Houseplant of the Month
Euphorbia milii, crown of thorns
Euphorbia milii is a prickly succulent shrub native to Madagascar. It can also be grown as an indoor houseplant that enjoys a warm, dry spot with plenty of direct sunlight.
Chlorophytum comosum, spider plant
The spider plant, Chlorophytum comosum, is a popular houseplant due to its low demands and is an ideal choice for new houseplant parents.
Aporocactus flagelliformis, the rattail cactus
Aporocactus flagelliformis, the rattail cactus, is a species of flowering cacti native to Mexico with long trailing appendages reminiscent of rat’s tails hence the name.
Clusia rosea, autograph tree
Clusia rosea is a succulent perennial tree which has become a trendy, low-maintenance houseplant.
Dieffenbachia seguine, dumb cane
If you are looking for a super easy houseplant for your home then Dieffenbachia could be it; these low maintenance plants require very little attention and will thrive in the right conditions.
Anthurium andreanum, flamingo lily
Anthurium andreanum is known by many names, flamingo lily, painter’s palette, lacyleaf and flamingo flower to name a few but none seem to really nail the ethereal beauty of this plant.
Ficus elastica, rubber plant
If you are looking for a tough, evergreen houseplant that is easy to look after then a rubber plant could be for you.
Crassula ovata, Jade plant
Crassula ovata, Jade plant also known as the lucky plant or money tree is often associated with the orient but is in fact a subshrub native to South Africa.
Dracaena Marginata, Dragon Tree
Native to Madagascar, the Dragon Tree or Dracaena Marginata is a slow-growing succulent with long sword-like green leaves edged with a red hue.
Euphorbia pulcherrima, Poinsettia
Poinsettias are not just for Christmas. Debi Holland has some advice on buying them and how to keep them thriving.
Phlebodium aureum ‘Blue Star’ Fern (low light evergreen fern)
Phlebodium aureum, the 'Blue Star’ fern is an epiphyte that grows on trees throughout eastern Americas, the Caribbean and South American tropical cloud forests. It also makes a perfect houseplant for busy people.
Epipremnum aureum, Devil’s Ivy, golden pothos
Epipremnum aureum or golden pothos also boasts an aptly chilling halloween name, Devil’s Ivy. It has a reputation of being indestructible and can survive most living conditions.
Palms
Palms have remained a popular houseplant since Victorian times. It's easy to see why; exotic to look at, low maintenance and tolerant of lower light conditions.
Alocasia, Elephant’s Ear
Huge arrowhead-shaped leaves firmly place Alocasia as a striking foliage houseplant.
Strelitzia reginae, Bird of Paradise
Debi Holland's love of Strelitzia started back in the 80's when she was on holiday in Tenerife with her family.
Peperomia, radiator plant
Peperomia are easy-to-grow plants that are great for beginners, giving a lot in return for minimal input.
Fittonia, Nerve plant
Fittonia is an evergreen perennial which boasts beautiful deep-veined foliage. They naturally live on the floor of South American rainforests so are used to diffused light and highly humid conditions; if you manage to recreate this at home you will have a happy houseplant! These ground-hugging, creeping houseplants only grow…
Monstera deliciosa, Swiss Cheese Plant
Go large this year with statement houseplants and it does not get much larger than Monstera deliciosa, the Swiss Cheese Plant.
Tradescantia zebrina
Tradescantia zebrina is one of 85 species in the Tradescantia genus and is a variegated trailing herbaceous perennial also known as spiderwort or Silver Inch plant.
Begonia rex
Begonia rex is an impressive tender evergreen perennial with over 500 cultivars. Also known as Painted-Leaf Begonia, King Begonia or simply Rex Begonia; these are one of the easiest houseplants to grow.
Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera)
There are a variety of different species of Schlumbergera, all of which have individual defining characteristics and flowering times. The three most common species sold in the UK are the Thanksgiving cactus, Schlumbergera truncata, Christmas cactus, Schlumbergera bridgesii and the Easter cactus, Schlumbergera gaertneri, formerly Hatiora gaertneri and they all…
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii)
Peace Lily, Spathiphyllum wallisii, is in the Araceae family, commonly known as Aroids. It is an elegant dark, glossy foliage plant, which has tiny pure white flowers, or inflorescence, on spikes encased by protective hooded bracts, or spathes.
Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula)
It's halloween this month so what better plant to talk about than the spooky and carnivorous Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula). This carnivorous bog plant is native to the moist, acidic, low nutrient wetlands of North and South Carolina.
Chinese money plant (Pilea peperomioides)
Pilea peperomioides is an easy-to-grow succulent, which originates from the Yunnan Province in Southern China. Pilea require little maintenance so even for the most reluctant gardeners they make perfect companions. So what do you need to do to help this perennial evergreen thrive?
Prayer plant (Maranta leuconura)
Dreaming of tropical climes or just back from an adventure and keen to continue the summer holiday vibe? Well, look no further than Maranta leuconura, the Prayer plant with exquisite variegated foliage of bold colours and patterns.
Silver Squill (Ledebouria Socialis)
Silver Squill is a low maintenance, drought tolerant houseplant that is ideal for beginners. So how do you look after it?
Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)
Look in old houseplant books and you’ll often find this succulent listed as mother-in-law’s tongue on account of its long, pointed leaves. These days it goes by the far more politically correct name of snake plant.
Devil’s Ivy (Epripremnum aureum)
Devil's Ivy is an easy-going houseplant with glossy, heart-shaped leaves splashed with yellow. Most commonly grown as a climber, it can also be grown as a trailer from a hanging container.
Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana)
If you're looking to create a lush, leafy, tropical effect indoors, then Kentia Palms can't be beat. A favourite plant of Queen Victoria, they can often be seen in the background of photographs taken of the Royal Family during her reign.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Apart from possessing striking good looks, Zamioculcas zamiffolia or ZZ plant is almost foolproof to look after, which makes it perfect for beginners. It is also one of the best air purifying houseplants.