Watering and temperature methods have much to do with success in caring for African violets, although plants watered in different ways may bloom equally well. As a triumphant record, here is an account sent to me. “I have an African violet, four and one-half years old. It has been reported but once. Yet in that … Read more
Our dining room windows face southeast; during the winter, they get all the light from the sun as it moves across. We thought it a good spot for a window greenhouse, and since two windows are close together, we bought two window greenhouses and set them side by side. There is a radiator under the … Read more
The Christmas cactus sits among a select few popular plants bloom in winter. These attractive and rather bizarre plants are one of three known as the “holiday cacti” because they bloom around specific American holidays. They also have an unusual design where the stems and leaves are the same (known as cladodes). As a Christmas … Read more
Of course, you can grow orchids in a window! In the last few years, countless indoor gardeners have found to their delight that orchids will thrive and bloom in the home. They’ve discovered that these exotic plants are not at all “difficult”—indeed, many of them have cultural requirements like those of our most popular house and … Read more
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