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Houseplant Basics: Houseplants for Different Locations

Hibiscus 'Disco Belle'; photo by Ivo Vermeulen
Hibiscus 'Disco Belle'; photo by Ivo Vermeulen

Houseplants for Sun

Botanical Name

Common Name

Abutilon
flowering maple
Citrus
citrus
Kalanchoe
kalachoe
Pelargonium
geranium
Gardenia
gardenia
HIbiscus
hibiscus

Houseplants for Partial Sun

Botanical Name

Common Name

Hoya
hoya
Begonia
begonia
Ficus
fig
Schefflera
umbrella plant
Philodendron
philodendron
Dieffenbachia
dumb cane
Dracaena
corn plant, dragon tree
Zamioculcus zamiifolia
ZZ plant

Houseplants for Shade

Botanical Name

Common Name

Chamaedorea
parlor palm
Spathiphyllum
peace lily
Aspidistra
cast-iron plant
Davallia
rabbit's foot fern
Philodendron scandens
heartleaf philodendron
Streptocarpus
Cape primrose
Hoya carnosa is a plant that likes to flower
Hoya carnosa is a plant that likes to flower

Houseplants for Dry Conditions

Botanical Name

Common Name

Echeveria
firecracker plant
Pelargonium
geranium
Kalanchoe
kalanchoe
Euphorbia milii
crown of thorns
succulents
succulents

Houseplants That Like to be Pot Bound

Botanical Name

Common Name

Asplenium
bird's-nest fern
Nephrolepsis
Boston fern
Capiscum
ornamental pepper
Ficus elasticum
bird's-nest fern
Sansevieria
snake plant, mother-in-law's tongue

 Houseplants That Like to Flower

Botanical Name

Common Name

Euphorbia
crown of thorns
Clivia
South African forest-lily
Streptocarpus
Cape-primrose
Streptocarpus section Saintpaulia
African violet
Senecio
florist's cineraria
Primula
primrose
Hoya
wax plant
Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum ssp.) can tolerate low-light situations
Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum ssp.) can tolerate low-light situations

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Noteworthy Books on Houseplants