Houseplant Identification

Taking care of our houseplants includes providing the right environment, watering, and fertilizing. If we occasionally check for pests and diseases and repot as needed, they thrive without much fuss.

But if we can identify a few characteristics of the plant, houseplant identification can be a fairly simple process.

Most of the plants that we consider houseplants have been adapted from their native environment to accommodate our homes.

Their growth rarely reaches the natural potential since they have been developed to grow within both limited space and light.

They depend on us to supply water and nutrients naturally occurring in the wild.

Because these native plants all belong to specific plant families, we are able to identify numerous plants through certain characteristics shared by a family.

All plant families share a Latin name along with the name of a specific member of the family.

If you know the Latin name, you've got a head start. If not, other features of the plant will help.

Key Characteristics

Leaves vary in size, shape, color, texture and pattern within plant families.

Leaves can be fuzzy, shiny or leathery; dark green, yellow green, pale green or variegated. They can be frilly, flat, elongated, round or oval.

Growth habits can be creeping, trailing, bush or upright. Endless combinations exist in the plant world.

We can fit many houseplants into families based on some of these characteristics.

Common Houseplant Family Traits

By identifying some common household plants, and examining their family characteristics, we can see similarities in growth habits and requirements and help with our houseplant identification.

Scheffleras – These plants are part of the Araliaceae family of plants.

Their deep green leaves are glossy and have five or more oval leaflets that form a circle at the end of the stem.

Some varieties have bright yellow markings on the leaves.

This family includes English ivy and Aralia plant. The stem grows out from the trunk's sides.

Dracaenas – These are part of the Agavaceae family.

They are very sculptural plants with woody trunks and linear, often yellow or red striped leaves.

These plants adapt well to indoor environments, don't require much light and are tolerant of some dry conditions.

Family also includes the Yucca, Snake plant and Corn plant.

Ficus –The fig family includes many favorite houseplants, including the Rubber Tree and Fiddle Leaf Fig.

There are upright varieties as well as vining types. The upright varieties often grow as an indoor tree. They prefer bright, indirect light and soil that dries out between waterings.

When cut, they produce a milky sap. Leaves are produced singly at the end of stems.

Philodendrons – These are part of the Araceae family which also includes Pothos, Elephant Ears, Caladium, Dieffenbachias, Peace Lilies and Chinese Evergreens.

Their native tropical habitat is the forest floor, so they adapt well to indoor lighting. There are climbing varieties and shrubs, with a multitude of variegated foliage.

Philodendrons and Pothos can be grown on bark poles, and can become very large. If left hanging free, they will maintain a smaller size. This family offers a wide range of leaf color and patterns.

Familiar plants like these share characteristics with many of our favorite houseplants.

When we take a good care of our houseplants , they sure will provide lush foliage and beauty for our home for many years.

By grouping them into their families, we have a better source of houseplant identification and can better provide the proper growing conditions for our plants.

Houseplant Identification, Houseplant Identification, Houseplant Identification

More House Plants

Low Light House Plants
Many low light house plants are tropical varieties that have adapted to growing in the low light of thick, deep tropical forests. You can mimic their humid environment by placing the pots on trays of pebbles filled with water.

Flowering House Plants
Whether you're experiencing the intense heat of summer or the dreariest of cold winter outside, you can enjoy the beauty of flowering house plants by selecting a few of these favorites.

Tropical House Plants
Tropical house plants adapt to a variety of soil types. They grow quickly with little care if provided with the proper conditions.

Hoya Plant
Hoya plant is a unique houseplant that can drape, trail or climb to accommodate our home spaces. With its beautiful leaves and flowers, and its longevity, it can become quite a conversation piece.

Jade Plant
The Jade plant, Crassula argentea, is a succulent houseplant with glossy-green, fleshy leaves that may be edged with red. Jade plants have such a unique appearance, resembling little potted trees, that you'll want at least one in your home.

Lipstick Plant
The arching foliage tipped with beautiful flowers combine to make it a beautiful addition to any collection of houseplants.

Lucky Bamboo Plant
This plant is associated with the practice of feng shui, and is said to bring good luck and fortune when received as a gift and is a popular gift for new homeowners or people starting new jobs. A red or gold ribbon tied around the stalks brings additional good fortune.

Money Tree Plant
A unique addition to our houseplant collections is the money tree plant (Pachira aquatica). The money tree plant may indeed bring you prosperity and luck. And although money doesn't grow on trees, you will be richer for having one of these unique and delightful trees in your home.

Prayer Plant
It is a houseplant that has various leaf color patterns. Some varieties are light green with dark reddish-brown markings. Others have red veins, or dark leaves with light veins.

Spider Plants
A favorite among houseplants, spider plants (chlorophytum comosum) are easy to maintain and propagate. Though they do not produce flowers, spider plants do send off shoots with baby plants dangling from them, making the plant unique and fun to grow.