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
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
Like most of us, houseplants enjoy a rest and a change of scene once in a while. That is, most of them do. A few are just plain stay-at-homes and resent even an outdoor picnic. However, there are not too many plant sissies. Your house plants have been through a long winter and are anxious … Read more
Every year, a debate breaks out on the topic of moving house plants outside for the summer. Below several homeowners share their experiences of “How I Summer My House Plants” H. E. Chambers Two years ago, we had aluminum storm windows installed in our home, leaving enough old window screens to install a screen house … Read more
House plants and those grown in a greenhouse will benefit from a location outdoors during the summer months and can make an attractive addition to the outdoor living area. As soon as nights are mild, say safely over 55° degrees Fahrenheit, it is generally satisfactory to put most plants outside. Often, in a few weeks, … Read more
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
House plants are innovative features in interior decorating now, so you are not old-fashioned if you like to have lovely plants in your home. While small plants on a window sill or small tables bring freshness and charm to a room, it takes a large, exotic plant to add a dramatic touch. Such a plant … Read more
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
Beaucarnea recurvata, also known as Nolina recurvata, is a beautiful household shrub with a distinctive shape. Its foliage is curved back like a fountain, while its trunk is swollen near the base. Beaucarnea recurvata [bow-KAR-nee-uh] [rek-er-VAY-tuh] isn’t a palm tree like the name suggests. It’s a dioecious succulent that stores water in its stem, forming … Read more
Midwinter is a favorable time to repot house plants. But do not move the plants to larger pots unless their roots are so crowded that they really need more room. Often it is possible to merely top-dress the plants. To do this, scrape away as much as possible of the surface soil without injuring the … Read more