Released Oct. 18, 2007

BOZEMAN, Mont. -- The garden has been put to sleep for the winter, but you're itching for something to grow. How about a new house plant? House plants enhance your room decor, and come in many different sizes, shapes, colors and textures.

When choosing your new house plant, check the plant closely to be sure you aren't bringing home hitchhiking insects. Gently tap the leaves -- if a small cloud that looks like dandruff appears, pass that plant by as it has an infestation of whiteflies. These are very common in production nurseries and you don't want to bring them home.

Most house plants would be happiest in the moist climate provided by a bath or laundry room, but most house plant owners prefer to show off their plants in a more public part of their house. Therefore, many picky house plants die needlessly, being placed in a less than welcoming environment. House plants do require care, and each variety has its own requirements.

During the 1980s, the American Space Agency discovered that certain house plants were extremely effective in removing pollutants from the air. Spider plant, or Chlorophytum, peace lily (Spathiphyllum), Chrysanthemum, Aloe and pothos (Epipremnum) all fit the bill if you're looking for clean air at the home or office. Maybe you'd like to tuck one or two around your living room. But what do they look like, and what kind of environment do they need to thrive?

The spider plant has been grown as an indoor plant for over 200 years and is widely available. The arching leaves can be solid green or variegated. In spring and summer hanging stems produce small white flowers followed by tiny plantlets, which make an attractive display in a hanging basket.

The pothos plant is known by many common names including devil's ivy and golden pothos, and it even has two Latin names! It's a climber with aerial roots, but you can also use it as a trailer from a hanging basket or on a wall. Pinch the tips to induce bushiness. Ideal conditions for both the spider plant and pothos include a well-lit spot out of direct sunlight. Water both sparingly in winter, and liberally from spring to autumn.

The peace lily's requirements are a little different. It should be kept out of direct sunlight in a room which is reasonably warm (no cooler than 55 degrees Fahrenheit) in winter. It must be kept out of cold drafts, and should be given added humidity with a water-filled pebble tray.

Aloes come in all shapes and sizes. Aloe vera, or medicinal aloe, is one aloe commonly kept as a house plant. It is also the plant that provides the drug, aloe. Aloe veriegata is an upright succulent with triangular leaves with green and white banding. It's also called the partridge-breasted aloe. Aloe aristata, or lace aloe, is a smaller plant with four-inch leaves forming a globular rosette. Aloes are succulents, and many succulents, including agave, jade plant, Echeveria and kalanchoe, share the same environmental needs. Unlike most house plants, they prefer a marked difference in day and night temperatures. Choose a south facing windowsill if you can, but some shade may be necessary in summer. Water only once every one to two months in winter, and when the soil begins to dry out in spring through autumn.

Like the aloes, chrysanthemums come in a wide variety of colors, shapes and types. These flowering house plants are usually less than 1 foot high, but large flowered. If you choose your plant carefully it should stay in bloom for six-to-eight weeks. Chrysanthemums like it cool, less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit is best. Bright light is essential, but they must be shaded from midday sun. Keep the media moist. It may be necessary to water more than once a week.

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One sound bite (:09) to go with this story is available on the web. MSU Extension Horticulturist Cheryl Moore-Gough says different house plants need different care (:09) http://www.montana.edu/msunews/radio/Cheryl101507.mp3

http://www.montana.edu/cpa/news/nwview.php?article=5256

Contact: Cheryl Moore-Gough (406) 994-6523 or hort@montana.edu