What types of plants should I plant at home? What are some good flowers for my garden? How do you choose the best plants to add to your landscape? Those best foliage and ornamental plants will enhance your home’s beauty.

Plants play an important role in our lives. They provide us with food, shelter, beauty, and much more. While they don’t talk back or get angry, they want to live peacefully. That’s why it’s very important to take care of them properly. And knowing where to start is crucial.

There are thousands of species of plants, each with its unique characteristics and benefits. If you’re looking for ideas on how to improve your outdoor/indoor space, then you’ve come to the right place. This article gives you 20 of the best foliage & ornamental plants – from annuals to perennials, trees to shrubs, vines to grasses, bulbs to climbers, and even succulents.

Here are the 20 Best Foliage & Ornamental Plants

1. Silver Nerve Plant

Silver nerve plant is one of those plants that you love because of its beauty. This plant is very easy to grow and maintain. You can easily find it in many nurseries and gardening stores. Its name derives from the fact that the veins on the leaf look like silver threads.

These veins are actually called silver nerves. They give the plant a unique appearance. When grown indoors, the plant needs bright light and well-drained soil. In summer, the plant requires ample water. If you want to keep your plant healthy, ensure the roots do not dry out.

2. Caladiums

Adrienne Legault grew up playing outside in her family’s backyard garden in Quebec City. She learned about gardening early on and loved watching how she could transform a space into something beautiful. When she isn’t working in the garden, she enjoys reading books, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

3. Artemisia

Artemisia is a genus of about 200 species of flowering plants in the sunflower family Asteraceae. Common names include sagebrush, wormwood, and mugwort. Artemisia is native throughout much of Eurasia and North Africa and occurs naturally in many parts of the world where people live. Artemisia grows best in sunny locations in temperate regions, often along roadsides, waste areas, and riverbanks.

The name “artemisia” derives from the Greek goddess Artemis, whose temple stood near Ephesus, Turkey. Artemis was the patroness of wild animals and hunting, and her priestesses wore wreaths of mugwort. Mugwort was sacred to her because it was believed to protect women during childbirth.

4. String Of Pearls

The string of pearls is a common name used for a variety of trailing succulents with small, rounded leaves and long, thin stems. These plants are very easy to care for and require little water once established. They do well in full sun and tolerate temperatures down into the low 50s F.

If you are looking for some great ornamental garden plants, a string of pearls should be on your shortlist. They make a lovely addition to hanging baskets and planters. They are drought tolerant and grow several feet spilling out of the pot. They are easy to care for and don’t require much attention once planted.

5. Bamboo Palm

Bamboos are tropical grasses cultivated as an important source of food for centuries. The bamboo palm has become increasingly popular over the past few years, and hundreds of varieties are available. It is a fast-growing perennial that will reach heights of 6 to 8 feet in only 18 months. Most bamboo can be grown successfully in USDA Zones 10 through 12.

This plant is a hybrid between two other bamboos: the Asian type (Phyllostachys nigra) and the American type (Bambusa textilis). As such, it offers a wide range of colors, including green, yellow, white, red, pink, purple, orange, brown, black, grey, and even blue.

6. Spider Plant

Spider plants are so named because they resemble large spider plants with their delicate foliage and long, slender stems. However, this particular variety does not have any resemblance to spiders at all. The original variety of spider plant is derived from the Amazon basin and is known by various names.

For example, it is referred to as the “Amazonian spider plant” or “golden spider plant.” This is one of the easiest houseplants to maintain and requires minimal light, water, and fertilizer. Although spider plants are more commonly found indoors, they can survive outdoors if given enough sunlight and heat.

7. Phalaenopsis Orchid

A phalaenopsis is a member of the arum family Araceae, which includes arums, dracaenas, and amaryllises. The word phalaenopsis comes from the Greek phrase phalainesthai, meaning “to gaze upon”, referring to how these flowers open and close like human eyelids.

When growing phalaenopsis, keep them in bright, indirect lighting. If you want to grow a phalaenopsis outside, choose a location where it receives lots of direct sunlight. You may need to bring them inside during colder winter weather.

Plant NameFoliage TypeOrnamental FeaturesIdeal Growing ConditionsMaintenance Tips
1. Japanese MapleDeciduousVibrant Fall ColorsPartial Shade, Well-Drained SoilRegular pruning for shape and size.
2. Snake PlantEvergreenStriking VariegationLow Light, Minimal WateringAllow soil to dry between waterings.
3. Bird of ParadiseEvergreenUnique Leaf StructureBright Indirect LightWipe leaves to remove dust regularly.
4. Boston FernEvergreenDelicate FrondsIndirect Light, High HumidityMist the plant to maintain humidity.
5. LavenderHerbaceousFragrant Purple BloomsFull Sun, Well-Drained SoilPrune spent flowers for bushiness.
6. PothosEvergreenTrailing VinesLow to Bright Indirect LightTrim leggy vines to encourage new growth.
7. ColeusHerbaceousColorful FoliagePartial Shade, Rich SoilPinch back stems for bushier growth.
8. CaladiumBulbousBold Patterned LeavesPartial Shade, Moist SoilMulch to retain moisture in the soil.
9. BougainvilleaEvergreen/DeciduousVibrant BractsFull Sun, Well-Drained SoilPrune after flowering to shape.
10. Peace LilyEvergreenElegant White BloomsLow to Bright Indirect LightKeep soil consistently moist but not soggy.

8. Peace Lily

Peace lilies are one of the most popular house plants around the world. They are easy to grow and require little maintenance. This beautiful flower is native to Australia and New Zealand and grows wild along streams and rivers. You can even find peace lilies growing in pots outside in warmer climates. These flowers are often used as cut flowers, but they make great indoor plants, too.

The peace lily is a very hardy plant that can survive temperatures down to -10 degrees Celsius (-14 degrees Fahrenheit). If you live somewhere cold, you might want to consider planting some indoors. You can keep your peace lilies alive during winter months by placing them near a heater or radiator.

9. Chinese Money Plant

The Chinese money plant is one of the most popular indoor plants. Its round coin-shaped leaves and upright stems make it look like a small version of a money tree. This plant is easy to grow and requires little maintenance. It thrives in bright indirect light and does best in temperatures ranging from 60 degrees Fahrenheit to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

This plant is also called the friendship plant because it symbolizes good luck and prosperity. In China, people often put the plant into their homes during New Year celebrations. They believe that the plant brings good fortune and happiness.

10. Air Plant

Air Plants are one of the most popular indoor houseplants. These plants look great hanging from shelves, windowsills, and ceilings. You can even use them as table decorations. But what exactly makes them so special?

There are several different kinds of air plants. Some are small, some are large, some are colorful, and others are plain-looking. But there is one thing they all have in common – they don’t anchor themselves to the ground. Instead, they float freely in water or sand. This way, they are easy to care for and maintain. And since they don’t require much space, they make excellent decorating ideas for smaller rooms.

11. Bonsai

The Japanese word bonsai translates into “tree in a pot.” In fact, it refers to a miniature version of a tree grown in pots. These plants are often kept indoors and trained to grow small.

In China, bonsai is called yuan shi. This type of plant is usually used to decorate homes and offices. There are different kinds of bonsai, such as dwarf bonsai, rock garden bonsai, and indoor bonsai.

A bonsai is a miniature version of a real tree. A bonsai is a living thing that grows inside a container. It looks like a natural tree with bark, branches, leaves, roots, and flowers.

12. Dracaena

Dracaenas are beautiful tropical flowering trees. There are wide varieties with unique colors, shapes, and sizes. The dragon tree is a type of dracaena that looks like a miniature palm tree. In addition, this variety has leaves shaped like dragons. People who love dragon themes will enjoy owning one of these beautiful plants.

13. Boston Fern

Boston ferns are another fantastic choice for indoor plants. Not only do they add beauty to your home, but they also provide privacy. These plants thrive in full sun to partial shade. They require regular watering, fertilizing, and feeding every two weeks.

These plants are easy to take care of, and they grow quickly. Once they reach about 12 inches tall, you should repot them into larger containers. After 2-3 years, these plants produce new fronds. So if you decide to get rid of your Boston ferns, replant them.

14. Coleus

A sun-loving coleus hybrid, coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides) is a perennial flowering shrub native to tropical Africa. Coleus is derived from the Greek word Koleos, meaning “glory.”

In the 1800s, English gardener John Lindley introduced coleus into England, where it became very popular among Victorian gardeners. In the United States, coleus was brought over during World War II and quickly became popular as a low-maintenance houseplant.

Coleus is still widely grown as a decorative plant in gardens worldwide.

15. Coral Bells

A hummingbird’s favorite plant, coral bells, originally had ruffled leaves and pink flower clusters. But over the years, plant breeders have gone wild, creating new forms of Heuchera. These newer hybrids have developed beautiful leaves with patterns ranging from solid colors to stripes to splashes of color. In addition, some Heuchera species have been bred into cultivars that produce larger blooms than the originals.

These new Heucheras thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. They make great container plants because they are easy to care for and require very little water once established. Coral bells are ideal for edgings, under taller plants, and as filler plants. Continue reading “Coral Bells. 15 Best Bonsais For Indoor Gardening” →

16. Dahlias

Dahlias come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Some dahlias even have edible tubers. When choosing which types of dahlias to buy, consider how much space you have available in your garden or home. You may want to limit yourself to small pots or planters so that you can easily move them around your property when necessary.

Dahlias grow best in full sunlight. They need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. If you live somewhere that receives less light, you’ll need to give your dahlia more time outside. However, you might notice leaf burn if your outdoor spaces receive too much sunlight. To avoid this problem, try placing your dahlias on the north side of your house.

If you’re not growing dahlias inside, be sure to keep them watered regularly. A few drops of fertilizer will help encourage healthy growth. Dahlias are generally hardy, but certain varieties aren’t recommended for colder climates.

17. Ornamental Grasses

You’ll have dozens of options regarding Spruce / Autumn Wood Ornamental grasses. Plants with flowers or inflorescences can attract attention, but plants with leaf stalks only, such as zebra grass, blood grass, and porcupine grass, cannot. To pick an ornamental grass suitable for your garden, you must consider your garden’s height, growth habits, and even the season.

18. Persian Shield

The leaves of srobilantes, or Persian shields, grow up to 3 inches long. They are almost iridescent, like those of the Christmas cactus. These plants are easy to care for and require little water once established.

They prefer bright light and do well in partial shade. In summer, they enjoy temperatures above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. However, they tolerate heat better than cold weather.

You can buy seeds online if you want to start growing your Persian shields. You can also find them in nurseries, often sold under the name Christmas cactus.

You can propagate Persian shields by taking off a piece of stem and placing it into moist soil. After about 2 weeks, roots will form. Once rooted, transplant the seedlings into individual pots.

19. Rex Begonia

Like so many fabulous foliage plants, Rex begonia is a tropical plant. However, they can also be grown in the garden as houseplants. Their foliage can be swirled, dotted, striped, spiraled, thickened, ruffled, and winged.

They are such fascinating plants that many people collect and display them. If you don’t live in the tropics, Rex begonia can be a little fidgety to grow. It’s often easier to plant them in containers, where it’s easier to control the soil and growing conditions.

20. New Zealand Flax

Flax is a wonderful dramatic accent in the garden. Some varieties can grow well over seven feet tall, while others can be grown in pots. There is also a wide variety of colors to choose from, including shades of blue, purple, green, yellow, white, and red.

In warmer climates, flaxes are evergreen perennials and bloom during springtime. Their leaf blades are usually shaped like swords and come in many colors. Continue reading below.

Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]

1. What Is A Foliage Plant?

Generally, foliage plants do not flower – think of ivy, ferns, spider plants, etc. During the 1960s and 1970s, foliage house plants were very popular, and you might recognize them from your favorite TV shows.

Most of these plants have been discontinued because they did not perform indoors. The best way to know which plants are appropriate for your home is to read the label on the container. Many plants labeled “foliage” actually contain flowers.

2. How Do I Know What Type Of Lighting My Plants Need?

If you are unsure whether your plants need more direct sunlight or indirect lighting, use this; remember, the sunnier your surroundings are, the less time your indoor plants need to spend with the lights on.

3. Can I Keep All My Plants Outdoors Year-Round?

Yes, most indoor plants can withstand outdoor temperatures without damage. However, some plants will die when exposed to extreme changes between seasons. Make sure to check on your plants regularly to ensure their survival. If you notice mold on any indoor plants, remove it immediately. This could indicate an unhealthy environment.

4. Why Should I Repot My Plants Every Few Months?

When you first purchase your plant, place it in a shallow pot filled with fresh, clean potting mix. Fill the rest of the pot with water. Keep the plant in the water until the water level rises above the drainage holes.

Then, gently lift out the plant and let the excess water drain down through the hole. Place the plant back into its new pot. Do not add fertilizer at this point since you want to give the plant plenty of nutrients once you begin feeding it again.

5. Will My Plants Survive If I Move Them Around Too Much?

It’s important to change your indoor plants’ environment periodically by moving them around. This helps make sure they get the proper amount of light and moisture. For example, if you’ve been keeping your plants in one spot for a while, move them to another part of the room. If possible, try to keep the same general area of the room occupied by the plants.

Conclusion

There are so many types and styles of plants that are available today. You may find yourself overwhelmed by the choices, but you don’t have to worry about buying something that won’t work for your space. However, those 20 best foliage and ornamental plants would be a great addition to your garden.

About the Author

Virginia E. Hayes is a gardening enthusiast who loves to write about gardening tools, safety issues, and ways to keep gardens clean and safe. With her vast experience in gardening, she provides valuable insights and tips to help fellow gardening enthusiasts to enhance their gardening experience. Her passion for gardening and writing has made her a sought-after author in the gardening community.

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