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My houseplants are currently being moved around – it’s a seasonal thing. My sunporch is a three-season room, and its temperature is not stable for plants through the winter. Since I like houseplants, I don’t mind. Three houseplants that have really grown this year include an asparagus fern, a Croton or Jospeh’s Coat plant, and a grape ivy plant. Although these plants are easy to grow, providing the right environment can sometimes mean change.

Asparagus fern

The asparagus fern (https://www.thespruce.com/grow-asparagus-ferns-1902714) isn’t a common houseplant, but can be successfully grown indoors. Asparagus fern is a fern in name and appearance only. It actually belongs to the family Liliaceae and is a relative of lilies, including tulips, daylilies, amaryillis, and hostas. In warm, humid climates, asparagus ferns can spread rapidly when planted outdoors and can become invasive. Asparagus fern is toxic to humans and pets. When an asparagus fern is content in its location, it produces small flowers and berries. The berries can be planted to propagate the fern. The asparagus fern thrives in dappled shade. Plant asparagus ferns in pots or containers in loose, well-drained potting soil. This plant loves humidity. Indoor growing conditions can often be dry, especially due to winter heat. Mist the plant, focusing on the arching stems. If the plant appears to be turning brown and droopy, it likely needs more water. While the asparagus fern can dry out to the point of appearing dead, it likely isn't. Warmer, humid air and misting will help revive it. Try to maintain a warm temperature (around 70 degrees Fahrenheit) and not dipping below 55 degrees Fahrenheit for too long. Feed asparagus fern with liquid or water-soluble all-purpose plant food diluted to 1/2 strength. During summer, the plant may need weekly feedings; otherwise, feed monthly. Asparagus ferns don't mind being slightly pot-bound and can go up to two years before repotting. I’ve had one asparagus fern for years and another for two years. They are very easy to grow.

Croton house plants

Croton house plants (https://www.plantandflowerinfo.com/plant-care-croton-houseplant) are one of the more colorful indoor tropical plants. It is hard not to notice this bushy, upright plant because of the vividly colored foliage. The Croton house plant, or Croton Petra Codiaeum variegatum, has leaves splashed with green, orange and red with the veins often yellow, depending on the variety. Sometimes referred to as Joseph's Coat, because of its many colors, Croton is a member of the Euphorbia plant family. One of its relatives is the Poinsettia, Euphorbia pulcherrima. From spring through summer, in high light let the potting media dry down one-fourth of its depth. With the Croton, remember that lighting and watering are relative to each other. Low light – like in the winter – will require less frequent watering. Croton should be kept in warm temperatures, with the minimum being approximately 60°F. Keep out of drafts and move away from windows in the winter if you live in a cold climate, as the glass can also get quite cold. Croton plants like high humidity which you can provide by placing on a humidity tray, misting frequently, grouping with other plants or placing in a room with naturally high humidity. Croton house plants will drop leaves if they are exposed to cold drafts, watering stress (under or over-watering) or insect infestations. In lower light situations, the variegation will fade and some lower and inner foliage will be lost. Keeping a Croton root bound will help avoid problems due to over-watering. The Croton plant I’ve had for the past two years has required little care. My only problem with this plant is remembering to turn it so that it doesn’t lean toward the light.

Grape Ivy

Grape ivy (https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/grape-ivy/grape-ivy-housepl...) is easy to grow. Count on this hardworking houseplant to thrive for years. Grape ivy is a vine and is pretty in hanging baskets and urns where it will cascade over the side. Also, when planted in a container with a trellis, the grape ivy is a bright vertical accent. Since mine is older and larger, I have provided a trellis. Medium to bright light is good for grape ivy. It grows well in average household temperatures and humidity. Grape ivy plants like temperatures between 68-82 F. Temperatures over or under this range tend to repress the growth of the long runners. Grape ivy grows best when its soil dries out slightly. Only water when the soil is dry to the touch, then water the plant thoroughly, allowing excess water to drain out of the bottom of the pot. Overwatering or excessively moist soil causes grape ivy to drop its leaves. Grape ivy doesn't require fertilization, but you will get faster growth with the application of an all-purpose houseplant fertilizer per label directions. The best time to fertilize is summer when the plant is actively growing. Soil considerations when growing grape ivy are important as the root systems require excellent aeration. A potting mixture of peat combined with particles such as bark, perlite, Styrofoam and calcined clay, is the best medium in how to care for grape ivy houseplants. This potting mixture will aid in water retention and yet, allow for excellent drainage. I have had my grape ivy plant for more than 15 years. The one time I had a problem was due to overwatering, and it recovered.

Peter Zumthor said, “My relationship to plants becomes closer and closer. They make me quiet; I like to be in their company” (https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/plants-quotes_2). I, too, like plants in my environment. So, moving houseplants from the sunporch into the house for the winter is not a problem. I enjoy having them – in any room.