An attractive house plant that may often be found, unnamed, in 5- and 10-cent stores is the tropical vine Episcia fulgida. It may also be obtained from growers of foliage plants and arid exotics. Where unlabeled, it will be recognized as a colorful vine with soft, hairy, coppery leaves veined emerald green and with growth … Read more
During the last decade, the interest in window gardening has risen to such a point that many indoor gardeners have become specialists in various house plants. Ponderosa Lemon The fruiting plants make ideal subjects for specialization. They have excellent foliage, and many have aromatic flowers and an attractive fruit crop. About 5 years ago, a … Read more
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