Plants that are grown primarily for the characteristics of their leaves and used for interior decoration or landscaping purposes are called foliage plants. As our society becomes more urban, live plants are increasing as part of the interior landscape. The use of living foliage plants brings people closer to an outdoor type of environment, and the wide variety of plants gives us the opportunity to select species that will serve as attractive additions to interior decoration. Foliage plants are excellent for growing indoors as they can survive environmental conditions unfavorable to many other plants.

Most avid gardeners continue to grow plants throughout the year. We sow seeds in the living room, grow ferns in the bathroom, bring in begonias from the outside garden year after year, and have potted herbs in the kitchen. There are so many interesting plants that can be grown indoors today that there is simply no reason a gardener shouldn’t be surrounded by plants all year round.

Anyone can grow foliage plants indoors with little effort if the right plant is used in the right place. Large-leaved species such as rubber plants (Ficus elastica), Monstera deliciosa, dumb cane (Dieffenbachia amoena) and Philodendron are especially suitable for interiors of commercial buildings. They provide the size required to make them focal points in interior landscaping. These large plants on the left, as well as smaller specimens such as ferns, vines, and ivy, can serve a similar purpose in the home or apartment.

Practical steps to buy indoor plants

Indoor plants are raised in glass greenhouses where the air is warm and humid. When brought into the average home, they must withstand harsher conditions than the average outdoor plant. Challenging conditions such as minimal light, inadequate ventilation, warmer temperatures, drafts, and dry air all contribute to stressful conditions for plants. Keeping in mind the following points will help in the selection of houseplants that will complement your interior decoration and will live for many years.

1. Strong and vigorous. Give the plant a quick shake. A plant that wobbles in its pot may not be rooted well. Shaking the plant also tells you if the plant has whiteflies that will scatter in all directions if the plant is infested.

2. Evergreen: Since it will be seen every day of the year, the plants should be evergreen.

3. Attractive – Some of the foliage plants will flower from time to time, but the main reason to buy them is the foliage of the plant and how the plants grow. Leaves may be selected for their color or shape, or both, and the growth habit should be attractive and require minimal maintenance.

4. Slow Growing – Select plants that grow slowly without much pruning or training. They will perform better over a longer period of time.

5. Crowded Roots – Check the bottom of the plant for roots sticking out of the drainage hole. Roots emerging from holes in the pot do not necessarily mean the plant is under the pot, but it is often a first symptom. Root-bound plants will require a transplant when you bring the plant home.

6. Unhealthy Roots – If you can, ask the employee to remove the plant from the pot to check for packed roots. Roots come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. They should always feel firm and not mushy. Soft roots are a sign of root rot.

7. Stem or root rot: Smell the potting mix. Signs of rot smell like the sickly sweet smell of a rotten potato. Do not purchase this plant as it is likely to have a bad case of stem rot or root rot.

8. Leaf spots, yellowing leaves or heavy leaf loss – Leaf spots can be a sign of disease or can be caused by pushing plants around in a garden center. One or two yellow leaves at the base of the plant are not a cause for concern. However, if you see a lot of yellow or drooping leaves, the plant is likely stressed and therefore not a good choice. Damaged leaves never recover. Ask yourself if you’re willing to wait for the plant to produce new leaves, or if you’d rather buy a healthier-looking specimen.

9. Leggy Plants or Brown Leaf Tips: These conditions are signs of a plant that has not received proper care over a period of time. Thin plants indicate a lack of adequate light.

10. Signs of insects or disease – Look under the leaves and in the leaf axils (the place where the leaf joins the stem) where most pests hang out. Do not buy this plant as not only will you have a problem with it, but it can also infest the other plants in your home.