Calatheas are upright, leafy houseplants grown for their ornately patterned leaves. Their spectacular foliage bears colored veins or prominent blotches on backgrounds that range from white to almost black. Calathea leaves commonly have variegated markings that can take the form of bands, streaks, patches, spots, or stripes. Slender leafstalks form clumps from the center of […] More
Streptocarpus–commonly called Cape Primrose–is a showy relative of the African violet. Streptocarpus boasts trumpet-shaped, long-lasting blooms in a wide range of colors. Bright light and cool temperatures are ideal for this show-stopper. Streptocarpus wants evenly moist soil. Unlike African violet, water will not damage the foliage. Fertilize during the active flowering period, and remove spent […] More
Stephanotis, also called Madagascar jasmine, is an exotic white flower that emits a sweet scent. Green, glossy foliage twines and climbs 4 to 8 feet (1.2-2.4m) high. Stephanotis has leather levels; the flowers are fragrant and funnel-shaped and open into five lobes and bloom in clusters, Bright light and humidity keep Stephanotis healthy. Plant in […] More
Passiflora–commonly called passionflowers–are grown for their large, showy, fringed flowers. They often bloom in rare shades of blue, and some are scented. Passionflowers also produce edible fruit. Passiflora quickly covers arbors, pergolas, fences, and garden structures with lush, glossy foliage. Several species of Passiflora can be grown as houseplants. Indoors passionflower must be trained on […] More
Osmanthus–commonly called Sweet olive–bears tiny white flowers that are intensely fragrant. Plant sweet olive near a window or patio where its peachy-apricot fragrance can be enjoyed. It is ideal for hedges and screens, or along walks and entryways where its fragrance can be appreciated. Osmanthus is grown for its foliage and flowers. Leaves are lance-shaped […] More
Murraya–commonly called Orange jasmine–is a subtropical small shrub. It can be trained as a houseplant or bonsai. Its waxy, white, bell-shaped blossoms smell like orange blossoms. Murraya has graceful, pendulous branches. Where winters are mild Murraya can be planted in hedges or as foundation plants. It can be grown as a small single- or multitrunked […] More
The quintessential holiday houseplant, the poinsettia is actually a tropical plant native to Mexico. The true flowers are tiny, yellow centers that are surrounded by showy, colorful leaf bracts that are typically thought of as the flowers. While poinsettia is grown as a colorful landscape shrub in southern Florida, California, and Mexico, most know it […] More
Cigar plant, Cuphea ignea, is a shrubby perennial that bears showy blooms that look like firecrackers or lit cigars. The plant is commonly grown indoors but can be grown outdoors in mild winter regions or planted as a summer annual. Cuphea ignea’s flowers are tuber to about 3/4 inch long; they are red with a […] More
Bougainvillea is a flamboyant addition to the landscape. It can also be grown as a houseplant. The brilliant colored crepe-paper-like blooms can nearly cover the plant. Bougainvillea has arching, sprawling, thorny stems. The stems can be trained and tied as a climbing vine, forming a thick canopy of foliage and blazing flowers. Bougainvillea can also […] More
Houseplants are usually quick to adapt to their environment. When they don’t it’s usually because of extremes of light, temperature, and humidity. Even in the best home, houseplants can fall prey to natural enemies like insect pests and disease-causing fungi and bacteria. The quicker you recognize the distress, the quicker you can correct the problem. […] More
Houseplants require care. It is not natural for a plant to live indoors confined to a pot. In that environment, the plant relies on the grower to meet its requirements. Your objective is to give each houseplant just the right amount of water and fertilizer as well as daily and long-term care to help it […] More
Watering houseplants requires more judgment and skill than any other gardening practice. Watering properly is not easy when it comes to houseplants–too much water or too little water or watering at the wrong time or wrong temperature and so on. The results of watering incorrectly, though often unsuspected (or at least not associated with their […] More
Stephen Albert