African violets are subject to several pests and diseases. However, growing Saintpaulias in sterilized soil and regular cleaning will help you avoid trouble. New plants should always be isolated from older plants for three or four weeks. Crown Rot Crown rot, a systemic disorder, strikes most often during the summer when days are hot and … Read more
Variety is the spice of plant life – particularly house plant life—and philodendron is one fine-foliaged example. Varied leaf design, size, texture, color shadings, plant size, habit, and rate of growth all spell the fact that there’s a philodendron for your every whim. This is probably news to many people, for most of us think … Read more
Crassula falcata is a succulent plant that is native to South Africa but can be also found worldwide. It is a member of the Crassulaceae family and is closely related to Crassula arborescens. The plant has thick, fleshy leaves that are arranged in a rosette shape. The leaves are green with a red edge and … Read more
Portulacaria afra is a succulent plant native to South Africa. It is also known as the “elephant’s food” or “pork bush.” This is because this plant’s leaves are a food source for elephants and other animals. Portulacaria afra is a small shrub that can grow up to 15′ feet tall. The leaves are green and … Read more
Sempervivum tectorum, also known as houseleeks, is a type of succulent plant that is commonly used as an ornamental plant in gardens. These plants are native to the mountainous regions of Europe and Asia and have been cultivated for centuries for their unique appearance and ability to thrive in harsh conditions. The name Sempervivum tectorum … Read more
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