Haworthias are small, easy-to-grow plants. They form a spiky rosette of upright, spotted, or striped, succulent leaves. Haworthia grows in matlike groups. Their distinctive foliage shapes and patterning make them delightful additions to a window garden. HHowarthias bear small, tubular to funnel-shaped white flowers in loose racemes Haworthia is a genus of about 160 species […] More
Fittonia–commonly called nerve plant– is also called mosaic plant for its intricate mosaic pattern of prominent veins in shades of red, white, or silver. Fittonia is low-growing and very temperamental with regard to humidity. Fittonia grows mounded or creeping to about 6 inches (15cm) tall. It is best displayed in a hanging basket. It is […] More
Dracaenas are shrubby or treelike evergreen tropical plants. Dracaenas vary in form; some are short with strappy leaves; some are taller with broader leaves. Plants can grow to 10 feet (3m) tall and leaves to 2 feet (60cm) long. Dracaenas are very popular houseplants. there are several species and cultivars. Most Dracaenas have singe unbranched […] More
Fatsia–commonly called Japanese aralia– is a fast-growing evergreen shrub or houseplant. It grows well in cool situations and low light. It is a good choice for the shade garden or low light entries. Fatsia is a genus of only 1 species and 2 cultivars. It is a quick-growing and long-lasting plant. Fatsia has a single, […] More
Polyscias–commonly called Aralia–is a fast-growing plant ideal for cool spots. Aralias can be fussy; they need fresh air, but no drafts, good light, but not direct sun, and enough water, but not too much. If aralia is doing well, don’t move it. Polyscias grow well in a mixture of fibrous loam, leafmold, and a bit […] More
Jade plant, Crassula, is a sturdy, adaptable house plant suited for small and large pots. In warm winter regions, it can grow to the size of a shrub or small tree. Crassula is a genus of succulent herbs and shrubs, mostly from South Africa. They are sun lovers and thrive best in sandy loam with […] More
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
Chlorophytum–commonly called Spider Plant–is a tropical perennial relative of the lily grown as a houseplant. The plant grows in soft clumps with long curving leaves. Plantlets grow at the end of wiry stems and are easily snipped off and rooted to create new plants. Chlorophytum is a genus of 60 tropical herbs. They are native […] 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
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
Aglaonema–commonly called Chinese evergreen–has gorgeous foliage marked with a mixture of green, pewter, silver, cream, and white. Few houseplants adapt as well to a dark corner. Both its toughness and its attractive foliage account for Aglaonema’s perennial popularity. Its graceful, oblong leaves grow a central stem. The flowers resemble small greenish Callas. Aglaonema is a genus […] More
Agave is an evergreen perennial with rosettes of lance-shaped sharply pointed gray-green leaves and blooms on tall stems. Mature plants bear cream-colored flowers. Plants grow 14 to 36 inches (35-91cm) tall. Agave is a genus containing many species of handsome plants with long, stiff, evergreen leaves forming clumps or rosettes from which rise the tall, […] More
Stephen Albert