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Houseplant Basics: Houseplants for Different Locations

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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
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

Ask a Plant Expert

Contact Us

email

plantinfo@nybg.org

Find a Plant at NYBG

Find a Plant at NYBG

Map of NYBG

  • NYBG Garden Navigator
    Use this resource to explore the NYBG grounds, including information about specific plants, bloom times, and garden features.
  • NYBG Garden Guides
    Guides from the Plant Information Office related to specific NYBG gardens, including their history, design, and current plantings.

Noteworthy Books on Houseplants

  • Book CoverThe Unexpected Houseplant by Tovah Martin; Kindra Clineff (Photographer)
    Call Number: SB419 .M323 2012
    ISBN: 9781604692433
    Publication Date: 2012-08-28
  • Book CoverTempting Tropicals by Ellen Zachos
    Call Number: SB419 .Z33 2005
    ISBN: 0881927325
    Publication Date: 2005-10-06
  • Book CoverPotted History by Catherine Horwood
    Call Number: SB419 .H67 2007
    ISBN: 9780711228009
    Publication Date: 2007-10-09
  • Book CoverHouseplants and Indoor Gardening by Julie Bawden-Davis
    Call Number: SB419 .B3355 2001
    ISBN: 1589230035
    Publication Date: 2001-11-01
  • Book CoverHouseplant Basics by David Squire; Margret Crowther
    Call Number: SB419 .S69 2002
    ISBN: 0806988495
    Publication Date: 2002-03-01
  • Book CoverThe Houseplant Survival Guide by Pat Regel
    Call Number: SB419 .R43 1997
    ISBN: 1561581860
    Publication Date: 1997-04-01
  • Book CoverWhat Houseplant Where by Roy Lancaster; Matthew Biggs
    Call Number: SB419.25 .L35 1998
    ISBN: 0789435225
    Publication Date: 1998-09-15
  • How to Grow Fresh Air by B. C. Wolverton
    Call Number: SB419 .W58 1997
    ISBN: 0140262431
    Publication Date: 1997-04-01
  • Book CoverSuccess with House Plants by Reader's Digest Editors
    Call Number: SB419 .S75
    ISBN: 0895770520
    Publication Date: 1981-07-01

Related Plant Societies

  • American Orchid Society
  • African Violet Society of America
  • International Carnivorous Plant Society
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  • Last Updated: Jan 12, 2021 3:34 PM
  • URL: https://libguides.nybg.org/houseplantbasics
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Subjects: Houseplants