Interior decorators and architects in search of bold plants to harmonize with modern designs have found that large Monsteras, cut-leaf Philodendrons, and glossy Rubber Plants are ideal for their purposes. But they, like many home gardeners, stayed away from Sansevierias (now classified as a Dracaena) except for the one often brushed off as “the ubiquitous” … Read more
Without a little Norfolk Island Pine, it has been said no houseplant collection is complete. It is decorative, unadorned, all year round, and even makes a good-looking Christmas tree dressed up for the holidays. Norfolk Island Pine Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria excelsa) comes from an island possession of the same name, belonging to Australia. Like … Read more
To the connoisseur of beautiful plants, succulents rank as a large group of easily grown floral gems with marvelous color in foliage and flower — brilliant, often so subtle that the casual observer may not see these delicate tones. The term succulent is often confusing, even to experienced gardeners. It is of Latin origin, meaning … Read more
Flower lovers need not be discouraged if they do not have sunny windows, for a surprising number of plants thrive in a northern exposure, and some even bloom beautifully. African Violets African violets blossom just as freely, and the sheen of the leaves is often better than on plants grown where they get some sunlight. … Read more
For many generations, the Bromeliaceae, or “air plants” as they are better known, have been treasured members of greenhouse anti-conservatory collections. It is only in the recent years of pot plant development when orchitis is sold like geraniums, and saintpaulias are found on every window sill, that the ornamental and artistic beauties of the pineapple … Read more
The decorative use of plants is becoming more and more a part of home furnishing. Interiors have become more straightforward and practical, and accentuating plants should keep up with this trend. We need streamlined species of simple form whose beauty will blend with the modern building, the new well-lighted rooms, the masses of color, and … Read more
Are you missing out on the fun of greenhouse gardening – growing anything you like, from annuals to orchids, all year-’round because you fear the cost? Or because you think it would take more time than you can spare? Or because you don’t think you have a suitable spot for a greenhouse anyway? If so, … Read more
Roy Fields was a specialist in orchid seedlings. A native Floridian, he makes his home in the village of Miami Shores, where he grows orchids on a plot that is 140 square feet. Raising plants from seed is nothing new to Roy Fields; as a boy, he experienced great delight in planting seeds from choice … Read more
If you read the advertisements as well as the text in your favorite garden magazine, you surely have noticed the many types of greenhouses offered by the homeowner. Some are large in size, others are small enough to fit a window frame. Perhaps the greenhouse of your dreams has become a reality, and though it … Read more
We do not recommend an accident as the first step towards orchid-raising. But Major William E. Scudamore of New York City is thankful today that a speeding taxi winged him and indirectly introduced him to the exotic jungle plant. That was 9 years ago when the Major and his wife, a former architect, decided to retire. … Read more