Davallia is a genus of epiphytic ferns whose furry-looking rhizomes craw; atop the soil; the furry rhizomes have given members of the genus the common names rabbit’s foot fern, squirrel’s foot fern, and deer’s foot fern. Davallia has very finely divided almost feathery fronds that grow from 9 to 36 inches (22-91cm) tall. They can be […] More
Cyrtomium–commonly called holly fern–is a smallish fern with stiff, dark green leaves that resemble holly leaves. Fronds are large, dark green, glossy, and leathery. It is evergreen in mild climates, deciduous in cold winter regions. Crytomium thrives outdoors in mild-winter regions. It can be grown as a houseplant where it will grow well even in […] More
Cyperus–commonly called umbrella plant or papyrus–is a sedge, a grasslike plant that is different than a true grass; it has three-angled solid stems. Cyperus are known for their striking form, silhouette, and shadow patterns. Cyperus bears grasslike flower heads. Cyperus can be grown in moist soil with its roots submerged in water. It can be […] More
Zamioculcas–commonly called ZZ Plant–is a tropical perennial often grown as a houseplant. It has attractive dark green waxy foliage and is easy to care for. Zamioculcas has tall, arching fronds. The smooth waxy leaves reflect light giving it a bright appearance. It prefers moderate, indirect light when grown indoors. Zamioculcas grows from a rhizome which […] More
Cyanotis–commonly called teddy bear plant or pussy ears–is a low-growing, compact creeping evergreen plant native to tropical forests in Africa and Asia. It is grown as a houseplant in temperate regions. Cyanotis grows to about 5 inches (12cm) tall and 12 to 16 inches (30-40cm) wide. The leaves may be oval or triangular; they are dark […] More
Chrysalidocarpus–commonly called Areca palm–is a graceful, feathery palm with clumps of slender, reedlike canes and arching, shiny, lance-shaped yellowish-green fronds. Chrysalidocarpus is a genus of about 20 species of single- or cluster-stemmed palms. Only one is grown as a houseplant, Chrysalidocarpus lutescens. Chrysalidocarpus prefers full sun but will grow in shade. Indoors grow Chrysalidocarpus in […] More
Chamaerops–commonly called dwarf fan palm or Mediterranean fan palm–is a bushy palm with bluish or grayish-green leaves. It has multiple stiff, spiny stems that emerge from a fiber-covered base. At the top of each stem is a dark green, fan-shaped frond. Each frond is divided into many sword-shaped sections. Chamaerops is one of the hardiest […] More
Chamaedorea–often called parlor palm–is a slender feathery palm with canelike stems. It has graceful, arching green fronds. Indoors Chamaedorea grows to about 3 feet (1m) tall with fronds about 18 inches (45cm) long. The fronds tend to grow upward rather than out. Chamaedorea is best grown in bright filtered or indirect light indoors. Outdoors it […] More
Caryota–commonly called fishtail palm–is a palm grown for its broad, divided, deep green leaves that resemble the tail of a fish. The finely divided leaves have leaflets that are flattened and split at the tips like fish tails. Cayota is a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia. It is often grown as a houseplant in […] More
Schefflera is a genus of mostly tropical evergreen shrubs, trees, and climbers. Members of the genus are commonly called Schefflera. These plants bear glossy, green leaflets combined in umbrella-like clusters. One species Schefflera actinophylla is commonly grown as a houseplant. It grows 6 to 10 feet (1.8-3m) tall and can be trained into a treelike […] More
Asplenium is a genus of evergreen ferns that are best known for the tufts of long fonds that often overlap to form a “nest”–thus the common name bird’s nest fern. Many Asplenium species also produce plantlets along their fronds; the plantlets can be separated and planted–thus the common name mother fern. Asplenium ferns grow from creeping rhizomes. […] More
Ardisia is a small evergreen shrub grown for its whorls of glossy leaves, star-shaped flowers, and lasting bright red berry-like fruits. One species, Ardisia crenata, is often grown as a holiday houseplant, a second is grown as an outdoor groundcover. Ardisia is a genus of about 150 species of evergreen shrubs. Only the two species listed below […] More
Stephen Albert