Who knows what goes on in the living room after you turn out the lights? Some of our most cheerful green friends have a sinister side, if you look at them just right.
Alien
A.K.A.: The African mask plant (Alocasia amazonica) is a type of elephant ear that needs lots of humidity, making it perfect for a bright bathroom. Just leave the night light on.
How to grow it: Needs bright indirect light, not right in a window. During spring and summer, keep soil moist and fertilize with slow-release houseplant fertilizer once a month. In fall and winter, stop feeding and water less often.
Tip: High humidity is essential; mist frequently or set pot on stones above a saucer of water.
Hellraiser
A.K.A.: Euphorbia horrida ‘Blue Ghost’ has scary-looking spines that are really dried flower stems, unlike the sharp defensive thorns of cacti.
How to grow it: Grow in cactus mix (extra-well-draining) in bright light, such as an east- or west-facing windowsill. Water and use half-strength fertilizer once a month or less in summer; water, without fertilizer, only once or twice all winter. Note: The milky sap of euphorbias can cause an allergic reaction.
Tip: Succulents and cacti, which come in many fantastic and ominous-looking shapes, thrive on neglect; the worst thing to do is overwater.
Greenfingers
A.K.A.: The smooth green stems of pencil cactus (Euphorbia tirucallii) look like something out of a Tim Burton movie. In India, it can grow to be a 30-foot leafless tree. As a houseplant in a big enough pot, it can reach 5 or 6 feet.
How to grow it: Needs a very bright location. Let soil dry out thoroughly between waterings. Feed with houseplant fertilizer every other month in spring and summer. Note: The milky sap of euphorbias can cause an allergic reaction.
Tip: When plant gets too tall, cut it back, being careful of the sap.
Reaching out
A.K.A.: The long fingers of staghorn fern (Platycerium bifurcatum) extend from its perch in trees in Pacific island jungles. As a houseplant, it can be tricky, but it looks cool.
How to grow it: Needs semishade and excellent drainage, like an orchid. Plants usually are wired with potting medium to a wood slab. Keep the plant’s crown moist; to fertilize (once a month during spring and summer), soak the slab in water with fertilizer added, then drain.
Tip: Use leftover fertilizer solution for other houseplants.
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Sources for scary houseplants
Don’t really be scared of houseplants; there are some (try snake plant) that hardly anybody can kill. Many garden centers and home centers carry standbys, such as spider plant, snake plant and Swiss cheese plant, as well as some cacti and succulents. You might find other spooky, creepy-looking plants if you go and browse around a good garden center. Be sure to ask for advice on caring for your new plants.
Here are a few local sources. None carries all of the plants in the story, so call ahead and check.
City Escape Garden Center and Design Studio, 3022 W. Lake St., 773-638-2000, or cityescape.net
Geimer Greenhouses, 2727 Illinois Highway 53, Long Grove; 847-358-6363 or geimers.com
Gethsemane Garden Center, 5739 N. Clark St., 773-878-5915, or gethsemanegardens.com
Jamaican Gardens, 8509 Frontage Rd., Morton Grove, 847-967-9360; or Jamaican Gardens North, 14595 W. Rockland Rd., Green Oaks (near Libertyville), 847-367-5570
Ted’s Greenhouse, 16930 S. 84th Ave., Tinley Park, 708-532-3575, or tedsgreenhouse.com
— Beth Botts
