Can anyone id these two? The kid at Lowes couldn't help.

The first is a diffenbachia & the second an anthirrium --- I think I spelled anthirrium correctly. I'll go check. BRB.

Spelled the first one wrong. It's Dieffenbachia
http://garden.org/plants/brows...

Anthurium:
http://garden.org/plants/brows...

Ditto!

Hmmm...thank you. I looked these up and they're HOUSE PLANTS!?!? I saw photos of them outside though. Maybe they'd be ok here in SoCal's warmer climate? Maybe bring them in during the winter?

I think you'll be fine doing that Mike. They may be listed as houseplants but that's all relative you know. Those 2 items grew outdoors (in pots) where I lived in zone 10 Florida & the only time it would be necessary to bring them in would be an odd freeze. A frost would only require a blanket over them for the night. Just be sure to give them enough shade outdoors.

Oh, btw, an interesting thing about the Anthurium..... when you water it then it will get a drop of water hanging off the tip of the leaves --- that's how I always gauged I had watered it just right. It's so cute & funny but also something to be aware of when they are indoors as the water drops can damage the finish on certain wood tables or floors.

Thanks Ann! Very helpful. I thought they looked cool, but was worried about having them in the house full time (3 little one's under 5 yrs old) that I might not be able to have them at all.

I think I might give them a try. To my untrained eye, they look like hostas, which I've have trouble with because of the sun exposure.

Thanks again,
Mike

YVW Mike!

Yup, be very careful with the kids Mike ~~~ some real dangerous stuff if they decide to eat it or even crush a leaf & then put their hand to their mouth ~~~ also applies to pets. Frankly, I never brought mine inside even when it was going to freeze. They were on the front porch (roof over) & if it was going to freeze I would put a string of Xmas lights on them & then I would cover them with a blanket. The built up heat in the concrete slab, the roof overhead & being against the wall of the house all combined with the lights & blanket keep them warm enough. When we had freezes it was never freezing for 6 or 8 hours anyway ~~~ maybe it got to freezing for 1-3 hours.

If you are ambivalent about house plants, it's probably best to take these back with 3 small kids in the house, unless you did want to make the kind of effort described to ensure they don't freeze over winter outside. Plants discard leaves occasionally, especially in less than optimal care, which is likely from the description of how you inadvertently acquired house plants instead of 'finding a plant you wanted.' If inside, a leaf on the floor occasionally would be likely. I might recommend something harmless to begin the learning curve, and while kids are small, if you did want to get started with house plants. A surprising number of them can cause dermatitis (similar to poison ivy) from touching their sap, and other issues if put in mouth or eyes. The reason Dieffenbachia is called dumbcane is interesting, as long as it stays in writing. I would gently steer you away from the Aroid family in general, known for containing so many alkaloids, of which both these plants belong. How about a cute little palm tree or snake plant? A pretty Ti (Cordyline) plant? Much more benign and forgiving of beginner care/average house conditions.

Keep in mind that most plants are toxic to some degree, so if you are worried about what you can have inside, you might consider doing your research first and then go out to try to locate plants you feel would be safe in your home. Did you know that tomato plants are highly poisonous? The tomatoes are sure yummy, tho!

As for those two you just purchased, as tropicals, they do prefer higher humidity and higher/brighter light. The dieffenbachia is better suited as a houseplant and will better handle drier indoor air, but the anthurium should do ok. Both will appreciated daily spritzing with water from a spray bottle.

In your zone, tho, both should have no problems living outdoors year round.

Sorry Folks, I haven't bought anything! I'm not sure where everyone got that impression. I don't have nor will I ever have houseplants. I just wanted to know if they would do well OUTSIDE, here in SoCal.

SoCalDawg said:Maybe they'd be ok here in SoCal's warmer climate? Maybe bring them in during the winter?

The pics don't look like plants in a display at a store. You probably set them on the floor to get a good pic, perfectly reasonable. Plants brought inside for winter are house plants. It sounded like that's what you wanted to do when I read the above questions. Now not sure if you intend to find plants to go in the ground, or for pots? Not that I could suggest either well to someone in such a different climate, but those who could help would need to know that. Hope you find whatever it is you want!

Mike, Both would be fine outdoors during summer, but wouldn't take a frost. Potted on a covered patio, preferably near a fountain should work well, but they won't take blazing sun, and they do like humidity.

Thanks Carol! Or should I say "neighbor"!? I didn't realize you're in Santa Ana.

Yeh, I'm one of those flat landers. That gives me more "marine layer", less rain, and less frost than you.