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UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS LIBRARY AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN
MAR If
MAY 8W
FEB 12
|EB 1 1 1975
|0EC 4 W
1 2Q,cop. 2
HOUSE PLANTS
BY
ROBERT VAN TRESS
THE LIBRARY OF THE
APR 2 01937
Botany
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Leaflet 20
FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
CHICAGO
1937
The Botanical Leaflets of Field Museum are designed to give
brief, non-technical accounts of various features of plant life, especially
with reference to the botanical exhibits in Field Museum, and of the
local flora of the Chicago region.
LIST OF BOTANICAL LEAFLETS ISSUED TO DATE
No. 1. Figs $ .10
No. 2. The Coco Palm 10
No. 3. Wheat 10
No. 4. Cacao 10
No. 5. A Fossil Flower 10
No. 6. The Cannon-ball Tree 10
No. 7. Spring Wild Flowers' 25
No. 8. Spring and Early Summer Wild Flowers . . .25
No. 9. Summer Wild Flowers 25
No. 10. Autumn Flowers and Fruits 25
No. 11. Common Trees (second edition) 25
No. 12. Poison Ivy 15
No. 13. Sugar and Sugar-making 25
No. 14. Indian Corn 25
No. 15. Spices and Condiments 25
No. 16. Fifty Common Plant Galls of the Chicago Area .25
No. 17. Common Weeds 25
No. 18. Common Mushrooms 50
No. 19. Old-Fashioned Garden Flowers 25
No. 20. House Plants 35
CLIFFORD C. GREGG, Acting Director
FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
CHICAGO, U. S. A.
THE UttMfl
OF THt
flNBSfl OF WW*
FIDDLE-LEAF RUBBER PLANT
(Ficua pcmdurata)
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' Field Museum of Natural History
DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY
Chicago. 1937 THE LIBRARY OF THE
<2^Mp' £,
Leaflet Number 20
Copyright 1937 by Field Museum of Natural
U H IVERS I TY OF I LL INOIS
ABB 2 01937
HOUSE PLANTS
As a means of satisfying an interest in plant life and
a love of flowers, window gardening is open to practically
everyone. For thousands of persons residing in apart-
ments or hotels there is no other way of having growing
plants.
The plants illustrated in this booklet are the ones most
favored as house plants in this country. A few of them,
e.g. Beloperone and Dieffenbachia, are not so well known
as the others but they are rapidly growing in popularity.
Approximately one half the plants described here are
esteemed especially for their foliage, and where conditions
in general are unfavorable to plant life one of this group
may be grown.
To be at their best, house plants require plenty of
light, humidity in the air, and good soil. For most of
them, light is more important than a high temperature,
and for flowering plants a southern or southeastern
exposure is best. Even when plants are well placed in
good light they should be turned occasionally so that
all sides may receive it equally.
The hot, dry air of our living rooms is more injurious
to plants, especially to flowering ones, than any other
factor. Opening the doors or windows and thoroughly
airing the room at least once a day is helpful, as is the
use of humidifiers to increase the moisture in the air.
The amount of water that a plant requires depends
entirely upon the nature of the plant and whether it is
in a growing or dormant condition. Plants in a dormant
4 Field Museum of Natural History
or resting stage require very little water — only enough
to keep the stems from shriveling. On the other hand,
just before blooming and while they are in bloom an
abundance of water is necessary. In watering, it is not
sufficient to wet merely the surface but water should be
given until the whole ball of earth in the pot is moistened,
which is indicated by water coming through the drainage
hole at the bottom. When water is necessary it should
preferably be applied in the morning of a sunny day.
Foliage plants should have their leaves washed fre-
quently to free the pores of dust. For close handling of
leaves a soft sponge is a great service and it can be used
in the house without danger of dripping. Never use an
oily cloth to shine the leaves of your rubber plant! Syring-
ing the whole plant is very beneficial and helps keep the
leaves clean as well as to keep insects under control.
Insects which are most prevalent on pot plants are red
spider, scale insects, aphids or plant lice and mealy bugs.
Red spider is so small that good eyes are required to see it
but it may be detected by examining carefully the leaves
which look yellow and sickly. The most effective way to
rid a plant of red spider is by repeated syringing. Scale
insects which appear frequently on palms, and mealy
bugs which look like little specks of cotton are kept in
check by a combination spray of "Volck" and nicotine
sulphate (5 tablespoonfuls of the former and 2 of the
latter to one gallon of water — ingredients to be had from
any seed dealer).
Some plants, like the Amaryllis, which do not need
repotting yearly, are benefited by fertilizing, which should
only be done when they are in a healthy growing condition.
For this purpose there are a number of commercial plant
foods containing the principal essential elements — nitrogen,
phosphorus and potassium — in suitable proportions. They
are convenient to use and safe when directions are followed.
R. Van Tress
House Plants
BOSTON FERN
(Nephrolepis exaltata and vars.)
The Boston Fern ranks as one of the most popular
of all house plants and one that will succeed in a north
window. There are many forms or mutants with finely
cut or crested foliage, of which Whitman's Fern is probably
the best. Varieties with more finely divided leaves are not
suitable in the home. A common reason for failure with
Boston Fern is the use of a jardiniere in which water is
allowed to stand.
Field Museum of Natural History
NORFOLK ISLAND PINE
(Araucaria excelsa)
This exotic conifer is a beautifully symmetrical plant
for decorative purposes, and is often justly prized above
all other evergreen pot plants. It keeps well in a cool
room near a window during winter, and the temperature
should not be above 60 degrees at night. In summer, place
it outside on a veranda or in some place protected from
direct sunlight.
House Plants
SCREW PINE
(Pandanus Veitchii)
The sharp-toothed, pendulous, green and white leaves
give the Screwpine a graceful appearance. In time it
grows too large for the small house. In its native home,
Polynesia, or when planted in the tropics, it forms a large,
widely branching shrub or tree supported by a mass of
proproots. As a house plant, the Screw Pine stands up
well under adverse conditions but for best results abundant
moisture and heat are required.
Field Museum of Natural History
DWARF PHOENIX
(Phoenix Roebeleni)
The smallest of all the Phoenix palms, from Farther
India, a dwarf relative of the Date palm, is named for its
discoverer Roebelen, an orchid collector of Singapore. Its
graceful, fountain-like aspect, its extreme hardiness, and its
slow growth make it one of the finest of all room plants.
House Plants
KENTIA PALM
( Howea Forsteriana)
If conditions to meet their requirements of space and
a night temperature of 60 degrees can be furnished, several
species of Palms may be grown in the house. The most
popular are Howea Belmoreana and H. Forsteriana, both
natives of Lord Howe's Island in the South Pacific, better
known under their synonym of Kentia. The two species
are similar, but the former, with curving pinnae, is the
more graceful of the two.
10 Field Museum of Natural History
DUMB CANE
(Dieffenbachia Seguine)
The Dieffenbachia of Tropical America is decidedly
ornamental with large leaves spotted and feathered with
yellow, cream or white. The stems contain a very acrid
juice, which has a paralyzing effect if taken in the mouth
and will cause temporary loss of speech.
A warm temperature is necessary and an abundance
of water in the growing season. Arum Family.
House Plants
11
WANDERING JEW
(Zebrina pendula)
For a hanging basket no plant will give more satis-
faction under adverse conditions than Wandering Jew.
Although a native of Mexico and other tropical American
countries it thrives in a wide range of environment. It
propagates so readily from cuttings that it is always
possible to have a supply of plants. Frequent pinching
of the tips causes the plant to become bushy and therefore
more decorative.
A closely related plant, Tradescantia fluminensis, a
native of Brazil, commonly grown in greenhouses, shares
with Zebrina the appellation Wandering Jew. Both are
of the Spiderwort Family.
12
Field Museum of Natural History
ASPARAGUS FERN
(Asparagus Sprengeri)
As a substitute for ferns the South African climbing
asparagus plant A. plumosus and its relative A. Sprengeri
are suitable basket plants. The former has finer foliage
but is not as easy to grow as the latter. Lily Family.
A rich soil and plenty of water in the growing season
are important points in its culture. Less water is required
in winter when the plants are relatively at rest.
House Plants
13
HYACINTH
( Hyacinthus orientalis)
Because of the beauty and fragrance of its blossoms
the Hyacinth has long been a favorite. A native of the
Levant, it was introduced to cultivation about 1590.
Lily Family.
The bulbs should be obtained early in September and
potted without delay. The usual practice is to force the
bulbs for one season only and then throw them away.
Although they are not suitable for forcing again they may
be planted out in the open borders if the foliage has been
allowed to develop properly and will bloom there for
several years.
14
Field Museum of Natural History
CORN PLANT
(Dracaena fragrans)
The Dracaena is a straight stemmed African plant
related to the Dragon-blood tree. It is esteemed as a
foliage plant. Its common name suggests the resemblance
of its leaves to those of the Maize plant. Variety Lindeni
has creamy-white bands on the leaves and Massangeana
has a broad yellow stripe down the center. A native of
the tropics of Upper Guinea, it does not thrive in drafty
places or where the temperature falls below 55 degrees at
night. Lily Family.
House Plants
15
BOWSTRING HEMP
(Sansevieria zeylanica)
The Bowstring Hemp comes from Ceylon. Its large,
sword-shaped leaves are firm and leathery. The form with
leaves banded by creamy yellow (var. Laurentii) seems to
be most in demand. S. cylindrica is an interesting species
with round tapering stems. The latter are both from
western Africa, respectively Belgian Congo and Angola.
Lily Family.
16
Field Museum of Natural History
CAST IRON PLANT
(Aspidistra elatior)
This stemless foliage plant lives up to its common
name by withstanding hard usage, dull light and poor
soil to a greater degree than any other house plant, with
the possible exception of the Wandering Jew. Its native
home is China. There is a form with variegated, green
and white foliage.
When the plant becomes pot-bound it will astonish
you by producing purple, intensely fragrant flowers just
above the surface of the soil. Lily Family.
House Plants
17
AMARYLLIS
( Hippeastrum vittatum and hybrids)
Hippeastrums are large-flowered bulbous plants of
tropical America. Lily Family.
As the flowers fade, the leaves will appear in profusion;
give plenty of water, light and air, for on the growth
of these depend your next year's flowers. When growth
is completed give less water until the leaves turn yellow
and fall from the bulb. Then keep the bulb dry through
the winter in a temperature of 45 to 50 degrees until the
flower spike shows an inch or two of growth.
18
Field Museum of Natural History
INDIA RUBBER PLANT
(Ficus elastica)
Although there are many more desirable plants, the
common Rubber Tree is a favorite. It has the advantage
of thriving in a hot, dry atmosphere in places where the
light is poor. A slower growing, broad-leaved species,
the Fiddle-leaf Rubber Tree, Ficus pandurata (see Frontis-
piece), seems to be replacing the commoner one. Mulberry
Family.
House Plants
19
HOUSE HYDRANGEA
( Hydrangea macrophylla var. hortensia)
A favorite house plant seen about Easter time is the
Hydrangea, a small shrub with large bolls of white, blue
or pink, papery flowers. It is a native of China and Japan.
Saxifrage Family.
When the plant is through blooming, cut back about
half the growth and put it outside in a sunny position,
watering plenty during the summer. Bring it in before
frost and store in a cool light place with only enough water
to keep the wood from shriveling. Started into growth
early in January it will bloom again for Easter.
20
Field Museum of Natural History
GERANIUM
(Pelargonium hortorum)
Of all pot plants the common Geranium may be con-
sidered the universal favorite. The parent species was
introduced about 1710 from South Africa, and since then
the aim of florists has been to secure sturdiness, fine form,
large flower clusters and floriferous habit. Geranium
Family.
Geraniums do best in a heavy soil and require a sunny
window. It is customary to keep them outdoors during
the summer. The same plant can be kept from year to
year by vigorously pruning it in September before bringing
it into the house. New plants can be raised from cuttings
of the old one.
House Plants
21
MARTHA WASHINGTON GERANIUM
(Pelargonium domesticum)
Pelargoniums are among the most beautiful flowering
plants suitable for growing in the home. Their colors are
in every shade of scarlet, cherry, pink, purple, to lilac and
white, and they may be blotched, marbled, or spotted with
velvety black and maroon. Like the allied common or
garden Geranium, they are derived from South African
ancestors.
They are easy of culture, but require a rich soil to
flourish well. During the summer set the plants outside
in full sun giving them a good rest. Take them in the
house again before danger of frost and repot at that time.
22
Field Museum of Natural History
POINSETTIA
(Euphorbia pulcherrima)
The popular gift plant for Christmas is the colorful
Poinsettia, a tropical Mexican spurge, tipped with brilliant
vermilion bracts. Though grown out-of-doors in the south
it is tender and should be kept out of draughts. If given
a long period of rest after blooming it may be repotted and
started into growth again in May. After the new shoots
are growing cut off all but one. Keep the plant outdoors
during the summer, but take it in again and shift to a
larger pot when the temperature drops to 55 degrees. A
growing temperature of about 65 degrees with plenty of
moisture in the air is required at that time.
House Plants
23
BEGONIA
(Begonia spp.)
Three groups of Begonias are commonly used as house
plants— Begonia semperflorens, varieties and hybrids,
valued for their winter blooming habit, Begonia Rex, plants
grown for their attractive foliage of many shades, and a
third including Begonia coccinea, B. metallica, and B.
maculata with a pleasing combination of flowers and
leaves. They are natives of Brazil. Begonia Family.
All of them thrive in a compost of loam and leaf mould
with a slight portion of sand. They require warmth and
plenty of light and air.
24
Field Museum of Natural History
FUCHSIA
(Fuchsia hybrida)
As a pot plant for summer blooming, the Fuchsia is
unsurpassed, being very floriferous with attractive foliage
and symmetrical habit. All of our cultivated varieties are
hybrids from ancestors introduced from western South
America and Mexico. Evening-Primrose Family.
The best place for a Fuchsia in winter is a dry cellar,
free from frost, where it should be kept nearly dry. About
the first of March prune back all side shoots. Prune in the
roots also and repot in as small a pot as will hold the
roots. Use a soil consisting of peat, loam, and leaf mould.
House Plants
25
ENGLISH IVY
( Hedera helix)
Historic associations, ease of culture, rapid growth and
the evergreen character of its shining five-angled leaves,
all combine to make the European Ivy the favorite vine for
hanging basket or trellis. Aralia Family.
It seems to do well in poorly lighted situations and does
not require much heat, making it well adapted for use
in halls or balconies or rooms not well heated. The soil
used should be a rich loam and the richer the soil the more
rapid will be the growth. Slips taken off at any leaf joint
root readily in soil or in water.
26 Field Museum of Natural History
AZALEA
(Rhododendron indicum)
Azaleas are native of North America and Asia. They
are generally distinguished from Rhododendrons by having
deciduous leaves, but this species is an exception. The
so-called Indian or Chinese Azalea is of Japanese origin.
With evergreen foliage and flowers produced in great
profusion, it is admirably adapted for a window plant.
Heath Family.
The soil which suits them best may be made by mixing
three parts of fibrous peat, one of loam and one half part
sand. If the plants are set out of doors in the summer in a
shady place until September, they will bloom for years.
House Plants
27
CYCLAMEN
(Cyclamen persicum)
The Cyclamens are native of Europe and Asia. The
cultivated one is a spring-blooming plant with showy
flowers ranging in color from white to reddish purple.
The deep green leaves are attractively marbled with pale
green or silver. Primrose Family.
Usually secured annually from the florist, it may be
grown for several years if given a resting period after
blooming. The plants are commonly carried through the
summer by plunging the pots out of doors in a shady place
where they are allowed to run quite dry.
28 Field Museum of Natural History
CHINESE PRIMROSE
(Primula sinensis)
The primrose is one of the most satisfactory winter
flowering plants and for continuous bloom it cannot be
surpassed. This Chinese Primrose, as well as Primula
malacoides, the Fairy Primrose, does not cause primrose
poisoning, and they are therefore to be preferred to P.
obconica, a sturdier plant, often offered for sale under the
name Japanese Primrose.
They are objects of easy care, requiring attention only
in watering. When in full foliage and bloom they need
more water than most plants. These are house plants
that are best secured annually from the florist. Primrose
Family.
House Plants
29
HELIOTROPE
( Heliotropium peruvianum)
Modest in appearance but always admired for its
fragrance, the Heliotrope is an old-time favorite in the
window garden. It is a native of Peru, in cultivation since
1737. The ease with which it may be grown either in pots
or garden, the color and fragrance of its dainty flowers,
and the long period of bloom, have all contributed to make
it one of the best known pot plants. By pruning about
midsummer it may be kept in good condition for years.
Borage Family.
30
Field Museum of Natural History
SLIPPERWORT
(Calceolaria crenatiflora)
The Calceolarias of western tropical America — the
name comes from the Latin word for a slipper — are grown
for their beautiful clusters of golden, crimson, maroon or
rose-colored, purse-shaped flowers, either plainly tinted
or curiously mottled and flecked. Figwort Family.
They are plants that ought to be purchased from a
florist and merely carried through the blooming season.
They should be kept rather warm in an atmosphere that
is not too dry, and be sparingly watered.
House Plants
31
GLOXINIA
(Sinningia speciosa)
Gloxinia is one of the few midsummer blooming pot
plants. It is a native of Brazil. Gesneria Family.
After the Gloxinia has finished blooming water should
be gradually withheld until the leaves are lost. The tuber
may be stored in a warm, dry place over winter, and
started into growth again early in March. The atmosphere
should be warm and moist and the growing plant should
never suffer for lack of water, although the leaves should
not be wet on the upper surface.
32
Field Museum of Natural History
AFRICAN VIOLET
(Saintpaulia ionantha)
One of the loveliest house plants in cultivation is the
so-called African or Usambara Violet. The Hannover
botanist Wendland named it for its discoverer, Baron
Walter von Saint Paul. Florists have several improved
varieties on the market now, one of the best being Blue
Boy, with deep blue flowers. The plants may be flowered
the entire year or given a period of rest by partly with-
holding water. A warm temperature and plenty of light are
necessary. Gesneria Family.
House Plants
33
SHRIMP PLANT
(Beloperone guttata)
This tropical American herb, or small shrub, is still
comparatively unknown as a house plant but is rapidly
growing in favor because of its curious but attractive
appearance. The small two-lipped flowers, white spotted
with purple, are borne beneath reddish-brown showy
bracts, suggesting a flower of the hop plant. Recently
introduced from Mexico into cultivation in the United
States, this species is one of about thirty of its genus.
Acanthus Family.
34
Field Museum of Natural History
CINERARIA
(Senecio cruentus)
Few greenhouse plants are more attractive and showy
than the profusely flowering Cinerarias, and the improve-
ment made in the size and coloring of the flowers, varying
from white, blue or pink to an intense red or purple, has
led to their great popularity. They are commonly grown
as annuals by the florist and should be purchased in Spring
already grown and in bloom. The Cineraria is a native of
the Canary Islands. Daisy Family.
House Plants
35
OTHER POT PLANTS WHICH MAY BE GROWN
IN THE HOUSE
Besides the plants illustrated here, many others less
common may be grown successfully as house plants. A
list of such is appended. Plants of the kind generally
known as succulents are not included as they will be
treated in a separate leaflet, nor are plants like tulips, the
Easter lily, Polyantha rose and others which usually are
purchased in full bloom and ordinarily have but a short
life in the house.
Common Name
Maidenhair Fern
Glory Fern
Manda's Polypody
Table Fern
Holly Fern
Mexican Tree Fern
Umbrella Plant
Golden Feather
Palm
Petropolis Palm
Chinese Evergreen
Ceriman
Calla
Golden Calla
Chlorophytum
Red Dracena
Star of Bethlehem
Lily of the Valley
Snake's Beard
Sea-Onion
Kafir Lily
Chinese Sacred Lily
Marica
Peperomia
Baby Tears
Ice Plant
Madeira Vine
Houseleek
Strawberry
Geranium
Bermuda Buttercup
Croton
Sultana
Scientific Name Family
Adiantum cunealum Fern
" gloriosum "
Polypodium aureum var.
Mandaianum "
Pteris cretica "
Cyrtomium falcatum "
Cibotium Schiedei Treefern
Cyperus alternifolius Sedge
Chrysalidocarpus lutescens Palm
Syagrus Weddelliana "
Aglaonema commutatum Arum
Philodendron cordatum "
Monster a deliciosa "
Zantedeschia aethiopica "
" Elliottiana "
Chlorophytum datum and vars. Lily
Taetsia (Cordyline) terminalis "
Ornithogalum thyrsoides "
Convallaria majalis "
Ophiopogon Jaburan "
Urginea Scilla "
Clivia nobilis Amaryllis
Narcissus Tazetki var. orientalis "
Marica coerulea Iris
Peperomia spp. Pepper
Helxine Soleirolii Buckwheat
Mesembryanthemum crystallinum Carpet-weed
Boussingaultia baselloides Basella
Sempervivum Orpine
Saxifraga sarmentosa Saxifrage
Oxalis cernua Wood Sorrel
Codiaeum variegatum Spurge
Impatiens Sultani Balsam
>-
36
Field Museum of Natural History
Grape Ivy
Cissus rhombifolia
Grape
Flowering Maple
Abutilon hybridum
Mallow
Tuberous Begonia
Begonia tuberhybrida
Begonia
Christmas Cactus
Zygocactus truncatus
Cactus
Myrtle
Myrtus communis
Myrtle
Coral Plant
Ardisia crenulata
Myrsine
Oleander
Nerium Oleander
Dogbane
Periwinkle
Vinca major var. variegata
(i
Wax Plant
Hoya carnosa
Milkweed
Cathedral Bells
Ceropegia Woodii
<<
Glory Bower
Clerodendron Thomsonae
Verbena
Lantana
Lantana Camara
n
Lemon Verbena
Lippia citriodora
tt
Coleus
Coleus Blumei var.
Mint
Jerusalem Cherry
Solanum pseudocapsicum
Nightshade
Red-Pepper
Capsicum frutescens
tt
Kenilworth Ivy
Cymbalaria muralis
Figwort
Cape Primrose
Streptocarpus kewensis
Gesneria
Bouvardia
Bouvardia Humboldti
Madder
Italian Bluebell
Campanula isophylla
Bellflower
Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum hortorum
Daisy
Leopard Plant
Ligularia Kaempferi var.
aureo-maculata
tt
German Ivy
Senecio mikanioides
n
Velvet Plant
Gynura aurantiaca
<t
THE ILLUSTRATIONS
THE LIBRARY Of THC
APR 2 193^
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Most of the photographs in this leaflet were made for Field
Museum by Hermann Lusche and acknowledgement is made of the
courtesies and cooperation extended in this connection by Garfield
Park Conservatory and by the greenhouses of Frank Oechslin & Co.,
in Berwyn. The latter also loaned the photograph of Poinsettia,
Vaughan's Seed Store those of Hyacinth, Cyclamen and Amaryllis,
American Bulb Company that of Cineraria.
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