Dwarf Umbrella Tree
Common Name: Dwarf Umbrella Tree, Umbrella Tree, Parasol Plant, Octopus Tree Latin Name: Schefflera arboricola Family: Araliaceae Plant Type: Tree, shrub Origin: Taiwan Blooming Time: Early to Late Summer Humidity: Moderate Temperature: 60 – 85*F Height: 5′ Color: Green, yellow Insects and Diseases: Scale, mealy bugs, aphids, spider mites Description: The Dwarf Umbrella Tree is a beautiful foliage plant to use inside the home. It’s very popular because it’s not an overly picky plant that can tolerate some neglect and a variety of home conditions. The tree has long oval shaped leaves with pointy tips that grow on delicate stems. Each stem tip has five to nine shiny leaves that are arranged in a circular, or umbrella shape. The Umbrella Tree comes in both green and a variegated variety. The solid variety is a dark, lush green color. The variegated variety has green leaves that are mingled with yellow or creamy white. This one is also popular when used as a bonsai. While the dwarf variety generally only reaches around 4-5 feet tall, excellent growing conditions can produce a taller tree. Pruning and trimming can keep the tree at the size and shape you prefer. The flowers appear as long, red spikes from the top of the plant during the summer. Round orange berries appear after the flowers and will turn black as they age. However, it seldom flowers in the home. Lighting: If you have a good location, the tree prefers to have bright, indirect light. Hot, direct sunlight can cause the leaves to burn. But, being a high tolerant plant, it can adapt to most lighting conditions as long as there is some light source. However, if it receives too little light, the plant will become spindly looking. Yellow, dropping leaves means that the plant needs more lighting. The variegated variety requires a little more light than the green trees. Watering: Umbrella Trees are very drought tolerant and can withstand some neglect when it comes to watering. The soil should not be kept too wet and the pot should have good drainage. Water the plant when the soil is almost dry or you notice slight wilting of the leaves. Use slightly warm water when watering this one. Like with many other plants, wrinkling or wilted leaves means that it’s not getting enough water. But, if you notice the leaves beginning to turn black and eventually falling off, the plant is getting too much water. Soil: A general purpose potting soil can be used for Dwarf Umbrella Trees as long as it drains well, but retains water moisture. Perlite or coarse sand can be added to the soil to improve aeration. To make your own soil, mist 1 part Perlite or coarse sand, 1 part humus or moist peat and 1 part garden soil and give the mixture a light dusting with lime. For extra drainage, select a pot with a hole in the bottom. Fertilization: A good quality liquid fertilizer can be used, or you can purchase fertilizers especially for foliage plants. Umbrella Trees growing under lower lighting conditions, need less fertilization than on that is receiving bright light. If your pot is full of roots, the plant should be fertilized once or twice weekly with a diluted liquid plant food. Less fertilization is needed during the winter months, unless you notice new growth on the plant. Slow release fertilizers can be used once each growing season. Stop fertilization in late October and then begin feeding again towards the end of February. Umbrella Trees need a period of rest during winter months when growing has decreased or sometimes stopped. Harvesting Seeds: When the red flower spikes change to dark maroon, let them dry completely in the sun. Carefully wash the pods, seeds should fall out if you gently rub the seed pod, once seeds are removed let them dry again. Propagation: Umbrella Tree’s can be propagated through seeds, cuttings or air-layering. Cuttings can be cut off with a sharp knife and placed in a good quality potting soil. Place the pot in a high humidity area that has indirect lighting. To increase humidity, cover the pot with plastic. To air-layer, carefully slice off a thin layer of the stem covering on a lower branch. The open area can then be buried under the soil. Once roots have gotten established, remove the stem and place it in another pot. These trees can be grown from seeds also, just sow in small containers and lightly cover with soil. Germination usually occurs within 2-3 weeks and plants can be re-potted once well established. Toxicity-Poisonous: While many people have no problems at all with skin irritation,...
Purple Passion Vine
Common Names: Purple Passion Vine, Purple Passion Flower, Passionflower, Holy Trinity Flower, Apricot Vine, May Pops Latin Name: Passiflora incarnata Family: Passifloraceae Plant Type: Perennial Vine Origin: America Blooming Time: June to September Temperature: *F Height: 25′ Color: Green leaves, white, violet, purple, lavender blooms Insects and Diseases: Generally pest free Description: The Purple Passion flower is a fast growing vine that can reach up to 20 feet or more. Both the fruits and flowers are edible on some varieties and many food items are made from the plant. The unique flowers are about three inches wide and they have several petals accented with a purple fringe. The wonderful fragrance this plant gives off resembles that of carnations. The fruits called Maypops, are generally about two inches in size and is ripe when the fruit turns yellow. And, it is said that the fruits taste like a guava. To be fully ripe for eating the fruits should fall off naturally. The Passionflower has large leaves that can reach 5 or 6 inches long and they have serrated edges. They generally have from three to five lobes that alternate along the stem. Flowers bloom where the leaf stem is attached to the vine. This one really needs something to climb on, they look great at fences or running up a trellis. Lighting: The Passionflower loves full sunlight, but it doesn’t do very well on really hot days and needs a little shade. The plant should be planted where it will only get direct sun about half of the day. Watering: Plants do best when they are given lot’s of water and then allowed to just slightly dry out before watering again. If you over winter the plant, gradually stop watering and trim the plant when the foliage dies. In the spring when new growth starts to appear, watering schedule should be resumed. Soil: A good quality garden or potting soil will work fine for this gorgeous vine. Just make sure that the roots have plenty of drainage. These vines have shallow roots and a thick layer of organic mulch can really help the plant flourish. Although, the Passionflower prefers to be in well draining, fertile soil, it will even grow in heavier soils that contain clay. You can mix your own soil by using 2 parts loam, 2 parts peat and 1 part Perlite or sand. Fertilization: A well balanced fertilizer can be used, it should supply the plant with phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium. And, can be applied every four months. Propagation: To collect the seeds, use umblemished ripened fruit, the fruit needs to be over-ripe. Clean thoroughly and allow the seeds to dry. All the fleshy coating on the outside of the seeds must be removed. The seeds contain a chemical that naturally slows their germination, cool, moist soil, slowly removes this chemical. But, you can pretreat them and induce faster germination. Success has been met when the seeds were soaked for 24 hours in 5% ethanol cider, changed every 12 hours. Faster germination has also been accomplished by an overnight soaking in gibberellic acid. Seeds should be less than a year old to plant and can be sown in sterile soil. They should be kept evenly moist and placed out of direct sunlight. Germination occurs in 10-20 days and can be transferred to a permanent pot or area once they reach 10-16 inches tall. Propagation can be done through cuttings, but they’re very slow to establish roots. This plant is best propagated from seeds. Tips: There are numerous species of the Passionflower, most of which are tender tropical vines. Passiflora incarnata is different in that it is a deciduous plant and will survive through winter freezes! This plant grows from the roots and can quickly take over a whole area. Make sure that you plant this one in an area that won’t be affected by the plant spreading, or where you’ll still be able to mow the lawn. Butterflies love this gorgeous flower, but keep in mind, so do bees! Although, the plant is generally pest free, you may find that the caterpillars love to eat them! Written by Connie Corder for HouseplantsForYou.com, Copyright 2008 All Rights...
China Doll
Common Name: China Doll, Emerald Tree, Serpent Tree Latin Name: Radermachera Sinica Family: Bignoniaceae Plant Type: Tree Origin: China Blooming Time: Mid Spring Humidity: Moderate Temperature: 50 – 75*F Height: 30′ Color: Green Insects and Diseases: Mealy bugs, spider mites, aphids Description: The China Doll is a fairly compact plant that has became very popular in recent years. The tree like plant has medium to dark green leaves that are glossy and almost look oily. The leaves are divided into separate leaflets and are generally thin and delicate looking. The blooms are white, but it rarely blooms in the home. Lighting: This plant needs lot’s of indirect, bright sunlight to thrive well. The plant should be placed in an area that it can get at least 4-5 hours of bright light each day. If you don’t have the proper lighting you can use a plant light to give the China Doll the required light. Watering: The soil should be kept moist, but the roots shouldn’t be allowed to sit in water. Add some rocks to the pot, or Perlite or sand to the soil if it doesn’t have good drainage. You should water the plant when the top of the soil gets dry to the touch. Provide adequate drainage and don’t over water this one. When new foliage is developing, watering can be slightly increased and decreased again once the plant has become dormant. Soil: These compact trees like a rich soil that drains well. General purpose potting soil can be used, add sand or Perlite if extra drainage is needed. Fertilization: The China Doll should be fed at least once a month while it’s growth period is active. Plants require less fertilization during inactive growth and feeding times should be decreased. A slow release fertilizer can be used twice yearly. The plant shouldn’t be fertilized for four months after being re-potted. Propagation: While it is difficult to propagate a China Doll plant, it isn’t impossible with a little extra care. Cuttings can be taken from the stems, but the cuttings have to be green and not wood like. The cuttings can be planted in small pots that you have filled with some moist compost or potting soil. Covering the pots with plastic will help retain the moisture level. China Doll’s need high humidity to take root. The cuttings should be placed in a location with bright, indirect light. Keep the soil evenly moist during this time and within 3-4 weeks the roots should begin to grow. Tips: You have to be very careful with your watering schedule. If the plant has brittle leaves that have turned yellow, it not getting enough water. Too much water is indicated by black colored tips. China Dolls prefer to be somewhat root bound, so be really careful about re-potting it. It’s a plant that doesn’t like change very much either and re-potting it, moving it to another area or drafts may cause major leaf loss. If your plant loses most or all of it’s leaves, trim all of the stems down to around 1/2 their length and decrease watering. When the plant experiences a massive loss of leaves it’s very susceptible to root rot. Written by Connie Corder, Copyright 2008 HouseplantsForYou.com, All Rights...
Purple Velvet Plant
Common Name: Purple Passion Vine, Purple Velvet Plant Latin Name: Gynura sarmentosa Family: Asteraceae Plant Type: Tropical Perennial Origin: Indonesia Blooming Time: Spring, early summer Humidity: High Temperature: 65 – 85*F Height: 9′ or more Color: Green, purple Insects and Diseases: Aphids, mealy bugs Description: The Purple Velvet Plant is a gorgeous plant that has greenish leaves covered with a velvety purple fuzzy hairs. Each leaf has multiple tips and the underside is generally a reddish purple. Blooms are a yellowish orange color and have a very bad odor. Lighting: Purple Passions should be placed where it can receive bright, but filtered sunlight. If the plant doesn’t get enough lighting it’s leaves will start to fade and it will lose it’s brilliant purple color. Watering: The Purple Passion has delicate roots and soil should be kept moderately moist at all times. The soils surface can be allowed to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid over watering as the plant is very prone to root rot. Soil: Use a good potting soil that retains moisture but will drain well. Rocks can be added to the bottom of the pot for extra drainage. The roots will quickly rot if they’re allowed to sit in drenched soil. Fertilization: Fertilize your Purple Passion every week during the growing periods. Use a high quality, water soluble plant food and mix to half the recommended strength. Feeding should be stopped or decreased through the winter months, unless you can tell that the plant is still growing. Propagation: Purple Passion can be easily propagated through stem cuttings any time of the year. Cuttings can be kept in water until the roots have grown. You can also place the cutting into a good quality potting soil. Roots will normally appear within one to two weeks. Toxicity-Poisonous: The toxicity level of Purple Passion differs in opinions. While it is listed on the non-toxic plant list and is generally thought to be non-poisonous, it should not be ingested. And, some people may have an allergic reaction to the plant. Written by Connie Corder for HouseplantsForYou.com, Copyright 2008 All Rights...
Prayer Plant
Common Name: Prayer Plant, Ten Commandments Latin Name: Maranta leuconeura Family: Marantaceae Plant Type: Perennial Origin: Brazil Humidity: High Temperature: 60 – 85*F Height: 12″ Color: Green, light green, shades of red Insects and Diseases: Mealy bugs, spider mites, aphids Description: The Prayer Plant has wide oval shaped leaves are dark green with a white or light green running down the spine of the leaf. The veins that run up the leaves can be several shades of red. The underside of these beautiful leaves is red. The Prayer Plant gets it’s name for it’s unique habit of raising their leaves to an upright position at night time. The leaves fold together like hands during prayer! Lighting: Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves of the Prayer Plant and can quickly kill the plant. The plant prefers bright indirect sunlight, but is generally tolerant of lower light areas. Watering: This plant doesn’t like to get dried out between waterings. Keep the soil evenly moist all the time, but never let the soil be soggy. The water should be a little warm or at least room temperature. Reduce watering during the winter months. Soil: A good quality general purpose soil can be used as long as it drains well. Add some Perlite or sand and a little peat is the soil doesn’t have good drainage. To mix your own soil use 1 part Perlite or coarse sand, 1 part garden soil and 1 part peat or humus dusted with just a little bit of lime. Rocks can be used to help with drainage and you should use a pot that has a hole in the bottom. Fertilization: Prayer plants should be fed during their growing season which is from spring through fall. Feed them every two weeks with a high quality water soluble plant food. Propagation: Propagation can be done by plant division or cuttings. The plant can be divided early in the spring at the time repotting should be done. Stem cutting can be done from spring to early in the summer.Stem cuttings should be taken from just below the plants nodes that are closest to the bottom of the stems. Place cuttings in Perlite and moist peat, the pot can be placed in a plastic bag or covered with plastic to retain moisture. Cut a few holes in the plastic for air circulation and place in a sunny location. Pieces of the Mantra that have broken off of the plant can also be rooted, as long as there is some of the stem left. Dip the end in some rooting hormone and keep the piece in distilled water. Make sure to change the water daily and plant it in soil after the roots are at least an inch long. Toxicity-Poisonous: None Tips: If the tips of the leaves are turning brown or curling up, the plant is getting too much light. Another cause for brown tips can also be the chlorine found in tap water. Use filtered water or let water sit for 24 hours before watering the plant. A daily misting can help provide the plant with the humidity it needs that may not be present in your home. You can also set a container of water near the plant, the evaporating water will give the plant some added humidity. Written by Connie Corder for HouseplantsForYou.com, Copyright 2008 All Rights...
Wandering Jew
Description: The Wandering Jew is a beautiful vining house plant that has green heart shaped leaves with purple stripes and a silvery sheen. Depending on the variety, the leaves can be solid or variegated. Blooms are small with three petals and can be violet or white. Lighting: Wandering Jews thrive best in bright, but indirect sun light. The brighter the light that you provide for your plant, the more flowers it will produce. The plants deep colors will look faded if the plant doesn’t receive enough light. Watering: These plants are happy as long as they’re not kept soaked or allowed to be completely dry too long, evenly moist is the best. If the soil is dry 1/2 inch down then the plant should be watered. Soil: General purpose potting soil will work for Wandering Jews, but they prefer a rich soil that is organic. However, it must retain water while draining well. Sand, Perlite or peat moss can be added to help with aeration. To make your own soil mixture, add equal parts of coarse sand or Perlite, peat or humus and garden soil together and lightly dust with lime. Fertilization: A water soluble fertilizer can be used twice each month during the growing season, but should be mixed at half strength. Slow release fertilizers can be added to the soil on a yearly basis. Propagation: Wandering Jews are easily propagated from stem cuttings. Place stems in water until roots form and then plant in potting soil. Stems can also be placed on top of soil and secured until they take root while still on the mother plant. Toxicity/Poisonous: In some people and animals, skin irritation can occur when coming in contact with the sap from the plant. Tips: Pruning the long vines will promote a bushier, fuller plant. The cuttings can then be placed in water to form roots and start new plants. Common Name: Wandering Jew, Chain Plant, Purple Heart Plant Genus: Tradescantia Family: Commelinaceae Plant Type: Perennial Origin: South America Blooming Time: Year round Humidity: Average Temperature: 50-75*F Height: 3′-4′ Color: Green, purple, silver Insects and Diseases: Aphids, scale, mealy bugs Written by Connie Corder for HouseplantsForYou.com, Copyright 2008 All Rights...
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