PRIME February 2020 I 7
FAVORITE HOUSEPLANTS
By Jan Cashman
I
have asked employees, friends, and relatives, “What is your favorite houseplant and why?” Many say their favorite is one that has sentimental value for them. Often they will say something like, “My grandmother gave me the cutting”. At our house, we have an over 40-year-old schefflera that was given us as a housewarming gift by Jerry’s brother. It has grown so much we have had to cut it back numerous times. When we were first married, our landlady gave us starts to an oxalis (or shamrock). The interesting leaves on oxalis open with daylight and close at night. And they have delicate white flowers. Dividing and transplanting many times has kept our shamrock going. Here are some of our staff ’s favorite houseplants and why…
Philodendron is Vicki’s favorite because it is long-lived and so easy to care for. Philodendron is a huge genus of houseplants with over 400 different species. Allow philodendrons to dry out between waterings and only fertilize them in spring
and early summer. Croton is one of my husband Jerry’s favorite house plants because of its brightly colored leaves. There are many varieties and color combinations of crotons. Make sure your croton has plenty of light. Nancy’s favorite is the Hoya vine or wax plant. She says it is easy to care for, has nice foliage, and fragrant flowers. Her 40-yearold Hoya has never had disease or insect problems and always looks great. Hoyas are easy to propagate and prefer a cramped pot, so they don’t need transplanting often. Christmas cactus is another houseplant that has sentimental value for many. Because it is easy to propagate, giving cuttings to your friends and relatives can carry on the tradition of your blooming plant at Christmastime. Six weeks before you want it to bloom, your cactus will need 14 hours of dark and cool (50 to 55 degrees) nights. Otherwise Christmas cactus like bright indirect light. Our college-student great-niece suggested the trailing vine Pothos as her favor-
ite houseplant. Houseplants have gained popularity among college students to decorate their dorm rooms or apartments because they are not only beautiful, they purify the air—and pothos is one of the best for that. Pothos is known as the easiest houseplant to grow because it can survive with little water and little light. Houseplants really do clean the air inside the rooms of your home. Besides pothos, peace lily and spider plant are two of the best for detoxifying your air. Or try growing lavender, rosemary, or jasmine inside for their wonderful, calming fragrance. Indoor plants don’t just look good. They make us feel good both mentally and physically. They clean the air. For a more welcoming, cozy home, add to your house plant collection today.
Jan Cashman has
operated Cashman Nursery in Bozeman with her husband, Jerry, since 1975.
We’re Open! We’re Open! North 19th at Springhill Road Bozeman, MT 587-3406
CashmanNursery.com 1980361
