Love where you live. Sign up for our newsletter

Intro to Hipster Houseplants.

by on May 10, 2007

I’d be cool if I never saw another African violet in my life, but that certain doesn’t mean I don’t love a little in-home foliage. None of the species below cost much, and all can be grow large enough to fill the grandest of empty space

A green coloured plant is growing in a reddish pot.

Dracaena Marginata. “Dracaena.” It’s leaves explode like fireworks, and are a must have in your tiki-themed patio.  Keep in bright, but not direct, sunlight; mist leaves regularly, and keep soil moist. (Photo courtesy of solverde.com.ar)


A tall skinny potted plant with white flowers.

  
Odontoglossums. “Butterfly Orchids.” Orchids require only a small container, but can grow up to 24” within weeks. Water once a week, but never allow them to sit in water, and drain excess moisture often. When well cared for, they will flower yearly. (Photo courtesy amazonfoliages.com)

Sansevieria Trifascita Laurentii. “Mother-in-law’s tongue.” “Snake plant.” It’s familiar sword-like leaves suggest danger and exoticism, and works well in mid-century and Asian decors. Keep in indirect light, watering weekly during the hot season, and monthly during winter. (Photo courtesy of botanical-online.com)

Few pots are stacked together with green and yellow plants in them.

Agave Americana. “Century plant.” It ain’t just for tequila anymore. It’s symmetrical leaves suggest hi-techPotted green plant in a modern wood pot. precision, with an enticing curiosity. Store in a contemporary container to increase its industrial feel. Water sparsely (it’s a cactus, after all). (Photo courtesy of crateandbarrel.com) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A tall, wispy plant in a rounded silver pot.

Cyperus Albostriatus. “Umbrella Grass.” It’s soft leaves serve as a self-contained contrast to its tall, straight stems, and almost screams “put me in a loft.” Keep the soil thoroughly moist, in a bright room. (Photo courtesy of ask-alex.dk)

Monstera Deliciosa. “Split-leaf philodendron.” A classic in every respect, which suits every page of a Herman Miller or Knoll catalog. Everything about it is cool, from its Latin species name (sounds enough like delicious monster to me) to its Greek genus: “Love Tree.” Be sure to check out The Monstera Deliciosa Illustration Gallery for a houseplant send-up only Monstera Deliciosa deserves. Also check out his friend, the Swiss Cheese Philodendron, for a little more tongue-in-check. Grow in medium light, and water well in summer, allowing the soil to dry in between, and spraying the leaves. Transplant as necessary. (Photo courtesy of monstera.jp)

 

 

 

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *