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Living stones mimic the rocks that are their natural habitat. Learn about this unusual house plant, its flowers, and how to grow it. See more »
about house plants
Does your house look like a jungle full of lush, green plants on every surface? Or do you steer clear of flora due to a black thumb and zero confidence in sustaining the life of a plant? If it's the latter, there's help out there for you.
Besides being pretty to look at, house plants offer a variety of benefits around the house. They can improve the air quality of your home or office and can improve your mood. At the very least they can give you something to do. Still not convinced that you can successfully nurture a living thing in your home?
Not all house plants need to be watered every day. Some can even go days without any water. Not all house plants need to be in direct sunlight, receive fertilizer or be trimmed back. And no, you don't have to talk to your plants in order for them to thrive. You should pick a plant that works with your lifestyle; one that you can devote as much or as little time as you need to keep your plant beautiful.
Easier said than done, right? Wrong. HowStuffWorks has already done a lot of the research for you. All you need to do is visit the House Plants page to get the lowdown on which plant is right for you (and which plants may not be so right for you). If you're interested in turning your thumb from the darkest of black to the greenest of green, then we can help. After all, our thumbs match the greenest of rolling hills in Ireland; or at least that nice, fluffy fern in the kitchen!
house plants channel library
House plants bring the fresh beauty of the outdoors inside your home. Learn about different kinds of house plants and how to care for them.
Cineraria
Cineraria, an inviting plant with blooms similar to daisies, comes in a variety of colors. Though often given as a gift, it can have whitefly and aphid infestations. Learn how long to display cineraria.
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Cissus
Cissus, or grape ivy, is a climbing plant with shiny, compound leaves. They are relatively easy to grow and thrive when subjected to harsh pruning. Read about how to care for this plant.
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Crassula
Crassulas, a flowering cactus, adjust well to growing indoors and reproduce very easily from leaf and stem cutting. They can easily grow along with other types of plants that are better suited to for indoor growth. Learn how to care for this cactus.
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Croton
Crotons are highly valued for their bright, multicolored foliage. However, insufficient light may cause them to pale and even drop their leaves. Read more about this house plant and its care.
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Cryptanthus
Cryptanthus are a type of bromeliad that do not grow stems. They have beautiful foliage with colorful, curling leaves that come in many colors. They are also easy to grow and make an indoor favorite. Learn more about these "hidden flowers."
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Cut Flowers
We've given each other flowers for centuries--in love and in mourning, out of joy and out of sadness. Learn about the types and meanings of the different kinds of cut flowers, how to choose them, and how to arrange them for the ones you love.
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Cycnoches Loddigesii Orchid
Cycnoches loddigesii, or swan orchid, blooms greenish brown flowers. Read about this orchid's traits and growing conditions in this article.
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Cymbidium Orchid
The cymbidium orchid is popular for its lovely, long-lasting flowers. Learn about this orchid's history and ideal growing conditions in this article.
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Dendrobium Orchid
Dendrobium orchids include more than 1600 varieties. Read about the history, traits, and growing conditions of these diverse orchids in this article.
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Doritis Orchid
Doritis pulcherrima orchid blooms in colors ranging from dark purple to pale pink. Read about doritis traits and growing conditions in this article.
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Dwarf Schefflera
Dwarf schefflera, or umbrella bush, is a house plant that is very easy to care for. When pinched regularly this plant will grow full and staking will not be necessary. Read more about its care.
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Dyckia
Dyckia are bromeliads that mostly grow in Brazil. These succulent plants are tough, hardy plants that can grow easily without needing a lot of special care. Learn more about these flowers that were named in honor of a prince who love plants.
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Earth Star Plant
Earth star, or star fish, plant has rosettes of tough, prickly edged leaves with stripes in various greens. In the middle it bears small, unimpressive flowers. Read about these easy-to-care-for bromeliads.
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Echeveria
The echeveria cactus, a rosette forming succulent plant, has foliage that comes in a variety of shapes and colors. Unlike other plants that have flowers growing from the center, the echeveria does not die after blooming. Learn how to care for this cactus.
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Elephant Bush
The elephant bush (portulacaria afra) cactus, a succulent green bush, can grow to six feet tall indoors. Small-leafed varieties tend to grow slower and need more attention when growing them at home. Learn more about caring for this cactus.
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English Ivy
English ivy has glossy leaves that come in many different shapes and colors. It will climb most anything and is great for creating "living sculptures." Read about its various uses and preferred conditions.
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Epidendrum Orchid
Many epidendrum orchids bloom fragrant flowers. Learn about this orchid's history and best growing conditions in this article.
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Episcia
Episcia has hairy leaves with a metallic sheen and come in colors from green to bronze, red, and white. It has small, predominantly red trumpet-shaped flowers and is great for terrariums. Read more about episcia.
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Eremurus
Eremurus came from the mountains of west and central Asia. It has very tall stems covered with small, star-shaped flowers, which come in white and shades of yellow, cream, pink, salmon, and orange. Read more about choosing and arranging Eremurus.
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Eulychnia saint-pieana
The eulychnia saint-pieana, a tall flowering cactus from Chile, features white tufts and edible fleshy fruit. The flowers stay open day and night. Heavy soil with excellent drainage is important if the plant is to reach full size. Learn how to care for this cactus.
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