House Plants

David Latimer put a plant and some compost in a bottle in 1960. It's still alive and thriving over 60 years later. How does a closed ecosystem like this work?

By Jesslyn Shields

Potting soil looks an awful lot like dirt, except there's likely no earth in the mix. So, what is it really made of? And is it better for potted plants than the stuff from the ground?

By Alia Hoyt

The money tree has long been a symbol of good fortune in Asia. But how did the plant get its name?

By Alia Hoyt & Kathryn Whitbourne

Those white beads you see in potting soil are made of a volcanic glass called perlite. And that's not the only place you'll see this versatile material. So how is it made and what is it used for?

By Nathan Chandler

Despite being pretty in pink, oleander is a highly poisonous plant. And now it's being touted as a cure for COVID-19. We'll break down the facts from fiction.

By Michelle Konstantinovsky

For decades we've been told having houseplants can improve our indoor air quality. But is this true? And do you need to live in a veritable jungle to get better air quality?

By Patty Rasmussen

In Victorian times, only a few plants could stand up to the fumes from coal fires and gas lamps. Now, we have a wide variety of plants to choose from.

By Alia Hoyt

How many poinsettias have languished on high shelves so children and pets can't munch on their dangerous leaves? It may all have been for naught. The poinsettia's poisonous rep is a bit unfair.

By Colleen Cancio

You have creepy, flying gnats on your plants, and you'd like to learn how to get rid of them. Here's how to get rid of gnats in your houseplants.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

You bought a calathea plant, and now have to learn how to care for it. Learn about how to care for a calathea plant in this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

You bought some bamboo plants to decorate your home, and now realize that you don't know how to care for them. Learn about how to care for bamboo plants this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

The desert rose plant requires moist, well-drained soil, full sunlight and warm temperatures in order to grow.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

Your gardenia bush is sure to thrive if you care for it correctly.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

Succulents manage to live with a lot less water than some of their thirstier counterparts. That doesn't mean you can just neglect them and expect them to thrive though.

By Jessika Toothman & Melanie Radzicki McManus

Ananas are a world-famous family of plants that include the pineapple. They are short-stemmed ground-growing plants with leaves that can grow three or more feet tall outdoors. Learn more about these tall, delicious bromeliads in this article.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Bromeliads are plants that grow from the southern United States through Argentina. They can vary greatly in size, shape, color, and ease of growth. Learn about their characteristics and how to properly light, water, pot, and fertilize these plants.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Neoregelia contains about 50 species and many varieties. Most are from eastern Brazil. They were named in honor of Eduard A. von Regel, the 19th century superintendent of the Botanic Garden in St. Petersburg, Russia. Learn more about Neoregalia.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

In the late 19th century, a French plant collector was the first to begin cultivating porteas. These beautiful Brazilian plants love bright light and can grow to be quite large. Learn more about these tall, magnificent plants in this article.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Bromeliads are perennial plants that have one seed leaf. Bromeliads commonly grow in the American tropics, and a majority of the species are found in Brazil. These tough, long-lived plants grow well indoors, too. Learn more about types of Bromeliads.

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.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Cacti and succulent plants come in a variety of types, sizes, shapes, and colors. Some species of cacti produce leaves, while others are known for producing flowers. They can tolerate a wide variety of climates. Learn about cacti and how to care for these plants.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Cacti and succulents, tolerant and low maintenance plants, are ideal for busy people and indoor spaces. Cacti come in many varieties, and can survive in any number of light and moisture conditions. Learn about caring for these resilient plants.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) originally came from Europe. The fragrant, white flowers hang like small bells on their five to eight-inch stems. Read more about when to buy, how to care for, and how to arrange these beautiful flowers.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Leatherleaf fern is a type of foliage from the Far East. It is available all year around. The glossy, triangular fronds are often used for elegant arrangements and corsages, and they can also be pressed. Learn about care and uses for these ferns.

By Editors of Consumer Guide

Bird of paradise is a flower from South Africa. Birds of paradise have five to seven inch orange and blue flowers. The stems are two to four feet long. Birds are heavy and need good support. Learn more about this colorful and queenly flower.

By Editors of Consumer Guide