Ensuring that houseplants are planted well spaced apart from each other makes it easier for air to circulate freely around the plants’ leaves and reduces the occurrence of plant diseases like powdery mildew. Decreases. Not to mention, proper spacing increases the amount of light each plant leaf receives and makes it harder for plant pests to spread through a houseplant collection.
However, light and pest issues aren’t the only reasons you should pay attention to plant spacing. Some houseplants do not get along well and placing the wrong plants together can cause problems and make plant care very difficult. In the list below, you’ll learn which houseplants should be kept away from each other and learn more about plant placement from a houseplant pro.
Succulent Plants and Ferns
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Putting succulents and ferns together can create an interesting contrast of colors and textures, but this pairing of plants doesn’t work.
“They don’t like the same growing conditions and don’t make good partners,” says Justin Hancock, horticulturist at Costa Farms. “Ferns do well in moderate to bright light with above average relative humidity, while succulents need much brighter light and more average relative humidity.”
Placing ferns in full sunlight can often cause leaf burn, while succulents will thrive in less light and may develop mildew in the high-humidity environment that ferns crave. To avoid these problems, space these plants or smaller versions of them throughout your home. personal terrarium So you can adjust their growing environment as needed.
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‘Frankie’ Fittonia and ‘Golden Crocodile’ Philodendron
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Fittonias and Philodendrons are both colorful plants Which demands attention. But, as Hancock points out, their unique color can really clash in the grow room.
“Visually, it’s a very distinctive color combination,” explains Hancock. “But the metallic pink colors of ‘Frankie’ don’t match well with the bright yellow-gold, serrated foliage of ‘Golden Crocodile’.'”
Additionally, Fittonias love humidity and can wilt dramatically if you don’t pay close attention to their moisture needs. For better results, try fittonias in a terrarium with a few pint-sized ferns or waffle plants and pair ‘Golden Crocodile’ with other vibrant beauties, such as ‘Prince of Orange’ philodendron and ‘Neon’ pothos.
‘Dottie’ Calathea and ‘Raven’ ZZ
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Pairing the colorful ‘Dotty’ calathea with ‘Raven’ ZZ has obvious appeal.
Hancock explains, “This combination looks gorgeous – a Gothic mix of the deep, purple-black leaves of ‘Dotty’ with the hot pink color of ‘Dotty’.” “But like ferns and succulents, these two plants have very different water needs!”
Calathea prefer relatively moist soil, while ZZ plants of any color prefer it dry and are generally treated like succulent plants. Unless you’re extremely careful with your watering can, it’s very easy to overwater or underwater one of these plants if you place them too close to each other. That’s why it’s usually best to place ZZ plants near cacti and succulents and to group calathea with moisture-loving ferns and tropical plants.
‘Polly’ Alocasia and Majesty Palm
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At first glance, ‘Polly’ alocasia and Majesty palms may seem like a good combo. They have similar care needs and their attractive leaves create an interesting contrast in texture. However, Hancock warns against growing these plants together because they both attract spider mites.
“The combination of these two plants can cause an explosion of spider mites if either of those insects enter your home,” warns Hancock.
Make sure your plants are spaced far apart from each other and check new arrivals carefully Symptoms of insects Can help you avoid spider mites and other insect problems. But if spider mites have troubled your home in the past, you may want to grow houseplants that spider mites don’t like, like snake plants. It’s also wise to keep a bottle of organic soap spray on hand.
Rex Begonia and Kalanchoe Flowers
Another colorful plant addition, rex begonias are mostly known for their brightly colored leaves, while flowering kalanchoes delight with their brightly colored flower clusters. But according to Hancock, it’s best to avoid even keeping these plants together.
“Although they both like bright light, their water needs are different,” explains Hancock. ,rex begonia “Likes to be on the moist side and Kalanchoe likes to be dry.”
Keeping these plants spaced apart in your home will reduce the risk of watering problems – especially if you travel frequently and need to hire a planter who is not familiar with your plants. However, if you need to house these plants together, using different colored pots or plant poles can help you keep track of their different water needs.
