How not to let these "easy" to grow houseplants die that are not that easy

There are plants sold as simple to grow that we can't actually grow and thrive. What are we doing wrong?

Many houseplants they are sold as easy to grow but for some people they prove impossible. Often it is simply a matter of watering and lighting problems: once solved, cultivation will be as simple as they say!

Here are the six most common plants, described as "easy" to grow which are not that simple.

Index

Croton

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Codiaeum variegatum, commonly known as croton, is one of the most popular houseplants. The croton impresses with the color of its large leaves, variegated with green, orange and red. Often sold as a simple plant to grow, croton can actually prove picky and tend to lose its beautiful foliage following small environmental variations.

To prevent the croton from suffering, however, it is sufficient to pay attention to three of its basic needs: plenty of light, cool but not too cold temperatures and moderate but frequent watering, especially during the hot months. In autumn and winter, the croton should therefore be placed indoors, away from the cold, but in a bright position and at stable temperatures. In spring and summer, it can be moved outdoors but not in direct sun.

Begonia

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Begonia rex and Begonia maculata are two variety of begonia much appreciated: the first for the heart-shaped leaves mottled with reddish shades, the second for a characteristic polka dot foliage.

Although they are sold as simple plants to grow, often after a few months of purchase these beautiful begonias go into distress. This typically happens because begonias need to be set up in one position very bright and of irrigations only when the soil is almost dry, possibly with little or no calcareous water.

Pilea

Pilea peperomioides is also known as plant of coins because of the rounded leaves that are reminiscent of large coins. It is a plant with few needs, easy to both grow and propagate, yet it takes very little for the beautiful leaves to wither and the plant to die.

The pilea in fact needs a very bright environment and must be sheltered from too hot or too cold temperatures and drafts. As for irrigation, it is necessary to wet the plant in moderation only when the soil is dry. Few light, sudden changes in temperature and excess water lead in a short time to yellowing or shrinking of the leaves.

Spathiphyllum

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The spathiphyllum, or peace lilies, are very popular in apartments and look super easy to grow. In reality, these plants are very demanding when it comes to irrigation: a little water causes the leaves to wilt in a short time; on the contrary, the excess of water causes the leaves to blacken and curl up. The good news is that foliage wilt is reversible and can help understand the needs of the spatifillous. As soon as the leaves appear "down in tone" just give the plant a little water to solve the situation. Damage fromexcess water instead they are irreversible.

Sometimes the spatifillo appears healthy but does not produce flowers in summer. If the spatifillo does not bloom, it may be that it is not getting enough light or that it needs fertilizer. Spatiphyllum should be placed in a very bright location in the house and, in spring and summer, it can be taken outside in a shady location. During the vegetative restart it is good add fertilizer liquid to irrigation water at least once a month.

Phalangium

How not to let these

The phalangium, also known as ribbon or spider plant, is a fast growing houseplant, developing beautiful long, thin leaves, streaked with white. It is a perfect species to grow in suspended pots as it grows and develops long drooping stems that end with a new seedling. In addition to being very decorative, these stems allow you to easily propagate the plant.

Caring for the phalangium is not particularly difficult, yet the plant often goes into pain and, for no apparent reason, begins to yellow. The leaves can also appear "dull", blacken and dry out of the blue. How come? The problem is the quantity of water: abundant irrigations stress the phalangium a lot and its reaction to this stress is immediate. To prevent the ribbon from deteriorating, the plant should only be wetted when the soil is dry. (Read also: Falangio: the 'spider plant' that purifies the air. One is enough to purify the whole house)

Senecio

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The Senecio, or rosary plant, is a beautiful succulent plant that produces long strands of hanging pearls. Its cultivation is quite easy, yet it often happens that the small “pearls” of senecio shrivel and the plant dies. Again, the problem is irrigation.

Since it is a succulent plant, many believe that it needs little water: in reality the rosary plant needs little abundant but frequent irrigations and vaporizations around the foliage, especially when the specimens are young and small. Also, the senecio needs to be placed in a very bright location in order for it to grow and thrive.

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