Kaffir Lime
Citrus hystrix
Family: Rutaceae
Care Level: Easy to Intermediate
Toxicity: Non-toxic to people and pets
Evergreen shrub with glossy, double leaves prized for their strong citrus fragrance. It produces small, bumpy fruits and fragrant white flowers with proper care.
Bright Indirect Light – 150-250 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹
Place the plant 5 ft / 1.5m away from a south, west or east-facing window.
Ensure the plant does not have a direct view of the sky.
If direct sunlight on the leaves is unavoidable, a sheer curtain can be used to filter the light.
Consider a PAR Meter, or PAR Meter App to measure photosynthetically active radiation as PPFD (μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹).
Water when the topsoil feels dry to the touch.
Use room temperature rainwater, distilled water, or reverse osmosis water.
To ensure optimal plant health, a pot with drainage holes is essential.
Water the plant thoroughly until water runs out the drainage holes. Then, allow the excess water to drain completely before placing the pot on a saucer or in a decorative planter.
Water considerably less in the winter months when the plant isn’t actively growing.
Ready Potting Mix
- For optimal growth, use a specialty organic potting mix formulated for citrus.
DIY Recipe
- 5 parts Bark, 1 part Coir, 1 part Pumice.
- Apply an organic fertilizer formulated for citrus every 2-4 weeks, from March to October.
Ideal Temperature Range
- 60-85 °F / 16-29 °C
Ideal Humidity Range
- 50-70%
Time to Maturity
- 3-5 years
Eventual Height
- 5 ft / 1.5 m
Eventual Spread
- 3-4 ft / 0.9-1.2 m
C. hystrix ‘Noto’
Compact cultivar, well-suited for containers, known for abundant leaves.
C. hystrix ‘Mae Ping’
Larger leaves with a strong aroma and flavor.
C. hystrix ‘Ka Kaew’
Dwarf cultivar with smaller, rounder leaves, known for its prolific flowering.
Kangaroo Paw Fern
Zealandia pustulata
Family: Polypodiaceae
Care Level: Easy
Toxicity: Non-toxic to people and pets
Creeping or climbing fern with single lobed, glossy dark green leaves. The rhizomes (underground stems) are black and covered in brown hairs, resembling a kangaroo paw.
Bright Indirect Light – 150-250 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹
Place the plant 5 ft / 1.5m away from a south, west or east-facing window.
- Will tolerate lower light conditions but growth may slow.
Ensure the plant does not have a direct view of the sky.
If direct sunlight on the leaves is unavoidable, a sheer curtain can be used to filter the light.
Consider a PAR Meter, or PAR Meter App to measure photosynthetically active radiation as PPFD (μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹).
Water when the topsoil feels dry to the touch.
Use room temperature rainwater, distilled water, or reverse osmosis water.
To ensure optimal plant health, a pot with drainage holes is essential.
Water the plant thoroughly until water runs out the drainage holes. Then, allow the excess water to drain completely before placing the pot on a saucer or in a decorative planter.
Water considerably less in the winter months when the plant isn’t actively growing.
Ready Potting Mix
- For optimal growth, use an organic all-purpose potting mix.
DIY Recipe
- 3 parts Coir, 1 part Pumice, 1 part Bark, top dress with Worm Castings.
- Apply an organic all-purpose fertilizer every 2-4 weeks, from March to October.
Ideal Temperature Range
- 60-75 °F / 16-24 °C
Ideal Humidity Range
- 50-70%
Time to Maturity
- 2-3 years
Eventual Height
1-2 ft / 30-60 cm
Eventual Spread
2-4 ft / 60-120 cm
Microsorum diversifolium
Often confused with Z. pustulata, this variety has similar care requirements and appearance.
Microsorum pustulatum
Another closely related variety, it shares the same common name and has similar frond shapes and growth habits.
Zealandia pustulata ‘Variegata’
A variegated cultivar with striking green and white striped fronds, adding a unique visual interest to indoor spaces.
Zealandia pustulata ‘Compacta’
A more compact cultivar, ideal for smaller spaces, with denser foliage and a slightly slower growth rate.
Kentia Palm
Howea forsteriana
Family: Arecaceae
Care Level: Easy to Intermediate
Toxicity: Non-toxic to people and pets
A tall, elegant palm with arching, glossy dark green fronds. It is known for its resilience and ability to thrive in low-light conditions, making it a popular indoor plant.
Bright Indirect Light – 150-250 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹
Place the plant 5 ft / 1.5m away from a south, west or east-facing window.
- Will tolerate lower light conditions but growth may slow.
Ensure the plant does not have a direct view of the sky.
If direct sunlight on the leaves is unavoidable, a sheer curtain can be used to filter the light.
Consider a PAR Meter, or PAR Meter App to measure photosynthetically active radiation as PPFD (μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹).
Water when the topsoil feels dry to the touch.
Use room temperature rainwater, distilled water, or reverse osmosis water.
To ensure optimal plant health, a pot with drainage holes is essential.
Water the plant thoroughly until water runs out the drainage holes. Then, allow the excess water to drain completely before placing the pot on a saucer or in a decorative planter.
Water considerably less in the winter months when the plant isn’t actively growing.
Ready Potting Mix
- For optimal growth, use a specialty organic potting mix formulated for palms.
DIY Recipe
- 2 parts Coir, 2 parts Coarse Sand, 1 part Pumice.
- Apply an organic fertilizer formulated for palms every 2-4 weeks, from March to October.
Ideal Temperature Range
- 65-75 °F / 18-24 °C
Ideal Humidity
- 40-60%
Time to Maturity
- 10-15 years
Eventual Height
- 6-10 feet / 1.8-3 m
Eventual Spread
- 3-6 ft / 0.9-1.8 m
H. forsteriana ‘Alba’
Features creamy white variegations on the fronds.
H. belmoreana
Similar to H. forsteriana but has a more robust and upright form.
H. belmoreana ‘Curli-cues’
Has fronds that curl slightly at the tips.
H. belmoreana ‘Variegata’
Features variegated foliage with yellow stripes.
Kimberly Queen Fern
Nephrolepis obliterata
Family: Nephrolepidaceae
Care Level: Easy to Intermediate
Toxicity: Non-toxic to people and pets
A lush evergreen fern with large, gracefully arching, sword-shaped fronds. It has an upright, bushy growth habit.
Bright Indirect Light – 150-250 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹
Place the plant 5 ft / 1.5m away from a south, west or east-facing window.
- Will tolerate lower light conditions but growth may slow.
Ensure the plant does not have a direct view of the sky.
If direct sunlight on the leaves is unavoidable, a sheer curtain can be used to filter the light.
Consider a PAR Meter, or PAR Meter App to measure photosynthetically active radiation as PPFD (μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹).
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Use room temperature rainwater, distilled water, or reverse osmosis water.
To determine when to water, use a knitting needle or chopstick to test the moisture at various depths.
To ensure optimal plant health, a pot with drainage holes is essential.
Water the plant thoroughly until water runs out the drainage holes. Then, allow the excess water to drain completely before placing the pot on a saucer or in a decorative planter.
Water considerably less in the winter months when the plant isn’t actively growing.
Ready Potting Mix
- For optimal growth, use an organic all-purpose potting mix.
DIY Recipe
- 3 parts Coir, 1 part Pumice, 1 part Bark, top dress with Worm Castings.
- Apply an organic all-purpose fertilizer every 2-4 weeks, from March to October.
Ideal Temperature Range
- 65-75 °F / 18-24 °C
Ideal Humidity
- 50-70%
Time to Maturity
- 2-3 years
Eventual Height
- 2-4 ft / 60-120 cm
Eventual Spread
- 2-3 ft / 60-90 cm
N. obliterata ‘Emerald Queen’
A compact and dense cultivar with bright green fronds and a slightly more upright habit than the species. It is more tolerant of low light and dry air than other ferns.
N. obliterata ‘Green Fantasy’
A cultivar with finely divided fronds that create a feathery and delicate appearance. It has a slower growth rate and a smaller size than the species. It prefers bright indirect light and high humidity.
N. obliterata ‘Verona Lace’
A cultivar with deeply cut fronds that create a lacy and elegant look. It has a faster growth rate and a larger size than the species. It requires bright indirect light and high humidity.
King of Air Plants
Tillandsia xerographica
Family: Bromeliaceae
Care Level: Easy to Intermediate
Toxicity: Non-toxic to people and pets
This air plant forms a dramatic rosette of silvery-green, curling leaves that resemble octopus tentacles. It can bloom once in its lifetime with striking red/purple flowers.
Bright Indirect Light – 150-250 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹
Place the plant 5 ft / 1.5m away from a south, west or east-facing window.
Ensure the plant does not have a direct view of the sky.
If direct sunlight on the leaves is unavoidable, a sheer curtain can be used to filter the light.
Consider a PAR Meter, or PAR Meter App to measure photosynthetically active radiation as PPFD (μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹).
Soak the entire plant in rainwater for 20-30 minutes every week from spring to autumn; mist in-between soaks.
Does not require soil. Can be mounted on driftwood, shells, or placed in a terrarium.
- Spray with an organic fertilizer formulated for bromeliads every 2-4 weeks, from March to October.
Ideal Temperature Range
- 65-85°F / 18-29°C
Ideal Humidity
- 50-70%
Time to Maturity
- 3-5 years
Eventual Height
- 12-24 inches / 30-60 cm
Eventual Spread
- 12-18 inches / 30-45 cm
T. xerographica var. trichophylla
Similar to the classic xerographica but with finer, hair-like leaves.
T. harrisii
More compact rosette with silvery-white leaves with a slight curl.
T. ionantha ‘ Fuego’
Green leaves with vibrant red tips that intensify with bright light. Flowers are red as well.
T. araujei
Broader, flatter leaves with a silvery-green sheen.
T. zaragozae
Smaller rosette with thin, curly leaves that are a vibrant green color.
Korean Rock Fern
Polystichum tsus-simense
Family: Dryopteridaceae
Care Level: Easy
Toxicity: Non-toxic to people and pets
Small, tufted, evergreen fern with broadly lance-shaped, leathery, glossy blue-green fronds.
Medium to Bright Indirect Light – 150-200 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹
Place the plant 6 ft / 1.8m away from a south, west or east-facing window.
Ensure the plant does not have a direct view of the sky.
If direct sunlight on the leaves is unavoidable, a sheer curtain can be used to filter the light.
Consider a PAR Meter, or PAR Meter App to measure photosynthetically active radiation as PPFD (μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹).
Water when the topsoil feels dry to the touch.
Use room temperature rainwater, distilled water, or reverse osmosis water.
To ensure optimal plant health, a pot with drainage holes is essential.
Water the plant thoroughly until water runs out the drainage holes. Then, allow the excess water to drain completely before placing the pot on a saucer or in a decorative planter.
Water considerably less in the winter months when the plant isn’t actively growing.
Ready Potting Mix
- For optimal growth, use an organic all-purpose potting mix.
DIY Recipe
- 3 parts Coir, 1 part Pumice, 1 part Bark, top dress with Worm Castings.
- Apply an organic all-purpose fertilizer every 2-4 weeks, from March to October.
Ideal Temperature Range
- 60-75 °F / 15-24 °C
Ideal Humidity
- 50-60%
Time to Maturity
- 2-3 years
Eventual Height
- 1-2 ft / 30-60 cm
Eventual Spread
- 12-18 in / 30-45 cm
P. tsus-simense ‘Nihonshibumi’
Compact, glossy, dark green fronds with deeply divided leaflets.
P. tsus-simense ‘Linearifolium’
Features long, narrow fronds ideal for terrariums.
P. tsus-simense ‘Pulcherrimum’
Distinguishable by its larger size and wider, slightly blue-green fronds.