Brightly Lit Indoor Plants Improve Spirits
It's hardly surprising that indoor plants are still widely used given the many advantages they provide. Houseplants really do have it all, from their ability to filter the air to the way they naturally bring the decor of a space together. These plants, namely those in the "strong light" group, are the most noticeable in your home or place of business. Since they thrive in the intense, indirect sunlight that enters through your windows, they take center stage.
Around the globe, tropical and subtropical regions are often home to light-loving houseplants. In their native warm regions, they flourish in open, sunny areas with just a little shade. Numerous species in this group come in a variety of dimensions, forms, and hues. It is best to place them near your windows, skylights, and external doors, but make sure they are never in full sunlight.
Like we do with our low light and medium light houseplants, we have a large range of high-light indoor plants in our greenhouses. View a handful of our personal favorites below.
Brightly Lit Scheffiera Housing Developments (Umbrella Plant)
Among the hundreds of Schefflera species, only Schefflera actinophylla and Schefflera arboricola are designated as "Umbrella Trees." This low-maintenance houseplant has a lengthy life span and looks great in practically any environment. With a lush look and a tropical vibe, it also boasts an intriguing growth pattern. The Schefflera is commonly referred to as the "Umbrella Tree" because of its glossy, oval leaves arranged in a palmate pattern that resembles umbrella stokes.
Fast-growing Schefflera actinophylla may reach heights of up to 8 feet. It could thus need to be cut to fit the area you have in mind. Generally speaking, each Spring you may cut as much as you desire and still see new growth. Its miniature brother, the Schefflera arboricola, has become popular as an easier-to-manage variation of the actinophylla. The arboricola may reach a maximum height of 5 feet, which makes it suitable for your home or place of business. Both Schefflera cultivars feature variegated leaves. Only water when the soil is dry, and gently dust the leaves on a regular basis to maintain them clean.
Another way to grow the Schefflera arboricola is as a bonsai tree.
Theodore Ficus (Fiddle Leaf Fig)
One of the most beautiful and well-liked houseplants is the fiddle leaf fig. Ficus lyrata, with its size, glossy appearance, and fiddle-shaped leaves, should be at the top of your list of high light houseplants to add to your collection (thus the name). They are perfect for entertaining spaces in your home since they may grow to reach 6 feet tall or even more. They are typically used as floor plants due to their size, and as they grow, they will need bigger pots. Although they have a reputation for being challenging to care for, they make excellent indoor plants if you follow detailed recommendations to keep them happy.
Keep your Fiddle Leaf Fig near a window that gets plenty of sunlight and rotate it occasionally. Make sure the top inch of soil is dry before watering your Fig with warm water. Never let your plant to languish in water, and watch for signs in the leaves that your watering regimen has to be adjusted. While spotting suggests that it has been overwatered, brown edges and falling leaves indicate that it needs more water. To eliminate dust as well, carefully wipe your fig's leaves. Give them potting soil that is rich with nutrients, a moderate amount of humidity, and room temperatures that range from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
They are endemic to West Africa and may grow up to 40 feet tall in the jungle.
Bromeliads
Gardeners appreciate bromeliads for their gorgeous foliage and spectacular flower arrangements. The color selections include reds, pinks, purples, yellows, oranges, greens, and even striped and spotted combinations. These tropical houseplants' hearts include "cups" that retain water, which helps the plant to eat.
Indoor plants need water between their lower leaves, and any additional in the cup might be harmful to them. Replace the water in the cup often and mist your bromeliad's leaves to prevent decay. Both of these techniques may lengthen the life of your houseplant. Generally speaking, the more water is good for the cup, the more light, humidity, and temperature your bromeliad is exposed to. For your plant, conditions between 55 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit are excellent. Between waterings, let the soil and plant cup almost completely dry out. A well-drained soil is highly preferred, and drainage holes are necessary.
Fun fact: In the wild, they cling to trees and other structures to better absorb moisture and sunlight.
Elasticity Focus (Rubber Tree)
We guarantee that it is true. This tropical indoor plant is appropriately named since, at first glance, it seems to be composed of rubber. But the only thing that sets it apart from the rest of your collection is this feature. The very glossy, burgundy foliage of the Ficus elastica contrasts well with the region of your home or place of business that is well-lit. Low light conditions are OK, but if the leaves are grown there, they will become green. Since sheer curtains serve to filter light and heat, the majority of individuals assert that their Ficus elastica develops best next to windows that are bright and have sheer coverings.
Like with the majority of indoor high light plants, water when the top inch of the soil gets dry. Water deeply until the water starts to drain, being cautious not to saturate the leaves excessively. During the spring and summer, wipe the leaves of your Rubber Tree with a damp cloth to keep it moist. Keep your room at a reasonable temperature and humidity level in the spring and summer, and cut the height to your taste.
The Ficus elastica is a close relative of the Ficus lyrata, often called the Fiddle Leaf Fig.
In English, Ivy
Finally, English ivy is a gorgeous vining houseplant that looks wonderful in hanging baskets and on windowsills next to windows with plenty of natural light. These evergreen perennials serve as climbers and groundcover, while being categorized as foliage plants inside. Your ivy may reach a maximum length of 50 feet in its first year, with initial development that is somewhat accelerated in future years. It produces green leaves that are heart- or star-shaped and have a range of sizes and tints on each side of its stems.
English Ivy prefers cooler areas with plenty of indirect sunshine. Reduce the number of times you irrigate the soil throughout the winter. Since your ivy produces aerial roots that spread outside of the container, it will be many years before you need to repot it. Simply clip the stem tips for growth and give your loved ones stem cuttings as gifts!
Fun fact: One of the top indoor plants for purifying the air is English ivy.