Exotic Angel Plants

Exotic Angel Plants: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Exotic Angel plants are a popular choice among houseplant enthusiasts due to their unique shapes, vibrant colors, and relatively easy care requirements. These plants are not a specific species but rather a brand name that encompasses over 400 varieties of houseplants, all known for their high quality and aesthetic appeal. In this article, we will delve into the world of Exotic Angel plants, covering their types, care requirements, and propagation methods.

What Are Exotic Angel Plants?

Exotic Angel plants are a brand of hybrid foliage plants that come in a variety of colors and shapes. They are grown by Costa Farms, which acquired the brand from Hermann Engelmann Greenhouses, Inc. in 2014. These plants are bred specifically for indoor cultivation and are known for their lush, full appearance due to the practice of planting multiple cuttings in each container.

Types of Exotic Angel Plants

Exotic Angel plants include a wide range of species, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are some of the most popular types:

1. Philodendron: Known for its long, glossy leaves and trailing stems, philodendron can grow quite large, up to 4 feet tall.
2. Dracaena: This plant comes in various species and features long leaves that form a rosette shape. The leaves can be dark or light green or even striped.
3. Peperomia: These small, compact plants are ideal for indoor spaces and come in a wide range of colors and textures, including green, variegated, and metallic leaves.
4. Begonia: Begonias are known for their beautiful blooms and varied leaf shapes, from round to heart-shaped.
5. Calathea: Calathea plants have gorgeous, patterned leaves and thrive best in humid environments. They can tolerate lower light levels if needed.
6. Monstera Deliciosa: Also known as the Swiss Cheese Plant, this plant features enormous leaves with holes and can grow quite large, either climbing or trailing.
7. Nerve Plant (Fittonia albivenis): Known as a “mosaic plant” due to its small, green leaves with red, pink, or white veins, this plant is slow-growing and tolerates lower light and higher humidity.
8. Dieffenbachia: This plant is popular for its upright, cream, green, or yellow leaves and can handle low light conditions. It requires moderate watering and humidity.
9. Croton: Known for its bright red, yellow, orange, and green leaves, croton plants add color and energy to any space. They require plenty of light and moderate watering.
10. Hoya (Wax Plant): This vining plant features thick, curly leaves and may flower in proper lighting conditions. It requires moderate watering and can be displayed in a hanging basket or trellis.

Care and Maintenance

Caring for Exotic Angel plants is relatively straightforward, but it does require some attention to detail. Here are the key care guidelines:

• Lighting: Most Exotic Angel plants prefer bright, indirect light. However, some varieties can tolerate lower light levels. Check the specific care tag for your plant to ensure you provide the right amount of light.
• Watering: Water your Exotic Angel plants when the top inch or two of soil is dry. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. The frequency of watering varies by species, but generally, it ranges from once a week to every other day.
• Fertilization: Fertilize your plants every couple of months with a liquid fertilizer to encourage healthy growth.
• Pruning: Prune your plants regularly to keep them healthy and promote new growth. Remove any dead or damaged leaves and trim back lanky stems.
• Humidity: Some Exotic Angel plants, like calathea and nerve plants, prefer higher humidity. You can use a humidifier or place the plant on a tray filled with water and pebbles to increase the humidity around it.

Propagation

Propagating Exotic Angel plants is relatively simple and can be done through stem cuttings or water propagation. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Stem Cuttings:
   • Take a healthy stem cutting from your plant.
   • Remove lower leaves, leaving only a few at the top.
   • Dip the cut end in rooting hormone or propagation promoter.
   • Plant the cutting in a pot filled with moistened soil.
   • Keep the soil consistently moist but not saturated.
   • Roots should develop within a few weeks.
2. Water Propagation:
   • Take a healthy stem cutting and place it in a glass of water.
   • Ensure the node (where the leaf meets the stem) is submerged in water.
   • Change the water every few days to prevent bacterial growth.
   • Once roots develop, transfer the cutting to a pot filled with soil.

Table: Types of Exotic Angel Plants and Their Care Requirements

FAQ

Q: What is an Exotic Angel plant?
A: Exotic Angel plants are not a specific species but a brand name that encompasses over 400 varieties of hybrid foliage plants, known for their high quality and aesthetic appeal.

Q: How often should I water my Exotic Angel plant?
A: The frequency of watering varies by species, but generally, it ranges from once a week to every other day. Check the soil moisture by inserting your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle; if the soil feels dry, it’s time to water.

Q: Why is my Exotic Angel plant dripping moisture from its leaves?
A: This phenomenon is known as “guttation” and is a natural process where plants release excess water through their leaves. It is more common in plants that are overwatered or in high humidity environments.

Q: How do I propagate an Exotic Angel plant?
A: Propagation can be done through stem cuttings or water propagation. For stem cuttings, take a healthy cutting, dip it in rooting hormone, and plant it in moist soil. For water propagation, place the cutting in a glass of water until roots develop, then transfer it to soil.

Q: What are the common problems with Exotic Angel plants?
A: Common problems include overwatering, which can lead to root rot, and underwatering, which can cause leaf drop. Also, ensure your plant is receiving the right amount of light and humidity for its specific needs.

Q: Can Exotic Angel plants be grown outdoors?
A: While Exotic Angel plants are primarily bred for indoor cultivation, some varieties can be grown outdoors in shaded areas. However, they generally thrive best in indoor conditions.

Q: How do I prune my Exotic Angel plant?
A: Prune your plant regularly to keep it healthy and promote new growth. Remove any dead or damaged leaves and trim back lanky stems. Pruning should be done in early spring before new growth starts.

Conclusion

Exotic Angel plants offer a diverse range of beautiful and low-maintenance houseplants that can enhance any indoor space. By understanding their care requirements and propagation methods, you can ensure these plants thrive and provide years of pleasure.For more detailed information on houseplants and their care, you can refer to the Houseplant Resource Center or other reputable sources.

Wikipedia Link:

• Houseplant (General information on houseplants)

Additional Information

History of Exotic Angel Plants

Exotic Angel plants have a rich history, dating back to the 1970s when houseplants became highly popular. Hermann Engelmann Greenhouses, Inc., one of the oldest and most respected names in foliage plants, began cultivating these plants in Florida. After Engelmann’s death in 2014, Costa Farms acquired the brand and has continued to support and expand it.

Quality and Branding

The Exotic Angel brand is known for its high-quality plants. Each plant is carefully grown in greenhouses to ensure it is healthy and well-developed. The brand’s commitment to quality is reflected in their motto: “Taking Care Of Our Customers Is Taking Care Of Our Future”.

Environmental Considerations

When caring for Exotic Angel plants, it’s important to consider environmental factors such as lighting, humidity, and temperature. Most of these plants prefer temperatures between 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C) and moderate to high humidity, which can be achieved using humidifiers or placing the plant on a tray filled with water and pebbles.

Final Thoughts

Exotic Angel plants are a wonderful addition to any home, offering a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes to suit different tastes and environments. By following the care guidelines and understanding the specific needs of your plant, you can enjoy the beauty and benefits of these plants for years to come.