Foliage Plants: Characteristics and Classification in Detail

There are many kinds of indoor foliage plants, and they differ greatly from one another; at the same time, the growing conditions in different indoor locations also vary considerably. Let us introduce them to you below.

What Are Foliage Plants

Foliage plants are plants grown mainly for the beauty of their leaves; the color, shape and texture of the leaves determine how high their ornamental value is. Foliage plants are generally somewhat shade-tolerant and are suitable for cultivation, display and appreciation in indoor environments. Although some foliage plants can also bloom, their value as foliage usually exceeds their value as flowers. In addition, foliage plants have a long ornamental period, are not limited by the seasons, come in a great many varieties, have graceful forms, and are convenient to manage and care for; these advantages make them indispensable material in indoor greening and decoration.

Classification of Foliage Plants

Extremely Shade-Tolerant Indoor Foliage Plants

Extremely shade-tolerant indoor foliage plants are the most shade-tolerant among indoor foliage plants, such as Aspidistra (cast iron plant), ferns, white nerve plant, snake plant, Japanese fatsia and saxifrage. They can be enjoyed indoors for a relatively long time even under extremely weak light, and are suitable for placement in areas farther from the windowsill; generally they can be kept indoors for 2-3 months.

Semi-Shade-Tolerant Indoor Foliage Plants

Semi-shade-tolerant indoor foliage plants are the more shade-tolerant kinds among indoor foliage plants, suitable for placement on north-facing windowsills or in areas farther from windows with direct light; generally they can be kept indoors for 1-2 months.

Sun-Loving Indoor Foliage Plants

Sun-loving indoor foliage plants require ample indoor light, such as croton, Chinese rose, chrysanthemum, short-spike fishtail palm, desert rose, crown of thorns, calceolaria and dahlia. For short-term indoor display, the display period is about l0d.

Drought-Tolerant Indoor Foliage Plants

This type of foliage plant has low water requirements, because its leaves or stems are relatively thick and can store a large amount of water to keep the main body alive. Generally, the leaf surfaces of this type of foliage plant also have a relatively thick cuticle and waxy layer, which can prevent water evaporation to the greatest extent, and this type of plant is best suited to growing in environments with lower humidity.

Semi-Drought-Tolerant Indoor Foliage Plants

The roots of this type of foliage plant are relatively thick and fleshy and can store a large amount of water in the roots; compared with drought-tolerant indoor foliage plants, the amount stored is lower, but many of its leaves are needle-shaped, which can reduce water evaporation, though in a dry environment it can only survive for a short time.

Neutral Indoor Foliage Plants

This type of foliage plant needs water very much during the growing season; if it lacks water, the leaves will wither and fall, and it has very high requirements for soil moisture, generally around 60%.

The above is an introduction to foliage plants. We hope you enjoy it.