8 Houseplants That Are Harder to Grow Than You Think

Don't blame yourself if you've had a few casualties over the years.

Getty
Ctenanthe
If not in bright, direct light, the leaves on this plant will appear solid, instead of showcasing the patterns that they're known for (bummer). However, if they get too much light, the leaves will fade. It's a fickle plant to say the least, and is equally frustrating when it comes to watering, temperature, you name it.

Getty
Azaleas
Just like a lady hates to sweat, this pretty plant really hates heat (a lot). Ideally, azaleas shouldn't be in a temperature above 65 degrees Fahrenheit — ever.

Getty
Calathea Ornata
This guy is known as a greenhouse plant for good reason: It's super sensitive to cold and temperature fluctuations and grows best in warm, humid, bright conditions — so finding the best spot for it in your home might pose a challenge.

Getty
Basil
If this trusty herb keeps dying before you get a chance to make your homemade caprese salad, it could be because of the location. These plants need at least six hours of direct sun each day (yep, even when it's overcast outside).

Getty
Elephant Ear
This leafy plant (that resembles an enormous elephant's ear, hence the name) requires constant watering from spring to autumn. Above, a wick watering system is being used (because it's seriously that thirsty).

Getty
Banana Plant
Humidity is everything for this tropical plant and should be at 50 percent or more as much as possible. Oh, and it needs 12 hours of direct sunlight, so this plant is definitely not for someone who lives in Seattle.

Getty
Autumn Fern
Since this is a woodland plant, the fragile leaves are intolerant of direct light and will die if exposed to too much sun. And the more sun it gets, the more water it needs (meaning you have to watch it closely).

Getty
Stromanthe 'Tricolor'
These colorful plants need higher humidity than average. It's also best suited for terrarium life, but living in the bathroom will have to do if you're growing it at home. But the biggest hassle of all is that you have to mist the leaves daily.

Next
11 Fall Flowers You'll Love Just as Much as Mums

By Lauren Smith

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

10 Things in Your Bedroom That Are Ruining Your Sleep

Image
Getty Your bedroom is supposed to be a relaxing, tranquil oasis where you can recharge after a grueling day and wake up refreshed — but if you're like the 60% of people who report weekly sleep problems, it might not be. Look out for these tricky things that might be negatively impacting the quality of your shut-eye. 1. Your Technology That means smartphones, tablets, TVs, you name it. The artificial light that's emitted from these devices results in less melatonin production in the brain (the chemical that helps you fall asleep and regulates your sleep cycle), meaning you'll have a harder time dozing off. 2. Your Heavy (or Electric) Blankets Even though a warm and cozy setup might sound like something that would help you sleep better, higher body temperatures disrupt sleep — so you're better off sticking with a lightweight sheet or bedspread. 3. Your Wall Color If your bedroom walls are...
Read more

This Coffee Table Cleverly Hides Your Messes

Image
Gonçalo Campos You can finally stop scrambling to clean up your living room when mom stops by. This clever table, aptly called the Times 4 and designed by Gonçalo Campos, has a wooden table top that rotates to reveal and hide its different compartments — giving you genius and quick storage choices. It's a gem for the hyper-organized, too: Want to keep your remotes accessible but not on display? Tuck them away in one of the pastel-colored chambers. Want one? The Times 4 is available at Polit for $,620. Gonçalo Campos Gonçalo Campos [via Huffington Post More Furniture on House Beautiful: • IKEA's New Furniture Will Charge Your Smartphone Wirelessly •11 Incredible Canopy Beds That Will Make You Feel Like Royalty • Nostalgia Alert: These Lego Beds Will Bring Out The Inner Kid In Everyone By Jamie Wiebe
Read more

This Photographer Has Us Falling in Love With Front Doors All Over America

Image
The Front Door Project / Designed By Sarah Baugh They say it's what's on the inside that counts, but with this photographer, it's all about the exterior. The Front Door Project, a blog and Instagram undertaking run by Connecticut native Deb Cohen (which is where you'll notice most of the photog's snaps are taken), showcases gorgeous homes, front doors, and select history of residences and towns around the country. Cohen's mainstay is New England, but you'll also find selects from places like Charleston, Naples, Florida and more. Here, 10 inspiring homes that make fall and winter just as alluring as the warmer months: 1. I didn't think this house could look any brighter, but in the snow it really jumps out at you! #westhartford A post shared by Deb (@thefrontdoorproject) on Jan 26, 2015 at 10:03am PST 2. Had a fantastic walk in Old Wethersfield today! Can't believe this amazing historic district is only 20 minutes away and I have never spent a...
Read more