Foliage Plants Plants Care Guide
Plants grown primarily for decorative leaves
Featured Foliage Plants
Adelonema wallisii
Adelonema wallisii is a compact perennial aroid plant native to the humid tropical forests of Venezuela, Colombia, and Panama at altitudes of 300-500 meters. It features elliptic to ovate-oblong leaves measuring 13-20 cm (5-8 inches) long on short stalks, displaying bright green foliage with distinctive marbled yellow patterns. The leathery leaves arch or recurve gracefully, creating a lush appearance as they grow in a tidy rosette from underground stems. Reaching 15-25 cm (6-10 inches) in height with a wide horizontal spread, this species is notable for its resemblance to Aglaonema and Dieffenbachia species, particularly Aglaonema pictum 'Tricolor' and Dieffenbachia 'Reflector', due to its similar leaf variegation. Its slow growth rate and adaptability to indoor conditions make it popular for desktops, terrariums, or shelves. Reclassified from Homalomena wallisii in 2016 after botanical research revealed distinct characteristics.
Adiantum aethiopicum
Adiantum aethiopicum is a small fern growing in spreading clumps with fronds ranging from 10-45 cm (4-18 in) tall. It features wiry, branched rhizomes and horizontal or upright layered fronds divided into many small wedge-shaped segments. Distinctive sori (spore clusters) appear along the margins of the leaf undersides. This fern forms large colonies in moist environments and is recognized for its delicate, lace-like foliage structure.
Adiantum capillus-veneris
Adiantum capillus-veneris is a delicate fern species with light green, highly subdivided fronds featuring 5-10 mm long pinnae and distinctive black wiry rachises. It grows from creeping rhizomes, reaching 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) in height with fronds extending up to 27.5 inches (70 cm) long. Notable for its airy, lace-like foliage, this fern thrives in moist, sheltered environments and is valued both as an ornamental garden plant and indoor specimen. Its ability to grow on sandstone or limestone formations in shaded gorges makes it ecologically unique.
Adiantum peruvianum
Adiantum peruvianum is a striking fern species characterized by its glossy, dark black stems and distinctive circular to fan-shaped pinnules that can reach up to 10 cm in diameter. The bright green fronds emerge in a graceful, arching pattern that creates an elegant display. Its foliage appears to repel water droplets due to the hydrophobic properties of its leaves, a trait common in the Adiantum genus. This fern is particularly noted for its ornamental value and architectural foliage structure.
Aglaonema commutatum
Aglaonema commutatum is a tropical evergreen perennial plant in the Araceae family, known for its attractive foliage. It features glossy, lance-shaped leaves with prominent variegation patterns, often displaying silvery-green or gray-green markings. The plant grows in an upright, bushy habit and is primarily cultivated for its decorative leaves rather than flowers. Its hybrid cultivar 'Silver Queen' is particularly notable for its striking silvery leaf patterns and popularity as a low-maintenance houseplant.
Aglaonema modestum
Aglaonema modestum is a tropical evergreen plant growing 30–90 cm (1–3 ft) tall and 60–120 cm (2–4 ft) wide, featuring lance-shaped leaves measuring 200 mm × 100 mm (8 in × 4 in) on 300 mm (12 in) stalks. It produces occasional white spathe-and-spadix flowers followed by oval-shaped reddish fruits 25–75 mm (1–3 in) long. The plant grows from a central rosette and is valued for its lush foliage, with leaves emerging directly from the soil in a dense clumping pattern. Its ability to thrive in low-light conditions makes it distinct among tropical foliage plants.
- LightModerate to bright, indirect
- WaterRegular, allow to dry slightly
- Common IssuesLeaf spots, browning edges
Recommended For:
Getting Started with Foliage Plants
Foliage plants are grown primarily for their attractive leaves rather than flowers. These versatile plants offer a wide range of leaf shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns. From bold statement plants to delicate trailing varieties, foliage plants add texture and visual interest to any indoor space.
