Houseplants typically are exotic species that require warm temperatures year-round and are kept inside in temperate climates. During the early to mid twentieth century, American houses were often designed with a porch that could be screened and glassed in or a sun room with large windows on three sides. Such spaces became the greenhouses or plant conservatories of the middle class and were filled with both new hybrids and old favorites.
Modern design has virtually eliminated the porch and sun room but has compensated with the picture window and sliding glass door. In these sunny areas, tall indoor trees can create a backdrop for a houseplant collection and a soothing yet invigoratingly green environment.
Two trees in particular are well suited for growing indoors: ficus, the weeping fig, and schefflera, the umbrella tree.
Ficus benjamina is a fig tree that originated in Asia but was brought to the West for growing in plant conservatories and, later, private homes. Though called the weeping fig because of its pendulous branches and leaves, it is happy to live for many years indoors as long as the room temperature remains moderately warm.
This fig tree does not bear fruit when grown inside but will shed leaves in the fall like outdoor trees do. Ficus can be pruned to create a certain shape and encourage denser growth. Its leaves are pleasantly oval with a distinctive sharp tip, medium green in color and usually edged with a creamy white. Though it tolerates low light, it will thrive in filtered bright light. Standard potting soil is all that is necessary. Let the top inch or so go dry between watering. With an open, airy growth style, this long-lived tree is an asset to indoor living spaces.
An import from Down Under, this Australian native likes consistently warm temperatures. A position near an outside door that will let cold drafts hit this tree will not keep schefflera happy and healthy. Moderate to almost dim light is tolerated, but filtered bright light is best for vigorous growth. The more light the tree has, the more variegated the leaf color on some plants. The spiral pattern of leaf growth on a long, stiff stem is what gives this plant its nickname of umbrella tree.
Schefflera does not like damp soil, so water it well then wait until the soil at the top of the pot goes dry before watering again. If the leaves at the tip of new branches droop, it’s definitely time to water again, though it is not necessary to wait for wilt to happen before watering.
Both ficus and schefflera can be fed monthly with liquid fertilizer or quarterly through plant spikes made for foliage houseplants. The number of spikes used depends on the size of the plant pot. Insects don’t usually bother either of these two house trees, but if they do, they can be removed with a piece of cotton or cotton-tipped swab dampened with rubbing alcohol or by a garden-hose shower given outside on a warm day. Removing household dust from their leaves with a soft cloth or a lamb’s wool or electrostatic duster will keep the trees attractive and healthy.
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