Man’s demand for living plants in his surroundings increases as our society becomes more and more urban. Interior use of plants brings us closer to nature and satisfies that innate desire most of us have to live in an environment filled with living green plants.

Foliage plants are excellent for indoor culture since they are able to survive environmental conditions unfavourable to many other plants.

Almost any plant grown primarily for its leaf characteristics rather than flowers and utilised for interior decoration or landscape purposes is called a foliage plant.

Many of the more popular foliage plants originated in the tropics and were gathered by plant collectors travelling in these areas. Foliage plants were originally maintained in collections and botanical gardens.

Everyone can grow foliage plants indoors with little effort if the right plant is used in the right location.

The use of live foliage plants brings individuals closer to an outdoor type of environment, and the large variety of plants gives us the opportunity to select species that will serve as attractive additions to interior decor.

Large-leaved species such as rubber plants, monstera, dumb-cane and philodendrons are especially suited to commercial building interiors.

They provide the size required to make them focal points in interior landscaping. Smaller specimens can serve a similar purpose in the home or apartment. Even smaller plants like peperomia, prayer plant, pothos and others are well suited as accessory decorations such as dish gardens.

Light is probably the most important factor to consider when selecting a plant for interior use. Without ample light, plants deteriorate quickly and must be replaced. Many foliage plants require moderately high intensity but those native to tropical rain forests are injured when placed in full sun.

Dozens of foliage plants grow well in medium light areas four to eight feet from windows. Included here are ferns, dracaenas, nephthytis, philodendrons, begonias, peperomias, pothos, wax plant and many others.

Proper selection of foliage plants for different areas of the home will reward you with colourful and functional additions to your interior decor.

source :www.dailynews.lk