CbRNELL
Pennsylvania Avenue Elmira, NY
Cooperative Extension
of Chemung County
Special Care of Those Houseplants
Water. Most plants should be kept moist, but not
super saturated. The soil should be drenched each
watering, which means allowing the water to flow out of
the container. Therefore, care should be taken when
selecting a container. The planter should have drainage
holes in the bottom so the excess water is able to drain
out. If the plant is being watered through the bottom,
remember to remove the plant from the water within an
hour or as soon as the surface of the soil is moist. If the
plant is left in standing water, damage may occur to the
root systems. Tap water is generally safe for
houseplants. If the water is softened, an adverse effect
may occur. Most softeners contain sodium, which may
build up in the soil and eventually become toxic.
Another element which may be present in water is
fluoride. Fluoride can cause injury in some foliage
plants, especially those in the Lilaceae family.
Clay pots are good if one is prone to overwatering. Clay
pots are porous, meaning that when the surface of the
soil dries, the rest of the soil is also dry. Plants grown in
plastic pots will require less
watering because they are
non-porous and hold water
longer. Clay and plastic
pots, with drainage holes,
are the best containers in
which to grow successful
plants.
Temperature. The most favorable temperature for
interior plants during the day is 65 to 70° and during the
nigh, 60 to 65° F. During the summer, plants that are
located in direct sunlight may need to be moved or
shaded during midday to avoid
extreme heat and injury.
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Human Resources Center 425
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Fax: 607-734-7740
www.cce.cornell.edu/chemung
During the winter, plants may need to be moved away
from the window. The window is the colder part of the
room, especially if there are no storm windows. If the
plants are to be kept near the window, some sort of
protection such as plastic or paper is needed.
Houseplants may be moved outside if done gradually. It
should be done until the night temperature is regularly
above 60° F. Do not put plants directly in the sun. It can
be a great shock to the plants and will do them no good.
Slowly put them into direct sunlight. It takes time for
plants to get used to the different light intensities and the
higher temperatures. When the outdoor temperatures
begin to go lower than 60° F., the plants should be
brought back inside.
Humidity. Plants prefer a humid atmosphere, some
more than others. Most houses are dry because of winter
heating and summer air conditioning. The dryer the air
the greater the water loss from the plants. Following are
ways to increase humidity.
■ Install humidifiers in heating system or use room
humidifiers near the plants.
■ Set plants above a tray of gravel, sand or perlite that
is kept wet.
■ Group plants together; the air may be more humid.
■ Avoid a location where a lot of air movement will
cause rapid loss of water from the plant.
■ Locate plants where humidity is highest; i.e., in the
kitchen above the sink, or in the bathroom.
Nutrients and fertilizing
practices. A
complete fertilizer is the best way to
supply plants with the required
elements for photosynthesis to take
place. A complete fertilizer contains
nitrogen, phosphorous and
potassium. These elements are used
in the greatest quantity and are
therefore most frequently deficient
in the growing medium. A fertilizer
with the ratio 20-2020 is suitable for
most plants. Fertilization of a newly
purchased plant should begin about
1-2 months after the plant has
become established in its new
environment.
Always be sure that the soil is not
dry when applying fertilizer, unless
the fertilizer is in a liquid form. Be
careful to read all directions for
fertilizing so that you don't dam-age
the plant or its roots from over
fertilization. All of the different
forms of household fertilizers are
satisfactory as long as they contain a
complete nutrient content.
Light. Correct light is one of the
very essential requirements for the
growth of plants. It is important to
select a location, determine the light
intensity, and then select a proper
plant for that type of light.
There are three types or natural
intensities of light: direct light (high
light intensity), indirect or diffused
light (medium light intensity) and
low light. Other factors influence
the intensity of light. Light-colored
walls, mir-rors and high ceilings
will increase the interior light.
Outside trees, a porch, roof
overhangs or adjacent buildings can
reduce the interior light. All these
aspects must be considered when
determining the best location for the
plant.
There are common symptoms that
occur when the plants are not
receiving the proper intensity of
light. Wilting of the leaves occurs
when the lighting is too intense for
the plant. If the plant is
continually exposed to the wrong
type of light, the leaves will
eventually begin to yellow and dry
areas will develop on the foliage.
When there is too little light, the
older leaves will drop and the new
growth will be weak with small
leaves. Lack of adequate light is the
most frequent problem with indoor
plants.
Artificial light can be used
to supplement natural light to
maintain plant growth. Incandescent
or fluorescent lamps may be used
for supplemental lighting. High
wattage incandescent light placed
directly over foliage at a distance of
four feet will provide adequate
intensity and prevent damage. Be
careful when using incandescent
lighting because heat damage can
occur. Fluorescent light can be
located close to the plant to provide
high intensity light, and since it is a
cooler type of light, heat damage
does not occur. A typical installation
of fluorescent light requires two, 40-
watt tubes for minimum needs.

Explanation of Codes for HouseplantsTemperatureLocationSoilLightWaterC = Cool to

cold
40-45° F. - night 55-60° F. - day (sunny) 50° F. - day (cloudy)1 = houseplantL = Loam, clay
or good garden soilB = Bright; full sunD = Drench, then allow to dry

2 = Outside; home greenhouse (fresh air and

good light)H = Humus rich peat, sphagnum or
firbarkF = Filtered or diffusedM = Evenly
moist1 1 1I =
Intermediate
50-55° F. - night 70° F. - day (sunny) 60° F. - day (cloudy)3 = Greenhouse plant; high
relative humidityO = Osmunda fern with sphagnum, shredded firbarkN = No direct;
shadyW = Thoroughly wetS = Stovehouse or warm
62-65° F. - night; 80-85° F. - day

* This means that the plant is a very good

houseplant.

Characteristics
Scientific Name Common Name(s) (per table above)

Plants below are in the Agavaceae family

1. Dracaena fragrans massangeana C o r n Plant, Variegated Dragon Fly S1LFM-W
2. Dracaena marginata Madagascar Dragon Tree, S1LFM
Red-Margined Dracaena
3. Sansevieria trifasciata laurentii Snake Plant *S1LF-BD-M
4. Sansevieria trifasciata Mother-In-Law's Tongue *S1LF-BD-M
5. Dracaena sanderiana Ribbon Plant, Sander's Dracaena *S1LFW
6. Beaucarnea recurvata Ponytail Palm, Bottle Palm, Elephant- *I1LBD
 Foot Tree
7. Dracaena godseffiana Gold-Dust Dracaena *S1LFW
8. Sansevieria trifasciata 'hahnii' Birdsnest Sansevieria *S1LF-BD-M
9. Yucca s p . Yucca, False Agave I2LBD
10. Cordyline terminalis Hawaiian Ti S3LFW
1 1 . Dracaena deremensis Janet Craig' Janet Craig Dracaena *S1LFW
Plants below are in the Araceae family
12. Monstera deliciosa Split-Leaved Philodendron, Swiss *S1LFM
Cheese Plant, Philodendron Pertusum
(Juvenile Form)
13. Philodendron oxycardium Heartleaf Philodendron, Cordatum *S1LB-FM
14. Philodendron selloum Selloum, Saddle-Leaf Philodendron, I-S 1-2LF-BM
Tree Philodendron
15. Dieffenbachia amoena Giant Dumbcane *S1LFD
16. Philodendron hastatum (P. Spearhead Philodendron *S1LFM
domesticum)
17. Philodendron panduraeforme Fiddle-Leaf Philodendron *S1LFM
18. Scindapsus aureus Golden Pothos, Devil's Ivy *S1HFD-M
1 9 . Spathiphyllum s p . Peace Lily, White Flag, Spathe Flower S1LF-NW
20.Aglaonema modestum Chinese Evergreen *S1LNM
21. Philodendron micans Climbing Philodendron *S3HFM
22.Anthurium x ferrierense Anthurium, Flame Plant S3HNW
2 3 . Caladium s p . Caladium S3-2-1HFM
Plants below are in the Araliaceae family
24.Dizygotheca elegantissima False Aralia, Spider Aralia S2LFM
25.Hedera helix English Ivy *C-I2LBM
26.
27.Brassaia actinophylla Schefflera, Umbrella Tree S1LBD
28. Schefflera arboricola Miniature Schefflera S1-2LF-BD
1 'lants below are in the Araucaraceae family
29.Araucaria heterophylla (excelsa) Norfolk Island Pine I1HFM
P lants below are in the Asclepiadaceae family
30.Hoya carnosa tricolor Wax Plant *I2LFD
31. Ceropegia woodii Rosary Vine, String Of Hearts S2LBM
Plants below are in the Begoniaceae family
32. Begonia x argenteo-guttata Angel Wing Begonia I2-3HFM
33. Begonia rex Rex Begonia S-I2-3HFM
Plants below are in the Bromeliaceae family
34.Cryptanthus bivittatus minor Earth Star, Ground Star *S1HFD
35.Aechmea fasciata Urn Plant *S1OFD-M
36.Neoregelia fosteriana Fingernail Bromeliad *S1HFM
Plants below are in the Buxaceae family
37.Buxus microphylla japonica Boxwood C2LFM
Plants below are in the Celastraceae family
38.Euonymus japonica Medio-picta' Japanese Spindle Tree *C2LFM
P lants below are in the Commelinaceae family
39.Rhoeo spathacea Moses In The Cradle (Bullrushes), *I2LFD-M
Moses On A Raft
40. Tradescantia albiflora 'albo-vittata' Giant White Inch Plant *I2LFD
41. Setcreasea purpurea Purple Heart I-S2LBD
42. Tradescantia sillamontana White Velvet S1LBD
43.Zebrina pendula Wandering Jew I-S2-3LFM
P lants below are in the Compositae family
44. Senecio mikanioides Parlor Ivy, German Ivy Likes: S2LFM
Tolerates:
C-S1-2LB-FD-M
45. Senecio macroglossus variegatus Variegated Wax Ivy C-S1-2LF-BD-M
Plants below are in the Crassulaceae family
46.Crassula argentea Jade Plant, Chinese Rubber Plant *I2LB-FD
47.Kalanchoe tomentosa Panda Plant *I2LBD
48.Graptopetalum paraguayense Ghost Plant *I2LBD
49. Crassula perfossa Necklace Vine, String Of Buttons *I2LB-FD
50. Sedum morganianum Burro's Tail *I2LBD
51. Kalanchoe beharensis Velvet Leaf Kalanchoe *I2LBD
1>lants below are in the Euphorbiaceae famih y

52.Codiaeum variegatum pictum Croton I-S1LFM

53. Euphorbia splendens prostrata Crown of Thorns S1-2LBD
54. Pedilanthus tithymaloides Cucullatus' Devil's Backbone S2-3LFM
Plants below are in the Gesneriaceae family
55. Nematanthus sp Goldfish Plant, Guppy Plant S1-3HFM
56.Aeschynanthus lobbianus Lipstick Vine S3HFM
Plants below are in the Labiatae family
57.Plectranthus australis Swedish Ivy *I-S1LFM
58.Plectranthus coleoides Marginatus' Candle Plant, White-Edged Creeping *I-S1LFM
Charley, Variegated Creeping Charley
Plants below are in the Liliaceae family
59.Aspidistra elatior Variegata' Variegated Cast-Iron Plant *I1LNM
60.Chlorophytum comosum Vittatum ' Spider Plant *I2LFM
61. Asparagus 'meyeri' Plume Asparagus Fern, Myer's I2LFM
Asparagus
62.Aloe vera chinensis Burn Plant *I1LBD
Plants below are in the Malvaceae family
63.Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Silver Streak' Silver Streak Hibiscus S2LBM
P lants below are in the Marantaceae family
64.Maranta leuconeura kerchoveana Prayer Plant, Rabbit Tracks *S1LFM
65. Calathea makoyana Peacock Plant S3HFM
Plants below are in the Moraceae family
66. Ficus benjamina Weeping Fig *S1-2LFM
67. Ficus elastica 'Decora ' Rubber Plant *S1-2LFM
68. Ficus lyrata Fiddleleaf Fig *S1-2LFM
69. Ficus pumila Creeping Fig, Climbing Fig *S2-3LFM
70. Ficus elastica Doescheri' Doescher's Fig *S1-2LFM
Plants below are in the Palmae family
71. Phoenix roebelenii Pigmy Date Palm *I-S1-2LFW
F 'lants below are in the Pandanaceae family
72.Pandanus veitchii Variegated Screw Pine *S1LFD
Plants below are in the Piperaceae family
73.Peperomia obtusifolia Pepper Face, Baby Rubber Plant *I-S1LFD
74.Peperomia caperata ' Emerald Ripple' Emerald Ripple Peperomia *S1LFD
75.Peperomia obtusifolia Variegata' Variegated Pepper Face *I-S1LFD
76.Peperomia argyreia Watermelon Peperomia *S1LFD
77.Peperomia polybotrya Heartleaf Peperomia *S1LFD
78.Peperomia griseo-argentea Silver Sheen Peperomia *S1LFD
Pl ants below are in the Pittosporaceae family
79.Pittosporum tobira Variegatum ' Variegated Mock Orange *I-C2LBD
80.Podocarpus macrophylla Maki Southern Yew *C-I2LB-FM
 Plants below are in the Polypodiaceae family
81. Nephrolepis exaltata bostoniensis Boston Fern *I2LFM
82.Adiantum s p . Maidenhair Fern S3HNW
83.Asplenium nidus Birdsnest Fern I3HNW
84.Platycerium s p . Staghorn Fern *S-I2-3OFM
85.Davallia fejeensis Rabbit's Foot Fern *I-S1HNM
86.Cyrtomium falcatum Holly Fern *I1LNM
87.Pteris s p . Parlor Fern, Table Fern *I1-3L-HNM
88.Nephrolepsis exaltata 'Fluffy Ruffes' Fluffy Ruffles *I2LFM
Plants below are in the Saxifragaceae family
89. Saxifraga sarmentosa Tricolor' Strawberry Begonia C2-3LBD
90. Tolmiea menziesii Piggyback Plant, Pick-A-Back Plant *I-C2LFM
Plants below are in the Urticaceae family
91. Helxine soleirolii Baby's Tears, Irish Miss, Mind-Your- I2-3HFM
Own-Business
92. Pilea cadierei Aluminum Plant *S1-3L-HFM
93. Pilea microphylla Artillery Plant, Artillery Fern *S1-3L-HFM
94.Pilea sp. Moon Valley' Waffle Plant *S1-3LFM
 Botanical Families
AMARYLLIDACEAE: herbs mostly bulbous;
many with lily-like flowers in umbels but
differ from
Liliaceae in having ovary below flowers
(inferior ovary).
(Amaryllis)
ARACEAE (Aroid familyj: largely tropical
■ herbs, with fleshy or woody stems,
others root-climbers; varied & variable
leaf forms; characterized by
inflorescence composed of densely
flowered spadix & subtended by
spathe or bract often colored and
showy. (Spathe Flower)
■ ARALIACEAE:
■ temperate & tropical trees,
shrubs or vines often having
aromatic foliage, mostly
palmately divided or lobed.
(Hedera)
ARAUCARIACEAE: resinous
evergreen coniferous trees with whorled branches;
leaves alternate awl-shaped to broadly ovate, usually
leathery. (Araucaria)
ASCLEPIADACEAE: herbs, vines or succulent
■ shrubs frequently from the tropics, mostly with
milky juice; flowers waxy appearing & commonly
bearing a curious internal crown. (Stapelia)
■ BEGONIACEAE: chiefly
tropical herbs more or less
succulent, usually with lopsided
leaves; male flowers with two
petals, female flowers three-five
petals having usually three-
ovary. angled
(Begonia)
■ BROMELIACEAE
(Pineapple family): American herbs usually
!
of warm countries, mostly epiphytic,
with stiff or fleshy leaves, channeled
above, forming rosettes or funnels holding
water, inflorescence often with showy
colored bracts. (Billbergia)
■ BUXACEAE (Boxwood family): cool
climate herbs and evergreen shrubs with
leathery simple leaves. (Buxus)
■
CELASTRACEAE: trees & shrubs with
simple, often leathery leaves & small
regular flowers. (Celastrus)
COMMELINACEAE (Wandering Jew
■
family): warm climate watery stemmed
herbs & creepers, alternate, usually showy
leaves, simple & parallel-veined. (Rhosa)
COMPOSITAE (Aster family): chiefly
■
herbs with aster or thistle-like flowers -
individually small, but combined into
composite head. (Gerbera)
■ CRASSULACEAE (Stonecrop family):
succulent herbs & pliable shrubs of
■ temperate & tropical regions usually fleshy
foliage & stems; leaves often rosettes.
(Sempervivum)
■ EUPHORBIACEAE (Spurge
family): primarily tropical herbs,
shrubs & trees, frequently cactus-like;
sap often milky & often poisonous;
some have showy colored bracts.
(Euphorbia)
GESNENACEAE: chiefly moist tropical
herbs & creepers; opposite simple leaves
frequently colored above or underneath and
hairy; stems water; flowers usually showy.
(Sinningia)
 LABIATAE (Mint family): herbs & shrubs with ■ PITTOSPORACEAE: an old world family of
leaves or sap usually aromatic; foliage of evergreen trees & shrubs with alternate simple
horticultural varieties mostly colored; square stems; leaves usually leathery; flowers small but
flowers bilabiate. (Monarda) sometimes showy. (Pittosporum)

LILIACEAE: herbs, many of POLYPODIACEAE: (Common fern family):

them bulbous, sometimes tree-
like. Parallel veined leaves;
regular flowers six-parted with
ovary inside of flower. (Lilium)
MALYACEAE (Mallow family): herbs, shrubs or
most of the common ferns without distinct
trunk. Non-flowering plants propagating from
spores. Fronds often pinnate with peculiar net
veining. (Platycerium)
SAXIFRAGACEAE: primarily cool-climate shrubs
& herbs with opposite leaves often lobed or

J
trees from temperate & tropical regions, with
alternate leaves palmately
veined; the
toothed; flowers showy en masse. (Saxifrago)

URTICACEAE: (Nettle family): creeping herbs,

showy flowers are widely shrubs, and trees, many tropical simple leaves,
bell-shaped; stems united some showy, flowers very small & usually green.
|§l||§
fe in long tube. (Hibiscus)
(Pilea)
MARANTACEAE
(Arrow root family): tropical American herbs,
many having tubers; leaves typically patterned Chemung July 1990
feather design, showy, mostly large & sheathing,
flowers irregular & surrounded by spathe-like bracts.
(Maranta)

• MORACEAE (Mulberry-fig family): trees, shrubs &

vines, often with milky juice; alternate simple leaves;
small flowers united into spikes -in Ficus, inside a
fruit-like body. (Ficus)

■ PALMAE: the palms are chiefly tropical ever-growing

woody plants, tree-like... some climbing & others
bushy; large leathery ornamental leaves either feather
shaped or feather-leaved & with parallel veins. (Cocoa)

■ PANDANACEAE (Screw-pine family): tropical, rather

woody plants, related to palms, still sword-like leaves
usually saw-edged & arranged in screw-like spirals.
(Pondonin)

■ PIPERACEAE (Pepper family): mostly tropical herbs

& vines, with alternate entire leaves often ornamental,
very small flowers without petals or sepals; if climbing,
not by tendrils. (Piper)