Flora and Fauna: House Plants with Animal Names, Part 2
We know from experience that many plant people are animal lovers too, and last August we explored the best of both worlds by highlighting a few plants whose unique features have earned them common names from the animal kingdom. If you looked at our last list and said “but wait — you’ve forgotten one!” you may find your plant on today’s list. So, from dragons to bunnies’ bellies, let’s take a look at some more cool plants with animal names!
String of Dolphins
Senecio peregrinus is a sweet vining succulent with foliage that looks a lot like jumping dolphins. It’s no wonder to us that so many people covet this plant! As a succulent, this plant wants a well-draining soil mix. They do require enough moisture to keep the “dolphins” from getting wrinkly, so give this plant a thorough watering once the soil has dried out.
Dragon Scale
If you want to feel like a true Targaryen, add Alocasia baginda to your plant collection! These gorgeous mythically named plants prefer bright filtered light, so make sure to protect the leaves from direct sun unless you want a burnt dragon. Make sure to not let the soil fully dry out between watering, just the top inch or two, but also do not let the plant sit in water. These pretty little dragons prefer to be in a looser, more loamy, potting mix in a snug pot. Also, a pebble tray or humidifier in the room would be a good idea.
White Bird Dracaena
The Dracaena warneckii is a common houseplant that can be found just about in any store that sells plants. Like all Dracaenas, these will tolerate lower light levels and a bit of neglect, but nothing too much unless you are a fan of brown leaf tips. Also, they are not fans of fluoride in water so if your city water contains it, you will have to water them with some other type of water. If you need a few tips on general Dracaena care, click here to check out our guide! All in all, these plants are a favorite that are easy to care for and will reward you with gorgeous growth.
Fishbone Cactus
The Epiphyllum anguliger is also known by the common name of “Ric Rac” cactus. These epiphytic cacti are best grown in a hanging basket or in a pot up high due to their trailing growth. If Epiphyllum anguiliger get enough sun, but not too much since in the wild they are protected from direct sunlight, they will bloom gorgeous, large, orchid-like blooms. Due to being epiphytes they are not as drought tolerant as their desert cacti cousins, so make sure to water these when they dry out, but not more frequently than that because they will get root rot. Also, they like higher humidity than a desert cactus does, but they will grow just as well in the humidity levels inside of a normal house. If you would like to know more about epiphytes and what the term means, click HERE.
Zebra Plant
Aphelandra squarrosa is a rain forest native with strikingly striped leaves, hence its common name. They appreciate bright indirect light, and being kept consistently moist (but not soggy!). These are humidity lovers, so if your home tends to be on the dry side, a humidifier or pebble tray will help keep this plant happy. Try to keep the zebra plant out of rooms that get cooler than 65 degrees Fahrenheit, and don’t place them in the path of any drafts.
String of Turtles
Peperomia prostrata is a vining plant with round, veined succulent leaves reminiscent of turtle shells. You can grow them in a hanging basket and let them trail, or allow them to creep — they make a lovely addition to a terrarium. While these rain forest natives like to be moist, be careful of over watering.
Baby Bunny Bellies
Tradescantia chrysophylla’s sweet common name comes from its velvety foliage. Its trailing growth habits make it a great candidate for a hanging planter. It prefers to be kept in medium-bright indirect light — the brighter the light, the less chance of your plant becoming too leggy. Give this plant a well-draining potting mix and water when the potting mix starts to dry out. As a Tradescantia, this plant can be pruned any time to keep it under control or to propagate!
Bird’s Nest Fern
Asplenium nidus is an epiphytic fern which, in its natural habitat, would be found growing in the crooks of tree branches. Like many ferns, these can be finicky as indoor plants and demand more warmth and humidity than a typical home might provide. This makes them excellent bathroom plants, for bathrooms that have windows and provide adequate filtered light for them.
Bear Paw
Cotyledon tomentosa gets its name from its adorable, fuzzy leaves with their “claws” at the tips. As an indoor plant, these sweet succulents want as much bright indirect light as you can give them. A sandy, well-draining soil mix and water when the potting medium has almost completely dried should keep your bear paw content during the growing season. In winter, they require less water — just enough to keep the “paws” from becoming wrinkly.
Starfish Plant
Stapelia hirsuta will give you impressive, star-shaped blooms — but watch out! These are also called “carrion plants” because those blooms give off an intense, not entirely pleasant odor. The smell is meant to attract insects for pollination. If that thought doesn’t deter you, you’re in luck because these plants are relatively laid-back and will thrive under a variety of conditions. Set them up with a gritty, well-draining soil mix and a spot with bright light.
If you want to see more awesome plants to add to your wish list or get tips and tricks from other plant owners, head over to HPH on Facebook to join our global community of plant lovers!