Cyclamen Plant Care: How To Grow Persian Violet (Sow Bread)

Blooming Potted Cyclamen Plant

Cyclamen (SY-kla-men), is a flowering herbaceous perennial belonging to the genus Cyclamen and from the primrose family, Primulaceae. This perennial flowering bulb is native to regions of the Mediterranean, Middle East, South Europe, and North Africa. It generally thrives in deciduous woodlands, alpine meadows, rocky areas, and scrublands.  Cyclamen is well-known for its swept-back curved … Read more

Growing Gesneriads: It Is Time To Go Beyond Grandma’s African Violet

Blooming Gesneriads

Though long overshadowed by the most popular member of the Gesneriaceae family, the African-violet, other lesser-known members are now coming into their own. Two gesneriads, the colorful gloxinia, and episcia (flame violets), have already become popular. Many indoor gardeners who are experts at raising African violets want to know more about its less celebrated cousins. … Read more

How To Grow and Care For Dracaena Plants

There are a lot of plants that have found lasting popularity among both outdoor and indoor plant enthusiasts. The perennial genus dracaena (dra-SEE-nah) are among the most beloved. Better known as the following common names: Dragon tree Corn plant This genus of approximately 120 shrubs and trees is a member of the Asparagaceae family. It … Read more

Growing Succulent Seed: How To Grow Succulents From Seed

Growing Succelent Seeds

You’ll need more patience than anything else to grow succulents from seed. This includes cactus seeds. Most kinds of succulent seeds germinate and begin showing characteristic shapes (spines, too!) within a matter of weeks. It takes several months for them to reach enough size for potting. Succulents started this spring or early summer will be … Read more

Growing Basket Epiphyllums: How To Care For Orchid Cactus Plants

Charming Basket Epiphyllums

Judging by the incredible number of creations they turn out every year, I think the cactus hybridists are busier than bees. And I have particular admiration for those who grow the epiphyllums. Literally, thousands of different varieties are available. You can choose porcelain-pure flowers of many shapes, in sizes up to 10” inches across, and … Read more

How I Root House Plant Cuttings

root houseplant

Have you ever received a gift of cuttings, leaves—or some hard-to-get plant, long on your want list, only to lose them in the rooting stage? It may be a painful experience.  Over the years, I have developed a set of rules that spell success in saving cuttings and newly potted plants. Granted, an individual fails … Read more

Growing Croton Houseplants: How To Care For Croton Plants

Variegated Garden Croton

The Croton (KROH-tun) genus is pretty massive, with approximately 1,150 species, and may be found throughout the tropics of the world. Despite this, there’s a good chance that the croton you own or are planning to purchase is actually not croton at all, but a former member of the genus now classified as Codiaeum variegatum … Read more

Why Is My Christmas Cactus Yellow?

Christmas Cactus Turning Yellow

Christmas Cactus is one of the three-holiday cacti, so named because each blooms around a specific holiday. With its segmented, round-toothed stems called cladodes, hanging flowers, and distinctive pink pollen, the Christmas Cactus is a popular choice among succulent enthusiasts. However, while generally low-maintenance, this plant isn’t immune to a few problems. One of the … Read more

Growing Cissus Plants: How To Care For Cissus Vines

Colorful Cissus Plant Leaf

One of the more interesting genera out there, Cissus (SIS-us), had more than 350 different species that are mostly vining plants. Best known as the following common names: You can find species occurring naturally in tropical and subtropical regions all over the world. Treebine Care Size And Growth These vines can vary greatly in size, … Read more