Last week, I shared a post about the health benefits of houseplants. (http://achievetruehealth.com/houseplants-more-than-merely-decorative/) Their benefits extend beyond the aesthetic; they help to purify the air inside your home and can counteract the effects of chemical outgassing from furniture. I promised more suggestions of plants to keep inside your home and how to care for them. Here they are!
CALATHEA (Calathea crocata) 
Although common as houseplants, the Calatheas are a stunning group of plants. With bold leaf markings as well as the bonus of the purple underside, they are a great choice for a shady room. They have lighter shade in summer and are brighter in winter. Keep them out of direct sun, as this will dull the color of the leaves and can be fatal. Keep well watered in summer; Calatheas love high humidity. Mist often and keep the compost moist in the summer. Brown tips show that the humidity is too low.
SPIDER PLANT (Chlorophytum comosum ‘Vittatum’)
You may remember this from your grandmother’s house; spider plants have been grown for years and are still popular today. Look for a number of varieties — from types with plain green leaves to others that offer foliage marked with cream or white stripes. All make handsome hanging plants that develop plantlets at the ends of arching stems. These babies readily root in water or potting soil to start new plants.
OILCLOTH FLOWER (Anthurium) 
If you can provide high humidity, Anthuriums will reward you with a fantastic display of incredibly bright almost fake-looking flowers. The flowering can go on all year in a variety of reds, pinks and whites. Heart shaped waxy leaves are a feature in their own right, providing the perfect foil for this wonderful flower. A liquid feed every two weeks over the growing season is a must.
EUROPEAN FAN PALM TREE (Chamaerops humilis)
The European Fan Palm (aka Mediterranean Fan Palm) is the only palm native to Europe, and is harder than most palms. Give it t