Everything You Need to Know About Houseplants

Rounded shapes and lush green colors unite a variety of houseplants in a classic setting, including, from left, a spider plant, topiaries of eugenia, green and variegated myrtle, and a kangaroo fern. All these plants require bright but indirect light, evenly moist soil, and temperatures that range from 50 to 70 degrees.

The upright, linear effect of the snake plant is emphasized by tall windows, while planters echo their verdigris colors. This plant can adapt to a range of conditions, from bright to low light and temperatures from 60 to 80 degrees. They do best when the soil is kept on the dry side.

Rieger begonias add vivid color to a sophisticated interior. The plants should be watered from the bottom for evenly moist but not saturated soil and to avoid blotches on the foliage. Once they have finished flowering, simply move the plants to a less central location or discard them.

The humid conditions of a bathroom are ideal for a prized orchid. This plant prefers to be kept out of direct sunlight and does best within a narrow temparture range from the low 60s to the mid-70s. The pot should be soaked weekly to keep the plant's root moist.

A bay window becomes a bower of fragrances and fruit, thanks to a gardenia standard, calamondin orange and Meyer lemon trees, and a pot of free-flowing flowing jasmine. All need six to eight hours of sun daily, soil that's not too moist, and cool, humid conditions.

Grouped together, African Violets become a presence, expanding the color scheme of this room. All African Violets prefer a narrow temperature range of 65 to 72 degrees and bright but diffused light. Water from the bottom to avoid blemishes on the leaves.

Classic orchids add warmth to a room filled with mid-century modern furniture. Pots are gathered in a ceramic tray filled with gravel and then covered with moss to help retain humidity. In addition to bright, indirect light, the orchids require temperatures in the low 80s during the day and no colder than 60 degrees at night.