Cissus–commonly called Grape ivy–is an evergreen tropical vine with dark green foliage. Leaves are divided into diamond-shaped leaflets. Grape ivy is a favorite houseplant. In semi-tropical regions is can be trained on a trellis or pergola. Cissus are tendril-climbing shrubs from tropical regions. They are mostly grown indoors in temperate regions but can be grown […] More
Foliage begonias have large heart-shaped leaves with bold and subtle markings in the form of marbling, mottling, spots, or zones. Leaf colors range from green to silver, bronze, purple, red, pink, and black often with a silvery overlay. Rex Begonia and Angel-Wing Begonia are two of the best know foliage begonias. Begonias dislike full exposure […] More
Beaucarnea–commonly called Ponytail palm–is an evergreen palm that is native to semi-desert southern regions. Its swollen base and tuft of strap-shaped leather leaves give it specimen quality. It can be grown indoors in bright light. Young plants are single-stemmed often with a flared base. Once a tree flowers it will begin to branch. Trees can […] More
Aspidistra–commonly called the Cast-iron plant–is a good choice for tough growing situations. Broad dark green leaves are upright; they need minimal care apart from regular water. Aspidistra has stiff, glossy, evergreen leaves. They can withstand heat, dust, poor soil, and dim light. The flowers are dark-colored and borne close to the ground where they are […] More
Araucaria–commonly called Norfolk Island Pine–is a graceful, pyramidal, tiered tree that can be grown indoors and out. Araucaria is an evergreen; the branches are covered with needles that may be stiff or soft, and flat or rounded. Araucaria are members of the Pine Family, natives of the South Temperate zone. There are about 18 species […] More
Aphelandra–commonly called Zebra plant–is a dramatic plant with bright, almost silvery, striped foliage against dark green leaves. Yellow flowers come in late summer and fall. Aphelandra are evergreen shrubs of tropical America. They are prized for their handsome leaves which in some kinds are variegated. All have showy terminal flower spikes in shades of orange […] More
Aloes are succulent perennials that grow in a rosette of serrated, soft, sword-like leaves. Aloes range in size from 1 inch (2.5cm) to several feet tall depending on the variety. Aloe is easy to grow as a houseplant. It can be grown outdoors in regions where winter temperatures do not fall below 40°F. Aloe is […] More
Stephen Albert