Bird of Paradise
Description Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) is native to South Africa. Its unique flower, resembling a brightly colored bird in flight, is the source of the common name. Due to the shape of...
Category: Flowering
Growing Begonias Indoors
Begonias (Begonia species) belong to a huge family that includes over 1000 species worldwide. Except for the hardy begonia, which will survive winters in South Carolina, begonias don’t tolerate cold...
Indoor Plants – Watering
The main cause of death of potted plants is over-watering. Roots need both water and oxygen, and when surrounded by water, they cannot take up oxygen. These roots may rot and eventually the whole...
Indoor Plants – Transplanting & Repotting
Actively growing houseplants need repotting from time to time. The frequency of repotting depends on the growth rate of the particular plant. Fast-growing plants may need repotting annually, while...
Indoor Plants – Soil Mixes
It is important to have the correct soil mix for healthy plant growth. A high-quality container mix has the following general requirements: Dense enough to support the plant. Good nutrient-holding...
Indoor Plants – Cleaning, Fertilizing, Containers & Light Requirements
Indoor plants are widely used in homes and commercial buildings such as offices, restaurants and shopping malls. They help us stay in touch with nature and, in a sense, “bring the outside...
African Violet
African violets (Saintpaulia species) are excellent indoor flowering plants. Available in many flower colors, they produce flowers year-round under the proper growing conditions. Individual flower...
Orchids
Some orchids adapt fairly well to being grown in the home, especially Phalaenopsis species, the moth orchid, the showy Cattleya species and Dendrobium species. Growing orchids is somewhat different...
Growing Geraniums Indoors
Potted geraniums (Pelargonium species) are excellent indoor plants and can be grown indoors throughout the year. They are typically available from March through June, and will flower continuously if...
Gloxinias
While commonly referred to as “gloxinia” or “florist’s gloxinia,” this plant (Sinningia speciosa) is not a true gloxinia at all. True gloxinias do not produce tubers but...
Fuchsia
The genus Fuchsia includes about 100 species. The most commonly grown, Fuchsia x hybrida, or ladies’ eardrops, is a hybrid derived from Fuchsia fulgens and F. magellanica, natives of Mexico...