Aroid

Aroids are herbaceous, flowering plants in the family Araceae. This is a very diverse family or plants which includes many different genera. Some well known members often found as house plants include Aglaonema, Caladium, Dieffenbachia, Epipremnum, Monstera, Philodendron, Spathiphyllum, Syngonium and Zamioculcas. 

Why do so many houseplants happen to be Aroids? These plants evolved along the floors of jungles and forests in tropical regions, rarely getting direct sun if at all. The shady conditions in their native habitat means they are well-adapted to surviving in the indirect light of an indoor environment. 

In the wild, aroids often grow in loose leaf litter along the ground or epiphytically in the crooks of tree branches. Because of this, they have shallow root systems which can allow them to live happily in a pot. For a chunky, organic soil mixture that emulates the ideal airflow and moisture level for aroids, try my specialty Aroid Mix.