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
Every house-plant lover should have a kit containing the materials necessary for keeping their plants healthy and well-groomed. Three Major Components For A Gardener The three major components of such a kit should be plant food, an insecticide, and a leaf cleaner and shiner. Proper use of all three will give more beauty and longer … 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
To every lover of “green things growing,” the African violet offers a challenge. Saintpaulias will grow well and bloom almost endlessly under the conditions of the average home, but it will not flourish so quickly as to let us neglect it or lose interest in it. At its best, the Saintpaulia is a great delight … Read more
A package received by mail is always a great source of surprise and excitement, especially when it contains live saintpaulias, better known as African violet plants. Many times I have experienced that feeling of anticipation received in opening a package, reminiscent of a child who awaits Christmas morning. To unfold plants that are to perform … Read more
Gymnocalycium mihanovichii is part of the Cactaceae family and is native to South America and originates from Paraguay. It is also known as chin cactus, red cap cactus, and hobby cactus. This cactus gets its name from the Greek words “gymno” and “kalyx,” which mean “naked” and “cup,” respectively, referencing the cactus’s lack of spines … Read more
Drosanthemum floribundum is a member of the Aizoaceae family and is indigenous to South Africa. The plant is known as the ‘Ice Plant’ or ‘Freckle Face.’ The plant gets its name from the Greek words for dew (drosos) and flower (anthemon). Floribundum is an easy plant to care for, making it perfect for beginners. It … Read more
Senecio articulatus is a succulent, which means it stores water in its leaves. It is native to Africa and can be found in many different countries on the continent. It is a member of the Asteraceae family, including daisies, sunflowers, and chrysanthemums. It’s a great plant to have in your home or garden because it … Read more