Basic Care and Maintenance Tips for the English Ivy, Rubber Plant, and other Common House Plants

Think your apartment is getting too stuffy? Common house plants such as the English Ivy, Rubber Plant, Snake Plant and Boston Fern add a natural touch of color to your home while freshening up the air. If you’re planning to get one of these for your living space, here are some basic care and maintenance tips:

A popular house plant in Europe, the English Ivy is available in varieties featuring yellow, gold, and even creamy white variegated leaves. Keeping these plants in well-lit places (but not under direct sunlight) helps maintain their vibrant colors, while any stems that begin to turn all green should be trimmed.

Originating from Central America, the Boston Fern is known for its graceful leaflet-covered fronds. This fern looks best when placed in a hanging basket or pedestal, and should be regularly misted to prevent its leaves from browning.

The Rubber Plant, originally from India and Malaysia, is well-known for its milky-white sap that dries into low-quality rubber. The plant’s wide, beautiful leaves should be looked after regularly, since their polished surface tends to attract dust and the occasional mold.

Also known as the Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, the Snake Plant is an ideal beginner’s house plant because of its tolerance for differing light and humidity conditions. Water the soil around the plant directly, as any moisture on the leaves can cause rot.