The Ceropegia woodii is a trailing succulent native to Zimbabwe, Swaziland, and other parts of South Africa. It was named after the man who discovered it, John Medley Wood. He was a collector of native African plants and curator of the Durban Botanic Gardens. The plant has vines with beautiful heart-shaped green and white leaves … Read more
Pothos or the Epipremnum aureum (ep-ih-PREM-num AW-ree-um) is a species of arum plant in the Araceae family. It is native to the French Polynesia island, Mo’orea, but was also brought to tropical and sub-tropical forests worldwide in South Africa, Australia, South Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Since they grow so easily in places like these, … Read more
Episcia are tender tropical plants with beautiful foliage and tubular flowers, natives of the American tropics. They are trailers and make beautiful basket plants for the home or greenhouse. Flowers come in shades of blue or lavender, pure white, beautiful canary yellow, pink and red. Grow a few tiny episcia seeds in a closed, sterile … Read more
The value of indoor gardening as a health-preserving and rest-promoting hobby is inestimable. It can supply necessary relaxation and ease mental tension in these trying times. If you’re not already an indoor garden hobbyist, you’ll find starting a window gardening venture worthwhile this fall when your outdoor garden needs less attention. The saintpaulia (African violet), … Read more
Schefflera arboricola, also known as the Dwarf Schefflera or Hawaiian Elfin-tree, is a small evergreen tree native to Taiwan. It is widely cultivated as a houseplant in temperate regions due to its attractive foliage and easy care. The leaves of Schefflera arboricola are variable in shape but most often resemble a miniature version of the … Read more
Are you ready to add lush greenery and vibrant colors to your home? The popular African violet is an excellent choice. These fuzzy-leaved, delicate, low-growing plants are known for their colorful violet-like blooms that can flower all year round with proper care. The African Violet, the common name for the Saintpaulia houseplant, originates from Africa … Read more
Kalanchoe tomentosa may have a unique name, but you’ve likely seen it in all of your local garden stores. It’s more commonly known as a Chocolate Soldier plant because its green leaves (like a soldier) have a dark red or brown rim (like chocolate). The Chocolate Soldier plant is originally from Madagascar, which explains why … Read more
Lithops is a genus of succulent plants that are part of the Aizoaceae family. Lithops are native to South Africa. The words “lithos” and “ops” mean stone faces in Greek, deriving from their pebble-like appearance. Lithops are also known as: Pebble plants Living stones To survive, the plant avoids being eaten by looking like a … Read more
Pachypodium lamerei, or the Madagascar palm, is a flowering plant in the family Apocynaceae. It is native to Madagascar and is found in the southwestern and southern parts of the island. The Madagascar cactus palm is a fast-growing succulent plant that can reach up to 3’ feet in height in just a few years. The … Read more
You’ve probably seen succulents like Aloe vera, cacti, and echeveria, but have you heard of Pleiospilos nelii? Pleiospilos nelii, commonly known as split-rock or living stone, is a succulent plant native to the Western Cape province of South Africa. It is one of only two species in the Pleiospilos and closely related to the better-known … Read more