Aloe vera
Known for skin care, this succulent is also a top choice as a houseplant. It will forgive you if you forget to water it occasionally. In fact, it prefers you wait for the soil to dry before watering.
Likes bright, indirect light all day.
Water thoroughly when the soil is dry.
Propagate by removing pup and 1" of stem. Let dry before planting.
Original Collection: 10, Current Plants: 10
Ocimum basilicum
A fast-growing and flavorful herb that is often paired with tomatoes or as the star ingredient in pesto. Pinching off leaves from the top of the plant will actually help growth. Harvest away! Donated by Librarian Susan Krall.
Likes bright light or full sun all day.
Water thoroughly when top soil is dry.
Propagate by cutting off a 4" stem below a leaf node. Grow in water until rooted before planting in soil.
Original Collection: 5, Current Plants: 3
Spathiphyllum
Known for its large white flowers and dark foliage, the peace lily is a favorite for spaces without direct light.
Likes indirect light only, medium to bright.
Water moderately when top soil is dry.
Propagate by gently removing whole plant from soil. Divide offshoot crowns. Replant immediately.
Original Collection: 8, Current Plants: 6
Ledebouria socialis
A fun, spotted houseplant that self-propagates through bulbs that sit mostly above the soil. Grows long stems of many tiny white flowers in the spring. Donated by Librarian Jen Strain.
Likes bright, indirect light all day or full sun for part of the day.
Water moderately when top soil is dry.
Propagate by gently removing whole plant from soil. Break off bulbs from the root. Replant immediately.
Original Collection: 2, Current Plants: 5
Dracaena trifasciata
Features leaves that grow straight up for 2-3 feet. This succulent is a great plant for beginners. It is very forgiving and adaptable to many growing conditions.
Likes partial sun. Tolerates low and artificial light.
Water thoroughly the soil is dry.
Propagate by dividing or cutting. Plant divided plants immediately. Cuttings can either be planted after 24 hours or grown in water immediately until the roots are 1".
Original Collection: 3, Current Plants: 3
Chlorophytum comosum
A leafy plant that trails its "spider" babies, each hanging from a long stem. Great for busy people as it’s tolerant of neglect and non-toxic for pets.
Likes medium to bright, indirect light.
Water moderately when top soil is dry.
Propagate by removing and planting plantlets with roots. If no roots have formed yet, plant while still attached.
Original Collection: 10, Current Plants: 12
Schefflera arboricola 'Moondrop'
This “smaller” species of a full-sized tree can still grow several feet tall. It can also grow up to 12 leaflets per stalk to form the “umbrellas” it’s named after.
Likes bright, indirect light all day.
Water thoroughly once the top inch of soil is dry.
Propagate by cutting off a 6" stem at 45 degrees. Remove all but 4 or 5 leaves and plant directly in soil.
Original Collection: 5, Current Plants: 5