Plant Identification Help

[vacfanatic]

My neighbor lady gave me 2 potted plants that were in a funeral flower basket for her mother. I'm not sure if these will survive in the house, what they are, or if they are toxic. My dog just sniffed them, but I want to try and figure out what these are before I determine if I should keep them.

I've been trying to identify them by online websites, and it's mind boggling.

Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks,
Andrew

 

[vacfanatic]

Second Plant

Here is the second plant I need help figuring out what it is.

 

[tomturbomatic]

The first plant looks like a variety of Croton. They need very bright light and lots of misting while inside to fight red spider mites. At lower light levels the new leaves will contain more green than other colors.

The second plant is a Spathiphyllum. It does not need as much light and cannot take direct sunlight. They are pretty easy to care for.

 

[washernoob]

My grandma has quite similar plants in her house. Cant imagine they are bad for you.
And she knows her plants too. Oh my! Thats all she does, is work in the gardens of her huge yard.

I used to know my plants quite well. My grandparents would teach me the different types, and how to properly upkeep certain types. I still know some about it. But its been years since I have had any use for the information, and its faded.

I can still split a hosta properly!

 

[ronhic]

They're both indoor plants that will do well with filtered rather than direct sunlight.

Spathiphyllums seem to get a HUGE amount of use here on reception desks which are often nowhere near a window.

They need regular, but not too much, water but this will depend on hot warm it is. A good guide for the spathiphyllum is that the leaves should be soft but not 'droop'. As soon as you see them start to do so they're thirsty and should be given a couple of cups of water.

Initially, I'd give them sufficient so that the water just starts to come out the bottom of the pot, and then just enough to keep the soil slightly damp when you stick your finger in about an inch...(which will probably be a couple of cups a week)

 

[vacfanatic]

Thanks!!! - Another to identify

Tom / Chris,

Thanks so much - I can take care of a lawn, but house plants are pretty new to me. Tonight she brought me one more that she said she left in her garage and it looks like it's starting to die. I gave it some water and I think it'll be ok.

Any idea what this one is called?

The other 2 that you both helped me identify look like good plants to keep - I just have to make sure the dog doesn't take interest in them. Once I see that they are going to live, I'll go get all of them some nice pots for the house.

Appreciate the help!

Thanks,
Andrew

 

[washernoob]

Those look like Azaleas.

 

[ronhic]

The last one will live quite happily outside. Keep it in a sheltered, but well lit area away from direct sun (which will burn the flowers) and frost...

The side of the house that gets some morning sun but is out of the sun for the rest of the day should be good work...

You can plant them in the garden and they will look fantastic when they bloom....or keep them in a suitable pot (noting that when they get about twice the size of the pot, its time for a new one) and bring them in when they flower for a great display...

...as for the dog, give the outside of the pots a wipe over with white vinegar. That should deter him lifting his leg on them. The smell will only last 24hrs (from our point of view) and he should keep well away...

 

[ronhic]

...and it is a member of the rhododendron family...

..and unless you have horses grazing in your yard you can dismiss the toxicity issues - I have never heard of any domestic animals eating it...

Rhododendron - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[vacfanatic]

Thanks!

Hey Brandon - thanks Looks like an Azalea to me too - it's hard to know how to look these up online too.

I guess I should get a flower book.


Andrew

 

[vacfanatic]

Thanks again Chris

Thanks Chris!!! Good tips. I don't think he'll pee on them but he does pee on my plants outside if given the chance... LOL

Appreciate the help

Andrew

 

[tomturbomatic]

If the azalea came from a florist, it could be a hot house variety of azalea that will not stand winter cold. Check for a tag or tab stuck in the dirt to see if there is any information about the plant. Anything like an azalea blooming at this time of year up here has obviously been raised in conditions that are not like the outdoors. The azalea needs to be kept in a place that is coolish and well lighted with frequent misting for humidity and to keep down red spider mites. You could try contacting a florist to ask about the azalea. If you neighbor has the card that came with it, you might be able to contact the florist that sent it to ask them about its hardiness, but don't be disappointed if you are told that it cannot live outside in your winters. You can set it out in the yard in its pot during the late Spring thru early Fall period. Keep it well watered and give it some Miracid or other soluble plant food once after the flowers drop and then again thru the Spring & Summer. It will probably take a year to adjust its flowering cycle to bloom in the spring. If you are not really into coddling plants, enjoy it then send it to someone in Florida. Azaleas are not good houseplants.

 

[polkanut]

The 2nd plant pic you posted is commonly called a "Peace Lily". The 3rd plant is definitely an azalea. When my father-in-law died, my wife over watered the azalea that she received from the corporate CPA. Ever since then she's gun shy about watering plants for fear her "black thumb" will make a reappearance.