Houseplants: The Complete Guide to Choosing, Growing, and Caring for Indoor Plants

COPPER SPOONS

BOTANICAL NAME: Kalanchoe orgyalis

The leaves of this unique plant are covered with a brown-colored fuzz that feels like velvet. As it ages, the color fades to a silver color. It is definitely a conversation piece if grown in a bright window, which gives it the best color. This is a great plant for kids, as they love to pet the soft leaves.

LIGHT PREFERENCE: Grow this colorful succulent in a south or west window for the best color and more compact growth. If grown in light that is too low, the plant will stretch and reach for the light.

WATERING: Grow in a fast-draining medium, as this succulent plant does not want to be waterlogged. After watering, let it almost completely dry out before watering again.

FLOWER: If given enough light, it may produce small, bright yellow flowers at the tip of the plant.

SIZE: It can grow up to 4 feet (1.2 m) tall but in the home may stay quite a bit smaller.

PROPAGATION: Take tip cuttings, but allow them to callus over before planting in a moist, fast-draining potting medium.

GRAPE IVY

BOTANICAL NAME: Cissus rhombifolia ‘Ellen Danica’

A vining plant, grape ivy is a perfect plant for a trellis or hanging basket. It has dark green leaves that are separated into leaflets, which resemble small oak leaves rather than grape leaves. It’s a robust plant that can cover a problem spot or a dark corner quickly.

LIGHT PREFERENCE: This is a versatile vine that can tolerate a low-light north window but prefers a medium light in an east or west window.

WATERING: Plant in a peat-based but well-drained medium, and keep the plant evenly moist. Do not allow it to stand in water, but if it dries out, it will drop leaves.

SIZE: This vine can reach lengths of 10 to 12 feet (3 to 3.7 m). Trim to keep it a more manageable size if needed.

PROPAGATION: Take tip cuttings and root in a moist potting medium.