Plants grown for the shape and or color of their leaves, where these traits are the more prominent characteristic are called foliage plants. Often utilised as part of the decor of living rooms and such, can be quite stunning additions, provided they are looked after. Foliage plants work well as indoor plants as they are more tolerant of inside conditions than most plants.

As a focal point, the large leaved varieties such as monstera deliciosa, rubber plants (Ficus elastica), saddle leaf philodendron (P. bipinnatifidum),umbrella tree (Schefflera), become "living decor" pieces and can give years of pleasure.

The size of the plants you choose for your living decor, of course depends on the available space you have. However, there are numerous small or dwarf varieties of most species.

How to Buy House Plants

Indoor plants that are raised in glass greenhouses in which the atmosphere is controlled and feeding and watering is regular, when brought into the average home, all of a sudden are faced with an entirely new environment, and can go into shock and sit there, sulking for weeks. Certainly there is less light, inadequate ventilation with doors generally closed, warmer temperatures, drafts, and dry air, all add to conditions for these plants that could be considered adverse. Then, of course, there is YOU. For some people the feeding, watering, and general care of their house plants is decidedly "hit and miss".

If you have purchased your plants from a supermarket, they are probably already suffering greatly. From fairly rough treatment by hordes of customers, passing traffic, desultory care by pimply teenagers, and the weakening effects of flourescent lights. I would always recommend visiting a reputable indoor plant nursery, for quality plants.

Here are a few pointers to take into consideration when purchasing your indoor plants.

1.Health.

Run your hands through the leaves, depending on the variety - in any case, "feel" the plant. A plant that\'s unsteady in its pot may not be well-rooted. This may be an indication of root-rot, or similar disease problems. Do the leaves and stems have resistance - do they spring back into position? Or are they limp, or "tired" looking? This can be an indication of a greater problem with the plant, or poor care - either way do not pick these plants. Being tactile with the plants, also gives you the opportunity to observe anything which may fall, or fly off, like caterpillars, or whitefly - this again is due to poor care. Change nurseries.

2.Attractive Ability.

Since it will be seen everyday of the year, plants need to be perennial, or evergreen. Nothing less attractive indoors than a pot full of twigs - waiting for spring.

3.Burden of Maintenance.

It is preferable to have varieties that are relatively slow-growing, as this reduces the amount of time necessary for pruning and training. Also, insects are attracted to new sappy growth as found with fast growers. Generally speaking, you really want to be fiddling with your house-plants as little as possible.

4.Crowded roots.

Check the bottom of the plant for roots coming out of the drainage holes. Roots emerging from holes in the pot don\'t necessarily mean that the plant needs re-potted, but is often an indication. Root bound plants will require re-potting when you get the plant home, similarly, if the soil is loose in the pot, this is an indication that it has recently been re-potted and is being sold too soon, you can tell this, if the soil pours out of the pot when you tip it on an angle. You are looking for plants that are established in their pots and therefore, stable soil.

5.Leggy plants or burnt leaf tips.

These are signs of a plant that has not received adequate care over a period of time. Spindly plants indicate a lack of adequate light, either due to the nursery itself, or over-crowding from too long on the benches.

6.Compare.

Don\'t just grab the first one you see. Separate a few pots out of the bunch and compare them all, for overall size, colour and general vitality. There will be runts in large groups of potted plants - nothing wrong with this, except that runts, will always be runts. Don\'t feel sorry for the runts, like you may do for a puppy - runt plants will only disappoint.

I hope these pointers have helped you choosing suitable foliage plants for indoors.