Series: Plant Facts | Summer Season
If you're here, we are thrilled! You may have read our other blog, 'You Don't Have To Fake It'; if not, click the link below. Psst...here's a hint: It's an excellent resource for inspiration and ideas. As we dive into summer, you may want to improve your outdoor space; read below for a few fun indoor plant options to add to your outdoor oasis, plus some fun facts you may have never known about your plants!
We've all seen that perfect picture in a magazine and wonder what it would take to have a backyard oasis as beautiful as that? The answer is that it's easier than you think. No, you don't have to be loaded or even Martha Stewart to make your backyard pop and full of life. Check out the list below for the summer plant survivalists who will help you transform your outdoor space into that beautiful oasis you've always dreamed of!
Who needs a vacation when your oasis is in your own backyard???
THE LIST
ALOCASIA (Alocasia Sanderiana)
Common Name: Alocasia, Elephant's Ear, African Mask Plant
Care Level: Green Thumb
Light: Part-Sun/Part-Shade aka Bright & Indirect Light
Some large varieties can handle full direct sunlight, and their leaf color tends to be more defined.
Water: Moderate-High
Soil: Well-Draining + Moisture Retaining
Soil pH: Slightly acidic (5.5 to 6.5)
Humidity: High
Propagation: Division & Offsets
Toxicity: Highly toxic to dogs, cats, and kids
Growth Habit: Clumping
Mature Size: 2–10 ft. tall, 2-10 ft. spread (depends on species and variety)
Native Area: Subtropical Asia & Australia
Fun Facts | Alocasia:
Did you know that there are 80 accepted species of Alocasia? This diverse genus, often called "Elephant Ears" due to its large, lush, and strikingly patterned leaves, captivates plant enthusiasts worldwide. Native to tropical and subtropical Asia and Eastern Australia, Alocasia plants thrive in humid environments and indirect light, making them a favorite among indoor gardeners.
Interestingly, some species of Alocasia have been found to have some uses in traditional medicine. These applications highlight the plant's fascinating potential and historical significance in various cultures. Handling these plants with care and knowledge is essential despite their medicinal uses.
However, caution is essential as these plants are mostly highly toxic. Their beautiful leaves contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause severe irritation if ingested, so keeping them out of reach of pets and children is crucial. Whether you're a seasoned plant collector or a budding green thumb, the world of Alocasia offers endless exploration with an added note of caution.
Cordyline (Cordyline Terminalis)
Common Name: Cordyline, Hawaiian Ti Plant, Good Luck Plant
Care Level: Novice
Light: Part-Sun/Part-Shade
Water: Low
Soil: Well-Draining
Soil pH: 6.0-6.5
Humidity: High
Propagation: Stem Cuttings
Toxicity: Highly toxic to dogs and cats
Growth Habit: Upright with a canopy-like structure.
Mature Size: 3-6 ft. tall and wide
Native Area: Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia
Fun Facts | Cordyline:
Cordyline plants, known for their vibrant foliage and air-purifying qualities, offer numerous benefits for indoor environments. Their large, dark leaves can effectively absorb and eliminate harmful toxins from the air, including xylene, toluene, formaldehyde, and ammonia. These pollutants are commonly found in household items and can contribute to poor indoor air quality, making Cordyline plants a valuable addition to any home for cleaner air.
Despite their air-purifying properties and harmlessness to humans, Cordyline plants pose a higher toxicity risk to cats and dogs. If ingested by pets, the plant can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Therefore, keeping Cordyline plants out of reach of your furry companions is crucial to prevent any potential health issues.
Cordyline plants are relatively fast growers when provided with the right conditions. Most varieties produce strikingly bright pink leaves on new growth, making them a stunning addition to any patio or indoor space. Their ability to thrive and produce colorful foliage adds a vibrant touch to any garden or home decor.
According to The Spruce, "Ti plants prefer to be watered when the surface of the soil feels dry. Water until it starts to run out of the drainage holes. Do not put the drained water back into the plant." This watering routine ensures that the plant receives adequate moisture without becoming waterlogged, promoting healthy growth and preventing root rot.
(Want to know how to create a perfect patio planter? Click the button below to check out our Partial Sun Planter Blog)
Croton (Codiaeum Variegatum)
Common Name: Croton, Garden Croton
Care Level: Green Thumb
Light: Bright, Indirect Sunlight
Water: Medium, Evenly Moist
Soil: Well-Draining
Soil pH: Acidic
Humidity: High
Propagation: Stem Cutting, Air Layering
Toxicity: Toxic
Growth Habit: Upright
Mature Size: 3–8 ft. tall, 3–6 ft. wide
Native Area: Asia
Fun Facts | Croton:
There are several cultivars "types" of this plant, each equally beautiful. However, almost too many to list. Here are some favorites; 'Revolution' (Corkscrew-like leaves), 'Dreadlocks' (Long, strappy, curly droopy leaves), 'Harvest Moon' (Dark green with yellow veins in the leaves), 'Petra' (Most common, colorful oval leaves that come to a point).
The Croton is a stunning addition to any outdoor space, particularly during summer, when its vibrant foliage can truly shine. With leaves ranging from bright yellow and orange to deep red and purple, the Croton adds a dynamic burst of color that can complement any garden or patio setting.
Remember, if the colors are what attract you to this plant, ensure it gets enough light. Otherwise, while it is easy to grow, the color can drain right out of those beautiful leaves and revert to a primarily green leaf with yellow veins.
Its bold and variegated patterns make it an eye-catching focal point, creating a tropical and lively atmosphere. Moreover, Crotons are relatively easy to care for and thrive in warm, sunny conditions, making them an ideal choice for adding a touch of exotic beauty and visual interest to your outdoor spaces during the summer.
Hibiscus (Hibiscus)
Common Name: Hibiscus
Care Level: Novice
Light: Full Sun
Water: High
Keep this baby consistently hydrated!
Soil: Moist but Well-Draining
Soil pH: Acidic, neutral
Humidity: Moderate-High
Hardy hibiscus grows well in cool, temperate climates, but if you want those blooms, it thrives in temperatures between 60 to 90 degrees F and tolerates lows down to minus 30 degrees F.
Propagation: Stem Cuttings
Toxicity: Non-Toxic
Growth Habit: Upright
Mature Size: 3-10 ft. tall, 2-8 ft. wide
Native Area: Asia, North America (Missouri)
It's all about the blooms!
Bloom Time Summer, fall
Flower Color White, red, pink, yellow, orange, purple
Fun Facts | Hibiscus:
This lovely plant provides important ecological, culinary, and medicinal values. But what attracts most to this beautiful delight? The aesthetics of these babies are renowned for their showy, large flowers, making them an outdoor patio favorite.
"There are about 220 different species of hibiscus in the world, and each variety differs in size, shape, and color."
-Just Fun Facts
The Hibiscus is a prolific blooming plant. While temperatures in the Pacific NW are generally too cold in April and May, these plants will reward the patient gardener with blooms from May through September. Keep in mind that the Hibiscus blooms only last a couple of days. However, buds will continue forming over the plant and bloom all summer.
The flowers are trumpet-shaped with five or more petals and can vary in color from red, orange, peach, yellow, purple, pink, or white. Most species are used to attract pollinators; the nectar itself is a crowd favorite of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
MANDEVILLA (Mandevilla Spp.)
Common Name: Mandevilla, Rocktrumpet
Care Level: Novice
Light: Full Sun
Water: Moderate
The Mandevilla can withstand dryness, prefers a consistent level of moisture, keep the soil damp and not soggy.
Humidity: High
Soil: Moist But Well-Draining
Soil pH: Acidic, neutral
Propagation: Stem Cutting
Toxicity: Non-Toxic
Growth Habit: Vining
Mature Size: 3–10 ft. tall, 3–4 ft. wide
Native Area: North America, Central America, South America
It's all about the blooms!
Bloom Time Summer, fall
Flower Color Pink, red, white
Fun Facts | Mandevilla
The Mandevilla, known for its stunning trumpet-shaped flowers and lush green foliage, is a fantastic addition to any outdoor space. This tropical vine adds elegance and vibrant color to gardens, patios, and balconies with its shades of pink, red, white, and yellow. Its ability to climb trellises and fences adds vertical interest and creates beautiful natural screens.
Named after British diplomat Henry Mandeville, this plant has a long blooming season from late spring through the first frost, ensuring a colorful display for most of the year. Despite its exotic appearance, Mandevilla is surprisingly low-maintenance and thrives in various conditions, making it suitable for novice and experienced gardeners.
Mandevilla also attracts pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, supporting local ecosystems. To keep your Mandevilla thriving, plant it in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight and provide regular watering and occasional feeding. With its stunning flowers, ease of care, and ability to attract pollinators, the mandevilla is a wonderful addition to any outdoor space.
'ORANGE' BIRD OF PARADISE (Strelitzia Reginae/Strelitzia Nicolai)
Common Names: Bird of Paradise, Crane Flower
Care Level: Novice
Light: Full Sun
Needs protection from the direct midday summer sun,
as it can cause leaf burn in younger plants.
Water: Moderate, High
Humidity: High
Soil: Loamy, Well-Draining
Soil pH: Slightly acidic
Propagation: Seeds, Division
Toxicity: Mildly Toxic
Growth Structure & Habit: Clumping
Mature Size: 3.5-6 ft. Tall, 3-4 ft. Wide
Native Area: Africa (South Africa)
Fun Facts | Orange Bird of Paradise:
Hence the name of this plant; sunbirds pollinate the flowers! The spathe of this flower is used as a perch when visiting the flowers. When standing, the bird's weight opens the spathe, releasing the pollen onto the bird's feet, which is spread to the next flower it visits.
The Orange Bird can tolerate full sun, and its upright growth habit provides excellent options for base planting. You may notice that the leaves are susceptible to splitting from the midline of the leaf to the edge. While this can be avoided with proper watering, this is common as they mature and frankly adds some interest to the plant.
Be creative with the base planting, as each plant will have a terrific opportunity to be highlighted in its beauty, given the height of each stem.
The Bird of Paradise doesn't attract natural insect pollinators; if no sunbirds exist, the plant will have difficulty successfully setting seeds.
Robellini Palm (Phoenix Roebelenii)
Common Names: Phoenix Roebelenii
Care Level: Novice
Light: Full sun, Partial sun
Water: Low-Moderate
Humidity: High
Soil: Moist, Well-Drained
Soil pH: Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
Propagation: Offsets (Must have established roots)
Toxicity: Pet Friendly (thorny stems, be advised)
Growth Habit: Upright
Mature Size: 6-12 ft. Tall, 5-10 ft. Wide
Native Area: Asia
Fun Facts | Robellini Palm:
The Robellini Palm, also known as the Pygmy Date Palm, is a pet-friendly plant with certain edible parts for humans, such as ripe fruits. Its unique safety around pets makes it a popular choice for households with furry companions. However, be cautious of the tiny barbs on its stems and handle with gloves to avoid any prickly encounters.
Ideal for patios, this palm thrives in full sun, making it perfect for outdoor spaces with abundant sunlight exposure. Its narrow, lacy leaves add an intriguing architectural element to any setting, creating a captivating play of light and shadow that enhances the ambiance of the patio environment.
Moreover, the Robellini Palm acts as a natural filter for sunlight, providing a cool and refreshing atmosphere. Its foliage effectively diffuses sunlight, reducing harsh glare and heat and making the patio area more comfortable and inviting. Whether you're looking for a pet-friendly option, an architectural accent, or a natural sun filter, the Robellini Palm offers aesthetic appeal and practical benefits for your outdoor space.
Sago Palm (Cycas Revoluta)
Common Names: Sago Palm, King Sago, Cycad, Japanese Sago
Care Level: Novice
Light: Full, Partial
Water: Medium to Dry
Humidity: Medium
Soil: Sandy, Moist, Well-draining soil
Soil pH: Acidic
Propagation: Seed, Offsets
Toxicity: Highly Toxic
Growth Structure & Habit: Upright
Mature Size: 3–10 ft. Tall and Wide
Native Area: Asia
Fun Facts | Sago Palm:
The Sago Palm's striking appearance and low maintenance needs make it an ideal centerpiece for an outdoor patio oasis. Its prehistoric charm and glossy, fern-like fronds create a tropical vibe that transforms your space into a relaxing retreat. Plant it in a large container to control its growth and move it around to catch the best sunlight, or redesign your patio layout.
Despite its many advantages, it's important to note that the Sago Palm is highly toxic to pets. Every part of the plant, especially the seeds, contains cycasin, which is poisonous if ingested. This can cause severe liver damage and even be fatal to dogs and cats. Therefore, if you have pets, it is crucial to keep Sago Palms out of their reach or consider choosing a non-toxic alternative for your garden.
In summary, the Sago Palm is a fantastic addition to any patio or deck, bringing a unique blend of ancient history and tropical beauty to your outdoor living space. Just remember to ensure the safety of your furry friends by keeping this plant away from areas they can access. Enjoy creating your stunning patio oasis with this remarkable and resilient plant!
(Coming Soon: Pet-Friendly: Houseplants Blog)
Snake Plant (Dracaena/Sanservieria Trifasciata)
Common Name: Snake Plant, Mother-in-Law Plant, Mother-in-Law's Tongue
Care Level: Novice
Light: Bright, Indirect (Few Hours of Early Morning Direct Sunlight)
Water: Low
Soil: Coarse, Sandy, Well-Draining
Soil pH: Slightly Acidic to Slightly Alkaline
Humidity: Low
Propagation: Division
Toxicity: Mild Toxicity (Toxic to Dogs and Cats)
Growth Structure & Habit: Upright
This particular beauty has an architectural structure and appearance comparable to fire.
Mature Size: 6 in. to 12 ft. tall in native habitat; 2-5 ft. tall as a houseplant
Native Area: West Africa (Tropical)
Fun Facts | Snake Plant:
While many plants have air-purifying qualities, snake plants are among the best. Unlike other air-purifying plants, they release oxygen at night through a process called Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM). This unique feature makes them ideal for improving indoor air quality, particularly in bedrooms where oxygen levels can dip at night.
The secret lies in their stomata, the part of the plant responsible for gas exchange. Unlike most plants, snake plants open their stomata at night to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. This adaptation allows them to avoid dehydration in arid conditions while efficiently purifying the air. During the day, stored organic acids facilitate photosynthesis, ensuring the plant's continued growth and vitality.
In addition to their air-purifying qualities, snake plants can enhance outdoor spaces' aesthetic appeal. Their sleek, upright foliage adds a modern touch to gardens, patios, and balconies, making them an excellent choice for incorporating greenery into your outdoor decor. With their low maintenance requirements and impressive air-purifying abilities, snake plants are a versatile and stylish addition to any outdoor space.
(Click the button below to check out our blog on air-purifying plants)
Washingtonia Palm (Washingtonia Robusta)
Common Name: Mexican Fan Palm, Skyduster
Care Level: Novice
Light: Full Sun
Water: Low (Let Dry Out Between Waterings/Drought Tolerant)
Soil: Loamy, Sandy, Silt, Well-drained
Soil pH: Acidic, Neutral
Humidity: Moderate (This Palm Is Both Heat & Cold Tolerant)
Propagation: Seed
Toxicity: Not Toxic (But Can Pose Risk b/c Of Texture)
Growth Structure & Habit:
Mature Size: 50-100 ft. Tall, 8-10 ft. Wide
Native Area: Central America
Fun Facts | Washingtonia Palm
The Washingtonia Palm, or Mexican Fan Palm, enhances outdoor patios or decks with a tropical vibe. These palms can reach up to 100 feet but can be maintained at a manageable height through pruning. Their large, fan-shaped leaves, up to 5 feet in diameter, provide excellent shade, creating a relaxed, relaxing atmosphere.
Rapid growers, Washingtonia palms can add up to 3 feet annually, quickly transforming your outdoor space. They thrive with regular watering and adapt well to various soil types, including coastal areas. Hardy to temperatures as low as 18°F, they suit USDA zones 9 to 11.
Ideal for container planting, these palms can be easily moved and styled to fit your patio or deck design. They create natural shade and add a striking, lush aesthetic, perfect for a tropical oasis. Despite its name, the Washingtonia palm is often associated with California's sunny, laid-back vibe, making it an iconic symbol of the state's landscape. Their unique look and fast growth make them a versatile, fun addition to any outdoor space.
NOW GO HAVE FUN IN THE SUN!
We hope these plant ideas inspire you to create a beautiful, vibrant outdoor space this summer! Whether you opt for a colorful blooming plant or a towering palm tree, incorporating plants into your decor is a great way to create a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere. Remember, don't forget to water them regularly and give them plenty of sunlight. Happy decorating, and enjoy the fresh air and greenery!
Adding various plants to your outdoor space enhances its aesthetic appeal and promotes a healthier environment. Plants can reduce stress, improve mood, and increase overall well-being by providing a natural and serene setting. Consider mixing different types of plants to create a dynamic and engaging garden that reflects your style and preferences. From the lush foliage of ferns to the delicate blooms of flowers, each plant brings its unique charm to your space.
Furthermore, pay attention to the potential of container gardening. If you have limited ground space, using pots and planters can help maximize your gardening area and add versatility to your outdoor decor. You can quickly move plants around to catch the best sunlight or create new arrangements to keep your garden looking fresh. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting these plant ideas can help you transform your outdoor space into a tranquil retreat. Enjoy the process and beauty of cultivating your own green oasis.
SOURCES
"20 Indispensable Facts about Snake Plants: Sansevieria Care." Planterina, Planterina, 21 Oct. 2019, https://planterina.com/blogs/get-planted/20-indispensable-facts-about-snake-plants.
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Camilleri, Lauren, and Sophia Kaplan. Plantopedia: The Definitive Guide to House Plants. Smith Street Books, 2020.
"Cordyline 'Terminalis'." MyBageecha, https://mybageecha.com/products/cordyline-terminalis.
"Hibiscus Facts." Soft Schools, Soft Schools, https://www.softschools.com/facts/plants/hibiscus_facts/946/.
"Interesting Facts about Birds of Paradise Flower: Just Fun Facts." Just Fun Facts | Fun and Interesting Site, 26 Aug. 2020, http://justfunfacts.com/interesting-facts-about-birds-of-paradise-flower/.
Lowry, Connor. "Fun Flower Facts: Birds of Paradise (Strelitzia Reginae)." Grower Direct Fresh Cut Flowers Presents..., WordPress, 9 Mar. 2013, https://funflowerfacts.wordpress.com/2013/03/09/fun-flower-facts-birds-of-paradise-strelitzia-reginae/.
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Michaels, Kerry. “How to Grow Mandevilla.” The Spruce, The Spruce, 19 Sept. 2022, www.thespruce.com/growing-dipladenia-or-mandevilla-in-containers-847910.
Puisis, Erica. “Mexican Fan Palm: Plant Care & Growing Guide.” The Spruce, The Spruce, 27 June 2023, www.thespruce.com/mexican-fan-palm-care-guide-5704076.
"Pygmy Date Palm Tree." All About Palm Trees, https://www.allaboutpalmtrees.com/pygmy-date-palm-tree.
Sears, Cori. “How to Grow and Care for Robellini Palms.” The Spruce, The Spruce, 6 Feb. 2024, www.thespruce.com/robellini-palm-plant-profile-5191248.
Steinkopf, Lisa Eldred. Houseplants: The Complete Guide to Choosing, Growing, and Caring for Indoor Plants. Cool Springs Press, 2017.
VanZile, Jon. “Croton Plant Care: Everything You Need to Know.” The Spruce, The Spruce, 30 Aug. 2022, www.thespruce.com/grow-codiaeum-variegatum-1902750.
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