Company names top picks for interiorscapes

Kenneth Brewer, national technical and health and safety manager at Initial Tropical Plants, named his seven top office plants. These plants can be marketed with an environmentally conscious angle.

“Green plants bring us many benefits, both physiological and psychological. For some, just getting plants to live for the long term indoors is a challenge. Here are seven plants whose requirements are simply to satisfy,” Brewer said.

* ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia): The ZZ plant has thick fleshy leaves and naturally glossy leaves. It produces 2- 3-foot long pointed spears lined with alternating shiny dark leaves.

* Golden pothos (Scindapsus aureus): Golden pothos is a low-growing vine that typically doesn’t grow taller than 18 inches high, unless grown on a pole. It can be kept virtually anywhere in the home or office.

* Snake plant (Sansevieria): It can be used as an accent plant or en masse. It grows in high light or deep shade, and it tolerates low humidity, low water and low feeding.

* Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema): Chinese evergreens are available with dark-green leaves; some are variegated. They tolerate a wide range of light, as well as neglect, and are relatively resistant to pests.

* Peace lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii): The peace lily is an herbaceous perennial. Its long-lasting flowers start out pale green and slowly turn creamy-white as they open.

* Janet Craig (Dracaena Janet Craig): It’s available in bush and cane form and as a braided tree.

* Cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior): The cast iron plant grows well in a container or in the landscape.

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For more: Kenneth Brewer, Initial Tropical Plants, (847) 634-4250; kcb@initialplants.com.

March 2008