Tolerance: medium Water Requirements: medium Additional Comments: Nice tub plant; keep slightly damp with good humidity; bright cool light; good fertility levels; micronutrient deficiencies may bea problem.
CrotonCodiaeum variegatum Euphorbiaceae Shrub with highly colored shiny leaves; leaves may be lobed or entire. Plant Form or Habit: upright Plant Use: specimen permanent color Exposure: high Flower Color: not important Blooming Period: Height: 6 feet or more Width: 4 feet Foliage Texture: coarse Heat Tolerance: medium Water Requirements: medium Additional Comments: Sunny to semi-sunny location; keep slightly damp; watch for spider mites; 100's of cultivars available..
Hawaiian TiCordyline terminalis Liliaceae Lance-shaped leaves which are entire; green, red, pink, and cream colored foliage; erect stem forming a cane. Plant Form or Habit: upright Plant Use: permanent color floor plant Exposure: medium Flower Color: foliage is important Blooming Period: Height: 3-5 feet Width: 2 feet Foliage Texture: coarse Heat Tolerance: medium Water Requirements: medium Additional Comments: Responds to high humidity; allow soil to dry between watering; bright light will help to maintain the high color of the foliage.
Dumb CaneDieffenbachia Tropic Snow Araceae Elongated-oval leaves which are variegated with cream to white; large leaves with sheathing petioles; poisonous; lower leaves tend to fall off. Plant Form or Habit: upright Plant Use: medium foliage floor plant Exposure: medium Flower Color: White but not important Blooming Period: Height: Up to 4 feet Width: 1 1/2 feet Foliage Texture: coarse Heat Tolerance: medium Water Requirements: low Additional Comments: Allow soil to dry between watering; does best with higher humidity; adapts well to different environments; air-layer or make cane cuttings.
Corn PlantDracaena fragrans 'Massangeana' Liliaceae Tall unbranched stem with large arching leaves which are variegated; mature plants have a cane stem; leaves may be 1-1/2 feet long. Plant Form or Habit: upright Plant Use: specimen floor plant Exposure: medium Flower Color: foliage is important Blooming Period: Height: up to 10 feet Width: 2-3 feet Foliage Texture: coarse Heat Tolerance: medium Water Requirements: low Additional Comments: Allow plant to dry between waterings; propagate by air layering or cane cuttings. 'Massangeana' responds to humidity and may be adapted to lowerlight levels.
Pothos IvyEpipremnum aureum Araceae Heart-shaped leaves which attach to a climbing stem; cream to yellow variegation; may be trained on a pole or allowed to trail Plant Form or Habit: cascading Plant Use: hanging basket Exposure: low Flower Color: not important Blooming Period: Height: Depends on what the runners climb Width: depends on what the runners climb Foliage Texture: medium Heat Tolerance: medium Water Requirements: low Additional Comments: Attractive plant for pot plant, hanging basket, or "totem-pole" use; does well in low light if water is reduced to match environment.
Candelabra PlantEuphorbia lactea Euphorbiaceae Upright plant which has branched fleshy stems which are angled; armed with spines. Plant Form or Habit: arborial Plant Use: specimen floor plant Exposure: high Flower Color: not important Blooming Period: Height: 15 feet Width: 5 feet Foliage Texture: medium Heat Tolerance: high Water Requirements: low Additional Comments: Cool, dry environment; water sparingly if in low light; may be used as a base for grafted cactus.
Weeping Fig, Benjamin FigFicus benjamina Moraceae Potentially large specimen tree with entire, oval, glossy leaves; milky sap; arching branches that give a weeping habit. Variegated plants available. Plant Form or Habit: arborial Plant Use: large foliage floor plant Exposure: medium low Flower Color: inconspicuous Blooming Period: Height: 15 feet Width: 10 feet Foliage Texture: medium Heat Tolerance: medium Water Requirements: low Additional Comments: Allow soil to dry slightly between watering; reduce water in low light conditions; prune to control size; may respond to a change in environment by dropping leaves; excellent mall or tub plant; nice specimen
Rubber Plant, Indian Laurel FigFicus elastica Moraceae Large tropical tree; broad, oblong, leathery leaves; milky sap; rosy sheath covering new leaves. Plant Form or Habit: arborial Plant Use: specimen Exposure: low Flower Color: not important Blooming Period: Height: 15 feet and up Width: 3 feet and up Foliage Texture: coarse Heat Tolerance: medium Water Requirements: low Additional Comments: Allow the soil to dry only slightly between watering; yellow leaves may be either over or under watering; renew by making an air-layer of the top of the plant.
Hibiscus Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Malvaceae Shrub-like to small tree; 5-inch trumpet shaped flowers with prominent floral parts projecting from the petals; shiny dentate leaves. Plant Form or Habit: arborial Plant Use: large foliage floor plant Exposure: medium Flower Color: red, pink, yellow, white Blooming Period: spring summer fall winter Height: up to 15 feet Width: variable Foliage Texture: medium Heat Tolerance: medium Water Requirements: medium Additional Comments: Keep soil evenly moist; dry soil may result in bud drop; prune to keep shape; flowers last one day but are prolific.
Polka-dot Plant, Freckle-FaceHypoestes phyllostachya (sanguinolenta) Acanthaceae Shrubby plant with oval leaves mottled with pink spots; woody base. Plant Form or Habit: upright Plant Use: pot plant Exposure: medium Flower Color: Lilac but not important Blooming Period: Height: 2-3 feet Width: Foliage Texture: medium Heat Tolerance: medium Water Requirements: medium Additional Comments: Does well in artificial light; allow to dry slightly between waterings; prune back to prevent leggy growth.
Split-leaf Philodendron, Cut-leaf PhilodendronMonstera deliciosa Araceae Tree climber with thick stems and aerial roots. Dark green leaves are heart-shaped and become more dissected or cut with age. Plant Form or Habit: spreading Plant Use: large foliage floor plant Exposure: low Flower Color: Cream to white Blooming Period: Height: Climber Width: 2-3 feet Foliage Texture: coarse Heat Tolerance: medium Water Requirements: low Additional Comments: Young plants sold under the name P. pertusum which has entire leaves; Very large leaves and climbing nature limits common use of this plant; allow to dry between waterings.
Boston Fern, Sword FernNephrolepis exaltata Polypodiaceae Long fronds arising from the soil; leaves are up to 5 feet long and 6 inches wide with closely arranged pinnae; spores are located on the back of the leaflets. Plant Form or Habit: curved Plant Use: hanging basket Exposure: medium Flower Color: n/a Blooming Period: Height: 2 feet Width: several feet Foliage Texture: medium Heat Tolerance: low Water Requirements: medium Additional Comments: Bright indirect light with cool temperatures and high humidity suit this plant; keep soil slightly damp; fertilize infrequently.
Black Cardinal PhilodendronPhilodendron Black Cardinal Araceae Large, heart-shaped burgundy foliage, prominent petioles; red stems. Plant Form or Habit: spreading cascading Plant Use: medium foliage pot plant hanging basket Exposure: low Flower Color: Pinkish Blooming Period: Height: vines Width: 2 feet Foliage Texture: coarse Heat Tolerance: medium Water Requirements: low Additional Comments: Allow plant to dry between watering. More compact than some philodendrons; rarely flowers.
Heart Ivy, Heart-leaf PhilodendronPhilodendron scandens Araceae Dark green, heart-shaped leaves on a slender vine; leaves are 2-3 inches long; plant rarely flowers. Plant Form or Habit: cascading Plant Use: pot plant hanging basket Exposure: low Flower Color: rarely flowers in the home Blooming Period: Height: vines Width: less than 1 foot Foliage Texture: medium Heat Tolerance: medium Water Requirements: Additional Comments: Allow plant to dry between waterings; train on a totem pole, hang in a basket or use as a table planting.
African VioletSaintpaulia ionantha Gesneriaceae Excellent flowering plant for the home; fuzzy leaves with long petioles; flowers borne above the foliage; singles and doubles available. Plant Form or Habit: spreading Plant Use: permanent color pot plant Exposure: low Flower Color: variable Blooming Period: spring summer fall winter Height: 10 inches Width: 18 inches Foliage Texture: medium Heat Tolerance: low Water Requirements: medium Additional Comments: Anyone can grow African violets; keep slightly damp; avoid water touching the foliage; remove faded flowers immediately.
Bird's Nest SansevieriaSansevieria trifasciata 'Hahni' Liliaceae Whorl of short, leathery, lance-shaped leaves; roots form fleshy rhizomes. Plant Form or Habit: spreading Plant Use: small foliage Exposure: low Flower Color: white Blooming Period: summer Height: 6 inches Width: 6 inches Foliage Texture: medium Heat Tolerance: medium Water Requirements: low Additional Comments: Good interior plant due to shade tolerance and low maintenance requirements. Allow soil to dry between watering.