I have this window spot needing a lush, bushy houseplant. The houseplants forum suggested an AV. I know absolutely nothing about African Violets. I'd like a larger plant, do any grow wider/taller than 18"?? It's a south-facing bay window. Room stays around 68 degrees, I'd say. Heater/AC vent right under table probably balances cold from window and heat from duct in winter and vice versa in summer. Also, tips on growing the type you suggest? Thanks!
18"??? No way. LOL. That's a really nice spot for a plant, though. South window means that you don't get that much sun in the summer, but the rest of the year your light levels should be good. 68F is on the cool side, so you're probably safer staying away from the really tropical plants.
Will the plant get hit by the vent/duct air? If the air is dry, you want to pick plants that will put up wiht it. I should go check out your post in the houseplants forum.
I mostly grow orchids and gesneriads, so I probably won't be much help, though. There are some trailing gesneriads that do well in a hanging situation (does not have to be a basket - can hang them from a shelf or a tall ornamental structure), and there are some that can get big but they are rather unusual.
Thanks, keyring :) Okay, ya'll, sounds like maybe an AV was misdirected. Back to square one :)
Hugahosta,
I can offer a few suggestions that might maybe work.
The light you have there is good, but the room seems a bit cool and the air a little dry,so what might work is a plant in a terrarium. I have several and of course I'm partial but I think they are pretty cute.
A terrarium would keep the table clean of dead leaves and also would be pretty carefree if set up well. You could have a choice of a mixed planting or a single plant with a small vignette.
Another option might be a bromeliad, it would have to be misted once every couple of days and I'd probable try a neoregelia or maybe a veresia...they don't seem to mind the coolness tooo much.
Other options could be a philodendron, maybe the Vareigated satin one.
The coolness of the room combined with the light would help the variegation stay pretty...you could even put it under a fancy cake dome to prevent it from drying out???? That would be decorative as well as functional and would look nice with the lace table topper.
Even a small collection of cookie jars with snippets of plants placed in them could work.
I have several with some minature begonias in them that are really cute and they even bloom from time to time.
Well, there you have my 2cents worth..lol
Best of luck,
MsC
Philodendriums are a really good suggestion.
Ficus, Schefflera, some hoyas??? and pothos might be others you could try.
Thanks so much, ya'll! I looked at heart-leaf philodendron on PDB and really like it! Looks like maybe that's the plant for this space! :) I share a pic when I buy it :)
Hi Huga--
if AV's aren't going to work, during winter you could try two or three Amaryllis bulbs in a cache pot. I have a south facing bay window in my dining room and amaryllis work for me, especially from Thanksgiving thru Valentines Day. Very showy.
Then you might rotate it with a fern during other times of the year.... t.
hi hugahosta--I just bumped into this thread and can't resist adding my suggestion--I have south facing windows that are in the 60's at night- you should grow christmas cactus- mine work great in that kind of spot and bloom their heads off- so that's my 2 cents- have fun! sj
Thanks for the suggestion, sjms :) Actually, I wound up salvaging the spider plant that had previously been in this window. It's doing pretty well, been watering it more lately and it seems to appreciate it :) Not exactly what I wanted in the window, but I felt like I should give the little guy a second chance. Feels good to have rescued him atleast! LOL.
