Indoor Gardening in Southern California

How to keep houseplants happy in our hot, dry climate

Tending to houseplants can be a rewarding experience for any plant fancier . I discovered a love of houseplants while far along in my pregnancy here in Southern California . It was hot , I was Brobdingnagian , and I had small will to careen outside and tend to my outdoor plants . The hot summertime months can be the perfect time to betroth with your indoor flora alternatively .

Understand the origins and needs of houseplants

Most of the plants sold as houseplants of course grow in more tropic configurations . I ’ll never forget a trip to Costa Rica that uncover my indoor plant growing outside and love it . These climates do not have the extreme highs and David Low in temperature that we experience here in Southern California . from time to time with the right microclimate , a tropic houseplant can rise outdoors here perennially , but often our nighttime temperature are too frigid for them . The safest place in our climate for these plants is a greenhouse or the interior of a home where the temperature is more controlled .

Many houseplants also tolerate taut potting conditions . Several indoor plants are epiphytic in the wilderness , meaning they grow without soil and will climb upon other plants for support . There is so much humidness in these clime that they can get moisture through the arial roots they farm . An example of this variety of emergence is that of philodendrons ( Philodendronspp . and cvs . , Zones 9–11 ) . And yet philodendrons are passing lasting houseplant that can have a go at it being root bound . You will notice the large arial roots emerge from these plants as they seek water and livelihood . Sometimes you will find your indoor plants farm in lava rock or bark . These act as steady mediums rather than to support nutritionary needs .

There are many possibilities when take plants to grow inside your home . But generally speaking , you want lustrous , indirect light , and most plants do well with once - a - week watering . This is how I ’ve successfully grown most of my houseplant . My favorite indoor plants have a Seussian character , so I look for standouts that will tally some fun to my home . Here are a few of them .

‘Tricolor’ dracaena

Dracaena marginata‘Tricolor ’ , Zones 10–12

‘ tricolour ’ dracaena , also foretell ‘ Tricolor ’ Madagascar dragon tree diagram , is a plant that will add fictitious character to any space . It loves lustrous light and has low piss requirements ( although it ’s tolerant of casual overwatering ) . But be mistrustful of rotting the ascendent by planting it in too big of a container . It ’s typically embed in lava rock and has a very shallow root system .

String of hearts

Ceropegia woodii , zone 10b–12

Also predict rosary vine , this hanging works will delight with its ticklish heart - shape , succulent leaves . It take bright , indirect light . I have mine placed directly in an east - facing window , and it is quite proud of . drawstring of hearts can develop about 3 metrical foot long . you may dilute it back hard and it will reemerge from its stock .

Blue star fern

Phlebodium aureum , Zones 9–12

This epiphytic blue fern is aboriginal to South America and makes a durable houseplant . It see well when supply with destiny of water in a fast - debilitate soil mixture with lava rock or perlite . However , it can reclaim well from periods of drouth if you forget to water it . Because it ’s epiphytic , it bed the humidity , so a bright bathroom would be a perfect blot for it . That said , I have grown this plant in dry , hot conditions with succeeder too , so it ’s very various .

Xerographica air plant

Tillandsia xerographica , Zones 9–11

This air flora is one of the most durable ones out there . Native to the semitropic forest of Mexico , it lives high up in tree canopy . This bring in it more liberal of drier condition than many other air industrial plant . cater smart light , and becloud it a duet of times each week . you’re able to also fully submerge it for a few minutes about once a month . After this soaking , make indisputable no water is pool in the interior of the leaves , as this can cause rotting .

‘Ruby’ rubber tree

Ficus elastica‘Ruby ’ , Zones 10–11

This pink , variegated tree displays its dear color rise in smart , indirect light and strong temperatures . plant in theFicusgenus by and large do not treasure draughty , nerveless homes . ‘ Ruby ’ India rubber tree like to dry out between watering . It will desire to be repotted every couple of years for fresh soil and nutrient .

appear for that perfect houseplant ? Here are some exceptional Southern California houseplant hotspots to check out !

Local sources for houseplants

Foothill Nursery

10456 Foothill Blvd . Sylmar , CA 91342(818 ) 897 - 3632

Foothill Nursery has greenhouses settle in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles that are dilute with a kind of houseplants . They have every distinctive houseplant you could want but with with child quality and reasonable price .

Rolling Greens Nursery

9528 Jefferson BlvdCulver City , CA 90232(310 ) 559 - 8656

Rolling Greens is a very endearing garden nerve center with a various houseplant collection . I by all odds recommend it for all your exterior and interior plant life need ! It ’s a beautiful baby’s room to search .

Mickey Hargitay Plants

1255 N Sycamore AveLos Angeles , CA 90038(323 ) 467 - 8044

Mickey Hargitay is a large nursery in Hollywood . Looking for large indoor works specimens ? This is your billet to turn back those out .

When it come prison term to repot your houseplant , check outRepotting Houseplants in Southern California .

— Cara Hanstein is a head nurseryman at the Huntington Library , Art Museum , and Botanical Gardens in San Marino , California .

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