Ficus–ornamental figs–can be trees, shrubs, or woody vines. Leaves are commonly thick and resilient and make good houseplants. In warm-winter regions, ornamental figs can be planted outdoors in containers and the landscape. Ficus is a genus of more than 800 species of trees and shrubs. The Ficus genus includes large trees to 40 feet tall […] 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
Dieffenbachia–commonly called Dumbcane–is a reliable, easy-to-grow tropical plant; it is often grown as a houseplant in temperate climates. It has large, paddle-shaped green leaves that are often variegated green, cream, and gold. Dieffenbachia is an upright shrubby evergreen plant native to Tropical America. It can grow to 6 feet (2m) tall. Dieffenbachia thrives in a […] 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
Codiaeum–commonly called Croton–is a colorful small plant. Plant leaves are mottled with patterns of red, yellow, orange, pink, brown, and green. Croton grows best in bright light indoors and outdoors. Croton is a tropical shrub extensively grown in warm regions for its highly colored ornamental foliage, which is extremely variable in form and color. Leaves […] 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
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
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
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
Stephen Albert