Houseplants placed in rooms with north-facing windows need to be tough since they will receive little, if any, sun and low light levels. Fortunately there are a number of plants that can thrive in these conditions and they have the added bonus of being among the top 10 plants for improving indoor air quality. The seven houseplants are described in an article by Marianne Lipanovich which I found on the Houzz website.
North-facing windows can be a challenge when it comes to growing houseplants. Fortunately, some longtime favorites, and one up-and-comer, are happy with less-than-bright sunlight. They also generally have a tough nature and are easy to care for, especially if you?re new to houseplant care.
Most of these can also handle other locations besides south-facing windows, as long as the sunlight isn?t too direct and too bright. You?ll know that the plants are getting too much sun if all the leaves begin to turn yellow.Pothos
(Epipremnum aureum)Easy-care favorite. Pothos, also known as devil?s ivy, is the perfect first houseplant. It?s also on NASA?s list of the top 10 houseplants that help clean the air. It grows easily and handles neglect. Its heart-shaped waxy leaves range in color from green to yellow to variegated. It can be kept reasonably bushy, but if you love the look of a long, trailing plant, then pothos is for you.
Plant it in well-draining potting mix, and water when the mix has dried out. You can tell when it needs water because it will sulk and the leaves will begin to wilt. Let the soil drain completely after watering, as it hates soggy roots. It does best in daytime temperatures of 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 27 degrees Celsius). It also likes some humidity, so place the pot on a pebble tray or mist it occasionally.
Feed every two months or so with a one-quarter-strength balanced liquid fertilizer. Pothos vines can reach 1 foot to 8 feet long and 1 foot to 4 feet wide. You can pinch back the stems to increase bushiness.Cut off yellow leaves and wipe down leaves with water to get rid of dust. You can also get rid of mealybugs, their most common pest, with insecticidal soap.
Other problems are related to care but are easy to fix. Black spots usually mean the soil is too wet, whereas dry edges on the leaves mean the soil is too dry. If variegated varieties start to turn green, they probably need more light. If the leaves start turning light green to yellow, then move the plant into a less bright area. Repot when it gets root-bound.
Caution: Pothos can be toxic to people and pets.
(Spathyphyllum spp.)Florist favorite. If the first time you encountered a peace lily was in an arrangement from a florist, you?re not alone. The good news is that this houseplant is perfectly happy to live by itself in your home. It can reach up to 3 feet tall, and its wide leaves can remain upright or slightly arch to the side. Peace lily is known for both its air-cleaning abilities and its toxicity.
While peace lily prefers slightly moist soil, though not soggy roots, it can handle it when the soil is a bit drier. You?ll know it needs water when the leaves start to droop. Water thoroughly and let the water drain out completely. If your water is high in chlorine, let it sit for 24 hours before using. Peace lily also likes to be spritzed with water and to have its leaves wiped free of dust.Keep in normal daytime temperatures of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 24 degrees Celsius). Feed once a month in spring and summer with a quarter-strength balanced water-soluble fertilizer. Yellow leaves generally mean the plant is getting too much light.
Though peace lilies do bloom, and their blooms can last for a couple of months, don?t despair if yours doesn?t. Move to a brighter space and hope for the best, but they can be fussy.
Caution: Peace lily is toxic to people and pets.
See more at Houzz
Feature photo: Debra Prinzing
