Rhipsalis baccifera is native to tropical regions of South America and grows in rainforests. They are epiphytic cacti, which means they thrive on other plants or trees instead of directly in the ground. Rhipsalis baccifera have long, slender stems that can grow up to 3′ feet tall. The stems are covered in small spines and … Read more
Carpobrotus chilensis, also known as the Chilean fig or ice plant, is a succulent native to Chile. It is a low-growing plant with thick, fleshy leaves that are arranged in rosettes. The leaves are green with purple or red margins and are covered in a powdery coating, and its flowers are yellow or orange and … Read more
Cyanotis kewensis [Sy-an-NOH-tiss][Kew-EN-sis] is a trailing plant most often referred to as Teddy Bear Vine. It is known for its chocolate brown fuzzy leaves (hence its common name, Teddy Bear Vine). The plant is in the Commelinaceae family and is synonymous with the following: Cyanotis beddomei Belosynapsis kewensis Cyanotis kewoides Erythrotis beddome Tonningia kewensis Cyanotis … Read more
Although the Ornithogalum caudatum [or-ni-THOG-al-um] [kaw-DAY-tum] is often called a Pregnant onion plant, it is not an onion. Instead, it’s part of the Liliaceae family. It’s referred to as a Pregnant onion plant because of its onion-like rootstalk from which new growth emerges. Long green leaves grow from the bulbous rootball. Small white flowers bloom … Read more
For those who may yearn to grow house plants a bit differently from those of their friends and neighbors, growing African violet plants provide a splendid opportunity, as there are countless varieties from which to choose. New and enticing ones appear in specialist catalogs each year so that the hobby of collecting needs never becomes … Read more
Syngonium podophyllum (sin-GO-nee-um po-do-FIL-um) is a popular houseplant, commonly referred to as an Arrowhead plant. It’s a low-maintenance tropical plant suitable for gardeners or plant lovers at any level. The climbing plant starts small but is fast-growing, and its stems can reach 6′ feet. One of the fantastic things about the Arrowhead plant is that … Read more
Euphorbia trigonia, also known as African milk bush, is a succulent plant native to Africa. It is a member of the Euphorbiaceae family and is closely related to Euphorbia ingens. The plant is characterized by its triangular-shaped leaves and greenish-yellow flowers. It can grow up to 3′ feet tall and 2′ feet wide. Euphorbia trigonia … Read more
Now it’s time to decide which plants shall go outdoors for their summer vacation, and we begin to wonder if African violets would appreciate this treatment. It has been successfully carried out by some people, usually with the pots sunk to their rims in fairly deep shade. However, it will be necessary to see that … Read more
Erica gracilis is a heath shrub native to Europe, the Mediterranean, and South Africa. It is often confused with its flowering cousin, Heather, due to its similar appearance and named for the pink bell-like blooms. Heaths and Heathers share similarities, but some differences will help you tell them apart. The two varieties are called Callunas … Read more
Pellionia (pell-ee-OH-nee-uh) houseplants, part of the Urticaceae family, are sometimes known as trailing watermelon begonias. The beautiful leaves and trailing habits of Pellonia houseplants are the main reasons for their popularity. Alphonse Odet Pellion (1796-1868) is honored with the genus name. Pellion, an artist and naval draughtsman, served as a midshipman during a three-year scientific … Read more