3 of 5

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 5

problematic as houseplants because of their size. Generally they're easy to grow, tolerating drought, neglect and a wide range of lighting conditions. Unlike the similar looking Agaves, they flower frequently once big enough (another reason to grow the small species) and none are monocarpic. However they mostly turn to mush at the first sign of frost. The hardiest and most indestructible is probably A. aristata, which also happens to be one of the smaller species. Gasterias and Haworthias differ from Aloes by their flower structures. They're also mostly easy to grow and similar cultural requirements to Aloes but even the biggest ones are sensible houseplant sizes.

Araceae (Philodendron family)- I don't know much about these as there is only one succulent member (Zamicaulos zamifolia). Many of them are easy to grow and like shady (tolerating more shade than most houseplants), web conditions.

Cactaceae (true cacti many genera) This is a huge family. Most like dry, brightly lit conditions and warm temperatures, at least in the summer. Their ease of cultivation varies from nearly indestructible to pretty much impossible to grow. It's probably a good idea to divide this family into several groups.

Pereskioideae only one genus, Pereskia, which few people have much experience of growing. They're large shrubs or trees so they're a bit impractical as houseplants. They're probably about as easy to grow as most houseplants.

Maihuenioideae only genus, Maihuenia, which even fewer people have much experience of growing. M poeppigii is famous for tolerating cold wet conditions in winter and it's probably stretching the definition of a houseplant.

Opuntioidea a number of genera the best known being Opuntia (prickly pear), Cylindropuntia (cholla) and Austrocylindropuntia (cholla). This group is common and generally famous for their indestructibility (the main exception being the genus Puna), to the extent that some countries, such as Australia, have put legal restrictions on their cultivation for fear of them getting out of control and causing ecological problems. O. fragilis is probably the most indestructible of all cacti, with a natural distribution range that goes up to around the artic circle (this is so hardy it's rather bending the definition of a houseplant). They're very variable in size (although the hardier species are all small) so while some are unweildley, fast growing trees, some are suitable for a windowsill cactus collection (e.g. Grusonia, Tephrocactus, Pterocactus

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Great houseplants that can't be killed?
We want to hear your view. Write now!