Raising saintpaulia from seed is a fascinating pursuit, and, like thousands of other house-plant gardeners, you will get a great kick from it. But it is like matrimony: you should not go into it without prior consideration. You may find yourself responsible for caring for several hundred African violet seedlings, which may mean a big … Read more
For nearly three years, I have been collecting and propagating African violets. Before that, I, too, had difficulty trying to raise them. As I look back, following the general trend that African violets did not require sun was more or less responsible for my troubles since I was careful to keep my plants away from … Read more
Ctenanthe lubbersiana (te-NANTH-ee lub-er-see-AH-nuh) is an evergreen perennial native to Brazil. It’s a fast-growing tropical plant cultivated for its attractive leaves. While many people buy this plant as an ornamental piece, it is also suitable for cleaning the air inside your home. This foliage plant is perfect if you wish to have fresh air indoors. … Read more
Hemigraphis alternata, also known as Strobilanthes alternata, is a tropical perennial known for its colorful oval leaves. The leaves are usually green with a red or purple tint, giving the plant its unique appearance. Native to India, Malaysia, and Indonesia, Hemigraphis alternata is usually seen as a groundcover or border plant, reaching medium heights of … Read more
Siderasis fuscata (sy-DEE-ra-sis FUS-kah-tuh) is an evergreen perennial plant usually grown for its leaves. It has thick succulent leaves with brown hair, making it appear like a bear’s ears. Therefore, one of the plant’s common names is Bears Ears. Native to Brazil, the Siderasis fuscata thrives in warm and humid climates. In its native habitat, … Read more
Fittonia verschaffeltii (fi-TOE-ni-a ver-shaf-FEL-tie) is a beautiful plant grown and cultivated for its unique leaves. They are commonly sold as houseplants in the United States, but in their native habitat of Peru, they are wild on the forest floor. Requiring low light makes the Fittonia verschaffeltii a relatively easy-to-maintain houseplant. However, the plant needs warmer … Read more
Radermachera sinica (rad-er-MACH-er-a SIN-i-ca) is a beautiful evergreen perennial that is relatively easy to maintain. Native to China and Taiwan, Radermachera sinica was initially grown as a subtropical plant in mountainous areas. However, it is primarily grown as a houseplant in the United States. Because of its subtropical origins, Radermachera sinica fares well outdoors in … Read more
Dracaena (dra-SEE-na) warneckii is a popular houseplant that is incredibly adaptable. In addition to its easy-going nature with soil, humidity, and light, the plant is surprisingly colorful. The Dracaena warneckii is like a chameleon that changes colors on its own. The only thing gardeners have to do is cut off the new colorful section and … Read more
The Polyscias fruticosa (pol-ISS-see-as froo-tih-KOH-suh) ‘elegans’ plant is an elegant houseplant with a long lifespan. It thrives as a houseplant because it’s compact, slow-growing, and requires little maintenance. The plant is most commonly referred to as Ming Aralia, although there are some other common names. This species of Polyscias is native to India to Polynesia, … Read more
Many “experts” in caring for African violets will tell you that no greater sin can be committed against your violets than to water them from the top. It would be best if you watered them from the bottom or with a unique self-watering pot for African violets. Others, equally proficient, say “Always water from the … Read more