Can You Grow Orchids In Your Window?

Blooming Orchids

You can grow your orchids for corsages and flower arrangements right in your living room window! Sounds impossible? Well, it isn’t. I find a small homemade glass case as a foolproof aid in getting orchids to flower on my window sill. Making The Homemade Glass Case I made the case out of a window sash … Read more

Growing Coral Berry Plants: How To Care For Ardisia Crenata

Compact Ardisia Crenata

Ardisia crenata (ar-DIS-ee-ah kre-NAY-tah) is a compact evergreen shrub belonging to the genus Ardisia and from the primrose family, Primulaceae.  The genus name Ardisia is derived from the Greek word Ardis, which means “point” or “arrowhead”, referencing the pointed or spear-tipped anthers of the shrub’s flowers. The species name (epithet), Crenata, comes from Crenatus, a … Read more

How To Make African Violets Grow Like Weeds

Charming African Violets

African Violets are very much in the limelight these days. One flower lover writes, “Many of my garden club friends have gone quietly mad about the plant.” This sums up the situation in a few words. There is no doubt that saintpaulias are one of our most popular house plants. Yet some people have become … Read more

Growing Eucharis Grandiflora Plants: How To Care For Amazon Lily

Delicate Eucharis Grandiflora

Eucharis x Grandiflora (YOO-kuh-riss gran-dih-FLOR-uh) is an evergreen bulbous perennial belonging to the genus Eucharis and from the amaryllis family, Amaryllidaceae. The genus name Eucharis originated from the Greek word, which means pleasing or charming. The name perfectly describes the flowering plant because of its lovely narcissus-like blooms. The genus Eucharis comprises 15 to 20 … Read more

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