House Plants 2013 - UF/IFAS Extension Polk County

FOLIAGE PLANTS
by
David Shibles
Urban Horticulturist
Polk County Extension
Shade loving plants – Location usually more than
six feet from windows, no indirect light – dull hallways.
50-100 foot candles.
Aglaonema commutatum elegans – Silver evergreen
Aglaonema crispum – Pewter evergreen
Aglaonema modestum – Chinese evergreen
Aspidistra elatior – Cast Iron Plant
Chamadorea elegans – Parlor Palm
Chamaedora erumpens – Bamboo palm
Crassula argentea – Jade plant
Dracaena deremensis – Janet Craig dracaena
Dracaena deremensis – Warneckii dracana
Dracaena fragrans – Corn plant
Noregelia carolinae – Tricolor bromeliad
Sansevieria trifasciata – Snake plant
Diffused light – Location usually 3-6 feet from windows
average well lighted areas – 100 to 200 foot candles.
Asparagus densilflorus ‘Sprengeri’ – Asparagus fern
Asparagus setaceus – Fern asparagus
Begonia x rex cultorum – Rex begonia
Brassaia actinophylla – Schefflera
Calathea makoyana – Peacock plant
Caryota mitis – Fishtail palm
Chrysalidocarpus lutescens – Areca palm
Cissus rhombifolia – Grape ivy
Clusea rosea - Clusea
Dieffenbachia x ‘Exotic perfection’ - Dumbcane’
Dieffenbachia amoena – Giant dumbcane
Dizygotheca elegantissima – False aralia
Dracaena marginata – Red edge dracaena
Dracaena sanderana – Sander’s dracaena
Diffused light (con’t)
Dracaena surculosa – Gold dust plant
Dracaena thalioides – Lance draceana
Episcia cupreata – Episcia
Epipremnum aureum – Golden pothos
Epipremnum aureum – Marble Queen pothos
Ficus benjamina – Weeping fig
Ficus benjamina nitida – Patio fig
Ficus elastica ‘Decora’ – Rubber plant
Ficus lyrata – Fiddle leaf fig
Hedera helix – English ivy
Hoya carnosa – Wax plant
Livistona chinensis – Chinese fan palm
Maranta leuconeura ‘Kerchoviana’ – Nerve plant
Monstera deliciosa – Cut leaf philodendron
Nephrolepis exaltata ’Bostoniensis – Boston fern
Pandanus veitchii – Screw pine
(Diffused light Con’t)
Peperomia obtusifolia – Peperomia
Philodendron bipennifolium – Fiddle leaf philodendron
Philodendron hastatum – Philodendron
P. scandens oxycardium – Heart-leaf philodendron
Phoenix roebelenii – Pigmy date palm
Pilia cadierei – Aluminum plant
Platycerium bifuratum – Staghorn fern
Pteris ensifomis ‘Victoria’ – Victoria table fern
Spathiphyllum x Clevelandii – Spathiphyllum
Syngonium podophyllum ‘Emerald Green’ - Nephthytis
Syngonium podophyllum ‘Green gold’ - Nephthytis
High Light Areas – Location usually brightly lighted
offices – areas within three feet of large south, east
or west facing windows. Over 200 foot candles.
Aphelandra squarrosa – Zebra plant
Arucaria heterophylla – Norfolk Island Pine
Beaucarnea recurvata – Pony tail palm
Citrofortunella mitis – Calamondin orange
Codiaeum variegatum – Croton
Coffea arabica – Coffee
Cordyline terminalis – Ti plant
Opuntia ramosissima – Pencil cactus
Philodendron scandens scandens – Velvet-leaf phil.
Philodendron selloum – Selloum, finger tip phil.
Polyscias balfouriana – Aralia balfouriana
Polyscias fructicosa – Ming aralia
Saintpaulia ionantha – African violet
Schumberger abridgesii – Christmas cactus
Temperature – A day temperature of 70-80 degrees F.
and approximately 10 degrees colder at night is
satisfactory for most plants.
However, foliage plants are broken into 3 groups: Cool
foliage plants (60-70 F. day and as low as 45 F. at night),
average temp. plants (75-80 F. day and 50-55 F. at night),
and average to warm plants (85-90 F. day and 60-65
night).
Humidity – Most plants do well in a relative humidity
of 40-60%
Air circulation – Good air circulation is necessary,
but not drafty.
Keep foliage clean.
Watering - depends on a number of variables:
Potting mixtures – Organic mixtures retain more
water than sandy mixes.
Pot – Plants in porous pots (clay) require more water
than those in nonporous (glazed or plastic) pots.
Plants – There is a wide range of water requirements
for different species of plants. Some need to be watered
before the soil becomes dry, some after.
Plant size – Plants with a lot of leaves will need more
water than those with a few leaves.
Humidity – Plants in lower humidity will need more water.
Stage of growth – Dormant plants need less water.
Methods used to determine when to water:
Touch – The most accurate gauge to follow is to water
when the potting mixture becomes dry to the touch.
Stick your finger into the mix up to the first joint; if it
is dry at your finger tip, you need to water.
Tapping the pot – When the potting mix in a clay pot
begins to dry, it shrinks away from the sides of the pot.
Rap the side of the pot with your knuckles or a stick: if
the sound is dull, the soil is moist: if hollow, water is
needed.
Estimating weight – As potting mixtures become dry,
a definite loss in weight can be observed.
Soil color – The soil will change from dark to light as
they dry.
How much should you water?
The whole root ball should be moistened and
excess water should be allowed to drain.
The soil should be allowed to at least partially dry out.
Is tap water O.K.?
Generally yes, but it may be too cold for plants.
Let it stand and warm to room temperature.
Fluorides in water may damage plants as in
Dracaena, Cordyline and Chlorophytum. Fluorides
may cause brown spots and/or leaf tip burn.
Chlorides normally do not damage indoor plants,
you can allow the water to stand 12-24 hours.
What is the best method of watering?
1. From the top –
- Water at the top as many times as it takes for
water to run out the bottom of the pot and discard
the water. Do not allow the pot to stand in water.
- Leach the plants thoroughly every couple of months
before watering.
- If the root ball is totally dried out and shrunken,
soak the pot in water for 30 minutes or until
bubbles stop rising from the soil and drain.
2. From the bottom –
- Immerse in water to the rim for 15-20minutes/drain
- Add water to the saucer until soil moist – leach
monthly.
3. Watering plants in double pots or deep containers.
- With the plants in clay (porous) pots, moss or
peat moss can be used to fill the spaces around
individual plants in larger non-porous pots or
deep planters.
- Leach regularly to prevent the build-up of salts.
4. Wicking
- A wick extending through the drainage hole can
be added when the plant is potted.
To Leach: immerse the pot in a bowl of water for
30 minutes, or when bubbles stop rising from the
root ball, then remove and drain. Repeat this
procedure one or more times until water looks clear.
Containers and Drainage
Many to choose from: clay, ceramic, glass, plastic
and wood pots or bowls which kind you use affects
plant watering.
Water loss through a porous clay pot is about three
times the water loss through a plastic pot.
A container with hole(s) in the bottom makes
watering easier than with a pot with no hole.
With some experience pots with no holes can be
very successfully watered.
Fertilizing
• As a general rule fertilize rapidly growing plants
in summer months (March-October) every 1-2
months - during slow growing times of the year
fertilize only once or twice during the entire season.
• For young actively growing plants, fertilize about
twice as often i.e. about ever three weeks (MarchOctober and every month or six weeks during winter.
• A new foliage plant should be allowed to adjust for
a month before being fertilized as is the case with
newly potted plants.
• Use a soluble fertilizer with a 1-2-1 ratio. Apply the
fertilizer in place of water. Slow release products
are fine but results will be slower.
Repotting?
• Vigorously growing indoor plants need repotting
every year or two.
• Mature plants making little new growth are
repotted when necessary – 3 years to 10 years.
• Signs indicating a plant may need repotting are:
- leaf size decreases with new growth.
- roots appear on the soil surface.
- lower leaves turn yellow
- plant wilts rapidly after watering, and soil dries
out quickly.
• Take root ball out of pot. A solid mass of roots with
little soil showing indicates repotting is necessary.
Repotting (con’t)
• The new pot should be about two inches wider
and deeper than the old pot.
• To assist drainage use a layer of broken pot fragments
or pebbles at the bottom of the pot.
• Use a good potting soil or make up a potting media
with 1 part sterilized soil, 1 part peat moss and 1 part
coarse sand.
• Whatever the mixture, it should allow water to drain
through while retaining sufficient moisture so that
re-watering is not required in a few hours.
Artificial Light
• Fluorescent or incandescent lighting can be used
to supplement or replace natural light.
• If a plant receives no sun, then it will require 12-16
hours of artificial light per day at any time of the day.
• Heat is an issue with incandescent light – plants
need to be 4 feet away.
• As a general rule, the light for optimum plant growth
is 300-400 foot candles, however most foliage plants
will grow at 100-150 foot candles (bright to average
living room light).
• Foliage plants will even survive for quite some time
on 50 foot candles (enough light to read by).
Light – shade, partial shade
or bright indirect sunlight –
likes average to warm temp.
Temperature – tolerates
as low as 40 degrees F. for
extended periods
Flowers last several months.
Soil may dry out between
watering – keep water in
central cup
EG-4
Silver Vase
Aechmea fasciata
Night time min – 60 degrees F. likes average to warm temp.
Day time – Average to warm.
Light – Deep shade, partial shade,
diffused sunlight and all artificial
light
Keep moist, but not wet. Grows
in plain water.
Use in dish gardens and
terrariums.
EG-4
Golden Evergreen – Aglaonema commutatum (top)
Chinese Evergreen – Aglaonema modestum (center)
Silver Evergreen – Aglaonema commutatum maculatum (lower)
Pewter Plant – A. crispum
Silver Queen – A. ‘Silver Queen’
Temp – Minimum at night 50 F. –
likes average temp.
Light – Full sun or bright indirect
sunlight.
Water – Soil may dry out before
watering.
Uses – Dish gardens, dry climate
terrariums, big pots, tubs.
Withstands neglect.
EG-4
Medicinal Aloe – Aloe barbadensis (vera)
Temp – Minimum night 55 F. –
likes average to warm temp.
Light – Partial shade or diffused
sunlight.
Water - Keep uniformly moist.
Uses – Specimen plant for low
table or shelf.
Flowers – Yellow flower cones
that lasts for weeks. Usually
does not flower in the home.
EG-1
Zebra Plant – Aphelandra squarrosa
Temp – Minimum at night 45 F. –
likes it on the cool side.
Light – Diffused or partial shade –
50 to 100 foot candles.
Water – Allow soil to thoroughly dry
between waterings.
Uses – Specimen or accent plant.
Good for dim corners.
EG-4
Cast Iron Plant – Aspidistra elatior
Temperature: 55-60 F. likes average
temp.
Light: Full sun or bright indirect
Water: Keep soil uniformly moist
Fertilizer: Every 3-4 months
Uses: Specimen plant, can be
tailored for small medium or
large area. Good accent or
contrast in plant group. Hang
from a branch in summer.
Becomes a large branch with age.
EG-2
Chenille Plant
Acalypha hispida
Room brightener. Thrives in any well lighted location.
Prune to encourage branching. Grows to about 2-5’,
though is a short term pot plant for indoors.
Copperleaf – Acalypha wilkesiana macafeana
Care – same as A. hispida
Temp – minimum 50 F. –
likes it on the cool side.
Water – Uniformly moist
but not wet.
Light – Plenty of light,
but not full sun – 100 to
200 foot candles.
Pinch tips to encourage
bushy growth.
Works well in flower
arrangements.
Plumosa Fern – Asparagus setaceous
EG-3
Temp – Minimum night 60 F. – likes
average to warm temp.
Light – Needs well lighted position:
bright diffused sun or north light.
Over 200 foot candles.
Water – Uniformly moist, but not
wet.
Uses – Dish gardens and terrariums.
Good in light gardens.
EG-3
Ming Aralia – Polyscias fructicosa
Temp – Will take 55 F. for short periods –
likes average to warm temp.
Light – prefers shade, no direct sunlight –
50 – 100 foot candles.
Water – Keep soil uniformly moist, not
wet.
Fertilizer – once per month while growing.
Uses – Dish gardens, terrariums. Large
specimen for low table, floor.
Attractive at any size, tolerates cramping
when young. Height to about 3’. EG-3
Parlor Palm – Chamaedorea elegans
Bamboo Palm – C. erumpens
Reed Palm – C. seifrizii
(care – same as C. elegans)
Temp – Minimum 50 F. night time –
likes average to warm temp.
Light – Diffused sunlight or partial
shade – 100 to 200 foot candles.
Water – Keep uniformly moist but not
wet.
Uses – Specimen plant for floor
container, patio plant and patio plant
in summer months. Good for entrances
and interior landscapes.
Gracefully arching featherlike fronds.
Height reaches 3-5 feet.
EG-3
Areca Palm – Chrysalidocarpus lutescens
Temp – minimum 50 F. night time – likes
it on the cool side.
Light – medium light 100 to 200 foot
candles.
Water – Keep uniformly moist, but not
wet.
Fertilizer – Apply at ½ strength every
4-6 months.
Uses – Dish gardens, specimen plant,
or hanging basket. Filler plant between
tall specimens. EG-4
Boston Fern – Nephrolepis exaltata
‘Bostoniensis’
Bright green fronds in compact
clusters.
Dwarf Boston Fern – N. exaltata
‘Bostoniensis Compacta’
Ruffled lace in a mass of foot
long fronds.
Fluffy Ruffles – N. exaltata
‘Fluffy Ruffles’’
Temp – tolerates 50 F. for short
periods – likes average to warm
temp.
Light – Diffused sunlight or bright
indirect light - over 200 foot
candles.
Water – Keep soil uniformly moist
but not wet.
Fertilizer – Every 1-2 months.
Uses – Specimen plant for table
or shelf.
Smooth tender evergreen leaves
on willowy branches. Fast growing
to about 36”. Usually does not
flower in home. EG-2
Coffee Plant – Coffea arabica
Temp – tolerates 50 F. for short
periods – likes average to warm temp.
Light – Diffused sunlight – over 200
foot candles.
Water – Keep uniformly moist, but
not wet.
Fertilizer – Every 1-2 months.
Uses – Specimen plant for low table
or floor. Colorful contrast for plant
group. Grows well in plain water.
Grows to about 3’ tall in the home.
EG-3
Hawaiian Ti – Cordyline terminalis
Temp – Will tolerate 45 F. – likes
it on the cool side.
Light – Partial shade of diffused
sunlight.
Water – Keep soil uniformly
moist, but not wet.
Fertilizer – Every 1-2 months.
Uses – Specimen plant for table
or shelf.
EG-3
Coral Berry – Ardisia crenata (crispa)
Temp – Minimum 60 F. – likes
average to warm temp.
Light – Diffused sunlight or
partial shade; red coloring lost
with insufficient light.
Colors – Colors intensify with bright
diffused light. The plant has silver
banding and looks almost
translucent
Water – Soil may dry out
between waterings.
Fertilizer – Every 4 months.
Feuerzauber
Cryptanthus ‘Feuerzauber’
Uses – Specimen plant for table,
shelf, or window sill. Leaf shape
and color contrast in plant groups.
Clear bright pink predominates on
this tight rosette o spiny leaves.
Green and creamy-colored stripes
with bronze-pink shading on stiff
pinky leaves. Rosette grows 6-10”
across and 6-8” wide.
Cryptanthus Pink Starlite
Dwarf Rose-Stripe Star
Crptanthus ‘Pink Starlight’
Cryptanthus bivittus minor
Temp – Tolerates 50 F. for short
periods – likes average to warm
temp.
Light – Diffused sunlight or partial
shade – 50 to 100 foot candles.
Water – Never allow soil to dry out,
but it should not be kept saturated.
Fertilizer – Every 2 months.
Uses – Specimen plant for low
table or floor. Foliage color and
shape contrast for plant groups.
Smaller plants for dish gardens
and terrariums. Good for light
gardens, using part or all artificial
light.
Grows to about 6’ tall. EG-4
Corn Plant – Dracaena fragrans
Works well in dimly lit locations.
Red-Margined Dracaena
D. marginata
Tight rosette of tough blue-green
leaves whose edges turn red in
bright sun. Trunk may grow 2-4’ tall.
Dragon Tree
D. draco
Warneckei Dracaena
Dracaena deremensis
‘Warneckei’
Gold Dust Dracaena
Dracaena surculosa
(godseffiana)
Temp – Minimum 60 F. – likes average to
warm temp.
Light – Diffused sunlight or partial
shade – 100 to 200 foot candles.
Water – Soil may dry out between
waterings.
Fertilizer – Apply at ½ the recommended
rate every 2-3 months.
Uses – Specimen plant for table, shelf or
floor. Good for dish gardens, and
terrariums. Colorful foliage to contrast
in plant groups. Good in light gardens
using all or partial artificial light.
Attractive and compact plant. Thick leaves
are matte green and liberally splashed
with creamy white blotches. EC-4
Dumb Cane – Dieffenbachia ‘Exotica’
Deep green leaves mean good shade
tolerance. Creamy colored veins. The
largest Dumb Cane.
Yellow or chartruse leaves are
edged and centered with dark green.
Good in warm dry atmospheres.
Giant Dumb Cane – D. amoena
Gold Dieffenbachia D. maculata
‘Rudolph Roehrs’’
Temp – Minimum 55 F. – likes it on
the cool side.
Light – Diffused sunlight or partial
shade.
Water – Keep constantly moist; pot
May sit in water filled dish.
Fertilizer – Weekly in spring and
summer only.
Uses – Excellent for bog garden or
aquarium. A leaf rosette with some
stem will root in water.
Water loving plant with grass-like
leaves spread in an umbrella shape
on long stalks. Grows 2 ½ to 4
feet. EG-3
Umbrella Plant – Cyperus alternifolius
Temp – Minimum 60 F. –
likes average to warm temp.
Light – Bright indirect
light – 100 to 200 foot
candles.
Water – Keep uniformly
moist, but not wet. Avoid
splashing water onto
foliage.
Fertilizer – Every 4-6 weeks.
Uses – Small specimen plant
for shelf or windowsill. Use
in hanging basket, dish
garden and terrariums.
Chocolate Soldier – Episcia cupreata
Has luscious chocolate leaves
with silver stripe at center.
Gray red flowers throughout summer. Mounds 6-12”.
EG-3
Compact and low
growing, with fuzzy
leaves. Creeping
runners root easily.
Lace Flower Vine – Episcia dianthiflora
Temp – Minimum 60 F. – likes
average to warm temp.
Light – Strong indirect light,
some sun in winter – 100 to
200 fc.
Water – Kep soil uniformly
moist, but not wet.
Fertilizer – Every 2 months.
Uses – Specimen for low table
or floor. Adds height and
lightness to plant groups.
False Aralia – Dizygotheca elegantissima
Graceful tree with attractive
palm-like leaves. Dark glossy
stem is pricked with white
specks. Grows 4-8’. EG-3
Temp – Minimum 55 F. – likes
average temp.
Light – Partial shade to bright
diffused sunlight – 100 to 200
foot candles.
Water – Keep uniformly moist,
but not wet.
Fertilizer – Apply ¼ recommended
strength every 2 weeks during
active growth.
Uses – Table specimen or terrarium
plant.
Silver Table Fern – Pteris arguta
Delicate leaves with silver highlights characterize this easy fern.
EG-3
Temp – Minimum 50 F. – likes
average to warm temp.
Light – Medium light; bright
diffused sunlight to partial
shade.
Water – Keep uniformly moist,
but not wet.
Fertilizer – Fertilize with ¼
recommended strength every
3 weeks.
Uses – Specimen or accent
plant.
Large blue-green fronds rise
from thick rhizomes. Easy to
grow – reaches 15-20”. EG-3
Hare’s Foot Fern – Polypodium areolatum
Light – tolerates 50 F. for short
periods. Likes average to warm temp.
Light – Diffused sunlight or partial
shade – 100 to 200 foot candles.
Water – Keep soil uniformly moist,
but not wet. To clean the plants,
wipe the leaves with watermoistened cloth.
Fertilizer – Every 2 months.
Uses – Specimen plant for low table
or floor. Large plant good for interior
landscaping. Useful for light gardens,
using part or all artificial light.
Broad shiny leaves on erect stems,
growing to 5’ or taller. EG-4
India Rubber Plant – Ficus elastica
‘Decora’
Elegant tree grows to 2-5’
tall. Spreading branches and
foliage adds beauty to setting.
Weeping Fig – F. benjamina
Dramatic huge gleaming leaves on
erect branching shrub, grow 5’ or
more.
Fiddleleaf fig – F. lyrata
Temp – Minimum 62 F. –
likes average to warm temp.
Light – Diffused sunlight
or shadowless north light.
Water – Keep soil uniformly
wet, but not moist.
Fertilizer – Apply at ½
recommended rate
every 2 months.
Minature Fittonia – Fittonia minima
Uses – Specimen plant for
low table or shelf. Hanging
basket on wall bracket.
Ground cover for plant
groups. Dish gardens and
terrariums. Good in light
gardens using some or all
artificial light. EG-4
Delicate looking leaves have fragile silver-white
veins to contrast the vivid green background.
Silver Nerved Fittonia
Fittonia verschaffeltii argyroneura
Light – Minimum 50 F. – likes
average temp.
Light – Diffused sunlight or partial
shade.
Water – Keep soil uniformly wet,
but not wet.
Fertilizer – Apply at ½ recommended
rate every 1-2 months.
Uses – Hanging basket; pinch tips to
encourage branching. Climber for
room divider, trellis, or porch.
Ground cover, trailing around taller
plant(s). Grows well in plain water.
Vigorous and rapid grower. EG-2
German Ivy – Senecio milkanioides
Succulent ivy-shaped
leaves with bright green
and cream coloring.
Branches prolifically.
Variegated Wax Ivy – Senecio macroglossus variegatus
Useful trailing or climbing plant thrives in
almost every environment. Some varieties
even survive northern winters.
Temp – Minimum 50 F. –
likes it on the cool side.
Light – Full sun or
bright indirect light,
also tolerates shade –
100 to 200 foot candles.
Water – Keep uniformly
moist, but not wet.
Fertilizer – Every 3-4
months.
Uses – Hanging basket
on wall bracket, to climb
up trellis, stake, poles,
or trail from table or
shelf. Dish gardens and
terrariums (small leaved
cultivars). Good for light
English Ivy – Hedera helix ‘Hahn’s selfbranching’
gardens. Grows in plain
water. EG-4
Gold Dust Ivy – Hedera helix ‘variegata’
Has beautiful gold-flecked foliage.
The slender pointed
leaves arrange themselves in formal ranks
as this variety becomes
established.
Needlepoint Ivy – Hedera helix ‘Needlepoint’
Strong green leaves with creamy edges,
pinkish cast when young. Flowers light pink.
Temp – Minimum 35 F.
Light – Bright indirect
light or partial shade;
100 to 200 foot candles.
Water – Soil may dry out
between waterings.
Fertilizer – Every 2-3
months.
Uses – Trailing plant for
hanging basket, wall
bracket, planter. Dish
garden. Climber for trellis,
room divider, on bark or
pole; needs to be tied for
support. EG-4
Variegated Wax Plant – Hoya carnosa ‘Variegata’
Krimson Queen (top)
H. carnosa ‘Tricolor
Krimson Princess
(middle left)
H. carnosa rubra
Lura-Lei
(middle right)
H. carnosa compacta
Krinkle 8 (bottom)
H. ‘Krinkle 8’
Small round velvety leaves and
clusters of soft white star-shaped
flowers.
Wax Plant – H. minata
Temp – Minimum 50 F.
Light – Bright diffused sunlight or partial shade.
Water – Keep soil uniformly
moist, but not wet.
Fertilizer – Every 3-4 months.
Uses – Specimen plant for
table or shelf. Colorful leaves
make contrast in plant groups.
Grows 12-24”. Flowers are tiny,
white, and nearly hidden in the
boat-shaped bracts which grow
from the leaf bases.
EG-4
Moses in the Cradle – Rhoeo spathacea
Temp – Tolerates 55 F. for
short periods.
Light – Prefers shade, no
direct light. Needs bright
diffused light to perpetuate
flowering – 100 to 200 foot
candles.
Water – Never allow soil to
dry out, but do not saturate it.
Fertilizer – Every 2 months.
Uses – Specimen plant.
Evergreen filler for plant groups.
Peace Lily – Spathiphyllum ‘Clevelandii’
Handsome decorator plant with
glossy evergreen leaves and
white flowers. EG-4
Temp – Minimum 45 F.
Light – Needs very well lighted
position, with full sun or bright
indirect light.
Water – Keep soil uniformly
moist, but not wet.
Fertilizer – Three to four time
each year.
Uses – In planter or plant groups.
specimen plant for low table.
Evergreen spreading shrub. Prune
to contain height and encourage
spread. EG-3
Natal Plum – Carissa grandiflora
Temp – Minimum 60 F. – likes average
to warm temp.
Light – Full sun or bright indirect
light – over 200 foot candles.
Water – Keep soil uniformly moist,
but not wet.
Fertilizer – Every 2 months.
Uses – Specimen or single plant, or
several planted together for larger
accent. Contrast of color and leaf
shapes in plant groups.
Croton
Stiff waxy leaves offer a variety of
striking soft colors. Plants are fast
growing; prune to contain size as
necessary. EG-3
Codiaeum variegatum pictum ‘Craigii’
Temp – Minimum 60 F. – likes average
to warm temp.
Light – Shade or diffused light.
Water – Keep soil uniformly moist,
but not wet.
Fertilizer – Apply ½ recommended
rate every 2-3 months.
Uses – Dish gardens and terrariums.
Specimen plant for hanging basket,
wall bracket.
Attractive patterned leaves with their
netted brown veins. Pinkish creeping
stems. EG-3
Satin Pellionia – Pellionia pulchra
Temp – Minimum 60 F. – likes
average to warm temp.
Light – Shade or diffused light –
100 to 200 foot candles.
Water – Keep uniformly moist,
but not wet.
Fertilizer – Apply at ½ strength
every 2-3 months.
Uses – Dish gardens and
terrariums. Specimen for
hanging basket, wall bracket.
Charmingly patterned silver and
blue-green leaves encircle their
red stem. EG-3
Watermelon Peperomia – Peperomia argyreia
Attractive hybrid excellent as
small table specimen.
Blackie Peperomia P. griseoargentea
Vigorous erect plant, smooth vivid
green leaves on green fleshy stems.
Green Peperomia – P. viridis
Slim stems with small waxy
green leaves. Longer shoots
trail from the pot.
Trailing Peperomia
P. rotundifolia
Erect red stems bear narrow
waxy leaves. Metallic luster,
foliage has silvery underside.
Metallic Peperomia
P. metallica
Smooth waxen leaves with
creamy variegations.
Like a miniature Rubber Plant,
smooth waxy leaves are dark green
and faintly cupped. Erect stems
bow under the foliage weight.
Variegated Peperomia
Pepper Face
P. obtusifolia variegata
P. obtusifolia
Sturdy small plant,
3-4” tall, with masses
of quilted waxy leaves
on red stem
Emerald Ripple – P. caperata
Temp – Minimum 45 F.
likes it n the cool side.
Light – Some direct sun
or bright indirect sun –
50 to 100 foot candles.
Water – Allow soil to
dry between thorough
waterings.
Fertilizer – Every 3-4
months.
Uses – Dish gardens.
Specimen plant for low
table or windowsill.
Jade Plant – Crassula argentea
Easily grown succulent,
often takes form of
miniature tree. Branching
stems, grows 18-30” tall.
Leaf margins turn red with
sunlight. EG-4
Tricolor Jade - C. crassula
Green and white variegated version
of the old favorite. Leaf edges turn
pink in strong sun.
Temp – Minimum 50 F. – likes average
to warm temp.
Light – Bright diffused light, avoid
strong sun; tolerates shade – 100
to 200 foot candles.
Water – Keep soil uniformly moist,
but not wet.
Fertilizer – Every 3-4 months.
Uses – Specimen plant for table,
shelf, wall bracket, to climb on
screen, trellis, pole or bark. Small
plants for dish gardens.
Cordatum/Heart-leaf philodendron
Philodendron scandens oxycardium
Versatile and hardy. Will grow even
in plain water. Useful climber or
trailing plant. EG-4
Self supporting tree grows to
4’ or more. Spreads 4-6’.
Tree Philodendron - P. selloum
Regal deep glossy green leaves
with red veins and stems.
Red Princess – P. ‘Red Princess’
Fiddle-leaf Philodendron
P. panduraeforme
Slow beauty with large
shapely leaves.
Red Emerald P. ‘Red Emerald’
Bright climber with waxy green
leaves and red stems.
Temp – Minimum 50 F.
Light – Diffused sunlight or
partial shade – 100 to 200 foot
candles.
Water – Keep soil uniformly
moist, but not wet.
Fertilizer – Every 1-2 months.
Uses – Specimen plant for low
table, floor, to climb up screen,
or trellis, pole or bar. Leaf shape
contrast in plant group.
Durable jungle vine, large irregularly
perforated leaves that gleam like
polished leather. Stout stems and
thick aerial roots. EG-4
Philodendron Pertusum – Monstera deliciosa
Temp – Minimum 55 F. – likes
average to warm temp.
Light – Shade or diffused
sunlight – 100 to 200 foot
candles.
Water – Keep soil uniformly
moist, but not wet.
Fertilizer – Every 1-2 months.
Uses – Specimen plant for
table, shelf, wall bracket. Dish
gardens and terrariums. Good
for light gardens using part or
total artificial light.
Prayer Plant/Nerve Plant
Maranta leuconeura
Decorator item with typical
fishbone (or rabbits foot) vein
pattern. Wine red undersides
to leaves. Roots easily at the
nodes. EG-2
Temp – Minimum 60 F. – likes
average to warm temp.
Light – Diffused sunlight or shade –
100 to 200 foot candles.
Water – Keep soil uniformly moist,
but not wet.
Fertilizer – Fertilize every 2 months.
Uses – Specimen plant for low table,
windowsill, shelf, wall bracket –
anywhere small pots can be
accommodated. Dish gardens and
terrariums. Low growing plants,
fillers or ground covers for plant
group. Good for light gardens –
all or part artificial light. EG-4
Creeping Pilea – Pilea depressa
Friendship Plant – P. involucrata
Charming and durable plant, 6-8 “
high. The closely spaced, quilted
leaves are deep green in shade,
coppery colored with light. Wine
color on undersides.
Attractive plant with shiny silvery
quilted leaves. Grows to 20”.
Soft clouds of feathery green
leaves. Fine for ground cover
and hanging baskets.
Aluminum Plant – P. cadierei
Artillery Plant – P. microphylla
An excellent table-top specimen
that will flower when given
enough light.
Creeping Charlie – P. nummularifolia
Moon Valley – P. ‘Moon Valley’
Popular old-time favorite – makes
lush hanging baskets.
Temp – Minimum 55 F. for short
periods – likes average to warm
temp.
Light – Diffused sunlight or partial
shade.
Water – Never allow the soil to
dry out, though do not saturate it.
Fertilizer – Every 3 months.
Uses – Specimen plant for low
table or floor container. Leaf shape
and color for plant groups, interior
landscapes.
Slow growing deep glossy green
leaf clusters that weigh down the
slender stems. EG-4
Pleomele – Pleomele reflexa
(reclassified under Dracaena)
Superbly rich glossy green
leaves shaped like lances.
Lance Dracaena – P. thalioides
Temp – Minimum 50 F. – likes
average temp.
Light – Needs very well lighted
position; bright diffused sunlight.
Water – Keep soil uniformly
moist, but not wet.
Fertilizer – Every 2 months.
Uses – Specimen plant for floor
container. Good for entrances
and hallways, interior landscapes.
Sturdy short trunk below spreading
palm-like leaves. Nice plant with
broad leathery metallic green
leaflets. EG-4
Cardboard Plant – Zamia pumila
Temp – Minimum 40 F. for short
periods – likes average temp.
Light – Bright indirect light – over
200 foot candles.
Water – Keep soil uniformly moist,
but not wet. Swollen stem base is
reservoir for water so plant is
somewhat drought tolerant.
Fertilizer – Every 3-4 months.
Uses – Specimen plant for low
table or floor, an unusual
conversation piece.
Pony Tail Palm – Beaucarnea recurvata
Carefree tangle of leaves pluming
from the grayish wrinkled trunk.
Long-lived and adaptable, grows
almost indefinitely. EG-3
Temp - Minimum 60 F. – likes
average to warm temp.
Light – Bright diffused sunlight – 100 to 200 foot candles.
Water – Keep soil uniformly
moist, but not wet.
Fertilizer – Apply at ½
recommended rate every
other month.
Iron Cross Begonia – Begonia masoniana
Uses – Specimen plant for
table and hanging basket.
Several plants can be massed
together for larger accent.
Colorful addition to foliage
groups. Works in light garden.
EG-2
Military stiff bristly leaves with bold pattern
to suggest this plants name – 8-10 inches tall.
Lopsided leaves with royal
color displays. The many
varieties offer unlimited
kaleidoscopic hues. Mounds
12-18”. EG-2
Rex Begonia – Begonia rex
Temp – Minimum 45 F. for short
periods – likes average to warm temp.
Light – Bright indirect sunlight.
Water – Keep soil uniformly moist,
but not wet.
Fertilizer – Every 2 months.
Uses – Specimen plant in floor
containers. Good in public buildings,
entrances, hallways and interior
landscapes.
Very nice fast growing tree; height
reaches 6’ or more. The taller the
tree the larger the leaves.
EG-4
Schefflera – Schefflera actinophyla
Temp – Minimum 55 F. – likes average
temp.
Light – Diffused sunlight or partial
shade.
Water – Keep soil uniformly moist,
but not wet.
Fertilizer – Every 2 months.
Uses – Hanging basket, or suspended
on screen, wall or room divider –
where new spiders can hang below
the container. Small plants in dish
gardens or terrariums. Leaf shape
and color contrast for group planting.
Out use in summer months.
Large cluster of decorative leaves
produce new plantlets extending o
hang out all around. EG-4
Spider Plant – Chlorophytum ‘Vittatum’
Cultural Disorders
Brown leaf tips or burned margins – may be caused by too much
fertilizer or soil allow to dry excessively.
Yellowing and dropping of leaves – are caused by air pollution,
low light intensity, chilling, over watering or poor soil drainage
and aeration, or decay from soil born diseases or insect pests.
Weak growth or light green or yellow foliage – is caused by too
intense light, lack of fertilizer, root rot or poor root system.
Small leaves and short internodes – may be caused by lack of
fertilizer or being grown too dry.
Small new leaves and leaves curl under – may indicate too high
light.
Disease Control
Generally, plants grown mostly indoor do not have many
disease problems.
Many of the problems attributed to diseases are the result of
poor growing conditions – over-watering is the primary cause
of root and stem rot.
Excessive watering causes an oxygen deficiency in the soil
which leads to root death and subsequent rot.
Often soil borne fungi will attack roots which are weakened
by an oxygen deficiency.
Root rots can be prevented by using sterile, porous potting
media, containers with adequate drainage holes, and proper
watering.
Insect Control – mealybugs, spider mites, aphids,
scales, whiteflies, fungus gnat maggots, springtails
and psocids.
1. Always use sterilized potting soil.
2. Spraying plants with a forceful stream of room temperature
water will remove many insects.
3. Washing with soapy water and a soft cloth will remove aphids
and mealybugs. Two teaspoons Ivory in one gallon water
4. If you have only a few plants aphids and mealybugs can be
removed with a toothpick or tweezers.
5. Cutworms, slugs and snails can be picked from their day time
hiding place or off the plant at night when they come out to eat.
6. Aphids and mealybugs can also be removed with a baby’s cotton
swab soaked in alcohol.
7. As a last resort chemicals may need to be used.
THE END