TheNaturePlanet

In today's pursuit of quality of life, popular green plants have become the first choice for many people to decorate their homes and office environments with their unique appearance and ornamental value. However, some popular green plants may not be as easy to maintain as imagined and require specific conditions and meticulous care. To avoid setbacks in the maintenance process, let's learn about some "traps" to avoid.
Ficus lyrata
Ficus lyrata looks fresh and has large leaves, but it is a fig plant and particularly loves sunlight. When the light is insufficient, it won't grow well, and its leaves will continuously turn yellow and fall off until it becomes bare. If the indoor ventilation is poor or water often remains on the leaves, it is also prone to rust spots. To maintain Ficus lyrata, it needs relatively abundant sunlight. Besides the need for proper acclimation in a well-ventilated and translucent area when just purchased and gradually increasing the light exposure, it is best to have more than 5-6 hours of direct sunlight every day after adapting to the environment. At the same time, the potting soil should be as loose and breathable as possible.
Chrysalidocarpus lutescens
Although it often appears on the list of novice plants, it is not very suitable for beginners. Its condition often worsens, with the leaves continuously turning yellow and drying. In an environment with poor ventilation and dry air, it is also prone to red spider mites. It likes abundant light and a constantly warm environment and is suitable for outdoor maintenance in regions like Guangdong and Guangxi. When maintaining it, pay attention to maintaining a relatively high air humidity (above 60%), spray water on the leaves regularly (but water should not remain on the leaves all the time), thoroughly water the potting soil when it is dry, and regularly supplement nitrogen fertilizer or general-purpose water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season. The maintenance temperature in winter is preferably above 10 degrees.
Cinnamomum kotoense
Despite its name, the "peace tree," it is very difficult to maintain well indoors. It is native to Taiwan region of China and likes a constantly warm environment and high air humidity. It is afraid of drought, cold and excessive stuffiness, and is prone to fungal diseases such as anthrax, causing the leaves to gradually scorch. To maintain it well, a constantly warm environment, high air humidity and good ventilation are needed. It is best grown in a semi-shaded outdoor area. When planted in the ground, give it sufficient sunlight and keep the temperature above 7 degrees throughout the year.
Eucalyptus (gum tree)
There are many horticultural ornamental varieties with silvery-white leaves and various shapes, which have good ornamental value and are suitable for making fresh cut flower bouquets. But it is relatively difficult to maintain potted eucalyptus. At least it needs to be grown in outdoor environments such as terraces. Only by ensuring sufficient sunlight and timely replenishing water every day can it maintain a good condition.
Medinilla magnifica
This is a tropical plant with a not-so-cheap price and is native to the rainforest areas of the Philippines and Java. It grows slowly. When not in bloom, its large leaves and thick branches can be appreciated. The flowering period is from late winter to early summer, and the flowers are like luxurious lamps. To maintain Medinilla magnifica, a warm and humid environment (the optimal growth temperature is 16-26 degrees, and the minimum temperature should be maintained above 15 degrees) and abundant scattered light are needed. Avoid direct sunlight, maintain high humidity and good ventilation. Do not spray water on the flowers. In summer, be careful to avoid excessive heat (it will grow better below 30 degrees).
Sunbelievable Sunflower
Compared to other sunflower varieties, it has abundant flowers, but the texture of its leaves is rough. In an environment such as an indoor balcony or windowsill with slightly dry air and poor ventilation, it is particularly prone to red spider mites. It is also prone to powdery mildew due to the inability of leaf moisture to dry in time and poor control of air humidity. Its resistance is relatively weak. If diseases are not prevented and treated in time, it will affect the entire plant. In addition, the price of its seedlings is not cheap.
When choosing popular green plants, fully understand their growth habits and maintenance requirements to determine whether your home environment is suitable. If the environment cannot meet their needs, it is recommended to choose other plants that are easier to maintain to avoid wasting time and energy. At the same time, during the maintenance process, carefully observe the condition of the plants and adjust the maintenance methods in time to provide suitable growth conditions for the green plants.