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If you are searching for houseplants that start with the letter F, then this article is for you.
We have compiled a few of the best different houseplants that you should try out as well as their characteristics and care tips.
Different Types Of Houseplants That Start With F
Numerous houseplants start with the letter F. Some are tropical plants with nice scents to lighten your home as well as the atmosphere. Below are the most preferred plants that you can try out.
1. Friendship Plant
With the name of the plant and its look, you can see that it is worth befriending as it has loads of friendship to go around if you make it yours. It is also known as piles involucrata or moon valley. It originated from Central and South America. It can grow up to about 12 in 30cm tall if given the required needs.
It is one of the few grown indoor plants among the 100 genus species. It has quilted leaves of apple green with deep bronze veins. The toothed, deeply textured leaves feature dark-red undersides.
Also, it produces a clustered, tiny, pink-green flower that grows during spring. It also has snowy foliage that makes the plant more significant than the flower.
If you are anticipating growing this plant but wondering if it is safe for your kids and pets, then, it is a Yes. It is non-toxic and very safe for your household and pets such as cats and dogs.
No required safety precautions only provide the plant what it wants and watch it glow agelessly.
Friendship Plant Care Tips
To enjoy the benefits of this tropical plant, you need to provide the necessary care that it needs. These cares include
A. Light Requirements
Friendship plants tend to thrive when placed in moderate to bright indirect sunlight. Place your plant close to the window where it can receive the light. Avoid exposing your plant to direct sunlight as it will cause your plant to burn or the leaves to get scorched.
Furthermore, adjust and turn your plant every few days to expose all sides to sunlight.
B. Water Requirements
Water your plant regularly but allow it to get drained between watering to avoid the roots of your plants from rotting. Use a pot with drainage holes to grow your plant and empty them after watering it on a drainage tray.
Additionally, your friendship plant wouldn’t tolerate soggy soil, so be mindful of the type you use.
During the winter season, ensure that you allow the soil to dry off completely before watering a few times as the growth rate will be lower.
C. Soil Mix
The best-preferred soil mix is the peat moss-based mix or you can opt for an African violet potting mix. However, ensure that the soil has drainage pores.
You can prepare your own homemade with the right mixtures.
D. Humidity Range
To grow effectively, your plant must be placed in a room with a high humidity range.
The relative humidity of the room must be 50% and above. Any rate below 50% will only cause the plant to experience stunted growth such as dropping of leaves and many more. So, to increase the humidity range, place the pot on a tray of wet pebbles or you can use a cool-mist room humidifier.
E. Temperature Level
The average to warm room temperature for your plant must be 65-80°F/18-27°C. However, avoid placing your plant in a room with heat or AC vents or drafts from doors and windows.
During the winter season, you can grow and place the plant in a room with a low temperature of 55°F/13°C.
F. Fertilizer Requirements
Feed your plant with the right preferred fertilizer as it will aid its growth. The suitable fertilizer is the balanced water soluble with NPK 10-10-10, diluted by half.
Ensure that you feed the fertilizer to your plant monthly, especially during spring and summer. Avoid feeding your plant with fertilizer in winter as your plant will be dormant.
G. Propagation
To propagate your plant in spring, take a stem tip cutting and moisten it in a potting mix, then firm the mix around the stem so that it can stand straight.
Afterwards, enclose the whole pot in a plastic bag to hold the humidity. Wait until a month and cut the root easily.
H. Common Problems Of Friendship Plant
As pleasing as this plant is, it is usually infested with some diseases which include
a. Dropped Leaves
This occurs in your plant when it is either dry or grows with slight soil. It will cause the leaves to start falling off as the plant is growing older which will make the plant look leggy and less attractive.
To resolve this problem, then you must propagate your plant through stem cutting. It will help to grow plants which you can replace the older ones with after a few years.
b. Brown Leaf Tips
This condition of your plant is a result of dry air or low humidity in the room.
You can resolve this plant condition by raising the humidity rate of the location where the plant is kept. To do so, you can opt for the use of a humidifier or wet pebble tray.
2. Foxtail Fern
This plant is also known as Asparagus densiflorus or Myers. Originated from South Africa and can grow up to 3 ft (90 cm) long with the right amount of care.
This beautiful houseplant has stems densely covered with 1 in 2.5 cm needle-like leaflets giving this plant a delicate, feathery appearance. Its upright, emerald plumes make the foxtail fern a gorgeous plant for your container grouping or staging among other tropical plants.
Foxtail Fern Care Tips
Below are the necessary care needs for your plant. They include
A. Light Requirements
Keep your plant in bright indirect sunlight all year round. However, to achieve a much even, ensure that you place the plant where there is sufficient sunlight.
For even growth, give the plant a quarter turn every week or try to expose all sides to sunlight.
B. Water Requirements
During the spring and fall seasons, feed your plant with the right amount of water thoroughly, preferably using tepid water is the best option. Allow the soil to dry out a little between watering. Overwatering your plant can cause the roots of your plant to rot if not done properly.
However, during the winter season, reduce the amount of water for your plant and allow the soil to dry out completely before watering.
C. Soil Mix
The best type of soil mix is the all-purpose, good-quality potting mix which ensures that the mix is in use in a drainage pot with holes.
D. Humidity Range
The plant prefers moist air within 40%-50%. To maintain the humidity range, you can set the pot on a tray of wet pebbles and mist leaves with room-temperature water.
During the winter season, it is highly recommended that you get a cool-mist room humidifier to help maintain the humidity level of the room where your plant is placed.
E. Temperature Level
The average room temperature is between 65-75°F/18-24°C. However, the plant can still adapt to a temperature level of 50°F/10°C.
Avoid keeping your plant close to heat or AC vents.
F. Fertilizer Requirement
Feed your plant every month, especially during the spring and summer seasons with the right amount of fertilizer which is the balanced 10-10-10 NPK water-soluble houseplant fertilizer.
Avoid fertilizing your plant during the winter season as growth will be dormant.
G. Pruning
This is an important care which must be done yearly or monthly depending on your plant. Cut back the stems to keep the fern compact and bushy.
Trim off the old, faded fronds to help make the new grow and keep them looking healthy and attractive.
H. Repotting
Repot your plant during the spring season. Move to a pot only 1-2 in (2.5-5 cm) larger and allow at least 1 in (2.5 cm) space from the rim of the pot, because the fleshy, tuberous roots sometimes force the potting to mix up as they grow.
I. Propagation
It is best to propagate your plant through division by spring. Divide the overcrowded plant and remove the plant from its pot. Cut through the thick roots with a sharp knife to avoid pulling and tearing them and try to keep as much of the roots intact as possible.
Common Problems Of Foxtail Fern
Below are the common problems of this plant. They include
a. Leaf Drop
This is usually a symptom that occurs in your plant when it has been placed in a place with too much direct sunlight or dry soil.
To resolve the problem, you need to move the plant away from the spot to a more preferred location. You should also water the plant thoroughly according to the season to avoid overwatering the plant.
b. Pests
The most common pest that can attack your plant is spider mites. You will notice its presence by its signatory mark which is the webbing on the leaves of your plant.
To get rid of this pest, you need to raise the humidity level and quickly treat the infestation to avoid spreading out.
3. Fishtail Palm Tree
Also known as Caryota mitis. Native to Burma, Malaysia and can grow to a high of around 6 ft (1.8 m) indoors.
It is one of the easiest indoor palm plants to grow. It has a ragged-edged, ribbed texture of the dark-green leaflets and grows on upright stems. These leaves are unique and tend to split as a fishtail.
It can reach several feet tall indoors and become more lush and attractive as it matures.
Having this plant in your home will help to drive attention in any room it is placed as it will brightly and lighten up all corners leaving it pleasing.
Fishtail Palm Tree Care Tips
You can care for this plant by ensuring that these are meant. They include
A. Light Requirements
It thrives in bright, indirect sunlight, especially during the growing season. However, you can move the plant outdoors for the summer and avoid exposure of the plant to direct sunlight.
B. Water Requirements
Another care tip that can help grow your plant is by watering it thoroughly. However, before watering, ensure that you allow the soil to dry slightly.
During the winter season, you must water less as the plant’s growth will slow. Use filtered or distilled water to water your plant because tap water may contain fluoride, chlorine and other chemicals that can damage palms.
C. Soil Mix
The best soil mix is the all-purpose, good-quality potting mix.
To make your own homemade, add a little sand to the potting soil to speed up drainage. Use a ratio of 3:1 potting mix to sand. Use horticultural sand, not the type from the beach, which contains salts and impurities that can damage palms.
D. Humidity Range
The relative humidity must be above 50% and any rate below will cause the leaves of the plant to start changing colour.
You can increase the humidity level through the use of a cool-mist room humidifier or you can stand the pot on a wet pebble tray.
E. Temperature Level
The average to warm temperatures, preferably 65°F/18°C at night and up to 85°F/29°C during the day. However, avoid keeping your plant on cold drafts or near AC vents.
F. Fertilizer Requirement
Feed your plant once in early summer with a slow-release fertilizer.
G. Repotting
Repot only when the roots grow out of the bottom of the drainage hole. Move it to a pot only 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) larger than the old one.
However, the plant prefers this palm. This palm prefers to be slightly pot-bound. Use a container with a drainage hole to prevent a soggy potting medium.
I. Propagation
Propagate your plant during the spring or summer in a fresh potting medium. However, avoid burying them and allow the palm seeds to germinate best when they are barely covered.
Keep them warm and moist. Use a seedling heat mat, if needed to maintain a minimum of 70°F/21°C while seedlings sprout.
Furthermore, cut off the offsets carefully from the plant and pot them differently.
Common Problems Of Fishtail Palm Tree
Below are the common problems of this plant which include
a. Dark Brown Or Black Spots
This occurs on leaves by a leaf spot fungus.
To resolve the problem, cut off the affected leaves and place your palm where it’ll get plenty of bright light and air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
b. Brown Leaf Tips
They are likely caused by dry soil or more likely, dry air.
You should resolve these problems by increasing the humidity around the house and palm. You can also use a room humidifier.
4. Fiber Optic Grass
Also known as Isolepis cernua aka Scirpus cernuus. Native to Southern Europe and Northern Africa and can grow up to 1 ft (30 cm). If you like unusual indoor plants, you’ll want to add this ornamental sedge to your collection. It’s a fun plant to have around.
Fiber Optic Grass is a fountain-like ornamental grass-like sedge with small, silvery white flowers at the tips. Its resemblance to fibre optic wire lends its common names, including live wire grass.
Furthermore, growing in a clumping mound, Isolepis cernua spills over the sides of a container as it grows, making it ideal for a tall planter or even a hanging pot. The decorative grass-like sedge also adds texture to a display of foliage and flowering plants.
Additionally, this plant and its seeds are toxic if eaten. So, keep it away from children and pets. While working on the plant, you should wear a glove to prevent isolepis cernua which can cause skin irritation from affecting you.
Fibre Optic Grass Care Tips
Perennial and evergreen, this showy sedge is an easy-care house plant. So, ensure that you keep it warm and moist, give it sunlight, and you can expect blooms from spring through fall.
A. Light Requirements
This plant thrives in bright light to full sun. Avoid exposing it to co stand direct sunlight to avoid scorching the leaves or burns.
B. Water Requirements
Keep the soil moist or wet at all times by watering the plant thoroughly. However, avoid overwatering the plant.
Don’t allow the soil to dry out before watering, especially during the spring and fall seasons. Reduce the amount of watering during the winter season as the growth will be slower.
C. Soil Mix
Grow your plant on a peat moss-based mix, such as an African violet potting mix. However, you can make your own with the right mixtures.
D. Humidity Range
The average humidity must be from a moderate room which will be around 40% and any rate below will cause your plant to develop some problems.
Increase the humidity level by using a cool-mist room humidifier or standing the plant in a wet pebble tray.
E. Temperature Level
The average temperature must be an average to warm room temperature of 65-80°F/18-27°C year-round. However, if you put this tender ornamental out on the patio for the summer, it can take the heat, but bring it back indoors when the temperature drops.
F. Fertilizer Requirement
Feed your plant monthly during spring through fall with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer diluted by half.
G. Repotting
Report your plant during the spring season by moving up the container 1 size larger every 2-3 years, or when it becomes crowded.
Additionally, spring is also a good time to divide the plant if you want.
H. Propagation
You can propagate your plant by sowing the seeds in spring and barely covering the seeds.
Keep the soil warm around 70°F/21°C and constantly moist. Mature plants can be divided and potted separately.
5. Fire Flash Plant
Also known as Chlorophytum orchidastrum. Originated Tropical East Africa and grows up to 1-2 ft (30-60 cm).
Fire Flash plant is a newcomer to the houseplant scene and is already getting plenty of admiration from growers.
Lush and green, the fountain of broad leaves gives this tropical plant appeal; however, it’s the contrasting orange stems that make Fire Flash captivating to all who see it.
When you display this handsome plant in your home, don’t be surprised when people stop in their tracks to ask about it. Set a young plant on a table or plant stand to show it off.
Furthermore, it isn’t toxic to children and pets.
Fire Flash Plant Care Tips
Below are the best care for your plant, they include
A. Light Requirement
Place your plant in a place where it will get plenty of bright indirect sunlight. However, keep it away from hot sunlight to avoid damaging the plant.
Furthermore, filter the light from a south- or west-facing window as it is the perfect position and spot.
B. Water Requirement
Ensure that you water thoroughly, then allow the top half of the soil to dry out before watering again.
Fire Flash has thick, strong roots that store water, making it drought-tolerant. Use a pot with a drainage hole and an empty drainage tray.
However, water less in winter, but don’t allow the Fire Flash plant to dry out. Also, remember to always use room-temperature water when watering houseplants because cold water is a shock to them.
C. Soil Mix
Grow your plant with a good-quality, all-purpose potting mix with drainage pores.
D. Humidity Range
Ensure that the humidity range is from 50% or higher. If the air is dry, especially in winter, use a cool-mist room humidifier. Additionally, if your plant is still small, set it on a pebble tray with water.
E. Temperature Level
The best temperature must be from average to warm of 65-80°F/18-27°C year-round. However, it can tolerate a temperature as low as 60°F/16°C.
F. Fertilizer Requirement
Feed your plant four times a year with a balanced 10-10-10 NPK water-soluble fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing during the winter as the plant will be dormant.
G. Propagation
The best form of propagating your fire flash plant is through the division method. So once the fire flash plants grow offsets, you can separate them.
It’s best to pull the whole plant from the pot first; then use a sharp knife to cut plant roots apart.
Common Problem Of Fire Flash Plant
Below are the common problems of the fire flash plant. They include
a. Brown Leaf Tips
They are caused by dry air. Unfortunately, this is common.
To resolve this problem, place the plant in a place with high humidity and if not enough, you can get a cool-mist room humidifier.
b. Pests
The common pests that can attack your plant are scale insects, aphids, mealybugs and spider mites, especially when indoor plants.
To get rid of these pests, you should isolate any infested house plant and treat it right away with Insecticidal soap or neem oil.
6. Ficus Alii
Also known as Ficus binnendiijkii ‘Alii’. Originated Hybrid and grows up to 10 ft (3 m) indoors. However, pruning the ficus will control its size.
Ficus are among the best for improving air quality indoors. It has long, narrow leaves that are naturally glossy and taper to a point. As this ficus tree grows, it may drop its lower leaves revealing a bare woody trunk, giving this tree a palm-like appearance. Sometimes its trunks are braided by growers making it look like a topiary. It makes a bold statement in any brightly lit room.
Additionally, they’re triumphant in removing toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from tainted indoor air.
Ficus Alii Care Tips
Below are the best ways to care for your Ficus alii plant. They include
A. Light Requirements
It thrives in bright indirect sunlight year-round. It’s not as fussy about being moved around as other ficus houseplants, but it may drop leaves if suddenly moved into a shady corner or full sun.
B. Water Requirements
Ensure that you water the soil thoroughly, then allow the top 1 in (2.5 cm) to dry out between waterings.
It is best to use lukewarm water because cold water may cause leaf loss. However, avoid using softened water as it contains salts which can harm ficus plants.
C. Soil Mix
Grow your plant with a good-quality potting mix or you can make your homemade mix which must have drainage holes to easily absorb water.
D. Humidity Range
The humidity range must be from average room humidity of around 40-50%. You can use a cool-mist room humidifier when necessary, especially during winter.
E. Temperature Level
The average room temperature must be between 65-75°F/18-24°C. Low temperatures will cause heat to the plant.
F. Fertilizer Requirement
Feed your plant every month during spring and fall with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half.
G. Repotting
Repot your plant only when necessary in spring, using the smallest pot that will contain its roots.
As a slow-growing plant, it prefers to be slightly pot-bound. Use a pot with drainage holes to prevent soggy soil.
H. Propagation
The best-recommended form of propagation is either stem tip cuttings or air layering.
Propagating ficus trees is not easy for the amateur to do at home. These trees are slow to root from either method.
Common Problem Of Ficus Alii
Below are the common problems of this plant. They include
a. Leaf Drop
If the plant doesn’t get enough water, it causes the leaves to drop off. So ensure that you water your plant thoroughly during the spring and summer seasons while in the winter, you should water less. Avoid overwatering or underwatering.
b. Pests
Ficus Alii seems resistant to pests. However, it doesn’t mean that it can’t still be infested. Watch for these common pests that can attack your plant which are whiteflies and scale insects.
Treat immediately by using an insecticidal soap or using horticultural oils such as the most effective neem oil.
7. Fiddle Leaf Fig
Also known as Ficus lyrata. Originated from Western Africa and grows up to 3-10 ft (90 cm-3 m) indoors. Its enormous leaves shaped like violins make Fiddle Leaf Fig a dramatic accent.
In its native habitat, this fig tree from the Moraceae family will reach 40 ft (12 m) tall. It grows very slowly and stays much shorter when grown indoors. Its bold, prominently veined leaves grow to 12 in (30 cm) long and 6 in (15 cm) wide with wavy edges.
Furthermore, it is toxic to people and pets such as cats and dogs. So avoid keeping it where it will be reached by either of the two parties.
Some precautions must be taken to avoid skin irritation while pruning the plant such as the use of gardening gloves instead of bare hands.
Fiddle Leaf Fig Care Tips
To care for your beautiful indoor plant, you must ensure that all these below are meant such as
A. Light Requirements
It thrives in bright indirect sunlight and ensures that you turn the fiddle leaf fig every week to expose the other sides to the sun.
B. Water Requirements
Use a planter with drainage holes to avoid soggy soil, which can lead to root rot.
Ensure that you water thoroughly, then allow the potting mix to dry out a bit before watering again. Drooping yellow leaves are a sign of overwatering.
C. Humidity Range
The average room must be around 40-50%. If indoor air is dry, the best way to increase humidity for your tropical houseplants is to use a cool-mist room humidifier.
D. Temperature Level
The average room temperature must be around 65-75°F/18-24°C.
E. Fertilizer Requirement
Feed your fiddle leaf fig three times a year during the growing season which are spring and summer seasons with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing during the winter season as the soil will be dormant.
F. Repotting
Repot only when necessary, especially if the roots are growing out of the drainage holes or coiled in the bottom of the pot in the spring season.
Use the smallest pot that will contain its roots. Use a heavy container to keep it from toppling over as it is usually heavy.
G. Propagation
Propagate your plant with these two methods: stem tip cuttings and air layering.
However, regardless of the method you use, the propagation of the large-leaf fig trees is not easy for the amateur to do at home as the trees are slow to root from either method.
Common Problems Of Fiddle Leaf Fig
Below are the common problems with your plant. They include
a. Pests
A couple of pests may invade fig trees such as scale and spider mites. So watch for their symptoms and treat them immediately through the use of Insecticidal soaps and horticultural oils such as neem oil.
b. Leaf drop
This is common with this species of plant, especially when they are moved to a new location or environment. They tend to drop some leaves. So you should place them at a place where they will be exposed to bright indirect sunlight and leave it there.
However, avoid keeping them close to heat or AC vents. It may take a few weeks for your plant to adjust to a new place, so don’t give up on it.
C. Dropped Leaves
If you just brought your plant home from the nursery and it dropped some of its leaves, don’t worry. It’s just adjusting to its new home. With good care, it’ll grow new leaves.
D. Brown Leaf Tips
They are sometimes caused by dry soil or underwatering.
So use a container with a drainage hole and water the plant thoroughly until water drains out the bottom. This is the only way to be sure that all the roots are watered.
- House Plants That Starts With Q
- House Plants That Start With P
- House Plants That Start With O
- Houseplants That Start With N
- Houseplants That Start With L
Conclusion
We hope that this article has helped educate you on the best houseplants that start with F which you can try out.
We will be glad to get feedback on your experience if you have tried out any of these houseplants. However, do well to comment on your further questions in the comment section provided below.