What is a good indoor plant? The only light it'll get is when I'm home and turn on the lights.?

Question

Looking for a hearty, green, leafy plant. I can't seem to find one that can survive more than 2 weeks. Thanks.

Answer 1

Try a peace lily.

They do VERY well indoors and do not require much sunlight.

They have dark gorgeous shiny green leaves

Answer 2

Artificial plants due real well with artificial light.

Answer 3

There is not one.
Do you live in a cave?
If you really want plants to survive and there is no natural light, you might want to - no - you will HAVE to invest in a plant light. Then you will have a wide variety of plant s to choose from.

Answer 4

All About Houseplants

Houseplants, also called indoor plants, brighten up your home or office. Caring for houseplants makes for a great hobby during the long inclement months of winter, and even throughout the year. Many gardeners refuse to twiddle their green thumbs as the long winter months keep them indoors. Rather, they actively extend their gardening pleasure through the winter months tending to a wide array of indoor plants.

The benefits of indoor gardening are numerous. My son reminds me of the clean air provided by indoor plants that take in carbon dioxide (which you exhale) and in turn release oxygen for you. Indoor plants also brighten the room, providing a cheerful sight for those grey and often dreary winter days.

Indoor plants are an important part of decor in homes, offices and other buildings. By the way, I am sure you will agree that plastic indoor plants and shrubbery are no substitute for the real thing. And, another big benefit of indoor gardening is there is nothing more relaxing than gardening.

Many plants in your outdoor garden make for good indoor houseplants too. Start planning early to identify what plants you want to bring indoors when fall arrives. When in doubt, we urge you to experiment and see if you can grow a particular plant indoors. After all, the challenge is half the fun of gardening. Shop for the soil and containers you will need well before the fall season is over and while the selection is still good.

If frost is expected any time soon in your area, get moving and start planning your indoor garden today!


Types of Houseplants

The variety of houseplants is varied and broad. There are flowering types or non-flowering types. You can grow Cactus, small shrubs and flower bulbs. You can even grow a variety herbs. Most of these however, require more sunlight, which is often at a premium indoors and in winter months.

We commonly think of only a quite limited number of houseplants. In actuality their are hundreds if not thousands of varieties.

The most common houseplants include:

African Violets
Amaryllis
Begonia
Bonsai
Cactus
Coleus
Forced Bulbs
Geraniums
Impatiens A great shade lover with glossy leaves and showy flowers.
Ivy
Paper Whites
Paradise Palms or Parlor Palms There are many other types.
Philodendrons
Pineapple Are you up to the challenge!?
Poinsettia
Rubber Plants
Spider Plants


Houseplants- Care and Maintenance

The best houseplants are those that thrive well in the conditions of your indoor environment. That environment is significantly different than that of your outdoor garden plants. Despite being significantly different, the most popular of houseplants are those whose needs match a cooler, drier and and darker (far less light) conditions of your home or office.

Due to conditions in the home, many indoor plants grow very slowly or even go dormant during the long months from late fall t o early winter. And there, needs are much different than your outdoor plants. In general, those needs are far less demanding as a slow growing plant requires less of most everything that you would normally provide your outdoor plants.

There is a saying in the gardening world that you can "kill your plant with kindness". This saying is even more true indoors as the plants need less , rather than more.



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Temperature:
Indoor plants generally prefer a controlled temperature range. The ideal range is usually 65 to 75 degree in the daytime and 60 to 65 degrees at night. This range may vary by type of plant, but is the most common range. Many indoor plants do not like to be placed in a drafty area. In addition, while you may think you are helping your plants by placing them in a sunny window, they can experience wide temperature extremes as the sun heats them in the day and the cold comes through the window at night.

Not convinced? Place a thermometer next to your plant on a frigid evening. Check the temperature just before you go to bed.



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Light:
In general, houseplants need less sunlight than outdoor plants. This is largely because the selection of indoor plant varieties is geared toward plants which thrive in shady or indirect sunlight.

But, this does not mean that your plant does not need sunlight, or will not benefit from sunlight during some portion of the day. And some varieties will require more sunlight than others. A lot of us will chase the sunlight as it moves from window to window on a sunny winter's day. Read up about the type of plant you you have. And, if your plant shows signs of light deficiency, join the rest of us and chase that sunlight!

You can also buy artificial gro-lights. These will help those plants that require more sunlight than you can provide. And, you can use the gro-lights when you sow your garden seedlings in the spring.

Tip: Rotate the container every few days so all sides of the plant get a chance to "see the light!"



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Humidity:
During the winter, your home or office is normally much drier than other times of the year. Sometimes this gets a bit beyond the tolerance range of your plants. Your plants will benefit by an occasional "sponge bath". Take a damp cloth or sponge and wipe the leaves once a week or two. This has the added advantage of removing dust buildup on the leaves.

You can also use misters to add humidity to your plants during the driest of winter days.

Important: A few plants like African Violets do not like to get their leaves wet and water on them will cause damage.



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Soil:
Most houseplants like a balanced soil with a slightly acid pH level. Use sterile potting soil from your garden supply store. It will contain a good mix of nutrients to get your plants started in their indoor environment. It will also be properly blended to provide good drainage, yet retain moisture.

Even if your plant does not grow much, it should be repotted every couple of years with fresh potting soil. The old soil loses important minerals over time.

Over time the top layer of soil can become encrusted. Loosen it with a spoon or fork. Remove the top layer and add some fresh, sterile potting soil.



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Fertilizers:
Here is where you can really "kill your plant with kindness". Because your plant is growing much slower than in an outdoor environment, it's needs are less. It is using far less nutrients. So, those nutrients can build up to harmful levels if your fertilize too frequently.

We recommend you buy a balanced, slow release indoor fertilizer. If you use liquid fertilizers, use it once every two weeks...or less.



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Watering Plants:
While many plants needs vary, in general, you should keep your soil moist, but not wet. Here is where learning about your specific plant will really help.

Many houseplants like to get a good soaking of their soil. Apply water to the point that it drains through the pot and out the openings in the bottom of the pot. This helps to remove excess fertilizer and salt that can build up in the soil. Outdoors, nature performs this task during a spring or summer downpour. After giving the soil a good drenching, allow the soil to almost completely dry out before the next watering.

Did you know? Your tap water likely has chemicals that your plant does not like in any excess amount. Those chemicals are sodium (salt) and chlorine. Use distilled water where possible or capture rainwater. If you leave the a container of water out for a day or two, the chlorine will dissipate.

Answer 5

ivy