popular easy to grow house plants

There are over 250 species of Aloes in the world, mostly native to Africa. They range in size from little one inch miniatures to massive plant colonies consisting of hundreds of 2 foot diameter plants. The most commonly known is the Aloe barbadensis, better known as the Aloe Vera. All Aloes are semi tropical succulent plants, and may only be grown outdoors in areas where there is no chance of freezing (USDA zones 10 11). However, they make excellent house plants when they are given sufficient light. Container grown Aloe plants benefit from spending their summer outdoors. Older specimens may even bloom, producing a tall stock covered with bright colored coral flowers.

African Violets were first collected from eastern Africa and Tasmania in the late nineteenth century. Their attractive, velvety foliage, compact growing habit and wide variety of long blooming flower colors have made the African Violet the most popular flowering house plant in the world.

Aluminum Plants are fast growing, easy to care for plants that branch freely and grow 12inch 18inch tall. These plants have 3inch, deep green, lance shaped leaves arranged in pairs along their upright, succulent stems. The fleshy leaves are accented with bold bands of metallic silver.

Nothing can break the gloom in the dead of the winter like a beautiful blooming House Plant. Of all of the flowering bulbs, the Amaryllis is the easiest to force into bloom. Their large, showy flowers, and easy care make the Amaryllis an extremely popular gift plant during the holiday seasons.

Syngoniums are fast growing vines that grow to about 3 ft. Easy to grow plant for bright indirect light or light shade. Allow rich, well draining soil to dry before watering. Pinch tips to induce bushiness. Green, copper, and variegated varieties are available.

The Artillery Plant forms an umbrella like canopy of tiny, bright green leaves on fleshy, 6inch 12inch stems. The name Artillery Plant comes from the way that its seed pods forcibly eject their pollen or seeds when the frond is touched. An excellent plant for terrarium environments.

The Asparagus Fern is a very popular plant for florists who commonly use the lacy, horizontal fronds in flower arrangements. These decorative vines will grow up to 10 feet with support, or they can be kept to a more compact size by regularly removing the tips from new growth.

Excellent, moss like ground cover plant for dish gardens and open terrariums. Needs moderate light. Soil should be kept constantly moist but water on the tiny foliage should be avoided. Can be propagated by division. May become a nuisance but is easily controllable.

Needs rich, humus soil and a monthly heavy feeding when actively growing with soluble 20 20 20 fertilizer. Needs bright light, but protection from hot afternoon sun. Mist leaves often, and sponge them off when dusty. Fun to grow from seeds or offsets.

Known for the beautiful painted patterns on the foliage. Rex Begonia leaves vary considerably in texture, size, shape, patterns and colors. The small pink or white flowers may appear at any time of the year are insignificant compared to the foliage.