Each winter I grow tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, crocus, amaryllis, and African violets in my window. But most spectacular of all my indoor plants are the cattleya orchids—the popular florist’s corsage flower. Ideal Conditions in Bathtub For months they lived under ideal conditions in our bathtub until I was faced with the ultimatum, “Move them, or … Read more
Even good housekeepers may have avoided heavy chores in the hot summer weather, but this month should see everything in apple-pie order—benches overhauled and coated with lime-sulfur wash as a disease and insect deterrent: wooden structures painted dazzling white, inside and out, to conserve the winter light; glazing in shape and heating system ready. Start … Read more
A little greenhouse can be the means for a lot of gardening. Many gardeners have dreams and ambitions which far exceed their gardening space—the solution is to extend gardening in time rather than area. With a small greenhouse, your gardening can be a twelve-month proposition, regardless of the amount of outdoor growing space at your … Read more
Cereus peruvianus, also known as the Peruvian Apple Cactus, is a cactus native to Peru. The plant has long, spiny stems and blooms white flowers in the summertime. Cereus peruvianus is a popular houseplant and is easy to care for, making it an excellent choice for beginners. Some of the common household names of Cereus … Read more
Sedum rubrotinctum, commonly known as jellybean plant or pork and beans, is a succulent plant native to Mexico. It is characterized by its thick, fleshy leaves that are green in color with red tips. Also known as the “jelly bean plant,” this succulent has plump, colorful leaves that resemble jelly beans. Jellybean plants are relatively … Read more
Aporocactus flagelliformis, commonly known as rat’s tail cactus, is a cactus native to Mexico and Central America. This cactus is native to Mexico and Central America and does best in bright, indirect light. If you are interested in growing Aporocactus flagelliformis, purchasing a young plant from a nursery or online retailer is best. Some of … Read more
African Violet is a magic word in gardening—and rightly so. No other house planeasiest and quickest way to propagate African violetst is so satisfying or rewarding. How do you get started growing and collecting African Violet (Saintpaulias)? Quite often, it is by chance: a friend gives you a leaf from one of her plants; you … Read more
Hedera helix, or English ivy, is one of the most creative plants in nature! Ever since it burst into various mutations in the 1920s when the first self-branching forms were noticed, ivy has amazed us with the many unusual forms it can assume. Keith E. Williams’s Three Fine Ivies Three very fine ivies come from … Read more
Aloe arborescens is a type of aloe plant that is native to Africa. Aloe arborescens is a succulent plant that stores water in its leaves with thick, fleshy green leaves with white spots on them. This succulent is not difficult to care for and makes a good houseplant or addition to any landscape. Some of … Read more
The African violet is, of course, not violet at all, even though it does come from Africa and its more usual deep purple blooms are of violet form and color. It is a member of the Gesneriaceae family, along with the velvet-leaved gloxinia. Baron Walter von Saint Paul first discovered the plant. His father, Hofmarschal … Read more