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  • in Tropicals

    How to Grow Guzmania

    Guzmania

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    Guzmania is a genus of evergreen, mostly tree-growing (epiphytic) perennial bromeliads with colorful floral bracts that can be yellow, orange, or bright red. The bracts and the small yellow flowers they surround are borne above lance-shaped leaves that form funnel-shaped rosettes. Guzmania can be grown outdoors in any region where temperatures do not fall below 59°F (15°C), […] More

  • in Tropicals

    How to Grow Vriesea

    Vriesia

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    Vriesea is a genus of rosette-forming, evergreen, mostly tree-dwelling (epiphytic) perennial bromeliads. Vriesea species have long, leathery leaves and oddly shaped flower clusters. Vriesea can be grown as epiphytes in pockets of sphagnum moss on tree branches or in pots of loose, highly organic mix. They must be misted daily if grown indoors. Vriesea is a […] More

  • in Bulb Flowers, Houseplants, Tropicals

    How to Grow and Care for Kaffir-Lily — Clivia

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    Clivia–commonly called kaffir-lily–bears clusters of brilliant, trumpet-shaped blooms alongside glossy deep green, strappy leaves. Clivia is a showy member of the amaryllis family. Grow Clivia outdoors year-round in frost-free winter regions. In colder regions grow Clivia in pots that can be set outdoors in summer and taken indoors in winter. Clivia blooms from early winter […] More

  • in Houseplants, How to Grow, Perenial Flowers, Tropicals

    How to Grow Wandering Jew — Tradescantia

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    Tradescantia is a genus of creeping, trailing, or tuft-forming tropical foliage plants. One species, Tradescantia fluminensis–commonly called wandering Jew–has handsome iridescent green and purple striped leaves. Another, T. andersoniana–known as spiderwort–looks like a small corn plant with numerous iris-like blossoms. Tradescantias are evergreen perennials in warm-winter regions, mostly short-lived. They are suitable for herbaceous borders […] More

  • in Houseplants, Tropicals

    How to Grow and Care for Iresine

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    Iresine, commonly called beefsteak plant or blood leaf, is an easy-care foliage houseplant. It is bushy when young but tends to trail as it matures. Iresine has purplish-red leaves with glowing pink midrib and veins; when backlit by bright light, Iresine will practically grow with fluorescent color. Where not hardy, grow Iresine as a tender […] More

  • in Houseplants, Tropicals

    How to Grow Chenille Plant — Acalypha

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    Acalypha–commonly called chenille plant–is adorned with pendulous fuzzy red tassels. Acalypha is perfect for hanging baskets. This plant loves bright light and will bloom several times a year in the right conditions. Keep Acalypha consistently moist, fertilize every six weeks, and pinch back after each period of bloom. There are purple and creamy-white varieties of […] More

  • in Houseplants, Tropicals

    How to Grow Aeschynanthus –Lipstick Plant

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    Aeschynanthus is generally a carefree plant when given the right growing conditions. It has long drooping or trailing stems, shiny leaves, and dramatic tubular flowers. The main blooming season begins in summer but flowers may appear sporadically throughout the year. Aeschynanthus is commonly called lipstick plant, basket plant, or basket vine. Aeschynanthus stems grow from […] More

  • in Houseplants, Tropicals

    How to Grow Gloxinia – Sinningia

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    Gloxinia, Sinningia, is dotted with ruffled, cup-shaped blooms and velvety foliage similar to the African violet. This is a perky plant that brightens up kitchens or breakfast nooks with colors ranging from red and yellow to pink and Fuschia, even purple and white. Bright light, average household temperatures, and consistently moist soil keep gloxinia happy. […] More

  • in Houseplants, Tropicals

    How to Grow Peace Lily — Spathiphyllum

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    Spathiphyllum–commonly called Peace lily–is a graceful plant with shiny, green leaves and beautiful hooded white flower spikes. Spathiphyllum is generally problem-free and easy to grow. Spathiphyllum is a tropical perennial. It is often grown indoors. The leaves are glossy green and oblong. the flowers are white, fragrant, and tiny. Flowers bloom along a tail-like structure […] More

  • in Houseplants, Tropicals

    How to Grow Phalaenopsis — Moth Orchid

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    Phalaenopsis–commonly called Moth Orchid–is a genus of tree-dwelling (epiphytic) orchids with thick, broad, leathery leaves, and long sprays of white, cream, pale yellow, or light lavender-pink flowers. Flowers are 3 to 6 inches wide. Phalaenopsis require warmer growing conditions than most orchids, usually in the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit. They also prefer fairly high humidity. […] More

  • in Houseplants, Tropicals

    How to Grow Columnea – Goldfish Plant

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    Columnea–often called goldfish plant–is a tropical trailing that produces tubular flowers in shades of brilliant red, orange, or yellow, or combinations of all three. It has branches that arch horizontally or distinctly weep. Columnea’s tubular flowers are its main attraction. Flowers range from 2 to 4 inches long, when the two-lipped flowers are fully open they […] More