Indoor Foliage Plants: Selection, Care & Repotting Guide

Alsip Nursery boasts one of the largest houseplant selections in Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland. From compact 3" starters to statement floor plants in 17" containers, the range includes Dracaena, Anthurium, Dieffenbachia, Pothos, Philodendron, Spathiphyllum, ferns, and many more—often in multiple varieties. Can't find what you're looking for? Ask about special orders.

Beyond aesthetics, foliage plants reduce stress, combat winter blues, and purify indoor air. Most are grown for their leaves—green, variegated, or vividly colored—though some bloom occasionally.

General Care Principles

While specific needs vary, most foliage plants thrive in bright rooms with good air circulation, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Colorful-leaved varieties generally need more light to maintain their pigmentation.

Featured Plants

Anthurium

Native to rainforest canopies, anthuriums need bright indirect light and consistently moist (not wet) soil. A pebble tray boosts humidity. With proper conditions, they can bloom year-round. Call for availability.

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Cordyline

Upright, sword-like foliage in vivid colors makes a bold statement. Provide bright indirect light and moderate moisture. Cordylines are salt-sensitive—use organic fertilizer and avoid softened water. Brown leaf tips indicate salt buildup. Common in 10" pots; sometimes available in 6".

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Dracaena

Popular varieties include Corn Plant (D. fragrans 'Massangeana') and Dragon Tree (D. marginata). Upright growers in 6" to 14" containers. They prefer indirect light and moderate moisture. Slow to need repotting due to shallow roots. Leaf drop on lower stems is normal, especially on Dragon Tree. Larger sizes available year-round.

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Ferns

Ferns favor shady spots away from direct sun. Keep soil evenly moist—never let them dry out. A pebble tray adds welcome humidity. Prized for diverse textures and colors. Winter greenhouse varieties are typically not cold-hardy. Sizes 3" to 12", August through March.

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Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Easy-care plants with white spike flowers once or twice a year. Drooping leaves signal thirst. Salt-sensitive—use rain or bottled water if you have a softener, and choose organic fertilizer. Brown leaf tips indicate salt stress. Available 3" to 14", August–March.

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Pothos & Philodendron

Distinct but similarly carefree trailing plants. Indirect light and moderate moisture keep them happy. They tolerate neglect well. Trim long vines as needed. Available from 3" pots to 10" hanging baskets and totem forms, August–March.

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Seasonal Houseplant Care Guide

Winter Months

• Bright indirect light; avoid direct sun.
• Keep plants 2+ feet from cold windows.
• Distance from heating vents and drafty doors.
• Allow soil to dry 1/3 down between waterings.
• No fertilizer.

Spring & Summer

• Indoors: bright indirect light, southern exposure.
• Outdoors: shade only—no direct sun.
• Keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
• Water thoroughly until it drains freely.
• Protect from harsh winds on patios.
• Keep away from A/C vents.
• Fertilize regularly with houseplant formula per label directions.

Repotting

• Generally annually, or when moving plants in/out for seasons.
• Size up only 1–2 inches larger.
• If rootbound, gently tease roots outward before replanting in fresh potting mix with slow-release fertilizer.