Flowering and Foliage House Plants

Most house plants are hybrids of plant species that grow wild, somewhere in the world A good rule of thumb for keeping your house plants healthy is to try to match the same environment from which they originated.

You may not be able to match every criteria for your house plant, but every small step you take to ensure the plants comfort will be a giant step towards keeping them healthy.

100 of the most Popular, Easy to Grow House Plants

Common Name:

African VioletSaintpaulia ionantha

African Violets were first collected from eastern Africa and Tasmania in the late nineteenth century. Their attractive, velvety foliage, compact growing habit and wide variety of long blooming flower colors have made the African Violet the most popular flowering house plant in the world. See Web Page

Common Name:

Aloe VeraAloe barbadensis

There are over 250 species of Aloes in the world, mostly native to Africa. They range in size from little one inch miniatures to massive plant colonies consisting of hundreds of 2 foot diameter plants. The most commonly known is the Aloe barbadensis, better known as the Aloe Vera. See Web Page

Common Name:

Aluminum PlantPilea cadierei

Aluminum Plants are fast growing, easy to care for plants that branch freely and grow 12"-18" tall. These plants have 3", deep green, lance shaped leaves arranged in pairs along their upright, succulent stems. The fleshy leaves are accented with bold bands of metallic silver. See Web Page

Common Name:

AmaryllisHippeastrum

Nothing can break the gloom in the dead of the winter like a beautiful blooming House Plant. Of all of the flowering bulbs, the Amaryllis is the easiest to force into bloom. Their large, showy flowers, and easy care make the Amaryllis an extremely popular gift plant during the holiday seasons. See Web Page

Common Name:

Arrowhead Vine Syngonium podophyllum

Syngoniums are fast growing vines that grow to about 3 ft. Easy to grow plant for bright indirect light or light shade. Allow rich, well draining soil to dry before watering. Pinch tips to induce bushiness. Green, copper, and variegated varieties are available. See Web Page

Common Name:

Artillery PlantPilea microphylla

The Artillery Plant forms an umbrella like canopy of tiny, bright green leaves on fleshy, 6"-12" stems. The name Artillery Plant comes from the way that its seed pods forcibly eject their pollen or seeds when the frond is touched. An excellent plant for terrarium environments. See Web Page

Common Name:

Asparagus FernProtasparagus setaceus

The Asparagus Fern is a very popular plant for florists who commonly use the lacy, horizontal fronds in flower arrangements. These decorative vines will grow up to 10 feet with support, or they can be kept to a more compact size by regularly removing the tips from new growth. See Web Page

Common Name:

Baby TearsSoleirolia soleirolii

Excellent, moss-like ground cover plant for dish gardens and open terrariums. Needs moderate light. Soil should be kept constantly moist but water on the tiny foliage should be avoided. Can be propagated by division. May become a nuisance but is easily controllable.

Common Name:

Banana PlantsMusa nana

Needs rich, humus soil and a monthly heavy feeding when actively growing with soluble 20-20-20 fertilizer. Needs bright light, but protection from hot afternoon sun. Mist leaves often, and sponge them off when dusty. Fun to grow from seeds or offsets. See Web Page

Common Name:

Begonia RexBegonia rex-cultorum

Known for the beautiful painted patterns on the foliage. Rex Begonia leaves vary considerably in texture, size, shape, patterns and colors. The small pink or white flowers may appear at any time of the year are insignificant compared to the foliage. See Web Page

Common Name:

Bird of ParadiseStrelitzia reginae

Grow best with at least 4 hours of direct sunlight, but should have bright light all day. Plant in mix of potting soil, peat moss, and sand with bone meal added. Good drainage essential. Keep the soil evenly moist when growing. Hardy in zones 9-12 See Web Page

Common Name:

Bird's Nest FernAsplenium nidus

A tropical, epiphytic fern that, in nature colonizes in trees or on rock faces. Requires warmth, high humidity, moderate light and rich, well draining soil. Light green fronds slowly grow to 1-3 feet. Hardy in zones 11-12

Common Name:

Black Eyed Susan VineThunbergia alata

The Black-Eyed Susan Vine is an evergreen, twining vine, most often grown as a long blooming annual. Black-Eyed Susan Vines have dark green, arrowhead-shaped, 3" leaves. They produce a profusion of brightly colored, 1½" bell-shaped flowers from early summer, well into the fall. See Web Page

Common Name:

Bloodleaf IresineIresine herbstii

Small, branching plant with blood red foliage, grows to 24". Needs rich, loamy, well draining soil, and bright light with some sun. Keep soil evenly moist. Pinch tips to induce bushiness. Propagate by softwood cuttings in the spring. Hardy in zones 10-12

Common Name:

Boston FernsNephrolepis exaltata

Boston Ferns like it cool, and they would be very happy to have a 60 degree room, with bright light. Since it doubtful you have a place that cool, I recommend that you keep your fern as far away from heat sources as possible, even at the sacrifice of some light. See Web Page

Common Name:

BougainvilleBougainvillia

Bougainvillias produce some of the showiest display of colors of all vines. Most cultivars have an upright growth habit, but there are many shrubby varieties and creeping types as well. See Web Page

Common Name:

Brazilian Plume Flower Justicia carnea

The Brazilian Plume Flower is a shade loving, tropical evergreen perennial shrub with large deep green leaves. It produces a never ending show of large spikes of brightly colored, tubular flowers from spring to fall. USDA Zones 9-11. See Web Page

Common Name:

ButterwortsPinguicula vulgaris

Should be grown in a mixture of sphagnum moss, peat moss and perlite, need several hours of sun each day. Butterworts require a varying amounts of moisture, but always less when dormant. Not suitable for sealed terarriums. See Web Page

Common Name:

Button FernPellaea rotundifolia

This low growing, spreading fern from Australia prefers bright indirect light, protection from drafts and evenly moist soil. Fills in any space quickly. Susceptible to attacks from scale insects. Hardy in zones 9-11

Common Name:

Caladium Caladium bicolor

Frost tender perennial tubers. They like heat, plenty of moisture and humidity and bright indirect light. Plant tuber, knobby side up, 2" below surface of rich, well draining soil. Feed every 6 weeks with a liquid 6-6-6 fertilizer. See Web Page

Common Name:

Mitre FlowerMitraria coccinea

The Chilean Mitre Flower is a gorgeous creeping and climbing, plant with glossy, dark green leaves arranged in pairs along woody stems. They produce an abundance of intensely colored, scarlet-orange, tubular 1½" flowers with a soft, velvety texture. See Web Page

Common Name:

Christmas Cactus

Christmas Cactus have a much less pronounced 'claw' on the edges of the leaf segments than Thanksgiving Cactus. Most Christmas Cactus sold today are hybrids of the original, red flowering Schlumbergera buckleyi. Flowers may be pink, red, orange, white or lavender. See Web Page

Common Name:

Christmas Trees

Living trees can only be kept indoors for ten days. Keep in a garage or unheated area for a few days before bringing indoors, to lessen shock. Keep out of direct sunlight, and away from heat sources. Avoid heat producing lights. Keep soil moist. See Web Page

Common Name:

Club MossLycopodium clavatum

Best grown in a terrarium environment, this creeping moss needs cooler temperatures, low to moderate light, good air circulation and moist, rich soil. Can be propagated by cuttings. Hardy in zones 6-9

Common Name:

Cobra LilyDarlingtonia californica

Cobra Lilies like bright light but not direct sunlight. They should be grown in live sphagnum moss, but can be grown in a mix of peat moss and perlite. Keep potting mix constantly wet. Can withstand temperatures from 32°-100°. See Web Page

Common Name:

Coffee PlantCoffea arabica

Grow best in filtered sunlight @ 65° nights, 75° days. Plant in fast draining potting soil . Keep soil moist, but never soggy. Feed every 2 weeks from Mar. to Oct. then monthly from Nov. thru Feb. with soluble, 10-10-10 fertilizer. Hardy in zones 10-12. See Web Page

Common Name:

CrotonCodiaeum variegatum

Crotons are tender perennial plants that will grow to three feet tall or more. They are most often grown as house plants or in a greenhouse environment. Their thick, glossy foliage is brightly colored in combinations and shades of red, yellow, pink, orange, burgundy, bronze or green. See Web Page

Common Name:

Crown of ThornsEuphorbia milii

Crown of Thorns plants should have some direct sun each day. Water once a week when in growth, once a month while dormant, but never water if the soil is not dry. Can be propagated by cuttings. The milky, white sap is VERY poisonous! See Web Page

Common Name:

CyclamenCyclamen persicum

The most important criteria for successfully growing a Cyclamen as a houseplant are cool temperatures, fresh air, and ample moisture. Will bloom from December until April if kept cool and happy. Dead flower and leaves should be removed with a sharp tug. See Web Page

Common Name:

DieffenbachiaDieffenbachia

Dieffenbachias grow best in bright indirect light with temperatures above 55° degrees. The ideal temperatures are 70°-80° days and 60°-65° nights. Let soil dry moderately before watering. The sap of the Dieffenbachia is extremely toxic! See Web Page

Common Name:

Dragon TreeDracaena marginata

Tree-like plant that is tolerant of lower light but appreciates bright, indirect light. Allow to dry slightly between waterings. Sensitive to fluoride, so allow water to set for 24 hours before watering. Propagate by air layering or cuttings. See Web Page

Common Name:

Earth starCryptanthus bromelioides

Rosette forming, epiphytic Bromeliad from Brazil will grow to 12". Needs bright light but no direct sun and high humidity. Should be planted in a potting mix containing sphagnum moss or peat. Susceptible to mealy bugs and scale insects.

Common Name:

Easter CactusRhipsalidopsis gaertneri

The 2 " leaf segments of the Easter Cactus are oval and smooth edged. Short tufts of brown hair often appear at the segment joints. The long blooming flowers of the Easter Cactus are bright red. See Web Page

Common Name:

Easter LiliesLilium longiflorum

Prefers a bright window, with daytime temperatures of 60°-65°, well-drained soil which is kept moderately moist. Avoid over watering. When the soil temperatures have warmed sufficiently (June?), you can transplant your lily outdoors. See Web Page

Common Name:

Elephant BushPortulacaria afra

Prefers bright light but will endure in moderate light. Pot in a 50/50 mix of coarse sand potting mix. Allow soil to dry before watering, except in fall and winter only water once every 2-3 months. Propagate by softwood cuttings

Common Name:

Elephant Ear PhilodendronPhilo. bipinnatifidum

Philodendrons prefer moderately bright. Keep the soil evenly moist, but allow to dry out between waterings, slightly drier in winter months. Feed in the spring and again in mid summer with a liquid house plant fertilizer. See Web Page

Common Name:

False AraliaSchefflera elegantissima

False Aralias are small, tropical evergreen trees that are native to the islands of the South Pacific. In their native environment, Schefflera elegantissima can grow up to 26 feet tall, but when grown in pots or planters they seldom reach more than 4-6 feet tall.

Common Name:

Firecracker FlowerCrossandra infundibuliformis

Crossandras prefer bright filtered light, in warm temperatures (75°) with relatively high humidity, so set planter on tray filled with moist stones. Allow soil to dry slightly before watering. They will not tolerate temperatures below 60°! See Web Page

Common Name:

Fire Lily Clivia miniata

Should be grown in bright indirect light and kept at 65°-75° while growing. Feed monthly with house plant food when growing and mist the plant occasionally. Blooms best when pot bound. Requires dormancy from Oct. to Jan. when they can be kept cooler. See Web Page

Common Name:

Flame VioletEpiscia dianthiflora

Trailing, 6" relative of the African Violet from South America. Requires constant warmth and humidity, bright indirect light and should be planted in a porous, peaty potting mix. Keep soil moist at all times. Hardy in zones 10-12

Common Name:

Flamingo FlowerAnthurium species

Flamingo Flower plants are durable and fairly easy to grow house plants that will thrive for many years under ideal conditions and can even survive for a year or two in the most adverse situations. They need bright light but never full sun, and high humidity. See Web Page.

Common Name:

Flowering MapleAbutilon hybridum

Grow best in filtered sunlight at about 70° days and 60°-65° nights. Require well draining but evenly moist soil. Feed monthly when new growth begins, alternating between ½ strength all purpose then ½ strength bloom type liquid fertilizer. See Web Page

Common Name:

Foxtail FernP. densiflorus 'Meyeri'

Foxtail Ferns produces arching two foot 'fronds' of dense light green needles, creating the illusion of a pack of upright fox tails. Tiny white flowers in the summer are followed by bright red berries in the fall. Foxtail Ferns are very similar to Sprenger's Asparagus except much denser. See Web Page

Common Name:

Friendship PlantPilea involucrata

Friendship Plants are native to Central and South America, where they are known as Panamiga plants.They are creeping plants that form dense, 8"-12" tall mounds of deeply textured, oval, 2½" leaves. The foliage color varies, but the most common variety has dark, reddish brown leaves gilded with silver or copper. See Web Page

Common Name:

GardeniaGardenia jasminoides

Gardenia requirements are very exact. Flower buds will fail to form if day temperatures are over 70° or night temperatures are over 65° or below 60°. Feed every three weeks while growing with an acidifying fertilizer. See Web Page

Common Name:

GloxiniaSinningia hybridus

Gloxinias require bright light but not direct sun, and should be grown in a humid area at 60°-75°. Plant tuber, hollow side up, in rich, light soil. Water sparingly until first leaves begin to grow, then gradually increase. Blooms for 3-4 months. See Web Page

Common Name:

Golden PothosEpipremnum aureum

Golden Pothos are one most popular of all house plants. They are attractive, durable and easy to grow vines that have smooth, leathery, heart shaped leaves with distinctive marbling alternating along rope-like green stems. Pothos vines are among the top ten air purifying plants for indoor use. See Web Page

Common Name:

Golden Shrimp PlantPachystachys lutea

Golden Shrimp Plants are also known as Golden Candle plants or Lemon Lollipop Flowers. They are 18"-24" tall, shrubby plants that form clumps of upright stems that are each tipped with brightly colored, 4" golden yellow bracts. See Web Page

Common Name:

HaworthiaHaworthia attenuata

Grow in moderate light. Pot in a 50/50 mix of coarse sand and potting mix. Allow soil to approach dryness before watering. Feed in spring and again in the fall with half strength house plant fertilizer. Propagate by offsets.

Common Name:

Heart Leaf PhilodendronPhil. scandens

Climbing or hanging plant with dark green, 2-3" heart shaped leaves. Tolerates low light and low humidity well. Prefers to be kept slightly root bound in rich, moist soil. Provide a bark type support for climbing. Hardy in zones 11-12. See Web Page

Common Name:

Hen and ChicksEcheveria elegans

Plant in rich, sandy soil and give at least 4 hours of direct sun every day. Prefers warm days(70-75°) and cooler nights (50-60°) Allow soil to dry before watering. Propagate by removing offsets and rooting them, or by seed.

Common Name:

Blue Hens and ChicksEcheveria imbricata

Forms six inch, ground hugging rosettes. Plant in rich, sandy soil and give plenty of bright light every day. Prefers warm days(70-75°) and cooler nights (50-60°) Allow soil to dry before watering. Propagation is by offsets

Common Name:

HouseleekSempervivum tectorum

Should be grown in bright sunlight, in light, well draining soil. Water liberally, then allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. Propagation is by softwood cuttings in the spring or summer. Hardy in zones 10-12

Common Name:

Iron Cross BegoniaBegonia masoniana

Iron Cross Begonias have some of the most unique foliage in the plant world. Each heavily textured, bristly, light green leaf bears a reddish-brown marking resembling the Iron Cross used on shields and flags during the Crusades of medieval times. See Web Page

Common Name:

IvyHedera helix

Ivy grows best with four or more hours a day of direct sunlight but will grow fairly well in bright indirect light. Keep soil evenly moist. Pinch tips to induce bushiness Feed monthly with half strength, balanced fertilizer. See Web Page

Common Name:

Jade plantCrassula argentea

Jade plants should be grown in very bright sunlight with low humidity and temperatures of 55° nights and 75°-80° during the day. Plant in a 50/50 mix of potting soil and coarse sand with bone meal added. Allow to dry between waterings. See Web Page

Common Name:

Japanese AraliaFatsia japonica

Japanese Aralias are one of the easiest of all shade garden or house plants to grow and care for. They have large dark green, palmate leaves and form tropical looking, evergreen shrubs that can grow up to 6-8 feet tall and 6 feet wide but can be limited to a height of 2-4 feet with pruning. See Web Page

Common Name:

Jerusalem CherrySolanum pseudocapsicum

Jerusalem Cherries require full sun to thrive, but will survive with moderately bright light. Plant in rich, well drained potting soil, and keep moist while growing. Feed with a liquid 5-10-5 blooming house plant fertilizer every two weeks while actively growing. See Web Page

Common Name:

KalanchoeKalanchoe blossfeldiana

Kalanchoes are easy to grow, winter blooming plants with waxy, green, scalloped edged leaves, and clusters of tiny, brightly colored flowers that continue for 6 weeks or longer. Most Kalanchoes that are commonly available today are dwarf hybrids that only reach 8"-12" tall. See Web Page

Common Name:

LantanaLantana camara

Lantanas should be planted in a rich, fast draining soil and grown in a bright, sunny spot with night temperatures at about 60°. Allow the soil to dry between waterings. Take cuttings in the spring and keep the buds pinched off until fall for flowers during the winter months. See Web Page

Common Name:

Lipstick PlantAeschynanthus radicans

Lipstick Plants have thick, glossy, dark green leaves growing in pairs along their long, woody stems. Each vine is tipped with clusters of 2" tubular, scarlet red flowers in mid-summer. As house plants they are most often grown in hanging baskets but can to climb up a three foot totem as well. See Web Page

Common Name:

Maidenhair FernAdiantum raddianum

Delta Maidenhair Ferns are elegant, fast growing, evergreen foliage plants with delicate, lacy fronds that are held on wiry, 6"-12" black stems. Maidenhair fronds are composed of bright green, triangular leaflets and can grow up to 12" wide and 18" long. See Web Page

Common Name:

Miniature Orange TreeCitrus mitis

Dwarf citrus trees such as oranges, lemons, and limes are living conversation pieces, providing year-round enjoyment with shiny foliage, bright fruits, and fragrant blossoms. Dwarf citrus are well adapted to container growing indoors. See Web Page

Common Name:

Miniature PeperomiaPilea depressa

Miniature Peperomias are low growing, creeping plants with pairs of tiny, opposing round leaves on rigid stems that readily root at each node that contacts the soil. This Pilea prefers lower humidity and drier soil. A nice, but fairly plain plant for hanging baskets or to cover the soil in large planters. See Web Page

Common Name:

Moon ValleyPilea 'Moon Valley'

Moon Valley is cool little plant that grows to about 12" tall. Their greatest feature is their saw toothed edged, chartreuse leaves with deep texturing like the craters and valleys on the moon. (sometimes you have to use your imagination..) Excellent for terrariums or dish gardens. See Web Page

Common Name:

Moses in a CradleRhoeo discolor

12" rosette forming plant with bi-colored olive green above, purple below leaves. Needs bright indirect light and moist, rich, peaty soil. Avoid sudden temperature changes or drafts. Propagate by softwood cuttings.

Common Name:

Nerve PlantFittonia verchaffeltii

Brightly colored pink or white veins paint a net over the oval leaves of this spreading 6-8" tall plant. Needs bright indirect light and moist, rich soil. Propagate by softwood cuttings kept @ 75°. Hardy in zones 11-12

Common Name:

Norfolk Island PineAraucaria heterophylla

Norfolk Pines need bright light but never full sun, with day temperatures of 65° (slightly cooler at night). Keeps soil moist, but never soggy. Lack of sufficient humidity will cause tip browning, sudden temperature changes should be avoided. See Web Page

Common Name:

Orchids

Orchids need 10-15 hours of bright indirect light each day. They require high humidity. They need to be planted in special orchid potting mixes with excellent drainage. Water weekly with rainwater or tap water that has set for 24-48 hours.

Common Name:

Ornamental PeppersCapsicum annuum

Ornamental Peppers are annual plants. They should be grown in full sun. Keep their soil evenly moist. Sow seeds of Ornamental Peppers into pots around May 1st if you would like your pepper plants to be fruiting at Christmas time.

Common Name:

Painted NettleColeus blumei

Plant in a light, quick draining potting mix. Grow in bright light or sun for best leaf color and fullest plant. Keep the soil evenly moist, but never soggy. Propagate with cuttings or grow from seed Feed monthly, with ½ strength liquid house plant fertilizer. See Web Page

Common Name:

Panda PlantKalanchoe tomentosa

Panda plants prefer average to warm temperatures, bright light and well draining soil. Feed monthly when actively growing but only every 2-3 months otherwise.Avoid water on foliage. Propagation is by softwood cuttings

Common Name:

Parlor PalmChamaedorea elegans

Slow growing but may become too tall for dish gardens (12-30"). Should be grown in a warm (75°-85°) area with bright indirect light with high humidity (or misting). Keep soil evenly moist. Feed in spring and summer only. Hardy in zones 11-12. See Web Page

Common Name:

Passion FlowerPassiflora incarnata

Needs bright indirect light, and well draining soils. During the growing season, the soil should be kept evenly moist. Apply a 10-5-20 ratio fertilizer in the early spring and early summer. Hardy in USDA zones 5-9 Propagate with cuttings or grow from seed

Common Name:

Peace lilySpathiphyllum floribundum

Peace lilies will grow well in almost any moist (never soggy), well drained soil. They prefer bright filtered light in 68°-85 degree° days with 10° cooler nights. Keep out of drafts. Feed every 2-3 months with liquid 20-20-20 fertilizer.

Common Name:

Peruvian LilyAlstroemeria

Alstroemerias are low maintenance, long lived plants that are prized for their usability in cut flower bouquets. There are about fifty species of Alstroemeria that were discovered in South America in the 18th century. Most commonly available Peruvian Lilies are hybrids of different species. See Web Page

Common Name:

Pin Cushion PlantNertera granadensis

The Pin Cushion Plant should be kept in a sunny location with a room temperature of 65-70 degrees. When active growth slows during the winter, watering should be cut back. Produces lots of tiny orange berries just in time for halloween!

Common Name:

Pitcher PlantsSarracenia purpurea

The coloring of the plant will be much more intense if it receives some full sun each day, but will grow in partial shade. Should be grown in a mixture of live Sphagnum moss, medium orchid bark and charcoal. Kept very wet during the growing season.

Common Name:

Plush PlantEcheveria pulvinata

Plant in rich, sandy soil and give plenty of bright light every day. Prefers warm days(70-75°) and cooler nights (50-60°) Allow soil to dry before watering. Avoid getting water on the foliage. Propagation is by softwood cuttings.

Common Name:

Pouch FlowerCalceolaria

There are about 300 species of Calceolaria, but the vast majority of those commonly cultivated are hybrids of the Chilean species Calceolaria crenatiflora. They are commonly known as Pocketbook Plants, Pouch Flowers or Slipper Flowers. Normally grown as annual plants. See Web Page

Common Name:

PoinsettiaEuphorbia pulcherima

Poinsettia Plants were first brought into the United States in 1825 by Joel Robert Poinsett, while he was serving as the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico. When he returned to the United States, he sent the plants to different botanical gardens all around the world. See Web Page

Common Name:

Polka Dot PlantHypoestes phyllostachya

The Polka Dot plant grows best in a humid environment, needs bright light but not full sun. Use water that has been allowed to set for 24 hours to keep the soil slightly moist. Pinch back for bushiness. Hardy in zones 10-12

Common Name:

Powder Puff TreeCalliandra

Calliandra haematocephala, commonly known as the Powder Puff Tree grow up to 10 feet tall with an equal spread, but dwarf, 3-6 foot varieties are also available, which are more appropriate in colder regions where you will need to over-winter your plant indoors. See Web Page

Common Name:

Prayer PlantMaranta leucoreura

Need very high humidity, medium or bright filtered light and well drained soil, slightly peaty soil. Keep the soil evenly moist except when dormant. Feed with balanced "acid fertilizer" every 2 weeks when actively growing. Hardy in zones 11-12

Common Name:

Prickly Pear CactusOpuntia vulgaris

Easy to grow in a sunny window, yellow flowers with red centers. Allow plant to soak up water from bottom for a few hours, then allow to dry completely before watering again.Feed monthly with ½ strength, house plant food when growing.

Common Name:

Purple Passion PlantGynura aurantiaca

Passion Plants need bright light but must be protected full sun. Keep the soil evenly moist. Feed every 2-3 weeks with half-strength house plant food when growing. Add peat moss to the potting mix. Propagation is by softwood cuttings

Common Name:

Rattlesnake OrchidGoodyera pubescens

This native woodland orchid requires shade, cool temperatures and moist, slightly acidic soil. Feed with compost tea in the spring and again in mid summer. Propagate by division in the spring. Hardy in zones 6-9

Common Name:

Rieger BegoniaBegonia hybrid

Rieger Begonias need bright, filtered light, with maximum light in winter. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Provide additional humidity. Feed monthly while in bud or bloom with a dilute, water soluble houseplant fertilizer (15-30-15).

Common Name:

Rosary VineCeropegia woodii

The slender flowers resemble a small pink vase. Needs bright light (morning sun is ok), summer temperatures around 70°-75°, but keep cooler in winter. Do not over water. Feed monthly with ½ strength house plant food when growing.

Common Name:

Rubber PlantsFicus elastica

Rubber plants like bright light, but never hot sun. Keep out of drafts and away from heat sources. Keep evenly moist while growing but dryer during the rest of the year. Fertilize once in spring and again in early summer with ½ strength house plant food

Common Name:

ShamrocksOxalis oregona

Shamrocks grow best when the receive cool fresh air, growing in moist soil and receive bright light but not direct sun. Require a dormant period each year, after which resume watering and give a shot of all purpose house plant food

Common Name:

Snake PlantSansevieria trifasciata

A 3"-3' tall sub-succulent that should always be watered sparingly but regularly, will survive in almost light from sun to shade. Prefers to be kept somewhat rootbound in poor soil. Hardy in zones 10-12

Common Name:

Spider PlantChlorophytum comosum

Need bright natural light or artificial grow lights, evenly moist soil, and prefer cooler temperatures. Decrease their light hours to simulate the shorter days of fall to produce 'babies'. Feed every 3 months with house plant fertilizer

Common Name:

Split Leaf PhilodendronPhil. pertusum

Philodendrons prefer moderately bright. Keep the soil evenly moist, but allow to dry out between waterings, slightly drier in winter months. Feed in the spring and again in mid summer with a liquid house plant fertilizer.

Common Name:

Sprenger's AsparagusP. densiflorus 'Sprengeri'

Sprenger's Asparagus is a branching perennial with wirey green stems that are sparsely covered with clusters of 3-4, ¾" cladodes along the stem. They can be trained to scramble up a support, but are most often grown as hanging plants. Declared a noxious weed in Florida, Hawaii and New Zealand. See Web Page

Common Name:

Strawberry BegoniaSaxifraga stolonifera

This 'Mother of Thousands' spreads by strawberry-like, easily rooted runners. Needs moderate light, cooler temperatures and moist, rich soil. Feed monthly in summer with house plant fertilizer. Nice hanging plant. Hardy in zones 5-10

Common Name:

SundewDrosera capensis

Grow in very bright light but not direct sun. keep constantly moist. Pot in mix of peat and sphagnum moss with perlite added. Water with distilled or rain water. Keep very warm in Summer (75°-100°) and 45° in the winter when dormant.

Common Name:

Swedish IvyPlectranthus australis

Swedish Ivy is a fast growing, spreading, evergreen perennial plant from South Africa that is closely related to the Coleus. They have slightly rounded, waxy, glossy green, 1½"-2" leaves with scalloped edges, and produce 3"-8" racemes of pink, lilac or white flowers. See Web Page

Common Name:

Tahitian Bridal VeilGibasis geniculata

Creeping or hanging plant, native to Jamaica (not Tahiti). Prefers bright indirect light, high humidity and moderately rich, well draining soil. Allow the soil to dry moderately before watering. Hardy in zones 11-12

Common Name:

Thanksgiving Cactus

The Thanksgiving Cactus was originally named Zygocactus truncatus. It sometimes goes by the name of the Crab Cactus. The most distinguishing trait of S.truncata is the claw toothed edges on each leaf segment. The flowers may be pink, red, orange or white.

Common Name:

Tri-Colored SedumSedum spurium tricolor

Should be grown in bright sunlight, in rich, sandy soil. Water liberally, then allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. Propagation is by softwood cuttings in the spring or summer. Hardy in zones 10-12

Common Name:

Venus Fly TrapDionaea muscipula

Should be grown in warm, humid environment with very bright light but not direct sun. Keep constantly moist. Pot in mixture of 70% peat or sphagnum moss and 30% perlite or pumice. Water with distilled or rain water.

Common Name:

Wandering JewTradescantia zebrina

Grows best in full sun or bright light. Water moderately, except keep constantly moist when growing. Feed monthly while growing, with ½ strength house plant food. Excellent hanging plant. Propagate with softwood cuttings. Hardy in zones 9-12

Common Name:

Watermelon PeperomiaPeperomia sandersii

Mound growing plant to 12". Needs bright light but must be protected full sun. Keep the soil evenly moist in warm weather but allow to dry before watering in winter. Feed monthly in spring and summer with half-strength house plant food.

Common Name:

Wax BegoniaBegonia semperflorens

Wax Begonias have succulent stems and waxy, deep green to dark mahogany colored foliage, and they produce loose clusters of single or double, white, pink or red flowers from May until October. See Web Page

Common Name:

WintergreenGaultheria procumbens

This aromatic, six inch tall woodland mini-shrub is a source of wintergreen oil used in liniments. Needs moderate light, cool temperatures and rich, moist soil. has white flowers in the summer, bright red berries in winter. Hardy in zones 4-9

Common Name:

Zebra PlantAphelandra squarrosa

Zebra Plants are extremely showy evergreen plants with pairs of shiny, 6"-9", lance shaped green leaves, boldly variegated with cream, white or silvery striped veins. Under ideal conditions, they can be persuaded to bloom. Only hardy in zones 11-12. See Web Page