Table of Contents
Numerous houseplants start with the letter L. These houseplants are great picks which can be used to beautify and decorate your home, office or garden.
To know more about the best selected indoor plants on our list, keep reading as we will walk you through each of them, their features and care requirements as well as the common problems that they encounter in their habitat.
List Of Houseplants That Start With L
Below is the list of houseplants that start with the letter “L” which can be good for beautifying and adding some colours to your home.
1. Lucky Bamboo Plant
Lucky Bamboo(Dracaena sanderiana) is also known as friendship bamboo or the ribbon plant. It’s native to Africa and first hit garden centres in the late 1990s. Care for the indoor bamboo plants couldn’t be easier: they will grow in a vase of water with pebbles to keep them upright. This striking bamboo plant has a slender, upright stem and graceful, arching green leaves that taper to a point.
Sculptural lucky bamboo plants have eye-catching shapes, swirls, or braided stalks, and are frequently spotted in offices and residences for the purpose of good feng shui. They can also be trained so that stalks grow straight as an arrow and are adorned with smallish, simple floppy green leaves.
Though the plant looks like bamboo and grows fast like bamboo within six months, it’s not related to it at all, and it’s more of a succulent plant. Be aware that this plant is not lucky for pets because it’s toxic to cats and dogs.
Care Requirements
Lucky bamboo has a well-earned reputation as being nearly indestructible, which makes this plant ideal for novice gardeners or forgetful waterers. It is easy to care for as long as you grow it in good-quality water.
A. Light
When it comes to light, lucky bamboo prefers bright, filtered sunlight, such as what is found under a rainforest canopy. Avoid direct sunlight as it will scorch the leaves.
They are more tolerant of too little light than too much. If the plant begins to stretch, however, or the green fades, provide more light. Rotate your plant often so that the light reaches the entire plant evenly.
B. Soil Mix
Lucky bamboo can be grown in well-drained, rich potting soil. The soil should be kept moist, but not soaked.
Additionally, it can thrive well when housed in pebbles or simply a vase filled with water, as long as it has at least an inch of standing water at all times.
C. Water
Lucky bamboo is very sensitive to chlorine and other chemicals commonly found in tap water. Tap water is fine to use unless you have hard water which contains a lot of minerals. Because of this, it’s a good idea to water your lucky bamboo only with bottled or distilled water, or tap water that has been left out for 24 hours to allow the chlorine to evaporate.
If growing in a water vase filled with pebbles, change the water weekly to avoid any diseases and odours. Make sure that the water is always completely covering the roots. Add a bit of water every two to seven days as needed. Completely change the water every two to three months or more frequently if you find the water giving off a foul odour.
D. Temperature & Humidity
As you may expect, lucky bamboo plants prefer warmer temperatures, ranging between 65 F and 90 F. Avoid placing your plant anywhere near a draft either hot or cold, or in front of an air conditioner, heating vent, or by a drafty window. Average humidity is fine for your lucky bamboo plant, so don’t stress about increasing the levels in your home.
E. Fertilizer
A single drop of liquid fertilizer each month is plenty for most lucky bamboo arrangements. Alternatively, speciality lucky bamboo fertilizers are available.
Plants grown in water will only need to be fed every other month or so using a very weak liquid fertilizer. Healthy lucky bamboo roots are red, so don’t be alarmed if you can see red roots floating in a glass vase.
F. Pruning
Pruning all of your houseplants is an important part of keeping them healthy. This is also true of your lucky bamboo. Over time, most plants will become top-heavy, or intricate shapes will begin to lose their form but trimming helps keep that under control.
In general, it’s not a good idea to cut the main stalk of lucky bamboo. Instead, cut the offshoots using sterile snippers. You can trim them back to within an inch or two of the main stem. New shoots will soon emerge, and the resulting plant will be bushier. To discourage new growth, dip the cut end in paraffin.
G. Repotting
If your plant has outgrown its vessel, transplanting lucky bamboo is relatively easy. Take these simple steps to repot the plant:
a. Start with a clean container that is slightly bigger than the current one.
b. If the lucky bamboo is growing in a pot of pebbles, gently dig up a planted lucky bamboo.
c. Clean the pebbles with water before placing them in the new container.
d. Carefully add the bamboo plant and take care to nestle the roots within the pebbles. You may need to add more pebbles to cover the roots and support the plant.
e. If your bamboo is growing in a pot of water without pebbles, simply remove the stalks from the water, place them in a larger container and refill the water to the same level.
H. Propagation
You can propagate lucky bamboo at any time using cuttings to create new plants for yourself or to give to someone as an auspicious gift. But the rooting won’t be shaped like the kind of plant you’d purchase. Take these steps to propagate lucky bamboo:
a. Use a sterile, sharp cutting shear to take a stem cutting off the main stalk that has at least one leaf joint and trim the leaves to expose the growth nodes.
b. Put the bare cutting into a container filled with enough distilled water to completely cover the bottom of the cutting.
c. Keep the water clean and fresh as you watch for the development of red roots. Roots should appear in around 30 days.
d. When the roots emerge, put the stalk in a decorative vase with water and pebbles or a pot with soil.
H. Common Problems Of Lucky Bamboo
Lucky bamboo is susceptible to the same insect problems as other indoor tropical plants. They can be treated manually by picking off the bugs or by the same methods, you’d use on any other indoor plant. Watch for white mealybugs, green aphids, and spider mites. You can even wash the entire plant in very mild liquid dish soap and water thoroughly to remove bugs, as well as any mouldy spots.
2. Lantana
Lantana(Lantana camara) also known as shrub verbena, West Indian lantana is a perennial vining, a flowering shrub in warm zones and an annual in places with frosty winters. Fast-growing lantana produces rounded clusters of small, brightly coloured flowers in yellow, orange, white, red, pink, blue, or purple and is often used in hanging baskets or ground covers. Lantana grows best in full sun conditions and requires at least six hours of direct sunlight, preferring neutral, well-draining soil and temperatures above 55F. Lantana is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.
It is important to note that lantana plants are considered invasive in many areas, including Florida, Arizona, and Hawaii. So, if you live in a frost-free climate and would like to grow lantana outdoors as a perennial, check with your municipality or a local extension office to see if there are any restrictions on planting this species in your area.
Care Requirements
Below are the ways that you can care for your plants. They include the following
A. Light
Lantana plants like full sun. The plant should receive at least six hours (or more) of direct sunlight every day. It can tolerate some afternoon shade but will flower less if planted in a shady spot.
B. Soil Mix
These plants thrive in well-draining soil. They will grow in most soil conditions but prefer a neutral pH range (6.0-8.0).
C. Water
Water lantana thoroughly, about one inch per week, and do not let it dry out. With sandy soil, you will likely need to water every day. If blooming has slowed or stopped altogether, try more water.
D. Temperature & Humidity
Lantana plants grow in USDA zones 7 to 11. In this zone, they are evergreens of the broadleaf variety. They may survive a light frost, but the plant will die if the temperature dips below 28 F or stays cold for a long time. Lantana thrives in temperatures of 55 F or more. It enjoys humid weather and can survive salt spray.
E. Fertilizer
Lantana plants do not require much fertilizer when in the ground. Give it once in the early spring. They are very low-maintenance, and too much fertilizer can decrease the abundance of flowers.
Feed lantana plants in containers more frequently with a balanced, gentle 20-20-20 fertilizer every month, following product label instructions.
F. Pruning
If you are growing lantana as a perennial, pruning is essential to promote branching and flowering. Remove the plant’s fruit to keep its aggressive growth in check lightly shear lantana after flowering to encourage future blooms on bushier branches.
Cut stems in the spring to within six to 12 inches from the ground to encourage branching and blooming. If a perennial lantana plant produces berries and you do not want the seeds to drop and spread, prune lantana after flowering.
G. Repotting
Lantana needs to be repotted when its roots outgrow the container. move up to a container that is the next size larger. If you are considering a vining lantana that works well in hanging planters, L. montevidensis is more vine-like than other varieties and is a great hanging plant.
H. Propagation
Lantana can be propagated or multiplied by growing from seed or stem cuttings. Stem cutting is more reliable since many lantana plants are hybrids, which may not come true to the parent plant when grown from collected seed. Below are the steps to take:
A. You’ll need pruners, a piece of the plant, a pot of moist seed starting mix or perlite and peat moss mixture, rooting hormone (optional, but preferred)
, a clear plastic bag, and wooden supports (pencils, sticks, or chopsticks).
B. Take a 4-inch cutting from new growth, removing the lower leaves and keeping one or two sets of leaves at the end.
C. Fill the container with the moistened potting soil, and make a two-inch deep hole with a pencil or your finger.
D. Coat the stem cutting end and the spots where you removed the leaves with rooting hormone if you’re using it.
E. Place the cutting in the hole, and fill it with soil, tamping it down and firming around the cutting.
F. Use four wooden prop sticks and place them around the perimeter of the potting container.
G. Put the clear plastic bag over the cutting, with the wooden supports ensuring the bag does not touch the stem cutting.
H. Keep the soil moist, check daily, and give the plant fresh air for a short period each day.
I. Rooting takes about three to four weeks. Once you notice new growth or tug at the plant and feel it is hard to pull out of the soil, remove the plastic bag and grow it in a warm, sunny window until it’s ready to go outdoors.
I. Common Problems Of Lantana
The four most common pests of lantana are aphids, lace bugs, mealybugs, whiteflies, and spider mites. Use insecticidal soap to eliminate pests or use a method more specific to the insect to save lantana plants.
3. Linseed
Also known as (Linum usitatissimum) or flax plant/common flax. It is known as one of the first crops domesticated by humankind, originally used for fibre. Only when the cotton gin was invented did the production start to decrease.
Now, we are experiencing a resurgence in planting this annual herb and a renewed appreciation for its wild beauty and practical uses of the plant’s fibre, oil, and seeds.
In addition to such versatile nature, the rather tough plant adds a certain whimsy to any wildflower garden and it is easy to grow. This erect annual herb grows 3-4ft. The small five-petal flowers are born in sky blue and they are occasionally white or pale pink in some other varieties.
Care Requirements
Below are the care requirements that you must know and follow
A. Light
Select a location where there is full sun. They cannot grow in shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it needs plenty of sunlight to truly thrive.
Plant in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. While full sunlight is ideal, it will still flower its popular striking blue flowers in partial shade if all other conditions are met.
B. Soil Mix
Linseeds prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil that is fertile and well-drained. Sandy or loamy soil is also good. If the soil is poor, prepare the site by mixing in a lot of organic matter such as compost or manure.
Furthermore, plants thrive close together. Sprinkle one tablespoon of seed per 10 square feet to welcome about 40 plants per square foot. Given that the seeds are very small, dust them with flour so that they will scatter more evenly.
C. Water
Lightly rake the soil gently to bury seeds with a half-inch of soil. Tamp down the seeds to ensure they make direct contact with the soil. Finely spray with water thoroughly; this will provide proper moisture while not drowning the seeds. Continue to water regularly. Seeds will germinate in about 10 days.
As plants mature, too-dry conditions may cause them to become short and woody. Maintain generous moisture without drenching or waterlogging.
Put a thin layer of mulch to control moisture and weeds. Avoid planting in regions where there are heavy storms and high winds, and keep away from salt spray.
D. Temperature & Humidity
Perennial flax grows well in USDA Zones 5-9 but still prefers a more moderate climate. The plant has no specific temperature or humidity needs. However, prolonged hot and dry periods can stunt growth and cause them to become woody. In the right conditions, it will survive the winter. In some cases, it won’t even drop its leaves.
E. Fertilizer
Your plant will need frequent fertilization. Typically, the organic materials added to the soil before or after planting provide sufficient nutrients for it to thrive.
If your soil quality is poor, you can add a layer of compost around the plant. It will slowly break down to improve soil structure and retain moisture in excessively sandy soil. However, ensure that this mulch layer is not too thick as these plants don’t appreciate waterlogged soil.
You May Like: Houseplants That Start With I
F. Pruning
When your plant has turned leggy, pruning may be necessary, simply for aesthetic purposes. While not needed, pruning is a healthy gardening habit to take up as it encourages flowering and new growth.
Some gardeners tend to cut their plant by half following its first bloom. However, this isn’t usually needed and in some cases, it can impact the chance of reflowering throughout the season. You can deadhead the plant throughout the season to keep it tidy.
Additionally, deadheading is particularly important at the end of the season if you want to prevent the plant from self-seeding and spreading around your garden.
G. Propagation
Linseed can be propagated from stem cuttings, the more common method is by seed.
When 90% of the seed capsules have turned brown, that is a sign that the plant is fully mature. Be aware that static electricity may occur at temperatures near 100°F or low humidity levels, causing seeds to cling together. In this event, wait until a cooler day or more humid day to harvest or propagate.
Carefully remove each seed thresh to reduce the risk of cracking. Best seeds for propagation or consumption will be nice and plump, not wilted or diseased. Store seeds at low consistent moisture between eight and 10%.
H. Common Problems Of Linseed Plant
The most common problem with linseed plants is the infestation of pests such as aphids, snails and slugs. However, you can get rid of these pests by
a. Pick them off your plant and move them to another spot. You can keep them off your plants altogether by placing traps around the base of your plants too.
b. Fill your spray bottle with a diluted mixture of neem oil, or another horticultural oil, and spray down your plants. While neem oil is often the go-to pesticide for aphids, it can deter other beneficial insects. You can also introduce aphid predators into your garden, like ladybugs, to prey on aphids and control the infestation for you.
c. Checking the undersides of leaves should be part of your daily gardening routine. If you notice an aphid or two, simply squish them between your fingers. You can also spray them off with a spray bottle or drop them into a bucket filled with soapy water.
Houseplants That Start With G
4. Lipstick Plant
The Lipstick plant is a popular, striking tropical evergreen perennial that’s often grown as a houseplant. It gets its name from its vibrant red tubular flowers. In its native tropical habitat, this is an epiphytic species found growing from tree branches and in cracks in rocks. However, as a houseplant, it is generally planted in an ordinary well-draining potting mix.
Additionally, for the survival of this plant, you need to provide it with enough warmth, humidity and filtered sunlight. This will help you to enjoy a prolific display of flowering through much of the year. Generally, though, lipstick plants flower most abundantly in the summer and fall.
Care Requirements
Below are the necessary requirements for growing and caring for your lipstick plant.
A. Light
Lipstick plants thrive in a bright but filtered light to thrive. Too much direct sunlight can cause leaf scorch, and too little will result in a poor display of flowering and leaf drop.
B. Soil Mix
lipstick plants will benefit from being grown in a medium that is well-aerated, evenly moist, and light. Many enthusiasts include sand and sphagnum moss in their mix as this helps ensure good drainage, prevents over-compaction and promotes absorbency.
Furthermore, heavy potting soil can cause root rot to develop. So do well to avoid it.
C. Water
Although lipstick plants like consistent moisture, particularly during their most prolific growing period, Moderate watering is still highly recommended. Ideally, you want to avoid allowing the potting medium to dry out completely and offer water when the top couple of inches are no longer damp.
Furthermore, avoid overwatering and saturated conditions as it can lead to root rot, leaf drop, and fungal issues.
D. Temperature & Humidity
The ideal temperatures for healthy blooming lipstick plants range somewhere between 65°F-75°F. However, temperatures that fall below 50°F aren’t ideal, and leaf drops will usually start to occur.
As a tropical species, it appreciates warmth and high humidity that’s why regular misting is recommended to keep the plant healthy. However, it should be done in the morning to discourage fungal leaf spot diseases.
Furthermore, sudden changes in temperatures and drafts can result in some problems. So it’s best to avoid keeping your plant at a spot or room where the temperature fluctuates. I recommend that you get a humidifier to keep the room warm.
E. Fertilizer
Your lipstick plant will appreciate regular applications of a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season at least once or twice a month.
F. Pruning
Prune the stems occasionally as it can help to prevent the plant from looking straggly. It can also help to encourage new, healthy growth and a fuller appearance.
G. Repotting
Repot your lipstick plant when it becomes rootbound and outgrows its current container. Do this in early spring or after the prolific spring and summer bloom season.
a. Gently remove the root ball from the existing container and carefully shake off the old potting mix.
b. Cut off any dead roots with sterile scissors or pruning shears.
c. Replant in a pot one to two inches larger than the old one, using fresh, loose, well-draining potting mix.
H. Propagation
These plants are easy to propagate from soft stem cuttings at any time of year. Below are the necessary steps to follow
a. Look for healthy, new growth and cut a piece around five inches long, using sharp pruners. It should be a section without any blooms on it, and all but a few leaves should be removed.
b. Dip the cut end in powdered rooting hormone and plant the cutting in a container containing a mix of vermiculite and perlite.
c. Keep lightly moist until the plant cutting is rooted, which generally takes about two weeks.
d. When the cutting is solidly rooted, transplant it into a permanent pot filled with potting mix augmented with sand and sphagnum moss.
I. Common Problems Of Lipstick Plant
Lipstick plants don’t tend to have any major problems with pests, though occasional issues with aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites can occur. When they occur, they are best treated with horticultural oils or by washing off the pests with water spray.
Also, they are prone to fungal problems and leaf spots. However, you should not allow the leaves to be left damp and the potting medium should be well-drained.
5. Lisianthus
Lisianthus flowers (Eustoma spp.) are tender perennials or biennials often grown as annuals. Also called prairie gentian, they natively return yearly in prairies and fields from northern Mexico north to Colorado and Nebraska. Lisianthus plants are about 1 to 3 feet tall, featuring large purple and white bell-shaped flowers with flaring lobes that bloom on one or more upright stems.
Depending on your regional climate, they may bloom in June or July and continue until September or October. Deadheading of your plant spurs more blooming of your flower.
This plant is mostly in great demand for mostly bridal bouquets and other special-occasion arrangements. This plant comes in different colors commonly in white, pink, purple, and cream, but you may occasionally see yellow, apricot, rose, or red. The flower’s foliage is dark green, lance-shaped, and slightly fleshy in texture.
As an annual garden flower, lisianthus planted from seeds grows slowly, reaching flowering maturity in five to six months. That’s why most gardeners plant them from commercial nursery plants that were started from seed in greenhouses the previous fall so that they will erupt in fluttery, layered blooms by spring.
Care Requirements
Lisianthus is not an easy plant to grow. Overtime, this plant has earned a reputation as a fussy plant. However, to thrive, it will require ideal soil, careful watering, precise feeding, and frequent staking are required for growing the prized flower stalks favored by floral arranging hobbyists.
A. Light
It thrives in full sunlight and the plant is expected to get at least 6-8 hours of sunlight a day. However, if you live in an area with very hot summers, the plants will benefit from afternoon shade.
It is important to note that the more consistently your plant gets full sunlight, the more your lisianthus gets, and the better foliage and flowers your plant produces.
B. Soil Mix
Lisianthus prefers soil rich in organic matter such as manure, compost, or leaf mould. The soil should be well-draining and not remain waterlogged as it can lead to root rot.
Lisianthus flowers cannot tolerate very acidic soil pH nor does it suit perfectly with alkaline soil. However, it’s important to maintain a soil pH between 6.5 and 7.0 to prevent your lisianthus plants from developing yellowing of the leaves and decreased vigour.
C. Water
Your lisianthus plants enjoy being moist and never soggy. So, avoid overwatering your plant as it can encourage the development of fungal diseases and infestation of pests. Before watering, it is important to allow your soil to dry out in between waterings. However, avoid allowing your plants to dry out.
Most importantly, knowing when to water your plant can be challenging when growing your plant. However, 1 inch of rainfall per week is best.
D. Temperature & Humidity
Lisianthus is a heat-loving plant native to areas where the days are relatively dry and the summer nights are warm, though they will flower more profusely if given more moisture.
They do not mind hot conditions and can even tolerate a bit of drought, which may reduce the flowers. However, it is not tolerant of humidity and does not do well in damp climates with limited sunlight, such as those in the Pacific Northwest.
E. Fertilizer
Lisianthus flowers need a regular nutrient stream to produce well-branched plants with abundant blossoms.
Choose a flower fertilizer with one and a half times the amount of potassium as nitrogen, and apply it according to package directions throughout the plant’s growing season.
F. Pruning
It’s important to prune your plants especially when you start noticing that it is growing above the pot. The first to do is to start by cutting the plant’s stems back to the basal rosette of foliage after their initial bloom.
Afterwards, try as much as possible to give your plants all the pampering they crave, including thorough weeding, regular irrigation, and plenty of fertilizing. Fast forwarding to mid-September, you should harvest new blooms to pretty up your fall bouquets.
G. Repotting
In zones where they can remain outdoors as perennials, your lisianthus plants will require annual repotting. Though it is quite challenging for gardeners, they find it possible to keep potted lisianthus plants growing indoors and flowering through the winter.
Doing so gives them enough bright light, and controlled temperatures, and prevents common indoor pests such as spider mites and fungus gnats from attacking them. However, during the indoor winter, it provides the plants with a weak monthly feeding with diluted fertilizer.
H. Propagation
In warm-winter zones where lisianthus is perennial, it is sometimes propagated by dividing the root ball in winter. To propagate your plant, follow these steps below
a. After cutting back the stems and foliage to just above ground level, dig up the entire plant with a shovel.
b. Divide the root ball into sections with a sharp knife or trowel, breaking apart the roots into sections, ensuring each section has some greenery or growth buds.
C. Immediately replant the pieces in their desired locations and water thoroughly. New growth should begin within a few weeks.
I. Common Problem Of Lisianthus
The most common problem that your lisianthus can encounter is the infestation of pests and diseases. However, the major pest is the fungus gnats and spider mites.
These pests travel with the plants from their early stage. It produces larvae that live beneath the soil and feed heavily on roots.
To get rid of these pests from your plant, you have to first avoid overwatering of your plant. Afterwards, you can treat the plant with a mild Insecticide or with neem oils until all the signs of the infestation fade away.
Furthermore, it is also susceptible to some plant viruses and stem cankers. You can treat your plant by removing any affected plant.
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6. Liatris Plants
Liatris(Liatris spicata), also known as a blazing star or gayfeather, is a long-blooming perennial wildflower native to eastern North America. It is a member of the very large Asteraceae family of plants.
Liatris has highly unusual flower heads featuring tiny star-like blossoms arranged around a long upright bottle-brush spire. The pure species has bright purple flower spikes, but it also has some pink and white cultivars. Its grasslike leaves are narrow, forming a basal clump. However, during the fall season, these leaves turn to an attractive bronze colour.
Furthermore, it is usually planted from potted nursery starts or corms in the spring after the last frost date. They usually flower in their first year. However, growing from seeds is also possible, though it can take two years for plants to flower.
Care Requirements
Below are the best ways for caring for your plant. They include
A. Light
thrives best when placed in a spot with full sunlight. The more direct sunlight that they receive, the better they will perform.
B. Soil Mix
It can grow on any soil with any level of fertility. Also, rich soils may require that you stake the plants, as the stalks can be a bit floppy.
Most importantly liatris plants prefer a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH. Heavy clay can cause root rot, especially in winter if the soil doesn’t drain well.
C. Water
After planting, it is important to water your plant thoroughly. The corms don’t need additional irrigation until stalks sprout. As the plants begin active growth, it is good that at least 1 inch of water is added to it every week during the hottest months to prevent stunted flowers and leaf scorch.
While watering, ensure that you apply water to the base of the plants, or use drip irrigation, to avoid spreading fungal diseases.
Furthermore, it is important to note that during the first year, your plant will be needing more water and afterwards, they are good to tolerate drought or dry soil conditions.
D. Temperature & Humidity
It grows best when grown in a hardy zone 3 to 9. It’s also tolerant of summer heat and humidity in warm climates. However, it can survive very cold winters provided that the soil is not too wet. This is because wet winter soil can cause the forms to rot.
E. Fertilizer
This plant isn’t a heavy feeder. However, if the soil has been fertilized but the soil fertility is poor. You can apply a balanced flower fertilizer each spring as active growth begins.
In most decent soils, however, Liatris usually does fine with no feeding of any such
F. Propagation
You can propagate this plant by digging up the roots. Follow the steps below
a. In spring as new growth is just beginning, use a shovel or trowel to dig up the entire clump.
b. Separate the clump into sections, each with at least one thick corn with at least one “eye” or bud. Discard any corms that are soft or completely desiccated.
c. Plant the corms immediately in their new locations, after carefully loosening the soil to at least 5 inches deep.
G. Common Problems Of Liatris Plant
The most common problem of liatris plants is fungal diseases rather than insect infestations. The fungal diseases include leaf spot, rust, stem rot, powdery mildew, and verticillium wilt.
To get rid of them, you must ensure you expose your plants in good sunlight and air circulation. However, you can treat other major diseases with fungicide.
7. Leopard Plant
This is a herbaceous perennial and one of only two species belonging to the Farfugium genus. It is native to Japan, Korea, and Taiwan where it is found in warm and moist areas such as along the coast, streams or even riverbeds. It has other common names such as tractor seat plant.
It produces yellow flowers and large leaves. The golden flowers emerge in clusters (corymbs) from modified leaves (bracts).
Its blooming time varies depending on the climate. During warmer climates, the blooms appear earlier in the summer while in cold-winter climates, the first blooms arrive in early August and provide colors for late summer.
However, the best time to plant or grow your leopard plant is in the spring. It will enable the plant to have an entire growing season to grow effectively. Keep this plant away from humans or animals as it is toxic. Ensure that you take some precautionary measure while handling the plant.
Care Requirements
Below are the basic care requirements for your leopard plant.
A. Light
This plant can thrive in a partial to full shade as it is not a plant that can tolerate much direct sunlight which can cause the leaves to wilt and burn.
B. Soil Mix
Leopard plants enjoy being grown on a rich, humus,-heavy soil that is consistently moist, even wet. It can tolerate a wide range of pH levels which ranges from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline.
C. Water
Leopard plants are good wet-area plants. It needs to be watered regularly at least once a week to avoid drying up. However, in the absence of frequent rain, they need irrigation to keep it going.
D. Temperature & Humidity
This plant can thrive best when grown outdoors. However, it will require a warm and tropical climate. It dies best in humid conditions.
Further, in dry weather, it is important to mist the leaves as it will help to increase the humidity level.
E. Fertilizer
If your plant is grown in a rich, humus-heavy soil, then it doesn’t require any regular fertilizing as they benefit from a thick layer of organic matter.
F. Propagation
You can propagate your leopard plant through following the steps below
a. Using a shovel and lift the entire clump out of the soil.
b. Divide it into segments using a sharp knife. Make sure that each segment shows some new growth.
c. Replant the segments in a new, shady location with moist, rich soil, at the same depth as the original plant.
d. Water the plant well and keep the soil evenly moist at all times.
G. Common Problems Of Leopard Plant
This houseplant is not prone to a lot of pests and diseases. However, it is still infested by pests such as slugs and snails which are drawn to leaves.
You can get rid of slugs by keeping them at bay through the use of diatomaceous earth. You can further get rid of the snail by hand picking them off your plant.
Tips For Caring For Houseplants Starting With “L”
Below are the best ways to care for your plants. They include
1. Water
The first tip is watering your houseplants. Plants need water to survive as it will help in the transportation of nutrients from the soil to the plant.
Give your plant the right amount of water depending on the number of times required. However, it is important that you avoid overwatering your plant as it will cause the roots of your plant to rot.
Furthermore, to avoid the urge of causing harm to your beautiful plants through overwatering, you should examine your plant and keep when to water your plant. This can be done by sticking your finger into the soil, about an inch deep. If it still feels wet, then don’t water but if it feels dry, then, water the plant.
2. Light
All kinds of plants need light to grow and photosynthesize. However, light conditions differ specifically for different plants. Most houseplant that start with “l” tend to thrive best in a bright indirect sunlight or kept near a west or south-facing window.
Furthermore, lack of sunlight can cause your plant’s leaves to scorch. So therefore, to avoid this, you can purchase a grow light to attach in your room which will help to add more light rays for the growth of your plant.
3. Soil
Houseplants with the letter “L” can grow in a soil mix with some perlite added to it. This will help to make the soil airy, well-draining and can increase insulation. Choose a potting mix per the plant species.
4. Humidity
Humidity is an important requirement for plants. In a dry environment, plants can dehydrate quickly, which makes them unable to replace the lost water as fast as they lose it. A general humidity range for indoor plants is from 40-60%. If the humidity level is low, you can place a humidifier in the room to add more humidity.
5. Temperatures
The right room temperature must be between 65°F and 75°F. However, houseplants will tolerate slightly lower temperatures but avoid temperatures below 55°F. So keep your plant within the range.
6. Fertilizer
It is important to fertilizer your indoor plants only when the houseplants are actively growing. However, the majority of houseplants are best fertilized once or twice in a month starting from March or April through November or December.
Fertilizer comes in many forms including water-soluble or slow-release as well as organic or synthetic. All of them provide nutrients that plants can use so which type you use is largely a personal preference.
Water soluble fertilizers dissolved in the water are great because you can change the amount and frequency you fertilize throughout the year.
Slow-release fertilizers are great because they can be sprinkled on and don’t require extra work throughout the season.
You can buy fertilizers specially formulated for houseplants or utilize balanced, all-purpose fertilizers, which are those fertilizers that have a fertilizer analysis where the three numbers are relatively equal like 10-10-10.
When using general, all-purpose fertilizers, mix them at half or quarter the strength outlined in the instructions because houseplants grow slower than outdoor plants the instructions on the fertilizer box are written for.
7. Pruning
It is important to do so to your plants only when they have dead leaves or yellowing leaves. The leaves that are dying off, still use energy from the plant.
However, the best thing to do is cut them off with clean pruning shears. It will help to stimulate new growth.
8. Potential Challenges
The common problem that houseplants that start with the letter “L” as well as other houseplants are the yellowing or browning of the leaves which are sometimes caused by lack of sunlight or a sign of infestations of pests such as aphid, snails, spider mites and mealybugs.
You can get rid of them by cutting off the affected areas and applying some horticultural oils such as neem oils or insecticidal soap. This can be done if it is a severe stage okay.
Choosing The Right Houseplants For Your Space
Below are the various things that you must consider while choosing the right houseplants for your space. They include
1. Right Spot
The first thing that you must consider when choosing the right houseplant to grow in your home is picking the right spot where you can keep the plant. By doing so, it will help you picture the perfect type of indoor plant that will suit the spot. Also, it is important as different plants will thrive in different spots depending on the amount of space and light availability.
Furthermore, when choosing a good spot for the plant, you also need to keep these factors in mind. They are space, humidity and temperature levels.
2. Select The Right Houseplants
After you must select the best spot with the right care requirements, the next thing is to pick the right houseplant. There are different types of houseplants which you can choose from. Some are tropical, tall or small, can produce flowers and thrive in any environment.
For instance, if you are planning to keep them on your table, then I will recommend that you select the ones that are small in size and if it is for your floor, then you should go for taller plants.
Also, if you are buying them to decorate your small apartment, then we will suggest that you get a medium-sized plant that is fast-growing.
3. Caring For Your Plants
Another essential point that you must consider is caring for the plant. Every plant requires some level of different care and requirements. Some plants enjoy indirect sunlight while others can thrive in direct sunlight. Also, it also has to do with watering the plant, fertilizing, trimming and wiping off the plant to avoid dirt.
Benefits Of Houseplants In Indoor Spaces
Growing indoor houseplants has proven to be very effective in dealing with psychological and physical health. It has lot of benefits which includes:
1. They can help to improve your mood.
2. Helps to reduce fatigue.
3. Lowers stress and anxiety.
4. It can help to improve your office performance and increase your level of focus.
5. It can promote healing either psychology or mental and create a pain tolerance.
6. Medically, it can help to minimize the occurrence of headaches by improving air quality.
7. In a place where there is dry air, it can help to ease dry skin and respiratory ailments.
8. It will make you feel some sense of accomplishment.
9. Indoor plants can help to enhance therapeutic care.
Conclusion
We hope that this article was helpful in guiding you on the best ways to select houseplants that start with the letter L for your space, office or home.
Also, growing a houseplant in your home or office has been scientifically proven to have lots of benefits to the human mind and health such as acting as an air purifier, promoting respiratory ailments, reducing fatigue as well as many other benefits.
Share your experiences with us in the comment section below if you have attempted any of these houseplants and many more. As you do so, don’t forget to subscribe to our page.