Plus, they help to clean the air via the biolgical processes of photosynthesis and respiration (science IS fun!) Human beings have been beautifying their homes via potted greenery since the times of the ancient Egyptians and Greeks and, during the 15th century, explorers of the New World began collecting exotic plant specimens as gifts for their Kings and Queens. The cultivation of houseplants became a particularly popular hobby amongst the people of the Victorian era and, with the invention of the climate-controlling terrarium by a Dr. Nathaniel Ward, the number of exotic Palms, Jasmines, and Ferns became an increasingly common sight in European households. In the United States, the craze for houseplants reached its height during the 1950s and 1960s when homes began to be equipped with climate-controlling devices (air conditioning, heating, etc.) which allowed for suitable growing conditions for all manner of tropical plants. Today, the number of houseplants available to the consumer is endless, but most folks tend to stick to the reliable standards such as Pothos (often called 'ivy'), Mother-In-Law's-Tongue, and Philodendrons, to name a few. Recently, I discovered a beautiful little plant called the Silver Philo which looks and grows like a Pothos but has satiny, almost iridescent, leaves smattered with white spots. It is a fast and viny grower which does well in almost any household location so long as the light is filtered and somewhat abundant. It requires very little water and, in fact, does best without having its roots overly wet. Just like the Pothos, the vines can be cut and placed in a jar of water for rooting and cultivation of new plants. The Silver Philo is available at almost all nurseries and department stores such as Home Depot, Target, and Wal-Mart. If you're in the mood to add a new and unique touch of greenery to your bower, give the hearty and viny Silver Philo a try - it will do most of its upkeep all by itself ;-)Information source: http://houseplants.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_history_of_houseplants
