African Violet – The Early Days

african violet

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

How To Handle New Mail Order Shipped African Violets

soil for African violets

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

Growing Moon Cactus: How To Care For Gymnocalycium Mihanovichii

Growing Gymnocalycium Mihanovichii

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

Growing Ice Plants: How To Care For Drosanthemum Floribundum

Growing Drosanthemum Floribundum

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

Growing Candle Plant: How To Care For Senecio Articulatus

Growing Senecio Articulatus

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

Growing Mexican Giant: How To Care For Pachycereus Pringlei

Growing Pachycereus Pringlei

Pachycereus pringlei, otherwise known as the cardon cactus, is a type of cactus native to the deserts of Mexico, specifically the states of Sonora, Baja California, and Baja California, Sur. It is also found in the Mojave Desert of California in the United States. The cardon cactus is the largest cactus in Mexico and can … Read more

Growing Urn Plant: How To Care For Aechmea Fasciata

Growing Aechmea fasciata

Aechmea fasciata, commonly known as the silver vase plant or urn plant, is a species of flowering plant in the Bromeliaceae family. It is native to Brazil but can be found in many other tropical and subtropical regions. It is an epiphytic plant that grows on other plants or trees rather than in soil. The … Read more

Growing Devil’s Backbone: How To Care For Pedilanthus Tithymaloides

Growing Pedilanthus Tithymaloides

Pedilanthus tithymaloides is a common perennial succulent whose name means foot-shaped or slipper flower. However, the flowers are not a significant part of this plant. The Pedilanthus tithymaloides is also known by two other scientific names: Euphorbia ithymaloides L Tithymalus tithymaloides. It is relatively easy to grow, making it a perfect plant for novice gardeners. … Read more

Growing Iron Cross Begonia: How To Care For Iron Cross Begonia

Growing Iron Cross Begonia

Iron cross begonias are a type of begonia known for their distinctive leaves, which have a dark green center with lighter green or silver margins. The flowers of the iron cross begonia are usually white or pink. Iron cross begonias are native to Brazil. There are many different types of begonias, but the Iron Cross … Read more