From Weeds to House Plants
10 plants that grow naturally in the wild that make beautiful house plants. Include how to dig them up, how to enhance their use as a house plant. Include reasons why to acquire house plants in this manner, how to care for them. Also include their needs after transplanting such as temperature, plant food, light and watering needs.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
How to Acquire: Spider plants are often found in the wild in tropical and subtropical regions. You can dig up a small offset plant by gently loosening the soil around the base of the plant and carefully removing it, ensuring you don't damage the roots.
Enhancements: Spider plants are known for their air-purifying qualities. To enhance their beauty as a houseplant, consider placing them in a hanging basket to show off their cascading leaves.
Reasons to Acquire: Spider plants are easy to care for, adaptable to different light conditions, and can thrive in a variety of environments.
Care Instructions: Spider plants prefer bright, indirect light. Water when the top inch of soil is dry and provide a well-draining potting mix. They do well in average room temperatures and benefit from occasional feeding with a balanced houseplant fertilizer.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii)
How to Acquire: Peace lilies can be found in the wild in tropical forests. When digging up a peace lily, be sure to gently lift the plant along with some of its root ball to minimize transplant shock.
Enhancements: Peace lilies are known for their elegant white blooms. To enhance their use as a houseplant, keep them in a location with filtered light and regularly wipe their glossy leaves to remove dust.
Reasons to Acquire: Peace lilies are excellent air purifiers and add a touch of elegance to any indoor space.
Care Instructions: Peace lilies prefer indirect light and high humidity. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Avoid direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves. Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
How to Acquire: Pothos are often found in tropical forests and are relatively easy to dig up due to their hardy nature and robust root system.
Enhancements: Pothos are versatile and can be grown in hanging baskets, trellises, or as trailing plants on shelves. Consider displaying them in decorative pots to enhance their visual appeal.
Reasons to Acquire: Pothos are low-maintenance plants that are excellent for beginners. They are also great for purifying indoor air.
Care Instructions: Pothos thrive in a variety of lighting conditions, from low to bright indirect light. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
How to Acquire: Snake plants are native to tropical West Africa and can be dug up carefully by loosening the soil around the base of the plant and transplanting it with minimal disturbance to the roots.
Enhancements: Snake plants have striking upright leaves that add a modern touch to any space. Consider placing them in minimalist pots to highlight their architectural form.
Reasons to Acquire: Snake plants are known for their air-purifying abilities and can thrive in a variety of light conditions, making them ideal for beginners.
Care Instructions: Snake plants tolerate low light but prefer indirect sunlight. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot. They are tolerant of neglect and can go for extended periods without water. Avoid overwatering and provide well-draining soil.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
How to Acquire: ZZ plants are native to Eastern Africa and can be dug up by carefully dividing the rhizomes, ensuring each division has both roots and stems for successful propagation.
Enhancements: ZZ plants have glossy, dark green leaves that add a touch of sophistication to any indoor setting. Consider placing them in modern, sleek planters to enhance their aesthetic appeal.
Reasons to Acquire: ZZ plants are incredibly low-maintenance, requiring minimal watering and care. They are also sturdy plants that can adapt to a variety of light conditions.
Care Instructions: ZZ plants thrive in low to moderate indirect light but can tolerate low light conditions. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings as they are prone to root rot if overwatered. Feed sparingly with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)
How to Acquire: Aloe vera is native to the Arabian Peninsula and can be propagated by dividing the offshoots or "pups" that grow around the base of the plant.
Enhancements: Aloe vera plants are not only beautiful but also have medicinal properties. Consider planting them in decorative containers and placing them in a sunny spot in your home.
Reasons to Acquire: Aloe vera is a versatile plant with multiple uses, from soothing sunburns to purifying indoor air. It also adds a touch of greenery to your living space.
Care Instructions: Aloe vera prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, as they are drought-tolerant plants. Use a well-draining potting mix, and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Fertilize sparingly with a cactus or succulent fertilizer during the growing season.
African Violet (Saintpaulia spp.)
How to Acquire: African violets can be found in the wild in Eastern tropical Africa and can be propagated from leaf cuttings by selecting healthy, mature leaves and rooting them in a moist medium.
Enhancements: African violets produce colorful, delicate flowers in a variety of shades. Display them in decorative pots or planters to showcase their vibrant blooms.
Reasons to Acquire: African violets are compact plants that brighten up indoor spaces with their cheery flowers. They are also relatively easy to care for with the right conditions.
Care Instructions: African violets prefer bright, indirect light and consistent moderate temperatures. Water the soil when it feels dry to the touch but avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent spotting. Fertilize with a balanced houseplant fertilizer specifically for African violets to encourage blooming.
Calathea (Calathea spp.)
How to Acquire: Calathea species are native to tropical regions of the Americas and can be dug up by carefully dividing the rhizomes or separating the offsets that grow around the base of the plant.
Enhancements: Calathea plants have intricate, patterned leaves that make them stand out. Display them in decorative pots to draw attention to their unique foliage.
Reasons to Acquire: Calathea plants are prized for their striking foliage patterns and make beautiful additions to indoor plant collections.
Care Instructions: Calathea plants prefer filtered, indirect light and high humidity. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and use lukewarm water to avoid shocking the plant. Mist the leaves regularly or use a humidifier to maintain adequate humidity levels. Feed with a diluted liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
How to Acquire: Boston ferns can be found in the wild in humid, shaded areas and can be dug up by carefully dividing the root ball into smaller sections, ensuring each division has roots and fronds.
Enhancements: Boston ferns have feathery, green fronds that add a touch of lushness to indoor spaces. Hang them in macrame plant hangers or display them in decorative pots to showcase their graceful foliage.
Reasons to Acquire: Boston ferns are classic houseplants known for their air-purifying qualities and ability to thrive in shady conditions.
Care Instructions: Boston ferns prefer bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and mist the fronds regularly to maintain high humidity levels. Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
How to Acquire: Rubber plants are native to Southeast Asia and can be dug up by carefully removing the root ball to minimize root disturbance. Ensure the plant has a sufficient root system to support its growth.
Enhancements: Rubber plants have glossy, burgundy or dark green leaves that add a bold statement to any room. Display them in modern plant stands or decorative pots to highlight their striking foliage.
Reasons to Acquire: Rubber plants are large, low-maintenance plants that make a striking focal point in any space. They are also great for purifying indoor air.
Care Instructions: Rubber plants prefer bright, indirect light but can tolerate moderate light conditions. Water when the top inch of soil is dry, and ensure the pot has excellent drainage. Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to encourage healthy growth.
Acquiring plants from the wild can be a rewarding experience, as it allows you to connect with nature and bring a piece of the outdoors into your home. It also promotes sustainability by rescuing plants that might otherwise be lost to development or neglect. After transplanting these wild plants, it's crucial to provide them with the right care to ensure their health and growth:
- Temperature: Most houseplants prefer temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C) during the day and slightly cooler temperatures at night.
- Light: Consider the plant's natural habitat to determine its light needs. Provide bright, indirect light for plants that come from sunny environments and low to moderate light for plants that prefer shade.
- Watering Needs: Water plants according to their specific requirements, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent overwatering and root rot.
- Plant Food: Feed plants with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength during the growing season to provide essential nutrients for healthy growth.
By following these care guidelines and providing a suitable environment for your wild plants, you can enjoy a thriving indoor garden filled with beautiful, natural specimens that bring joy and a sense of connection to the great outdoors.
