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 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

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

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

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.

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

Hoya, also known as wax plant and porcelain flower has fragrant starlike flowers borne in thick clusters. It is very easy to care for but may take a few years to bloom well. Read more.

By Larry Hodgson

House plants can fill your home with the color and beauty of the outside. This extensive article covers all aspects of house plant care, including lighting, watering, temperature, fertilizing and preventing diseases and pests.

By Larry Hodgson

Baby tears plant looks good draping out of its container but can also maintain a moundlike shape with pinching. It does well in humid climes but prefers well-circulated air. Learn why to use it in a terrarium.

By Larry Hodgson

Wandering Jew plant is related to spiderwort, obvious with its stems that trail and pointy leaves. Leaves, striped on top, have burgundy bottoms. Learn how to keep them looking their best.

By Larry Hodgson

The calamondin orange tree is an indoor or outdoor dwarf tree. Beyond its ornamental value, the tree produces bitter fruit that is nevertheless a culinary hit. Learn how to care for this citrus plant and reap the health benefits!

By Larry Hodgson

Jade plant is a thick-stemmed succulent plant with fleshy leaves edged in red. It's very easy to care for and will survive even under quite adverse conditions. Read about this African native.

By Larry Hodgson

Rubber plant usually has just one single trunk but can be pinched back to encourage more to grow. It has thick, leathery leaves often with a red mid-vein. Read more about this demanding house plant.

By Larry Hodgson

Snake plant grows over one and one-half foot high. Its leaves come in green- and yellow-striped varieties. Given preferential light, it will bloom nicely scented flowers. Learn why snake plant is easy to grow.

By Larry Hodgson