CORDYLINE, DRACAENA & YUCCA :
All the three plants mentioned above are closely related and all belong to the agave family. The shape of the plant is what all three have in common. The rosettes carry on growing upwards as the old leaves drop off. In this way a long stem develops with a bunch of leaves at the top. It is this architectural shape, which has made them so popular in modern interiors. Besides, they are very strong and survive even in unfavourable conditions.

Dracaena Deremensis :
This is one of the easiest of houseplants. It can be grown in the sun but will also tolerate shade. The best place for it is full light without too much direct sun. It grows quickly when it is watered regularly, butt it should not be over watered. Older plants develop a tuft of leaves on the top with bare stems, because the lower leaves keep turning yellow and dropping off as time passes. The leaves are green as well as the variegated varieties with pale yellow bands on the green leaves are commonly found.

Cordyline Fruticosa
The bright green leaves have a pinkish red margin and often have cream coloured margins as well. Whether the plant keeps it's colour or not, depends on the location. If they are put in strong sun, the plants tend to loose their intense colours. To retain their colours, it is better to put them in a light spot out of the sun. Water sparingly at short intervals so that the soil remains moist. In winters the soil can be kept a little drier.

Yucca Elephantipes
The pointed, spineless leaves tolerate the full sun and also stay healthy for a long time with less light. It requires less water, so water moderately during summers and scantily in withers. Outside in the fresh air, it grows quite quickly than when placed inside a room.

FERNS
Ferns grow better in a slightly cooler atmosphere because the relative humidity tends to be higher. The heat damages the ferns. Some of the common ferns, which make good houseplants, are given below.

Adiantum Hispidulum
The leaves are made up of leaflets attached in long rows to leaf stalk, which are, in turn carried on black stalks. When put outside, place it in a shady and sheltered spot.

Adiantum Raddianum (Maiden Hair Fern)
A very delicate fern which responds immediately if not treated correctly. if the humidity of the air is to low, or if the fern has not been watered, the edges of the fine leaflets dry out. If you let the fern stand permanently in water, the whole plant dies, especially in a cool room. Put this fern in a light spot, but not in direct sunlight. These plants like humid places so the best place in the house for this fern is the bathroom!

FICUS
The unusual combination of withstanding low light and low humidity has made Ficus a most popular indoor houseplant. Some of these plants grow to great heights whereas some varieties grow to just a few centimeters above the ground.
Ficus Benjamina
It has small glossy leaves. Some have plain dark green leaves but variegated varieties have leaves, which are mottled-green and milky-green with a lot of white. It does not need much light and manages to grow well in the shade too, although the variegated varieties need more light and higher temperatures. The plant does not need too much water also. So do not water until the soil has almost dried out and make sure that no water remains standing in the pot. Sometimes you might see that the leaves are dropping. Leaf drop may be the result of too cold a location, or a draught or of lack of water.

Ficus elastica (Rubber Plant)
The rubber plant if kept in the light grows straight towards the light, branching like a crown only at the top. In a fairly dark spot, it will not usually branch, and will grow as a straight plant. Occasionally wipe the leaves, dip in buttermilk to give the leaves a beautiful sheen. It does not need too much light and no direct sun light. It can survive in the shade also. It does not require too much water, so water only when the soil feels dry.

ARUMS
These have beautifully coloured and shaped foliage. These also have special flowers which are arranged on a spadix, which is surrounded by a so-called spathe, a protective bract. Arums are tolerant of shade and dry air and this makes them ideal houseplants.
Monstera Deliciosa "Swiss Cheese Plant"
The leaves of the young plant are heart shaped. When the plant is grown in a light and not too dry spot, the new leaves will get deeply cleft margins. In ideal conditions, the leaves get larger and develop oval holes, making the plant look very ornamental. A light, humid location out of the sun is ideal, although it will grow in semi shade and tolerate dry air reasonably well. Water liberally in summers and less in winters.

Aglaonema Commutatum "Silver Queen" :
The leaves are about 8" long with patches of light colour along the veins. Keeping them healthy indoors is a great job. They do not like dry air and it is therefore necessary to spray water frequently or to use the "tray method". (This is done by putting the plant on an upside down saucer in a tray, and filling the tray with water to just below the bottom of the pot). It can take plenty of water, so what freely during summers and keep the soil moist in winters.
Philodendron
Erubescens

Philodendron Erubescens "Blushing Philodendron" :
A strong plant which does not need much looking after. It has thin red flushed stems which need support and so the growing plants are often tied around a moss stick. It does not need much light and water.